A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the logistics for the upcoming Dune Day event, scheduled for October 6. The commission confirmed that grass bundles would be delivered on October 5, and volunteers were expected to assist in their placement. One member, involved in organizing Dune Day, communicated with the local Garden Club to recruit volunteers, emphasizing the importance of planting American Beach Grass and Seaside Goldenrod to combat erosion and support local wildlife. The event aims to involve community members in environmental stewardship by planting native species to stabilize the dunes.

The commission discussed the need for team leaders to guide volunteers and ensure effective coordination. Safety precautions were highlighted, including recommendations for volunteers to wear long pants to guard against ticks and other hazards. The commission planned to provide gloves and shovels for participants. Promotional materials had been disseminated through social media and flyers, with volunteers requested to meet at Beach Patrol headquarters for coordination purposes.

In addition to Dune Day, the commission also explored promotional strategies for upcoming events, including October Fest and Monarch Fest. These events are designed to engage the public and recruit further volunteers. Concerns were raised about ensuring that volunteers had clear instructions regarding meeting locations and commitments, with a suggestion to prepare an FAQ sheet for distribution at events. Volunteers were not required to pre-register but needed to fill out a waiver upon arrival, with an understanding that even short participation would be appreciated.

The meeting also addressed the upcoming tree planting event. Participants were encouraged to use poles marked at 18 inches apart to space the plantings accurately. Concerns about the adequacy of two hours for the task were raised, emphasizing the need for sufficient volunteer participation. The specifics of the planting location on the dunes were clarified, and it was agreed that the planting should involve native species. The exact location was deemed less critical, though care needed to be taken to avoid inappropriate planting areas. The event was set to proceed regardless of weather conditions, as the plants needed to be placed immediately.

Another notable topic was the dark sky program, scheduled for 7 to 9 PM at the convention hall. The event will feature presentations and viewing opportunities, with outside lights dimmed to facilitate better viewing conditions. The commission confirmed that the police department would turn off exterior lights to enhance the experience. This event is free and open to the public, with flexibility in attendance.

The commission also discussed the promotion of native plantings, sparked by a recent magazine article about lawns in Cape May. A participant expressed frustration regarding the article’s mixed messaging about lawns and native plantings, arguing that it contradicted the community’s environmental goals. The need for stronger landscaping ordinances was highlighted, with suggestions for potentially hiring a specialized enforcement officer knowledgeable about environmental needs to help improve compliance with existing regulations.

There was a suggestion to consider establishing a sustainability officer position to oversee eco-friendly practices in Cape May. The conversation shifted towards the availability of grants for environmental education, with one participant mentioning a recent EPA initiative that allocated nearly $4 million to educational organizations, including grants that could support projects in Cape May.

An update was provided regarding a new partnership between Columbia University and Cape May, where graduate students in sustainability management would work on various projects. This collaboration could potentially lead to the establishment of a sustainability officer or program. Various project topics, such as seawall improvements or water infrastructure, were discussed.

Recycling efforts were another focus of the meeting. A member shared personal anecdotes about recycling cloth during the 1940s, illustrating a time when society was less disposable. The current state of clothing recycling in Cape May County was discussed, including donation outlets for textiles and the promotion of thrift shops. The speaker mentioned a visit to various thrift shops and a Habitat ReStore, emphasizing the importance of promoting these options to the public.

Global recycling initiatives were also mentioned, such as a company in Taiwan that creates textiles from oyster shells and recycled bottles. The commission discussed creating a brochure with information about local recycling options, particularly for clothing, to educate residents. Concerns about the environmental impact of fast fashion were raised, with suggestions for including recycling information in the local Chamber of Commerce’s annual business book.

The meeting concluded with discussions on operational matters, including pending invoices related to storm wave ads and the need for clarification on payment processes. The commission agreed that more organization was necessary to ensure invoices and payments were properly tracked and addressed.