HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.06.03 CAC Minutes
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
June 3, 2026
6:30 In Person
Lansing Town Hall
MINUTES
1. Call Meeting to Order
Present: Ed Dubovi, Robyn Bailey, Travis Kitch, John Hatfield, Kristin Maushart
Absent: John Fleming, Emily Phillips, Aziza Benson, Brian Boerman
Non-CAC attendees: Marla Coppolino, advisor for Bioblitz
Quorum of the CAC members was present
2. BioBlitz Planning and Community Outreach for the Lansing Center Trail “meadow”
Key Discussion Points
• Continued planning for a community BioBlitz focused on the Lansing Center Trail and town-owned lands.
• Proposed public event date is Saturday, August 8th, with a multi-day observation window.
• Primary goal is to establish a baseline inventory of local biodiversity to support future habitat
management decisions.
• Educational outreach and Climate Smart Communities (CSC) initiatives were identified as secondary
benefits.
• Discussed using "Bio Stroll" as a more family-friendly and approachable name.
• Agreed that the event should focus on teaching participants how to observe and document nature,
rather than simply counting species.
• Reviewed plans to utilize iNaturalist as the primary platform for recording observations.
• Emphasized the importance of collecting high-quality observations that can achieve research-grade
identifications.
• Considered expert-led walks and demonstrations throughout the day of August 8th, including birds,
plants, fungi, bats, moths, and aquatic insects.
• Discussed opportunities for educational stations such as soil science, birding, and bat monitoring.
• Identified potential partnerships with local businesses, schools, and community organizations for
promotion and participation.
• Reviewed event logistics including information stations, restroom access, and participant incentives.
• Recognized the BioBlitz as an opportunity to foster environmental stewardship and create a valuable
biodiversity dataset for future conservation efforts.