Summary: FOSS Steering Committee Meeting
November 23rd, 2020
7:00, Via Zoom Video Conferencing
FOSS PARK PEOPLE GRANT: FOSS applied for and received a grant from Park People that will enable FOSS to offer a variety of in-person and on-line activities for park visitors who appreciate all the joys of nature that Col. Sam has to offer. FOSS gratefully thanks Park People for their generous support.
Scheduling and organizing of activities have just begun. For updates, continue to follow the FOSS blog and Facebook page.
Proposed activities (subject to change) include:
Photo Contest: Participants will be invited to submit their photos to the FOSS Facebook site. Facebook friends will then vote to choose the winner. Prizes will be awarded. Photos must be taken in Col. Sam Park during the winter.
Guided Bird Walks
Winter Tree I.D. Walk
On-line Photography Presentation and slide show
On-line Winter Nature Crafts
On-line Live Feeder Watch (watch FOSS’s feeders at Col. Sam)
COVID-19 rules will be strictly enforced: guided walks limited to 10 participants (including the leader), physical distancing, wearing of face masks, etc.
REPAIR OF PLAQUE ON COMMEORATIVE BENCH AT WHIMBREL POINT: FOSS will repair the plaque dedicated to Fred Bodsworth, well-known Toronto birder/author (The Last of the Curlews).
WINTER BIRD FEEDERS: Once again, FOSS will erect and maintain winter bird feeders around the skating track. Thank you to the volunteers who faithfully maintain them.
PROTECTIVE WIRE CAGES AROUND PARK TREES: FOSS will send a thank you letter to the city.
REMOVAL OF TREES NEAR THE WATER TREATMENT FACILITY: TRCA and the city have been contacted about this matter. FOSS will follow-up and inform visitors of any new developments.
ON-GOING CONCERNS:
DRUG/GARBAGE/TREE PLATFORM PROBLEMS AT COL. SAM: Discarded drug paraphernalia and litter are on-going detriments in the park, particularly in the North Creek area. Visitors are asked to notify the police at 416 808-2200 for drug infractions and 311 for trash build-up. Any problems reported to 311 are greatly strengthened when accompanied with a photo.
