5/13/2013 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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i i i 3 I i I Board of Selectmen Minutes i May 13, 2013 i APPOINTMENTS &HEARINGS Conservation Agent—Update on AmeriCoEps& Pollinator Gardem. Andrew McManus, Conservation Agent was in attendance to discuss plans for the proposed pollinator/wildlife gardens to be constructed at the community garden i property located on Route 130, ilashpee. Two attractive demonstration gardens are planned on Town-owned land adjacent to the community garden plots. In addition to the con niunity garden site, smaller entry gardens will also be built at the John's Pond Conservation Area which is a part of the flashp ee National Wildlife Refuge on great Oak Road, and at the Pickerel Cove Recreation Area north of the parking area on Cove Road and Main Street. The project will promote native pollinator species as the native honeybees are declining in population. Si age will identify the plants and Provide information on wildlife friendly gardemmg to enhance the overall interest in conservation. During the week of May 20-26h, AmeriCorp volunteers are scheduled to assist the Town in the development of the pollinator/wildlife gardens. Additional volunteers from the Wanpanoag Tribe,the Friends of the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge and others will provide assistance to develop the planned gardens. Mr. McManus requested the Selectmen approve use of the Mashpee Community i Park for the volunteer gathering. Approximately 50-60 volunteers are anticipated to assist in the community service project. It was explained the community garden site is the preferred site for the demonstration gardens. It was noted that Environmental Landscape Consultants of 1lashpee assisted the Town in the development Process. Funding for the consultant services,plantings and proposed kiosks would derive from the Conservation Department's ent's Acquisition of ands Maintenance Account. Dative and appropriate non-invasive plants including flowering shrubs and perennials deemed good sores of nectar andpollen would be planted in the proposed gardens. In addition to the pollinator boxes bluebird boxes would be located at the community garden site location. Mr. McManus indicated there is also the potential to develop a small trail from the cornunity garden site to the community Park. Discussion followed. With the success of the community garden, it was noted the Town is seeking to expand the community garden at its site location.