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Approved Minutes - 2020-09-28Luscher Area Task Force Meeting Meeting Minutes September 28, 2020 Task Force members present: Heidi Schrimsher; Laura Masterson; Sandy Intraversato; and Richard Herman Staff Present: Jeff Munro; Jamie Inglis; Jan Wirtz Megan Big John; and Charity Taylor (Facilitator) Excused: Dawn Grunwald; Kasey Holwerda; Nancy Gronowski; and Dave Girard Laura Masterson provided draft environmental education guidelines for the Task Force to consider. Heidi Schrimsher noted the importance of equity and climate change (Attachment 1). Ms. Masterson said that the purpose of the guidelines would be to ensure that the values the Task Force discussed would be considered in future programming. Sandy Intraversato mentioned adding bullet points specifying the types of principles that should be prioritized in future programming, in lieu of the overarching principles being a recommendation themselves. Ms. Intraversato, Ms. Masterson, Jamie Inglis and Megan Big John agreed to work together to further refine the guiding principles. Ms. Big John clarified that they would work together to draft overarching principles, but that the Task Force as a whole should finalize the guidelines. Ms. Taylor agreed that those who work on the guidelines should come back and discuss with the larger group. Ms. Taylor then reviewed the major topics covered at the previous meeting (Attachment 2):  Both Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation and outside contractors can provide programming for environmental education, depending on staffing resources and required area of expertise;  Building on existing programs for environmental education, such as demonstration gardens and additional CSA programs;  Making the Luscher Area accessible to those in underserved populations;  Promoting all aspects of sustainability, including using sustainable materials to build the education center and providing ongoing opportunities for community involvement in rehabilitating natural spaces in the Luscher Area in partnership with the City’s stewardship division;  Using tours as a way to attract community members and service providers to the area; and  Highlighting the unique characteristics of the Luscher Area. Richard Herman noted that reaching out to community partners to provide education would be beneficial. Providing education to the community, including underserved populations may allow for more grant opportunities. The Task Force then discussed restoration. Ms. Schrimsher noted that many aspects of restoration cannot be determined until a site plan for the Luscher Area has been finalized. Ms. Taylor mentioned that it is important to list restoration if it is a priority, even if the location is not known so that future decision makers have access to the Task Force’s priorities. The Task Force emphasized preserving current orchards and adding more depending on future property layouts. The Task Force also confirmed community gardens expansion and integrating Luscher Area history as priorities. Ms. Big John highlighted the need for consistent communication of the history such that all who interact with the Luscher Area receive the same knowledge. Ms. Inglis added that the Historic Resources Advisory Board and other partners might be able to assist in developing the narrative. Ms. Taylor mentioned community partnerships as another priority the Task Force discussed. The Task Force talked about providing programs for all ages. Programming also depends on trends in participation and available resources. Ms. Wirtz highlighted the need for science‐based programming. Ms. Taylor raised previous science‐based ideas discussed by the Task Force, such as soil typing and wildlife habitat identification and restoration. Mr. Herman noted that climate change and environmental protection are education topics that will attract community members, especially youth. Ms. Taylor asked the Task Force to distinguish between which priorities could be fulfilled in the near future and other recommendations that may take more time to implement. Ms. Masterson stated the importance of having programs that allow small groups of community members an in‐depth experience in the Luscher Area in addition to offering introductory experiences to the community overall. Ms. Schrimsher added that the introductory experiences could lead to sustained community interaction. Mr. Herman suggested informing people during tours of other ways to stay engaged. Ms. Taylor clarified that priorities under the “now” category could be completed within the next year. Ms. Inglis said that crafting the historical narrative, and exploring a partnership with the Sustainability Advisory Board for programming would fall in the “now” category. Ms. Big John noted that there is a private tour of the oaks potentially taking place in spring 2021 as part of a grant requirement, which could serve as a trial run for future programming efforts. She also noted that one of the priorities for stewardship is to engage volunteers for work parties, including youth. Ms. Masterson mentioned the LO Sustainability Network as a possible community partner. Ms. Inglis said that virtual tours could be considered to increase access. Ms. Masterson suggested brainstorming what priorities can take place if the UGB application is delayed. The Task Force discussed what activities are permissible in the Luscher Area within Clackamas County’s Exclusive Farm Use designation. Ms. Wirtz noted that the City has followed the County’s guidance and executed agricultural based programming. Ms. Taylor said that the public hearing for the urban growth boundary application was postponed, and the new hearing date had not yet been set. Ms. Wirtz and Jeff Munro commented that Metro needed more information about the uses of the Luscher Area. Mr. Herman asked about the public testimony process. Ms. Taylor said she would follow up to determine whether public input could be provided, and that she would send the Task Force a summary of previously discussed environmental education priorities. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 19, 2020 from 3‐5pm. Task Force Guiding Principles DRAFT ‐ Luscher provides several opportunities that are unique within the LkO Parks system. The amount of land & quality of land available for Urban Ag programs and for a diverse array of natural resource restoration is unprecedented. The historic farm core, including the Rodgerson Clematis Collection, also presents a special opportunity. For this reason, we recommend that education, programming & events which take advantage of these unique resources be prioritized at the farm. We also recommend that the city prioritize education, programming & events at Luscher that address historic inequities and those that work to mitigate climate change. Attachment 1 Jan’s Environmental Education Notes Luscher Farm Task Force Sept. 15, 2020 Environmental Education Components at Luscher: What’s at Luscher that’s not anywhere else?  Sustainable agriculture, fertile soils, sunshine, water source  Demonstration Garden plots/public areas  Structures such as greenhouses and hoop houses  Historical Facility Examples  Various native species and wildlife  Pollinator Gardens  Botanical and Food Production Gardens  Large open fields with room to roam and explore  Trails Elements of programming: What resources are needed to provide additional programming activities at Luscher?  Instructors in areas of expertise  Volunteers  Curriculum research & development  Space  Restoration projects and demonstrations Promotion: If we build it will they come?  Engagement and community awareness  Survey upon completion of other activities  Engage with tours, winter lectures  Partnering with schools, LOSD, CCC, PCC, OSU  4‐H Clubs, Scout Groups, New notes from Jan for some ideas: Science based learning sections such as the Biodiversity Education Center at Coppell Nature Park http://www.coppelltx.gov/BEC  Trail Days  Hikes at the Park‐ Citizen Science  Nature Play, School & Craft  EcoExplorers Attachment 2 Confluence Environmental Center‐ Closed Covid Lara Jones, Americorps Program Director 5441 SE Belmont St. Portland OR 97215 http://www.confluencecenter.org/ Powell Butte Nature Park 16160 SE Powell Blvd. https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=ViewPark&PropertyID=528 Jackson Bottom Wetland Preserve Education Center‐ Closed Covid 2600 SW Hillsboro Hwy. Hillsboro 97123 https://www.hillsboro‐oregon.gov/departments/parks‐recreation/our‐facilities/jackson‐bottom‐ wetlands‐preserve Cooper Mountain Nature Park 18895 SW Kemmer Rd. Beaverton http://www.thprd.org/parks‐and‐trails/detail/cooper‐mountain‐nature‐park Attachment 2