February 2026

Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes

February 11 , 2026 7 PM

Remote Meeting

Alex, Ann, Barb A, Jolene, Sandra, Lily and Karen.

Minutes With a motion by Lily and seconded by Ann the January 2026 minutes were approved.

Ann started the meeting.

Registrar Update

So far this year we have 383 renewals and 32 new applications. The deadline for renewals is February 15th, and the number of renewals so far is average. It seems that gardening interest may be down. The number of new applications is a bit lower than previous years. It is likely not related to the plot fees, since they are lower than the fees at other area community gardens.

Lily will be going to the Garden Expo on Friday and will bring garden applications.

Brad, the new director of the Preserve and the other Preserve staff are fine with gardeners using snap traps in plots to control voles. This committee would need to approve this change. It would be nice to feed the hawks any voles that were trapped. We would probably want some requirements around the use of snap traps. Traps should be out of reach of paths, and inside pvc pipe to protect birds. Traps would need to be checked regularly. Lily will write a proposed list of guidelines for the Committee to approve.

The Eagle scout working on the benches for EH and UH Gardens has checked in with Bryn, the Preserve contact. This Committee will need to choose locations for the benches. Next to the granite benches at EH in the shade might work, but those will probably be moved due to the access road construction. The EH tree island is another option. The best UH option is probably by the apple trees.

Lily is writing weed and pest guides for the gardens. She will share drafts with the group but need more photos. Barb likes the emails sent out in the growing season about current weeds to look out for.

Garden Worker Report

Pam was not able to attend, but had nothing to report due to the time of year.

Additional topics

Jolene has submitted the pay increase for returning garden employees and asked for a March 1st effective date.

 
Jolene is currently recruiting for a new garden worker and also for a full-time person at the Community Center office. Lily suggested that we could put the garden worker job in the apartments newsletter. Jolene said they could try this, but it has not been very effective in the past.

 
Opening day will be April 4th, and carts and tools will be out. The Seed Fair is later due to holidays (April 11th). Sandra will update the website.

Motion by Lily and seconded by Barb A to adjourn which passed.

Submitted by Karen, subject to correction by the Garden Committee