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Healthy Habitat work group proposes foraging review and readies plant‑kit giveaway with signage
Summary
The Healthy Habitat work group discussed revising city code (section 28‑3) to allow limited foraging in designated food‑forest or park zones, and reviewed sign designs and registration logistics for a 300‑kit plant giveaway (registration opens Monday; winners notified Earth Day, pickup at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary).
The commission’s Healthy Habitat work group reported two related initiatives: exploring an ordinance change to permit foraging in designated areas and preparing a plant‑kit giveaway tied to the Northeast Wisconsin pollinator corridor.
On ordinances, the group said the city code currently restricts removal of plant material from parks under section 28‑3 (protection of parks and greenways). Members said they are in preliminary discussion about language that would allow foraging or gathering of fruit, berries or nuts in defined food‑forest zones or on parkland with appropriate restrictions and liability review. The group plans to consult city attorneys before proposing code changes.
On outreach, the work group previewed three metal sign designs (including pollinator imagery and a QR code linking to the Resilience and Sustainability Hub) and sought feedback on visibility and color choices. The first batch of signs is intended to accompany a plant‑kit giveaway: 300 kits will be distributed by lottery. Registration opens on Monday, will remain open through April 19, and winners will be notified by email on Earth Day (April 22). Pick‑up will occur at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary on one of three listed dates and registrants must provide name, address and email at sign‑up.
Work group members also noted upcoming outreach talks (library and Master Gardener events) and encouraged linking example plans and resources on the city’s Resilience and Sustainability Hub for public access.
Next steps: refine sign artwork, finalize production timing (so signs are ready for May pickups), consult attorneys on ordinance language, and launch registration and public communications according to the stated timeline.
