Nature Centers Commission

City of Gainesville Nature Centers Commission Meeting AGENDA Thursday, July 9, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Historic Thomas Center, Building A, Room 105 302 NE 6th Ave Gainesville, FL 32601 Members: Jeremy Carroll, John Gustke, Susan Jacobson, Bonnie Losak, Charles Ross, Crissy Sutter, Penny Weber If you have a disability and need an accommodation in order to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion at (352) 334-5051 at least two business days in advance. TTY (Text Telephone Telecommunication Device) users please call 711 (Florida Relay Service). For Speech to Speech (STS) relay, please call 1-877-955-5334. For STS Spanish relay, please call 1- 877-955-8773. For STS French Creole relay, please call 1-877-955-8707. Nature Centers Commission Agenda Pages A. CALL TO ORDER Agenda Statement: The City of Gainesville encourages civil public speech. Disruptive behavior is not permitted during City Commission and Advisory Board meetings. Please do not bring food, drinks, props, signs, posters, or similar materials into the meeting room. B. ROLL CALL C. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA D. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. Approval of Minutes from June 11, 2026 Meeting 4 E. UPDATES F. REPORTS 1. 2025-986 NCC July 26 Financial Report (B) 7 Department: Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Recommendation: Review current NCC budget. 2. 2025-985A WSPP Project Update (B) 9 Department: Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Recommendation: Review current WSPP projects. G. OLD BUSINESS • Timber Plan • MNC Boardwalk update • NCC goals and the Annual Presentation • Bylaws update • Memorial sign update at Cofrin H. NEW BUSINESS 1. 2026-480 Environmental Education Funding Request (B) 11 Department: Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Recommendation: Approve funding request for NCC specific interests. 2. 2026-481 NCC New Appliclant (B) 14 Department: Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Recommendation: Approve new NCC applicant Page 2 of 19 Nature Centers Commission Agenda I. PUBLIC COMMENT J. MEMBER COMMENT K. NEXT MEETING DATE - August 13, 2026 L. ADJOURNMENT Page 3 of 19  City of Gainesville Nature Centers Commission Meeting June 11, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Historic Thomas Center, Building A, Room 105 302 NE 6th Ave Gainesville, FL 32601 Members Present: John Gustke, Bonnie Losak, Charles Ross, Crissy Sutter Members Absent: Jeremy Carroll, Susan Jacobson, Penny Weber _____________________________________________________________________ A. CALL TO ORDER at 6:31 pm B. ROLL CALL C. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Moved by Charles Ross Seconded by Bonnie Losak Motion: The Nature Centers Commission adopt the agenda. Approved D. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. Approval of Minutes from May 14, 2026 Meeting Moved by Charles Ross Seconded by Crissy Sutter Recommendation: The Nature Centers Commission approve the minutes from the May 14, 2026 meeting. Approved 1 Page 4 of 19 E. UPDATES 1. 2026-31 Staff and FoNP Updates (NB)  Cypress Dome Boardwalk: Internal meeting with Park Ops, staff resources and funding. Much of the deconstruction is done  Bylaws Update  NRM: Cully resigned and position is open. Point of Contact for NCC with Natural Resource Management is to be determined.  EE: SWP rookery, Hogtown, Camp  FoNP: there was no Friends of Nature Parks report. Recommendation: Hear updates from PRCA Staff and FoNP Heard F. REPORTS  No updates on the timber plan.  Curriculum map was approved by ACPS Board.  Vote next time on remaining expenditures: interpretation materials. Heard 1. 2025-986 NCC June 26 Financials (B) Recommendation: Review current NCC budget. Heard G. OLD BUSINESS  Annual presentation  Memorial sign: April meeting H. NEW BUSINESS  Signage and brochure holders in parks to address lack of wayfinding and blazing on trails in our parks  Thelma Boltin trailhead presentation June 30th ,1st workshop 2 Page 5 of 19   WSPP Nature Park workplan presentation 1. 2026-396 Thelma Boltin Stakeholder Presentation (B) Recommendation: Hear presentation by WSPP on Trailhead. Heard 2. 2026-435 WSPP Nature Park Workplan Update (B) Recommendation: Hear presentation by WSPP on Nature Park Workplan Heard I. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. J. MEMBER COMMENT Old business: send emails:  Timber plan  CD Boardwalk  Goals/ Annual presentation  Bylaws  Memorial sign  Allocation of funds K. NEXT MEETING DATE L. ADJOURNMENT at 7:31 pm 3 Page 6 of 19  City of Gainesville Agenda Item Report File Number: 2025-986 Agenda Date: July 9, 2026 Department: Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Title: 2025-986 NCC July 26 Financial Report (B) Department: Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Recommendation: Review current NCC budget. Page 7 of 19  10:58 AM COG Budget vs Actuals for Program_v3 07/06/2026 Page 1 of 1 Repeat By: Fund Company: City of Gainesville Program or Program Hierarchy: Cost Center: GG_Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs: Natural Resource Management Period: FY2026 - Jul Worktags: Program: Nature Centers Commission Exclude Projects: No 1001 General Fund Ledger Account Budget Original Amended Actuals Actuals & Budget Commitments Obligations Used Budget Budget (YTD) Encumbrances Remaining (%) Total Revenue 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Discretionary Operating 5,573 5,573 2,420 0 0 2,420 3,153 43.42% Expenditures Operations and 3,871 3,871 2,120 0 0 2,120 1,751 54.77% Maintenance Administrative and General 1,702 1,702 300 0 0 300 1,402 17.63% Other Financing Uses 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Total expenditures 5,573 5,573 2,420 0 0 2,420 3,153 43.42% Page 8 of 19  City of Gainesville Agenda Item Report File Number: 2025-985A Agenda Date: June 11, 2026 Department: Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Title: 2025-985A WSPP Project Update (B) Department: Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Recommendation: Review current WSPP projects. Page 9 of 19  WSPP Active Project List 5/7/26 Design Start Design % Construction Construction Construction Task Date Design End Date Completion Start Date End Date % Complete Comments The project was deeded substantially complete on June 3rd and initial punchlist work was completed on June 17th. Project close out tasks are NE 31st Avenue Trail (NE 15th St to NE Waldo Rd) 2/15/21 5/15/25 100% 9/15/25 6/27/26 100% wrapping up. The as-built survey is anticipated by the end of next week. A meeting with NV5 is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7th, to discuss remaining punchlist items idenfitied by Brian Singleton from June 22nd. The marsh restoration work begins next week and the park officially closes on 7/6. Two pre-construction meetings took place last week. The Bivens Arm Nature Park Boardwalk Replacement 1/1/26 8/14/26 83% 8/28/26 4/10/27 0% boardwalk demolition is anticipated to begin in late August. I reached out to Wetlands Solutions to see if they'd recommend Dewberry & Parking Lot Improvements Engineering, Inc. We need to hire a company to survey, design and permit parking lot improvements. The ITB request went out on OpenGov on 6/10, the pre-bid meeting took place on 7/2 with 6 different companies in attendance, and the bid Alfred A. Ring Park Wildflower Garden 6/27/24 12/9/25 100% 9/15/26 12/14/26 0% opening will take place on 7/22. LD22-000033 - Minor - WSPP Multiuse Trail - Jones Edmunds - Phase 1B and LD23-000165 - Minor - Sweetwater Trail Phase 1A - DRMP. We are moving forward with the solar powered light (in lieu of a GRU rental light) at the crossing between vehicular traffic and pedestrians for Phase 1B. Trail from SE Williston Road to Depot Park 6/1/19 2/9/26 100% 11/15/26 2/8/28 0% Fonroche is willing to provide a 25 year warranty. Brian provided feedback on the combined unit price summary of quantities. I'm working on creating a technical specifications package. Trail from Sweetwater Wetlands Park to 12/1/22 3/5/26 100% 11/15/26 2/8/28 0% CIP – GRU – SWEETWATER TRAIL PHASE 2 - Kimley-Horn. Brian provided feedback on the combined unit price summary of quantities. I'm working Sweetwater Preserve on creating a technical specifications package. The purchase and sale agreement for the parcels needed for the neighborhood park and trail were approved by the City Commission on 12/4 and were signed. The closing is anticipated to take place before 7/7 (end of due diligence period). Kara is working with the Laurels and the Hideaway on SW 47th Ave. Trail (SW 34th St to SW 27th St) 6/1/23 11/2/26 90% 2/1/27 10/29/27 0% additional land rights needed for the project. PW surveyed basin #5 to get updated topographic information and Shane designed a grading plan for the basin expansion. Dink Henderson submit a letter to the SJRWMD on 6/19 asking for approval on the stormwater treatment methodology that has been used for the past 20 years, a "grandfathering" provision. Kara has the trail easement language and the sketch and legals necessary to start pursuing land rights coordination for the project. An open house will take place on July 28th to share the plan set with the community. The geotechnical report is anticipated to be delivered the week of 7/20/26. Anthony is working on the striping sheets, plan set call outs for dimensions, radii, etc. and Tanesha offered to assist Anthony with adding contour SE 8th Avenue Trail (SE 15th St to SE Hawthorne 1/15/26 12/3/26 53% 3/8/27 11/3/27 0% lines for existing topography, elevations of the trail and creating a profile. Anthony did a rough estimate of the fill in the floodplain: 32,889 cubic Rd) feet. Once we have the plan set a little further along (and the geotech back) I'll bring in PW stormwater to assist with how to best mitigate for impacts in the floodplain. I’m working on renderings of the trail in preparation for the 7/28 meeting. Waiting on feedback on the proposed addresses for postcards. Waiting for direction from leadership on next steps. Redesign likely to begin in the fall of 2026, possible construction start in fall 2027. A 2'x4' sign Boulware Springs Revitalization 10/15/21 7/16/27 82% 10/1/27 11/4/28 0% was hung near the waterworks building to alert the public to the delay. The master plan was presented to the City Commission at the 11/6 City Commission Meeting. No action was taken by the City Commission. A site Morningside Nature Center - Master Planning / 3/1/24 11/11/27 63% 1/1/28 3/31/29 0% visit took place on 4/30 to discuss the master plan with key internal stakeholders. Leadership is meeting internally to determine revised scope of New Nature Center work. A meeting took place on 9/30 with CHW and a variety of city staff to discuss the Fred Bear Hammock property and some adjacent lands. Next steps District 3 Park (Regional/Community Scale) 1/1/27 5/15/28 0% 7/1/28 7/1/29 0% include the design/development team brainstorming mixed use industrial options for the center of the parcel. NO UPDATE The first community workshop was held on June 30 and was well attended. Next steps are to use feedback to begin a conceptual design for the Thelma A. Boltin Trailhead/ Sweetwater Loop 2/1/26 2/1/28 10% 11/1/28 1/30/30 0% park and trail. At the next meeting, more information will be provided about the trail alignment and stormwater model as those two components Trail progress. Page 10 of 19  City of Gainesville Agenda Item Report File Number: 2026-480 Agenda Date: July 9, 2026 Department: Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Title: 2026-480 Environmental Education Funding Request (B) Department: Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Recommendation: Approve funding request for NCC specific interests. Page 11 of 19  2026-480 Nature Center Commission Funding Request EE FY 26 Environmental Education Curriculum Crate Updates Funding Requested: $1,000 The Environmental Education team is requesting $1,000 to restore existing curriculum crates and develop two new crates: Florida Black Bears and Water & Watersheds. Each curriculum crate contains everything needed to teach a complete standards-based STEAM and environmental science lesson for grades 3–5, including educator guides, hands-on investigations, games, books, and scientific equipment. Crates are available for two-week checkout by classrooms, homeschool families, scout groups, libraries, community organizations, City of Gainesville programs, and others. Educational Impact • Expands environmental education beyond Nature Center programs and field trips. • Provides ready-to-use STEM curriculum aligned with Florida standards. • Supports teachers, homeschool educators, scouts, and youth organizations Requested Acorn Naturalists Materials Qty Item SKU Educational Use Unit Ext. Photo Cost Cost 1 Wildlife KIT- Foundation of Bear 149.95 149.95 Acorn Discovery® 20152 Crate Catalog Kit: Black Bear 1 Get KIT- Animal tracking 104.95 104.95 Acorn Outdoors!® 16332 Catalog Tracking Field Pack 1 Pond & Stream KIT- Aquatic 89.95 89.95 Acorn Sampling Kit 23197 investigations Catalog 1 Get KIT- Field investigations 94.95 94.95 Acorn Outdoors!® 19248 Catalog Pond & Stream Discovery Pack 1 Basic Aquifer KIT- Watershed model 49.95 49.95 Acorn Demonstration 13359 Catalog Kit 1 Water Cycle 3- KIT- Water cycle lesson 36.95 36.95 Acorn D Model Kit 30105 Catalog 1 Nature G- Species ID 12.95 12.95 Acorn Circles® Pond 22180 Catalog & Stream Cards Page 12 of 19  1 Nature G- Standards 12.95 12.95 Acorn Circles® 25106 Catalog Grade 3 Cards 1 Nature G- Standards 12.95 12.95 Acorn Circles® 25107 Catalog Grade 4 Cards 1 Nature G- Standards 12.95 12.95 Acorn Circles® 25108 Catalog Grade 5 Cards 10 Student Hand T- Observation 2.95 29.50 Acorn Magnifiers 14700 Catalog 5 Triple Power T- Detailed 8.95 44.75 Acorn Magnifiers 25209 investigations Catalog 1 Aquatic Insect KIT- Macroinvertebrates 26.45 26.45 Acorn Water Quality 22244 Catalog Kit 1 Tracking Clue G- Scientific inquiry 10.95 10.95 Acorn Cards 19185 Catalog 1 Schoolyard G- Scientific inquiry 10.95 10.95 Acorn Tracking 22172 Catalog Cards 1 Replica Black TBD Anatomy & 150.00 150.00 Acorn Bear Skull (or adaptations Catalog equivalent skull replica if available) 13 Laminated TBD Literacy 7.95 103.35 Acorn Field Guides Catalog Estimated Materials Total: $954.45 Final order may be adjusted slightly based on current Acorn Naturalists pricing and product availability while remaining within the approved $1,000 budget. Page 13 of 19  City of Gainesville Agenda Item Report File Number: 2026-481 Agenda Date: July 9, 2026 Department: Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Title: 2026-481 NCC New Appliclant (B) Department: Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Recommendation: Approve new NCC applicant Page 14 of 19  Nature Centers Commission Applicant Package - Member Nature Centers Commission - Member Term 03 Nov 2025 - 02 Nov 2028 Positions Available 1 Number of applicants in this package 1 - Ricker, Faye Page 15 of 19 Name: Ricker, Faye Address: 2424 SE 13th St, Gainesville, 32641 Board Name: Nature Centers Commission Please confirm Full Name, including middle initial, prefix, and physical mailing address: Dr. Faye N Ricker 2424 SE 13th St Gainesville, FL 32641 In what city district do you live?: District 1 Employer: Intertek Phone Number: 9047696731 Occupation: Environmental and Sustainability Scientist Why are you interested in serving on this board? (Please answer separately for each board you are applying to.): I am interested in serving on the Nature Centers Commission because I care deeply about protecting Gainesville's natural spaces and ensuring they remain accessible, educational, and ecologically healthy for future generations. As a natural scientist and longtime Florida outdoor enthusiast, I hope to contribute my experience in policy, sustainability, and community engagement to support the stewardship of our local natural resources. How many terms have you served on this board previously?: None Disclaimer: Under Florida law, all information, including e-mail, written letters, documents and phone messages, sent to the Gainesville City Commission are subject to Public Records law. This includes the sender's e-mail address, home address or phone number if shown in the message, the content of the message and any associated attachments to the mail. Do you claim any exemption to public record disclosure pursuant to FLA. STAT. Section 119?: No Have you been removed from any advisory board for attendance, behaviour or another reason?: No Page 16 of 19 What is your gender identity?: Female Optional: Ethnicity: Caucasian/Non-Hispanic Are you a City of Gainesville Employee?: No Are you a City of Gainesville Intern?: No Are you currently on a City Advisory Board/Committee?: No Some of the boards and committees appointed by the City Commission are required to comply with Chapter 112, Florida Statutes, the Financial Disclosure Law. If applicable, would you be willing to file the required financial statement?: Yes Do you affirm that your personal and business (if applicable) affairs within the City of Gainesville and Alachua County are in substantial compliance with all city and county regulatory and taxing authorities rules and regulations? *: Yes Do you agree with the following statement? Appointees to advisory board/committees are required to attend scheduled meetings as specified in the "Advisory Board Handbook.” *: Yes Do you agree with the following statement? I understand that this completed application is the property of the City of Gainesville, is subject to public record requests and I hereby certify that the statements made on this application are true and correct. : Yes Time of Submission: 06/10/26 5:19:11 PM Attachments - Ricker_Resume_2026.pdf Page 17 of 19  FAYE RICKER 904-769-6731 | fayenricker@gmail.com | Gainesville, FL | www.fayericker.com PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY Environmental scientist and sustainability professional with more than 10 years of experience in environmental policy, conservation, resource stewardship, community engagement, program development, and stakeholder collaboration. Experienced working with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and community members to advance environmental resilience, public education, and conservation goals. Proven ability to translate complex technical & policy concepts into actionable strategies that drive measurable sustainability outcomes. EDUCATION PhD – Environmental Science & Policy/Geography, University of South Florida MS – Geology, University of North Dakota BS – Geology, University of Florida PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Sustainability Certification Manager, Intertek Gainesville, FL 2023 – Present Lead certification & compliance operations for a diverse set of sustainability programs focused on environmental performance, resource efficiency, and public health outcomes. Act as a trusted advisor to company leadership, colleagues, & clients, bridging technical standards & practical sustainability solutions. • Develop, manage, and coordinate sustainability certification programs related to green building (LEED) initiatives, indoor air quality, energy efficiency, & chemical transparency. • Translate complex technical requirements into accessible recommendations for internal teams & clients. • Demonstrate successful program operations through measurable key performance indicators and stakeholder feedback. • Support audits, quality system reviews, & continuous improvement initiatives to ensure programs are operated effectively and efficiently • Supervise and manage employees including scheduling, duty assignment, performance reviews, & conducting all relevant training. Page 18 of 19 Instructor & Graduate Researcher, University of South Florida Tampa, FL 2016 – 2021 Blended teaching, research, & mentorship to advance understanding of climate adaptation, resilience, & sustainable development. Designed engaging coursework & contributed to high-impact, interdisciplinary research projects. • Taught all levels of courses reaching up to 90 students per semester on environmental science & policy, climate resilience, environmental justice & sustainability. • Conducted collaborative research at the nexus of political, social, economic, & environmental sustainability. • Developed community outreach and communication strategies focused on climate resilience and environmental awareness. Visiting Faculty & Fulbright Researcher, Egerton University Njoro, Kenya 2019-2020 Designed and managed a complex community sustainability research projects involving renewable energy transitions, sustainable economic development, culturally appropriate green building, and resiliency planning. • Pursued, obtained, and managed a prestigious federal grant through all planning, organizing, and reporting phases. • Convened discussions among community members, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies to identify shared environmental priorities. • Integrated community perspectives into sustainability recommendations and planning efforts. Graduate Teaching & Research Assistant, University of N. Dakota Grand Forks, ND 2013-2025 Subject matter expert on geothermal energy science, environmental research, & crustal heat flow as part of a high-impact research team • Conducted environmental and geologic research supporting sustainable resource management. • Served as liaison among researchers, landowners, tribal representatives, and local governments. • Facilitated communication and collaboration among diverse stakeholder groups. COMMUNITY SERVICE & ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP • Volunteer, Civic Media Center (2021–Present) • Volunteer, Alachua Conservation Trust, (2021–Present) • Member & Trail Volunteer, Florida Trail Association (2017–Present) • Volunteer, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful (2016–2022) Page 19 of 19