1000 Islands Environmental Center Committee

In-Person 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call - Verification of a quorum 3. Public Appearances 4. Reading and Approval Minutes a. 1000 Islands Environmental Center Committee Minutes of May 21, 2026 5. Financial Report a. May Financial Report b. June Financial Report 6. Correspondence 7. The Friends of 1000 Islands Report 8. Naturalist Report a. May - June Naturalist Report b. 2nd Quarter 2026 Usage Report 9. Committee Reports a. Administrative/Finance Committee Reports i. 2027 Budget Schedule b. Education Committee Report c. Building & Grounds Committee Reports 10. Old Business 11. New Business a. Nomination of Committee Chair b. Nomination of Committee Vice Chair 12. Good of the Center a. Recognition of Service - Deb Jakel, Outgoing Chair b. Introduction of Summer Naturalist Intern 13. Next Meeting - Thursday, August 20, 2026 14. Adjournment NOTICES 1 THIS MEETING IS ACCESSIBLE TO THE HANDICAPPED. IF REQUESTED THREE (3) DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING, A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE. 1000 Islands Environmental Center Mission Statement: To provide children, adults and families the knowledge and skills needed to build a sustainable balance among the environment, economy and community through education, conservation and recreation. 2  Item 4.a. 1000 ISLANDS ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER 1000 ISLANDS COMMITTEE City of Kaukauna Nature Center Building 1000 Beaulieu Court, Kaukauna Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 6:30 PM MINUTES Members Present White, Breitzman, Eggleston, Timmons, Hietpas, Manion, Jakel, and VanBerkel Not Present West Also Present Brad Garrity and Cassandra Kohls Jakel called the meeting to order at 6:34 PM. A quorum was present. Public Appearances None April 16, 2026, Committee Meeting Minutes White moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Timmons. Motion carried. March (Revised) Financial Report VanBerkel asked about the UVB light donation. Garrity explained that the donation was received from Assistant Naturalist Benson’s parents. He also noted that restricted funds were used to purchase seedlings for the annual seedling sale and were later reimbursed by Kaukauna Utilities. Manion moved to approve the revised March Financial Report, seconded by VanBerkel. Motion carried. April Financial Report Garrity noted that the office supplies line item included the cost of the annual Adobe license. White moved to approve the April Financial Report, seconded by Breitzman. Motion carried. Correspondence None Friends of 1000 Islands Report Hietpas reported that the Nature’s Images Art Fair was successful despite the rainy weather. About half of the art vendors were unable to attend. In addition, approximately half of the leftover meat from the food stand spoiled after being accidentally left out of the freezer. Vendor feedback indicated that sales were good despite the rain. The basket raffle was well received and raised just under $1,500, and the free-will donation bake sale was also successful, raising approximately $350. Garrity thanked Hietpas and the Friends Committee for their coordination of the event. He noted that 40 vendors had registered this year and thanked the basket donors. Hietpas thanked Kohls and Garrity for their behind-the-scenes work. Timmons commented that the timing of the art fair was favorable. 3  Item 4.a. April Naturalist Report 1000 Islands participated in the JET program through KHS again this year. JET student Tyler Baeten volunteered at the Nature Center. Payton Chevalier was hired as the naturalist intern and will begin on May 26. She will work through mid-August and receive credit through UW-Oshkosh. The naturalist internship is intended to provide a well-rounded experience, including regular check-ins, goal setting, micro-conservation projects, and exposure to management and administrative duties. Payton will attend the June meeting to introduce herself to the Committee. Earth Day Wellness Saturday drew approximately 45 Girl Scouts, who participated in geocaching, hiking, and a raffle. The Grounded and Resilient Moving Meditation program led by Becky McMorrow had no attendees, but connections were made for potential future programming. Garrity plans to continue working with McMorrow on future offerings. River View students created “Reducing Environmental Impact” posters for the runoff display at the nature center; the most impactful will become permanent. White appreciated River View artwork throughout the center. Park Charter kindergarteners attended papermaking at 1000 Islands with help from Committee members and four Fox Valley Technical College students. West De Pere brought over 275 students for multi-day Fox River Ecology programs. Logan Hanaway assisted with seedling pickup, and Garrity thanked Kohls for her support. Total seedling sales exceeded $6,000 through April, with seeding costs around $4,900. Next year, staff plan to reduce hardwood seedlings and increase shrubs; Hietpas suggested adding Arborvitae. Remaining seedlings were offered to Kaukauna Utilities employees. Logan Hanaway and VF Corporation employees spread gravel on the Nelson Overlook trails, with materials provided by the City Street Department. Heavy rains left standing water on the property for over a month, with mud in the Sugar Shack indicating high water levels. The boardwalk was undamaged, with only a 3-foot section briefly flooded. Bumpouts and swamp pans held up well. Hietpas inquired about erosion under the swamp pans; Garrity reported no concerns. Gonnering planted maple and spruce seedlings and installed tree tubes to deter deer. The water service line to the Nature Center developed a new leak, though a previous repair remained intact. Kaukauna Utilities and the City Street Department coordinated a contractor to install a new line, requiring rock removal. The $5,500 cost was covered by surplus funds from the capital front entrance project. Council has approved the front entryway project, with construction expected to begin in late summer and take 1–2 weeks. New entry door key fobs are included in the project. Hietpas asked about the Eagle Camera project. Garrity reported staff are obtaining three quotes for Phase 1 (Habitat Camera), with an initial estimate of $10,000. Phase 2 (Nest Camera) will require fundraising. Permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would be required if work is done Nov– July due to nesting season. Flood risks are prompting reevaluation of camera battery backup plans. 4  Item 4.a. Sub-Committee Meetings Admin-Finance Sub-Committee No meetings are scheduled. VanBerkel noted the committee may not have authority to make financial decisions, and Manion questioned whether regular meetings are required. Garrity will review the bylaws and report back to the Committee. Education Sub-Committee – No meeting. Building and Grounds Sub-Committee The sub-committee has not met but is intended to continue reviewing and prioritizing projects. Garrity noted it will play a key role when Outagamie County begins the gully erosion and streambank restoration project. Old Business Garrity announced Jakel’s resignation as Committee Chair, with her final meeting in June. The Committee will fill her position and then the other vacancies. Breitzman agreed to serve as Chair, and a new Vice-Chair will be elected at the June meeting. New Business Goats will return to 1000 Islands on June 8. Breitzman met with Farmer Bonnie of Mulberry Lane Farm, who may attend the June 9 PBS Wisconsin Life filming. Producer of PBS Wisconsin Life, Kelly Saran, and host, Angela Fitzgerald, have coordinated with the goat team. The Center will provide lunch for the crew, and Mayor Penterman will be invited. Experienced goat watchers and Community Enrichment team members will assist during filming. City Council approved the goats. Good for the Center - None Next Committee Meeting The next Committee Meeting will be on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Nature Center building. Adjournment There being no further business, Manion moved to adjourn the May 21, 2026, Committee Meeting at 7:24 PM. Seconded by Breitzman. Motion carried. Cassandra Kohls 5  Item 5.a. 1000 Islands Donation Report Donations Posted: May 2026 Account: 201-48501-4802 Date Name Memo Amount 4/6/2026 River Valley Outdoorsmen 2026 Donation $ 400.00 5/8/2026 General Donation Collection Bins $ 128.00 5/29/2026 General Donation Collection Bins $ 106.00 TOTAL: $ 634.00 Account: 201-48501-4910 - Env Center Restricted Donate Date Name Memo Amount TOTAL: $ - Account: 201-48501-4911 - Fundraising Sales Date Name Memo Amount 5/13/2026 Wis Dept of Revenue Sales Tax - April $ (89.43) TOTAL: $ (89.43) Account: 201-48501-4912 - Jabber Date Name Memo Amount TOTAL: $ - Account: 201-48501-4913 - Memorial Purchases Date Name Memo Amount TOTAL: $ - Other Donations Received TOTAL: $ - 6  Item 5.b. City of Kaukauna 1000 Islands Environmental Center Budget vs. Actual Jan 2026 to June 2026 Amount Over % of Account June Actuals YTD Amount Budget Amount Budget Budget Income 4391 - Kaukauna School Dist Aids $0.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 ($15,000.00) 0.00% 4392 - Outagamie County Aids $0.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00 $0.00 100.00% 4694 - Facilities/Building Rental (Taxable) $150.00 $339.26 $1,500.00 ($1,160.74) 22.62% 4695 - Facilities/Building Rental (Non-Taxable) $0.00 ($75.00) $500.00 ($575.00) -15.00% 4696 - Programing Fees $2,872.18 $7,636.18 $9,000.00 ($1,363.82) 84.85% 4716 - Gift Shop Sales $358.93 $2,938.21 $5,000.00 ($2,061.79) 58.76% 4802 - Donations & Contributions $231.00 $27,303.90 $40,000.00 ($12,696.10) 68.26% 4810 - Interest Income $0.00 $5,449.64 $7,500.00 ($2,050.36) 72.66% 4910 - Env Center Restricted Donate $0.00 $1,497.04 $0.00 $1,497.04 0.00% 4911 - Fundraising Sales $0.00 $5,935.16 $0.00 $5,935.16 0.00% Total - Income $3,612.11 $61,024.39 $88,500.00 ($27,475.61) 68.95% Expense 5101 - Regular Payroll $14,669.50 $85,266.32 $193,774.22 ($108,507.90) 44.00% 5104 - Temporary Payroll $1,551.25 $1,551.25 $6,849.96 ($5,298.71) 22.65% 5151 - Retirement Plan $903.27 $5,243.73 $11,907.69 ($6,663.96) 44.04% 5154 - Social Security $970.73 $5,531.19 $13,162.97 ($7,631.78) 42.02% 5157 - Group Health Insurance $3,351.48 $21,308.88 $41,417.64 ($20,108.76) 51.45% 5160 - Group Life Insurance $12.62 $75.72 $159.00 ($83.28) 47.62% 5163 - Workers Compensation $330.86 $1,810.14 $4,037.60 ($2,227.46) 44.83% 5205 - Seminar Expenses $0.00 $483.77 $1,500.00 ($1,016.23) 32.25% 5211 - Education & Memberships $0.00 $175.00 $500.00 ($325.00) 35.00% 5260 - Animal & Bird Care $166.70 $454.53 $2,000.00 ($1,545.47) 22.73% 5264 - Programs $138.86 $753.55 $3,000.00 ($2,246.45) 25.12% 5276 - Conservancy Zone Maint $359.06 $359.06 $2,500.00 ($2,140.94) 14.36% 5303 - Communications $50.00 $300.00 $600.00 ($300.00) 50.00% 5306 - Heating Fuels $11.09 $1,452.52 $3,000.00 ($1,547.48) 48.42% 5309 - Water Sewer & Electric $733.64 $4,866.62 $10,000.00 ($5,133.38) 48.67% 5312 - Maintenance - Buildings $164.37 $1,597.42 $4,500.00 ($2,902.58) 35.50% 5315 - Maintenance - Office Equipment $28.87 $749.94 $1,500.00 ($750.06) 50.00% 5318 - Maintenance - Automotive $0.00 $52.17 $500.00 ($447.83) 10.43% 5325 - Contractual Services $1,185.79 $6,189.54 $12,000.00 ($5,810.46) 51.58% 5334 - Printing Expense $0.00 $0.00 $400.00 ($400.00) 0.00% 5401 - Office Supplies $49.99 $336.55 $600.00 ($263.45) 56.09% 5404 - Clothing Expense $170.95 $170.95 $700.00 ($529.05) 24.42% 5407 - Automotive Supplies $0.00 $190.43 $300.00 ($109.57) 63.48% 5410 - General Supplies $9.56 $515.72 $1,000.00 ($484.28) 51.57% 5416 - Custodial Supplies $309.99 $837.03 $1,800.00 ($962.97) 46.50% 5431 - Postage $0.00 $21.75 $100.00 ($78.25) 21.75% 5440 - Concession Product $462.94 $1,556.95 $3,000.00 ($1,443.05) 51.90% 5499 - Miscellaneous $45.00 $155.53 $1,500.00 ($1,344.47) 10.37% 5801 - Land & Buildings $714.45 $6,361.00 $0.00 $6,361.00 0.00% 5804 - Equipment (including Office) $0.00 $0.00 $1,500.00 ($1,500.00) 0.00% 5897 - Restricted Funds - Animal Care/Jabber $0.00 $400.00 $0.00 $400.00 0.00% 5898 - Restricted Funds $296.74 $5,812.82 $9,000.00 ($3,187.18) 64.59% Total - Expense $26,687.71 $154,580.08 $332,809.08 ($178,229.00) 46.45% Net Income ($23,075.60) ($93,555.69) ($244,309.08) $150,753.39 38.29% Lines bolded in red are 201 accounts 422 - Park & Pool Capital 7  Item 5.b. 1000 Islands Donation Report Donations Posted: June 2026 Account: 201-48501-4802 Date Name Memo Amount 6/11/2026 Ellen Hanlon Donation $ 50.00 6/11/2026 General Donations Collection Bins $ 19.00 6/24/2026 Eagle Graphics LLC Spring Online Goat Apparel Sales $ 82.00 6/24/2026 Shirley and Gary Frank In Memory of Shirley Margenau $ 100.00 6/24/2026 Community Foundation Transfer to Endowment - Shirley Margenau $ (100.00) 6/25/2026 General Donations Collection Bins $ 80.00 TOTAL: $ 231.00 Account: 201-48501-4910 - Env Center Restricted Donate Date Name Memo Amount TOTAL: $ - Account: 201-48501-4911 - Fundraising Sales Date Name Memo Amount TOTAL: $ - Account: 201-48501-4912 - Jabber Date Name Memo Amount TOTAL: $ - Account: 201-48501-4913 - Memorial Purchases Date Name Memo Amount TOTAL: $ - Other Donations Received 6/26/2026 Tiffany Schmdit Box of nature specimens TOTAL: $ - 8 Item 8.a. 9 Item 8.a. 10 Item 8.a. 11 Item 8.a. 12  1000 Islands Dashboard Item 8.b. 2nd Quarter 2026 Sc ho ol Co At Di st c ric olho er Ou te Ka uk tC od ta Gr e nd Ot he er rG ou p Re ga an Ka Ka Ot uk Scro Souup s m ce he Ot ts Ot Date Group Name Purpose uk ie District Codes Ka rS co ut ukh Re s s h 4/1/26 River Valley Outdoorsmen Building Use: Meeting A APPLETON 4/2/26 0 Field Trip Green Bay YMCA (Canceled) B BRILLION 4/3/26 50 Public Program with KPL Storybook Walk and Adventure 25 25 50 C CLINTONVILLE 4/3/26 17 Public Program 1000 Little Wonders: Frogs and Toads 8 9 8 CO Coleman 4/4/26 10 Public Program with KPL Survival Series: Lashing 5 5 10 CR CRIVITZ 4/8/26 1 Public Program Grounded & Resilient: Moving Meditation in Nature D DAY CARE/PRESCH 4/9/26 34 Hilbert Elementary Crayfish | Fire Building | Bug Hunt | Who Gives a Hoot 34 34 DM Denmark 4/10/26 42 Park Community Charter Papermaking / Conservation 42 42 42 DP De Pere 4/14/26 55 Colemen Elementary Who Gives a Hoot | Shelter Bldg | Colorful Confusion | Very Best Bed F Freedom 4/15/26 81 River View Middle School Reduce Your Environmental Impact 81 81 81 GB Green Bay 4/16/26 81 River View Middle School Reduce Your Environmental Impact 81 81 81 H Hortonville 4/17/26 46 Park Community Charter Sun, Moon and Stars 46 46 46 HA Home School Association 4/18/26 100 Public Program Earth Day Wellbeing Saturday 50 50 50 HI Hilbert 4/18/26 45 Girl Scouts Orienteering | Hike | Leave No Trace 45 45 HS Howard-Suamico 4/21/26 50 West De Pere Intermediate Fox River Ecology | Plant and Animal Adaptations 50 DP 50 K Kimberly 4/22/26 75 River View Middle School Ecologies 75 75 75 L Little Chute 4/23/26 50 West De Pere Intermediate Fox River Ecology | Plant and Animal Adaptations 50 DP 50 M Menasha 4/23/26 20 VF Corporation Volunteering: Seedling bundling, buckthorn removal, trail repair 20 20 20 N Neenah 4/24/26 42 Park Community Charter Weather and Seasons 42 42 42 NH New Holstein 4/24/26 15 River View Middle School What Am I? 15 15 15 OS Oshkosh 4/26/26 6 Public Program Grounded & Resilient: Moving Meditation in Nature 4 2 4 OC Oconto Falls 4/27/26 8 Scout Troop 104/31 Troop Meeting 8 8 8 OS Online Public School 4/28/26 60 Fox River Academy Crayfish | The Very Best Bed | Shelter Building 60 A 60 60 P PAROCHIAL/PRIVATE 4/29/26 38 Sunrise Elementary Nature Hike | The Very Best Bed 38 K 38 38 PU Pulaski 4/30/26 38 Sunrise Elementary Nature Hike | The Very Best Bed 38 K 38 38 R REEDSVILLE 4/30/26 25 Chilton Area Catholic Geocaching | Hike | Orienteering | Nature Games 25 P 25 RI RIPON 5/2/26 6 Public Program with KPL Survival Series: Water Purification S SEYMOUR 5/2/26 27 Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance Watershed Clean-up W WRIGHTSTOWN 5/5/26 50 West De Pere Intermediate Fox River Ecology | Plant and Animal Adaptations 50 DP 50 WR WISCONSIN RAPIDS 5/6/26 50 West De Pere Intermediate Fox River Ecology | Plant and Animal Adaptations 50 DP 50 5/6/26 River Valley Outdoorsmen Building Use: Meeting 5/7/26 40 Park Community Charter Insects | Bug Hunt 40 40 40 5/8/26 66 West DePere Intermediate Fox River Ecology | Plant and Animal Adaptations 50 DP 50 5/9/26 11 Public Program World Migratory Bird Day: Oriole Feeder Building Workshop 5/12/26 44 Houdini Elementary Colorful Confusion | Hike | Crayfish | Outdoor Scavenger Hunt 44 A 44 44 5/13/26 44 Houdini Elementary Colorful Confusion | Hike | Crayfish | Outdoor Scavenger Hunt 44 A 44 44 5/13/26 Public Program Grounded & Resilient: Moving Meditation in Nature 5/14/26 8 Morrison Zion Lutheran (Greenleaf) Bug Hunt | Nature Games | What am I? | Hike/Scavenger Hunt 8 P 8 5/15/26 50 Public Program with KPL Storybook Walk and Adventure 5/15/26 15 Public Program 1000 Little Wonders: Flowers 5/17/26 200 Friends of 1000 Islands 42nd Annual Nature's Images Art & Craft Fair 5/19/26 41 New Directions Learning Center Weather and Climate | Survival Skills: Fire Building/Shelter Building 41 41 41 5/20/26 36 Glenbrook Elementary (Pulaski) Hike | Biomimicry 36 PU 36 5/21/26 60 Highlands Elementary Hike | Colorful Confusion | Crayfish and Critter Hunt 32 A 32 5/22/26 36 Glenbrook Elementary (Pulaski) Hike | Biomimicry 36 PU 36 5/22/26 50 Public Program with KPL Storybook Walk and Adventure 5/24/26 3 Public Program Grounded & Resilient: Moving Meditation in Nature 5/24/26 28 Sandie Ripley Pavilion Rental: Bridal Shower 28 5/25/26 Boy Scout Troop 104/31 Troop Meeting 5/26/26 96 Tanner Crayfish | Bug Hunt | Nature Games 96 96 96 5/27/26 96 Tanner Crayfish | Bug Hunt | Nature Games 96 96 96 5/28/26 44 Park Community Charter Crayfish and Critter Hunt 44 44 44 5/30/26 2 Public Program Service Saturday 2 2 6/2/26 46 Lineville Intermediate Fox River Ecology | Hike | Crayfish and Critter Hunt 48 GB 48 6/3/26 24 River Valley Outdoorsmen Meeting 24 24 6/6/26 20 Appleton Public Library Mindfulness in Nature Walk (On Their Own) 20 20 6/6/26 27 Public Program Plein Air Painting 13 14 6/9/26 100 Public Program Community Crayfish and Critter Hunt 50 50 100 6/9/26 35 Kaukauna Lions Club Lions Club President's Picnic 35 35 35 13  1000 Islands Dashboard Item 8.b. 2nd Quarter 2026 6/9/26 14 Saint Paul's - Connections Visiting Goats 14 14 6/10/26 70 Boys and Girls Club (Oshkosh) Crayfish | Shelter Building | Hike OS 70 70 6/10/26 0 Public Program Explore Kaukauna w/Naturalist: Dog Walk on Konkapot Creek (postponed due to weather) 6/11/26 70 Boys and Girls Club (Oshkosh) Crayfish | Shelter Building | Hike OS 70 70 6/11/26 14 Saint Paul's - Connections Visiting Goats / Lunch 14 14 6/12/26 25 Lynn Margenau Pavilion Rental: Celebration of Life for Shirley Margenau 25 6/12/26 15 Public Program 1000 Little Wonders: Crayfish 8 7 15 6/13/26 75 Rachel Kerkhof Pavilion Rental: Graduation Party 75 75 6/13/26 0 Public Program Service Saturday 6/15/26 14 Saint Paul's - Club Gabriel Visiting Goats 14 14 6/16/26 15 Community Child Care Center Nature Games | Outdoor Scavenger Hunt | Hike D 15 25 6/16/26 14 Saint Paul's - Nursing Home Visiting Goats 14 14 6/17/26 10 Saint Paul's - Reflections Lunch | Explore Nature Center 10 10 6/17/26 10 KinderCare (Appleton) Crayfish | WI Mammals | Bug Hunt | What am I? D 10 10 10 6/18/26 35 Lake Edge Learning Center Explore Nature Center | Crayfish D 35 35 6/19/26 12 Saint Paul Elder Services Visiting Goats 12 12 6/21/26 50 Angel Morack-Stawe Pavilion Rental: Celebration of Life for Janet Reed 10 40 10 6/22/26 Boy Scout Troop 104/31 Meeting 6/23/26 20 WI Swim Academy (Appleton) Off-Site: What Am I? | WI Mammals D 20 20 20 6/23/26 36 The Academy (Appleton's Best Summer Camp) Crayfishing A 36 36 36 6/24/26 49 Allouz Summer Camp (Green Bay) Crayfish | Shelter Building | Nature Games | Scavenger Hunt GB 49 49 6/25/26 100 Public Program Community Crayfish and Critter Hunt 50 50 100 6/25/26 20 Kinder Haus Daycare Every drop counts | Colorful Confusion D 20 20 20 6/26/26 70 Public Program Pollinator-palooza 35 35 70 6/26/26 70 Public Program with KPL Storybook Walk and Adventure 35 35 70 6/26/26 10 Public Program 1000 Little Wonders: Crayfish 5 5 10 6/26/26 27 Public Program Pollinator Trivia Pizza Party 13 14 27 6/27/26 0 Public Program Planet Defenders Camp (Cancelled) TOTALS 3189 699 693 79 325 8 45 1138 1563 1809 14  Item .i. 2027 Budget Preparation and Approval Process Schedule  August 3– Distribution of 5 Year Capital Improvement Project CIP to Department Managers  August 4 – Distribution of Budget Worksheets to Department Managers  September 2 – Review CIP Internally with Department Heads  September 8 – Non –Personnel Budgets Due  September 14 – through 18 – Administrative Budget Round Table (Discuss Budget Items) as an Aggregate  September 21 – Present 5-year Capital Improvement CIP to Board of Public Works for Feedback  October 5 – Present Non-Personnel Items and Tax Rate to Finance and Personnel for feedback  October 19 – Present Personnel items to Finance and Personnel for feedback  October 22 – Submit Public Hearing Notice to Clerk for Class 1 posting at least 15 days prior to Hearing  Week of October 26th – Print Budget Books and Distribute  November 9 – Proposed Budget Presentation to Committee of the Whole at 6pm  November 17 – Public Hearing and Budget Adoption 15