Members in Attendance: Mike Bond (President), Brian Becker, Rich Clark (Treasurer), Amy Daniels (Secretary), Andres Guhl (Technology Consultant).

The meeting began with updates from Mike Bond on this semester’s seminar series This week’s Ethnoecology Society speaker will be Dr. Heckenberger Professor from the Department of Antrhopology. The talk will be from 4 to 5pm in 1151 McCarty Hall. Dr. Ingles has asked to be re-scheduled for next semester. Hence, the group discussed possible alternate speakers to fill the vacancy on November 8^th. Members decided on three candidates, in order of preference: Dr. Nair from Agroforestry, Dr. Smith from Geography, or Dr. Brenner from Geology. Brian Becker will invite Dr. Nair and Mike will be the contact person for the other two possibilities if Dr. Nair declines.

Brian Becker suggested that opening up the administrative meetings to all members of the Ethnoecology listserv may facilitate greater awareness of the group’s activities and enhance participation. Mike Bond and Amy Daniels agreed that it would not hurt to advertise the next meeting to the entire group but that they would not expect any new attendees.

Mike Bond asked treasurer Rich Clark for a report on his findings about the treasury operations of the organization. Rich stated that he had not met with the Ag. Council representative yet but was planning to soon.

Mike Bond mentioned the possibility of organizing an interest within the Society to participate in Dr. Ingles spring break Amazonian river trip. The cost would likely be between $1200 and $1800. Members agreed that this was an option worth pursuing. Mike said the group could possible organize fundraisers to subsidize the cost of the trip. He also advised of ways to increase financial aid eligibility by arranging to receive credit for the trip.

Next, attention and discussion was focused on the Ethnoecology garden. Mike Bond briefly reported that the site was largely prepared for planting. During Sunday’s work session, members flattened the mounds and finished removing weeds and other organic debris. Mike stressed the importance of having a plan of action if the Society is truly interested in having the ethnobotanical garden come to fruition. The alternative, Mike stated, was to return the plot now that it has been made respectable. A motion was made by Brian Becker and seconded by Rich Clark to actively maintain the garden at least through the winter. The following discussion ensued regarding details of maintaining the garden.

In essence, Mike Bond insisted that the garden must have a designated "guardian," someone who will take leadership and initiative to ensure its success. The following scheduled was proposed with regard to who would take responsibility to show up fifteen minutes early on Sunday mornings, retrieve/return the appropriate tools from the storage sheds, and otherwise direct the activities of the work session:

November 4 Homecoming weekend – no gardening

November 11 Brian Becker

November 18 Brian Becker

Thanksgiving weekend – no gardening

December 2 Rich Clark

9 Mike Bond

The group discussed the idea of organizing a planting party for this coming Sunday’s work session. Mike Bond stated that these next two Sundays represent the planting window for winter crops. Hence, members discussed which crops should be planted. This Sunday, clover, elephant garlic, red/white/blue potatoes and possibly carrots will be planted. Brian Becker agreed to further investigate other possible winter crops that would be appropriate.

The discussion evolved into one of grand ideas for the Society’s garden plot including cash crops, food crops, medicinal plants and detailed signage including identification, uses, distribution maps, photographs, etc. Mike Bond suggested the possibility of constructing a small pond where not only certain aquatic plants would be featured, but nutrient build-up could be used to fertilize plants. Mike also expressed desire to plant flowering perennials along the south slope of the garden such that some plants would be in bloom year-round, adding to the aesthetic quality of the plot.

Amy Daniels called the question and the motion was voted on. Members unanimously elected to maintain the garden minimally over the winter. It was informally agreed that the garden theme would be worked out over the course of the winter months.

Amy Daniels announced the next administrative meeting date would be November 5^th and the meeting was adjourned.