Stay up-to-date. Visit our Alerts Page. Click here now!
Alabama’s Cahaba River is profiled in the May/June issue of Sierra magazine. The article, written by Verna Gates about the Cahaba River, contains a beautiful photo by Beth Maynor Young of Cahaba Lily blooms. www.sierraclub.org/sierra/200805/goodgoing.asp
On Friday, April 18, the Environmental Management Commission passed a rule change that will reduce the allowable cancer risk levels in Alabama’s waterways from 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 1 million!
This initiative was first brought to the Commission’s attention by the Alabama Rivers Alliance and 17 other environmental organizations in the spring of 2007. After almost of year of hard work by the citizens and the Commission, the right decision was made today! We commend the Environmental Management Commission for making this decision and all of the citizens and organizations who worked so hard to keep it moving forward.
The Alabama Rivers Alliance would especially like to thank attorney, David Ludder, who has been a steadfast source of leadership, knowledge, and hard work on all of these initiatives.
See more articles on this subject:
Brought to you by the Alabama Rivers Alliance
Survey Response on ADEM Director: from Conservation Alabama
More than 100 individuals participated in an online evaluation of Alabama Department of Environmental Management Director Onis “Trey” Glenn III and the agency he runs, and the results are striking.
Overall, just less than 88 percent of those surveyed in the “Citizen Evaluation of ADEM” said Director Glenn’s performance has been “unsatisfactory” or “needs improvement.” Some themes that came from the survey include:
- Glenn and ADEM need to be more responsive to citizens (public records, public participation, complaints, etc.).
- Glenn and ADEM need to make effective compliance/enforcement their top priority
- Glenn needs to be mindful of public perceptions of relationships with regulated parties (perceived unethical conduct)
- The plane purchase was a mistake and reflects poor judgment
- Agency funding needs to increase
- Low employee morale
“This evaluation is a reflection of the views of average citizens across the state,” said Adam Snyder, executive director of Conservation Alabama, the host of the online survey. “While it is the role of the Environmental Management Commission to evaluate the director, it is our hope the Commission will take these citizen comments into account.”
From January 9 through 25, Conservation Alabama hosted the online survey through a service called Survey Monkey. The survey was slightly modified from the evaluation form the Commission adopted for their evaluation of the director on December 14. It also allowed only one participant per IP address.
Conservation Alabama has submitted the results of the survey to the Commission for their review.
February 1 marks the three year anniversary of Director Glenn’s first day at ADEM.
You can read the full evaluation summary:
Full Evaluation of Director Trey Glenn.
Recent Cahaba Group Events
Sumatanga Scat Outing
Looking for Alabama wildlife? That is exactly what this group did on the grounds of scenic Camp Sumatanga on Saturday, December 8. Camp Environmental Education Director, Helena Huber-Wambles did a fantastic job of teaching scat and track identification - and making it fun. She began the outing with a short class on recognizing scat samples from common Alabama animals. Then outings leader Joe Copeland led the group on a 4 – 5 mile outing around Camp Sumatanga’s beautiful scenic lake at the foot of Chandler Mountain. The group exercised their new 
knowledge in findingscat and tracks from beaver, otter, blue heron, goose, deer, red fox, and coyotes. Many thanks to Helena for her wonderful job of teaching about area animals and the clues that they leave behind and to Joe for leading the outing.
Photo Hike
Well-known Alabama nature photographer, David Haynes accompanied this hike on Sunday, November 11, to give instruction and hints about outdoor photography. About 20 folks brought their cameras to capture the beautiful fall colors at Cloudland Canyon. The group enjoyed a relatively easy 5-mile hike along the rim of the canyon, taking many photo opportunity stops. Photo by David Haynes.
To take part in future fun, check out the outings page!
Don't miss another adventure.
CAHABA GROUP NEWSLETTER, SIERRA CLUB OF ALABAMA
OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2007
Can you believe that the Holidays are upon us already? The merchants havecertainly stepped it up a notch this year. Hopefully, with the niceweather and beautiful fall colors, you have been able to resist themall and enjoy the outdoors.
OCTOBER GENERAL INTEREST MEETING
Snakes of Alabama
Whatan exciting meeting! Bob Hastings, former Director ofthe AlabamaNatural Heritage Program, presented his “Dr. Bob’sTraveling SnakeShow”. And even though the power went off – and stayedoff for almostthe entire meeting, the emergency generators worked – Bob’scomputerbatteries held out for the slide show – and the live snakesperformedbeautifully. We learned about marking identification, behaviorpatterns and diet of some of Alabama’ssnake population – andgot to meet some of the more gentle members. Manythanks to Bob forthis wonderful show!
<<<<<***>>>>>
Thereare some upcoming events that you should mark on your calenders. Please come out and bring your Holiday Spirit ( and your cameras) withyou !
- GENERAL INTEREST MEETING, CAHABA GROUP
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 7 PM, BIRMINGHAM ZOO AUDITORIUM
TIM GOTHARD
DIRECTOR OF THE ALABAMA WILDLIFE FEDERATION
Learn about Alabama conservation issues shared by sportsmen and environmentalists alike
- Local Foods ChristmasCookbook Potluck
Tuesday Dec 4, 6:30 PM
Get Acquainted Party – Home of MargoRebar
Manyof you have expressed an interest in our Local FoodsCoalition – buthave had conflicts and not been able to join usyet. Here is youropportunity to come out for a fun event and get to knowother folks whoare interested in supporting local foods in Birmingham. One of ourgoals is toprovide community members with recipes using local produce –so thispotluck dinner will get us started on our local foods cookbook. Bring yourfavorite dish made with local produce – or that could be madewith localproduce – and also the recipe. Later, you’ll receive a“ChristmasCookbook” with all the recipes. Thanks to Margo Rebarforoffering her home for this special gathering!
Please “google” the directions for 4625 Dolly Ridge Road, Birmingham 35243or call Margo at 205-970-6500 for directions.
- SIERRA CLUB CAHABA GROUP CHRISTMAS PARTY !
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 6:00-8:30 PM
BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS, HODGES ROOM
***NOTE***
IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND, PLEASE RSVP BY DECEMBER 11
to
lois.gail@gmail.com
THIS IS A POT LUCK DINNER EVENT, SO PLEASE INDICATE ON YOUR RSVP
WHAT DISH YOU ARE BRINGING
SIERRA CLUB IS FURNISHING THE DRINKS AND DESSERT !!
*** BRING ALONG YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY CDs TO MAKE THE EVENT LIVELY ***
WE WILL BE SETTING UP THE PARTY AND DECORATING BEGINNING AT 5PM THAT EVENING, SO IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE, COME JOIN US.
<<<<<***>>>>
OUTINGS YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS !!!
- SCENIC SUMATANGA SCAT IDENTIFICATION HIKE, DECEMBER 8
MEET AT THE TRUSSVILLE CRACKER BARREL AT 9 AM, SAYS JOE COPELAND, TRIP LEADER
Sat. 12/08. Camp Sumatanga. Scat
Identification Outing. Looking for
Alabama wildlife? The presence of the
right scat is a good sign that you are on
the right trail. Environmental Education
Specialist Helena Uber-Wamble will lead
a fun session on scat identification at
Camp Sumatanga, a lovely Methodist
Camp at the foot of Chandler Mountain
in St. Clair County. Here is Helena’s
description of the outing: “This outing
will take you on a small journey through
the trails of Camp Sumatanga in search
of some very valuable clues of the animals
that dwell there. Join us for an indepth
look at what the creatures are eating
and how to tell who they are by
what they leave behind. Our program is
both in doors and out doors – so dress
in layers. There will be a moderately difficult
hike up the mountain to search for
clues – and to enjoy the scenery. Don’t
forget your camera for when you reach
the top!” This outing is sponsored by the
Building Environmental Communities
campaign. Bring water and lunch – and
wear your hiking boots. Meet at the
Cracker Barrel in Trussville at 9 am. Joe
Copeland, outings leader. For more
information, call 256-538-3885.
- ZOO LIGHT SAFARI OUTING, BRING THE KIDS !
Sat. 12/15. ZOO LIGHT SAFARI.
6pm. Enjoy a fabulous night of lights,
fun and holiday spirit as the
Birmingham Zoo comes alive for 15
nights! It’s the only place in Birmingham
where it snows every night. Also enjoy a
light show set to all your favorite holiday
tunes! Come, let’s oooh, aaah, together.
Rated: Relaxing. We’ll meet at the Zoo
front entrance at 6 for the Safari --
Afterward we can go for some dinner or
coffee. RSVP Lois via email
lois.gail@gmail.com or phone 873-4075.
***If you want to go on your own the
Safari runs from December 14-23, 26-
30, 5-9 p.m. Zoo Members: FREE Non
members: $7 (includes tax)
DAY HIKE, LITTLE RIVER CANYON PRESERVE
Sat. 12/28. Dayhike Little River
Canyon National Preserve. rated strenuous.
This will be our sixteenth annual
post-Christmas hike at LRNP, and this
year we will descend into the main
canyon along Chinquapin Creek. We
will then walk down the main floor to
the next sidecreek, where we ascend back
to the rim road. There are a number of
high ledges on the two sidecreeks that
we will have to work our way around. In
between, expect steep, rocky terrain
where agility and tenacity will be tested.
Only persons with experience hiking off
trail in canyons such as Pisgah Gorge,
Savage Gulf, South Sauty, Quillen and
Parker Branch should ask me about this
hike. Also, those who sign-up should
wear footgear that can be worn wet.
Leader approval required. Contact
Carroll Wilson at 205-221-6196 or
mountain-man@mindspring.com.
<<<<<***>>>>>
RECENTLY SEEN IN THE NEWS :
STATE EFFORT IN RECYCLING NEEDS RECYCLING ITSELFARTICLEIN THE BIRMINGHAM NEWS BY PAT BYINGTON SAYS WHY CAN'T WE RECYCLE ANDREDUCE OUR GARBAGE IN ALABAMA LIKE SO MANY OTHER COMMUNITIES AROUND THECOUNTRY? HIS CONCLUSION IS THAT THERE IS JUST NOT THE POLITICAL WILL.ALABAMA HAS NOT NEARLY MET THE 25% RECYCLING GOAL FROM THE LEGISLATIVERECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 1991 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN. WITHOUTPOLICIES THAT REQUIRE WASTE COLLECTORS TO CREATE RECYCLING INCENTIVES,IT WILL NOT HAPPEN. ALABAMA TOSSES 11.5 BILLION POUNDS OF GARBAGEEVERY DAY, WITH ONLY 8.3 % BEING RECYCLED, MUCH BELOW THE 25% GOAL TOBE MET IN 1991.
- VESTAVIA HILLS STATION ONE OF 4 TO DISPENSE ALTERNATIVE FUELS IN 2008
ASHELL STATION OFF HIGHWAY 65 IN VESTAVIA WILL BE ONE OF 4 IN ALABAMAWHICH WILL CARRY ETHANOL OR BIODIESEL FUEL MIXES WITH HELP FROM A$312,000 GRANT. THE GRANT WILL COVER THE COST OF INSTALLING THETANKS. WATCH FOR THIS STATION OFF THE I-65 EXIT.
- USED COOKING OIL TO BE CONVERTED TO FUEL IN HOOVER
ACCORDINGTO A NOVEMBER 1 ARTICLE IN THE BIRMINGHAM NEWS, HOOVER WILL BEGINCOLLECTING COOKING OIL FROM RESIDENCES AS WELL AS RESTAURANTS TOCONVERT TO BIODIESEL. THE FUEL WILL BE USED TO POWER TROLLEYS USEDWITHIN THE CITY. THIS COLLECTION WILL KEEP OIL FROM BEING DISPOSED OFINTO THE SEWERS. THE CITY IS GIVING OUT CONTAINERS TO HOLD THE OIL.
- SITE PREPARATION HAS BEGUN FOR THE BASS PRO SHOP, LEEDS
THEBIRMINGHAM NEWS REPORTS THAT SITE PREPARATION HAS BEGUN FOR THE BASSPRO SHOP IN LEEDS. SITE PREP CAUSED EROSION PROBLEMS IN MOBILE. (SIERRA CLUB HAS URGED CONTROLS BE IN PLACE TO CONTROL RUN-OFF).
Remember to send in articles, photos and happenings to the Newsletter !!
HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON
AND COME CELEBRATE WITH US AT OUR
CHRISTMAS PARTY !
-THE EDITOR
September News:
WELCOME BACK, READERS !
This electronic version of the newsletter has arrived in your email box because you let other members of the Cahaba Group know that it was sorely missed. Thank you, one and all, for speaking up ! This is your newsletter, meant for all of you to use to stay in touch with each other and move the club forward.
That being the case, I know you will all submit details of upcoming activities and outings, projects and committee reports, local happenings and events...in other words, anything that we would all like to be in the know about.
So let's hear from you ! The deadline for this newsletter is the same as for submissions for the State Newsletter. So if you have information which you wish to post here, please get it to me by the 10th of the month for that edition. I will 'copy and paste' your information, so please have it in a format suitable for this type of transfer.
W
-THE EDITOR
************************
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES, SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER:
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE SUPER EVENTS !!!
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 7:00PM
BIRMINGHAM LOCAL FOODS MEETING, ORGANIZER PEGGY GRIFFIN
BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS, HODGES ROOM, FIRST FLOOR
THIS IMPORTANT MEETING WILL KICK OFF THE WORK OF THE BIRMINGHAM
LOCAL FOODS GROUP. HEAR ABOUT SIERRA CLUB'S SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE WORK. CONTACT PEGGY FOR FURTHER INFORMATION (SEE HER EMAIL ADDRESS ABOVE).
SEPTEMBER 25, 7PM
BIRMINGHAM ZOO AUDITORIUM
MONTHLY GENERAL INTEREST MEETING. OUR SPEAKER WILL BE...
WEEKEND, SEPTEMBER 28-30
FISHING EXPEDITION, CAMP MCDOWELL
COME TO THIS RETREAT AND ENJOY FISHING AND FELLOWSHIP !
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. COST $35 GO TO www.alabamasierraclub.org
FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 10-6
ALABAMA'S HERITAGE - WILD AND RURAL ART SHOW
SPRINGVILLE, AL, BLACKWOOD GALLERY
A CREATIVE CELEBRATION OF THE WILD DIVERSITY OF ALABAMA.
30 NOTABLE WILDLIFE ARTISTS DISPLAYING IN A UNIQUE INVIRONMENT.
GO TO www.alabama.sierraclub.org TO LEARN MORE !
WEEKEND, OCTOBER 19-21
ALABAMA SIERRA CLUB RETREAT, COLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI
KICK OFF SPEAKER ON SATURDAY MORNING: DR. JOHN IKERD, UNIVERSITY
OF MISSOURI, AGRICULTURE ECONOMIST. DR IKERD IS A NOTED SPEAKER NATION-WIDE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SMALL FAMILY FARMS. COME JOIN
EVERYONE FOR OTHER PROGRAMS, HIKES, SWIMS, FUN ACTIVITIES. GO TO
www.alabama.sierraclub.org FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION.
AND WAY AHEAD, BUT MOST IMPORTANT :
THE CAHABA GROUP CHRISTMAS PARTY !
DECEMBER 18. 6-9PM
BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS, HODGES ROOM
THIS IS A LOVELY LOCATION FOR A TERRIFIC HOLIDAY CELEBRATION!
WE EVEN HAVE A PATIO FOR THE NIGHT.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR IDEAS THE FOOD ( POTLUCK OR OTHERWISE?), MUSIC AND DECORATIONS. OK, ALL YOU PARTY PEOPLE, LET'S HEAR FROM YOU !
************************
UPCOMING OUTINGS ***
YES, THE WEATHER IS SMILING ON US AGAIN AND WE SHOULD BE THINKING ABOUT HITTING THE CREEKS AND TRAILS ABOUT NOW.
October 6th (Saturday)
Ruffner Mountain
Ruffner Mountain is Birmingham’s natural oasis. It is a 1,011-acre nature preserve in the heart of the city. This will be a 5.5 mile, moderate hike with 1,000-ft elevation gain. The trails we will hike are the Five Mile Trail (only 3.8 miles long), the Quarry Loop (1.2 miles), and the Ridge Trail (1.4 miles). Thick forested areas, cool flowing streams, scenic overlooks and a quarry with fossil remains of ancient sea life are but a few of the characteristics of these trails.
Meet at Ruffner Mt. Nature Center at 9 am and estimated trail time will be @ 4 hours. Directions: From Shelby Co. take I-65 north to I-20. Turn right and take I-20 east. Take the Oporto-Madrid Blvd. exit (#132). Turn left onto Oporto-Madrid Blvd. Go to Rugby Ave. and turn right. Go to 81st Street and turn right. A small brown sign marks the entrance of RMNC. For more, Call Sonja at 205-556-3330 or smath2casa@aol.com
October 19-21, 2007
Annual Chapter Meeting
Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway just outside Columbus, MS
Plymouth Bluff Center is located in a secluded area on a high bluff overlooking the waterway. There are 4 miles of walking trails on site as well as canoeing on a small pond. Nearby parks offer more hiking, boating, biking, fishing, golfing and birding opportunities.A Star Gazing Session is planned for Friday night and A number of other outings are also being planned. Register on line or using the form in the newsletter.
October 26-28, 2007 (Fri.-Sun.)
Hike Mt. LeConte elevation 6593ft.
A trip up to the Smokies to hike Mt. LeConte. We will drive up to the park on Friday and car camp at Elkmont campgrounds. Saturday morning we will rise and hike the Blvd trail (the easiest of all the routes) to the top up to Mt. LeConte, enjoying the fall colors and fragrant smells of the spruce and fir trees. The hike is approximately 8.5 miles with an elevation gain of about 1500ft. Sat. night we’ll cook our own dinner, visit the lodge on top of LeConte and enjoy a fall night gazing at the stars. We will then settle down and sleep at the AT shelter on top of LeConte. We can use the bathrooms and the water source at the lodge. On Sunday morning we will hike back down, pack up the cars and head home.
Trip is limited to eight people and all participants must be leader approved.
If interested let me know soon as we have to do some trip planning i.e. make reservations, plan menus, etc. Contact: Jim Binnings: 205-746-3266 or jbinnings@bellsouth.net.
THANK YOU TO JIM AND lOIS, AND MOST OF ALL, THE LEADERS OF THESE OUTINGS!
****************************
Meet the Authors
Sunday,September 30th, 02:30 pm - 04:00 pm
Dr. Doug Phillips, Ecologist-Educator, DiscoveringAlabama, APT
Roger Reid,Co-Writer/Producer, Discovering Alabama, APT
Location: Ireland Room
Free Event, but registrationrequired by Friday, September 28
Members of BBG and the general public are in for a special treat at BBG!Season after season you have enjoyed Dr. Doug Phillips and his faithful dog Turkey on Emmynominated Discovering Alabama series on Alabama Public Television. They havehiked through Alabama woodlands,exploring our state’s highest peak to our southern gulf coast. Dr. Dougand Roger Reid, co-writer and producer of Discovering Alabama will be makingtwo presentations for your afternoon pleasure: Adventure Just Outside and Discovering Alabama Forests. This is ourchance to get up close and personal with two amazing authors. Following theirpresentations, each will be signing their recently published books. Bring yourcopy for a book signing or purchase your books at BBG during the event. You mayalso check out Discovering Alabama DVDs and videos from our BBG Library. Seetheir website at www. discoveringalabama.org. If thereis enough interest we can meet as a group and go together. For more detailscontact Jim Binnings 205-746-3266 or jbinnings@bellsouth.net
********************************
ANNOUNCEMENTS
JOHN WALKER, MEMBERSHIP CO-CHAIR, ASKS THAT ONE AND ALL PLEASE REMEMBER TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIPS, IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO. ALSO, IF YOU HAVE BEEN COPIED ON THIS EMAIL AND ARE NOT YET A MEMBER, COME JOIN US. JOINING IS EASY...I DID IT BY SIMPLY GOOGLING 'SIERRA CLUB' AND THERE WAS THE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION. ONE ADVANTAGE TO MEMBERSHIP IS A NICE DISCOUNT AT ALABAMA OUTDOORS, AND THE SIERRA MAGAZINE ALONE IS WORTH THE MEMBERSHIP.
*********************************
ENVIRONMENTAL HAPPENINGS IN THE NEWS
SEPTEMBER 1, BIRMINGHAM NEWS:
BELTLINE PLANS UPSET ENVIRONMENTALISTS
THE METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION IS SCHEDULED TO APPROVE THE ALDOT'S 3 YEAR TRANSPORTATION PLAN FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE NORTHERN BELTLINE. AN ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT HAS NOT BEEN DONE FOR THE ENTIRE BELTLINE. ACTIVISTS DO NOT WANT TO BLOCK THE BELTLINE, BUT DO WANT TO HAVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES WELL REVIEWED AND THAT THERE BE A MINIMAL IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT.
SEPTEMBER 5, BIRMINGHAM NEWS:
RIVER GROUPS SUE 2 COMPANIES
BLACK WARRIOR RIVERKEEPER,INC FILED A LAWSUIT AGAINST 2 ALABAMA COMPANIES, CLAIMING THAT THE COMPANIES HAVE POLLUTED WATERWAYS. THOSE COMPANIES ARE ALABAMA BIODIESEL CORP. OF MOUNDVILLE AND METRO RECYCLING, INC WHICH RECYCLES RUBBER TIRES IN BLOUNT COUNTY. FRIENDS OF THE lOCUST FORK JOINED BLACK WARRIOR IN THIS SUIT. BOTH LAWSUITS ASKTHE JUDGE TO FIND THE COMPANIES IN VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL AND ALABAMA WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACTS.
SEPTEMBER 6, BIRMINGHAM NEWS:
GROUPS SUE TO PREVENT DAM ON DUCK RIVER
THE DUCK RIVER IS ONE OF ALABAMA'S UNDAMMED RIVERS. THE DAM IS PLANNED ON THE RIVER NEAR CULLMAN. GROUPS SUING THE US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS ARE THE ALABAMA RIVERS ALLIANCE, BLACK WARRIOR RIVERKEEPER, FRIENDS OF MULBERRY FORK RIVER AND WILD SOUTH, ALONG WITH RIVER USERS NELSON BROOKE, JAMES ROBERTSON AND PAUL PERRET.
DO YOU KNOW OF NEWS WHICH SHOULD BE SHARED? ...PLEASE SEND IT TO THE EDITOR.
**************************
RECENT CAHABA GROUP NOTABLE EVENTS
GENERAL INTEREST MEETING, AUGUST 2007
SPEAKER: SALLY ALLOCA, PEER
SALLY ALLOCCA BRINGS NEWS OF LOCAL FOODS OUTREACH IN EAST LAKE
at August Cahaba Group Meeting
The Cahaba Group Local Foods project members have been working to become more aware of local foods projects in the Birmingham area. On Tuesday evening, August 21, we learned about an exciting community development program in East Lake – called PEER, Promoting Empowerment and Enrichment Resources.
The Reverend Sally Allocca, PEER Director and East Lake Methodist Church minister was the speaker for the meeting. She shared her enthusiasm with us about this program that seeks to sponsor community health events, partners with other service organizations to increase citizen access to services, and promotes community economic development.
Local foods outreach is an important part of all three of these goals. PEER sponsors the East Lake Farmers Market, bringing together farmers who need a market for the produce and citizens who need accessible local food. In an effort to empower people to produce their own food, PEER also sponsors community gardens in the East Lake area. An exciting new service is the Market Basket program, which makes low-cost farmers’ market baskets available. The baskets contain a variety of fresh seasonal produce, recipes, and occasional specialty items such as honey or pastries.
We all left the meeting with a plan to visit the East Lake Farmers’ Market.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
JONES VALLEY URBAN FARM, PARK PLACE, BIRMINGHAM
SPEAKER: EDWIN MARTY, DIRECTOR, JONES VALLEY URBAN FARMS
JONES VALLEY URBAN FARMS HOSTED A TOUR OF THEIR FACILITY FOR 20 INTERESTED FOOD ENTHUSIASTS FROM THE BIRMINGHAM AREA. THE FARM IS LOCATED ON RECLAIMED LAND RIGHT IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN. EDWIN MARTY, DIRECTOR, GAVE AN UNFORGETTABLE PRESENTATION TO THE ENTHUSIASTIC GROUP, WHICH WAS A MIX OF SIERRA CLUB MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS. THE BIRMINGHAM LOCAL FOODS COALITION IS A NEW PROJECT OF THE SIERRA CLUB WITH A FOCUS ON BRINGING SUPPORT TO SMALL FAMILY FARMERS. ONE OF THE FIRST GOALS OF THE GROUP IS TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH PROGRAMS ALREADY TAKING PLACE IN THE VICINITY. AND BREAKFAST OF MUFFINS AND JUICE WAS A CROWD PLEASER. SEE THE PHOTOS OF EDWIN AND PEGGY.
***************************
UPCOMING PROJECTS
COOL CITIES PROGRESS !
JOHN LATHAM, CAHABA CONSERVATION CHAIR REPORTED ON COMMITTEE PLANS AT THE AUGUST GENERAL INTEREST MEETING CONCERNING THE COOL CITIES CAHABA INITIATIVE. THE COMMITTEE HAS SETTLED ON THE MAYOR AND CITY WE WILL FIRST ATTEMPT. JOHN HAS A GOOD STRATEGY FOR HOW TO MAKE THE OPTIMUM APPROACH. GO, JOHN ! (see more about cool cities here)
*************************
That about wraps up the first newsletter. What do you think?
We want this communication to be informative and stimulating. It can be better each month with your contributions, so please send them along. And why not some jokes, folks? Or recipes, photos, etc.
The Editor wishes to thank Peggy Griffin, Lois Lambert and Jim Binnings for their terrific contributions. Can't do it without you guys !
-THE EDITOR
Make Our Cities Cool Cities
The Alabama Chapter of the Sierra Club has developed some materials to help you--yes YOU--talk to your mayor about Cool Cities, the Sierra Club program designed to encourage communities around the U.S. adopt better policies relating to global warming. Information is coming out in the July issue of the Alabama Sierran, but you can get a head start on all the other groups by downloading the information and getting started TODAY. Just visit the following site and download the information. You'll be moving Alabama toward Cooler Cities in no time!
http://alabama.sierraclub.org/coolcities/
Annual Chapter Meeting Scheduled for October 19-21, 2007
The annual chapter retreat will be held jointly this year with the Mississippi Chapter at Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway just outside Columbus, MS. This is approximately 1 hour west of Tuscaloosa, just across the stateline. The weekend of Oct 19-21 will be filled with interesting speakers from both states, covering a variety of topics. A number of outings are also being planned. There will be ample time to network with various Sierra leaders and to form new alliances with groups working on similar issues on the other side of the state line. A star gazing session is planned for Friday night and attempts are being made to have our meals prepared using locally and sustainably grown foods--a long term project of the Alabama Chapter.
Plymouth Bluff Center is located in a secluded area on a high bluff overlooking the waterway. There are 4 miles of walking trails on site as well as canoeing on a small pond. Nearby parks offer more hiking, boating, biking, fishing, golfing and birding opportunities. The city of Columbus, as well as nearby Starkville, are both known for antiquing and their historical antebellum homes.
Motel type lodging and campingwill be available at Plymouth Bluff. Other lodging options are also available in Columbus, less than 10 minutes away. The conference building offers a number of rooms of varying size for different presentations. Some presentations may be made at the outdoor amphitheater or teaching pavilion if the weather cooperates. Registration information should be available next month.
News Archive--click here.
