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2004 Alabama Annual Retreat
Camp McDowell -- Oct 29-31, 2004
The Cahaba Group sponsored the annual Alabama Sierra retreat which was held at Camp McDowell adjacent to the Bankhead Forest, October 29-31. Instead of crisp, cool autumn weather it was warm and muggy, but the 80-plus participants had a good time and left the retreat re-energized to help protect and enjoy Alabamas unique wilderness.
Since the camp borders the Bankhead National Forest, there was easy access to trails for hiking. Outings ranged from explorations of the beautiful canyons and bluff shelters of the Bankhead, to a hike to Bee Branch and the states largest tree. There was plenty of time to catch up with old friends and make new ones over hearty breakfasts and dinners and at the bonfire Saturday night. A number of people were recognized for their service over the past year and just about everyone left with a door prize.
Speakers Saturday included Lamar Marshall who talked about areas in the Talladega and Bankhead Forests which need special designation and other wilderness areas that need protection; Jim Lacefield, author of Lost Worlds in Alabama Rocks, who gave a fascinating presentation on the geological history which created the Alabama mountains and plains; Pete Conroy of Jacksonville State who talked about the exciting things going on in the northeast corner of the state the Little River Canyon Field School, a new observatory at JSU, a planned scenic roadway from Little River Canyon to Cheaha State Park, the rehabilitation of the Fort McClellan complex including some of the best long-leaf pine forests in the US.
Sunday, Jayme Hill, Director of the Alabama Environmental Council spoke about the AECs Dirty Dozen list of Alabamas worst polluters, recycling programs in Birmingham and ADEM reform. The editor of the Mobile Press, Mike Marshall, talked to the audience about how to get effective, attention-grabbing articles in the media to highlight local environmental problems and gather local support. There was more information about the fight to reform ADEM from Mark Johnston, director of Camp McDowell and our host for the weekend.
A long but informative morning concluded with updates from members around the state Peggie Griffin on progress in the sustainable agriculture campaign and the fight against Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations; David Newton on the activities of Sierra Student Alliance groups in Alabama; Joe Copeland on an effort to get an amendment on the state ballot for prorating Alabamas electoral votes; Kevin Marek from the Mobile Bay Group on the opening of the Bartram Canoe Trail through the Mobile-Tensaw Delta; and Margo from the Cahaba group on the success of their Inner City Outings program.
Next year, the West Alabama Group will sponsor the retreat which will be at Camp Sumatanga October 28-30, 2005. If you have not been to a state retreat, please consider making plans for next year. The retreats are fun, informative and by networking with other Sierra members across the state we build a stronger organization.
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Awardees for 2004 |
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ALABAMA CHAPTER SIERRAN OF 2004 F PAUL PERRET
ALABAMA CHAPTER
ALABAMA CHAPTER
ALABAMA CHAPTER
ALABAMA CHAPTER
ALABAMA CHAPTER
ALABAMA CHAPTER
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 The Alabama Chapter of the Sierra Club appreciates the organizers of the retreat including:
John Ackerman |