Not only that, he has been assistant manager at three Alabama State Parks–Chewacla, Eufala, and Gulf state parks, where he was also Camp Ground Manager. He is presently a member of the property management committee for the Landtrust of Huntsville and North Alabama. A member of the Wildflower Society, The Nature Conservancy and Sierra Club, Jerry takes lots of nature pictures. "Sierra hikes," he says, "are too fast to get good pictures."
He will share some of his pictures with us (and show us what we’ve been missing!) at our May 19 meeting, upstairs in the 3rd floor lounge at the downtown library. He promises frogs, birds, butterflies, dragon flies; call it "Spiders, Snakes and Other Creatures." Join us in sharing for an evening Jerry Green’s vision of nature as captured by his digital camera.
- Brenda Cummings
VBAS Fights Light Pollution in New Neighborhoods
“Preserving the beauty of our dark skies conserves energy and natural resources, and protects the natural environment of nocturnal wildlife.” This was a quote in a letter circulated by the Von Braun Astronomical Society recently. The letter accompanied a petition to the Madison County Commission encouraging them to require the installation of shielded street light fixtures in all new subdivisions. The goal of the petition is to stop the spread of poorly designed partially shielded uncontrolled outdoor lighting into new subdivisions. Fully shielded street light fixtures, for example, will help eliminate the waste of energy that generates light pollution, and hazardous glare.
The VBAS believes that shielded street lights have four major benefits to the community:
- Reduction of light pollution since the light is directed towards the ground and not up into the sky
- Focused light creates prettier, safer and more desirable neighborhoods
- Up to 50% reduction in energy usage by street lights: since more of the light is focused on the ground lower wattage bulbs can be used
- Up to 50% reduction in operating costs to the taxpayer since lower wattage bulbs can be used
For more information about the VBAS and their attempt to reduce the glare from street lights and preserve the ability to view the night sky and its stars and constellations, check the following link from the VBAS website http://www.vbas.org/darksky/letter1.cfm
Or contact Richard Norman at rnorman@hiwaay.net
- the Editor
Questions?
Web page - email natberry@yahoo.com or call Nat Berry at
256-461-8107.
Want the newsletter by email? Email Tom Burley at
tdburley@knology.net.
Newsletter questions or comments - Email the editor at
JDinHSV@aol.com
Sign-up a new member contest
Looking for a way to help the Sierra Club and raise a little cash for that new camp stove? Starting June 1, 2005 we will have a new member sign-up contest. This contest is not intended for renewals, but only for signing up new members. The winner will receive a cash prize of $100.00. The period of the contest is from June 1, 2005 thru June 1, 2006.
The membership coordinator will be keeping statistics on this contest and all new checks ($25.00) must be mailed to him. Send all checks for this contest to:
David Kostowny
116 Pebblebrook Circle, Madison, AL 35758.
Phone: 325-2296.
E-mail: divadlk@msn.com
We’ll be looking for a lot of new members in the coming months!
- Dave Kostowny
TV Weathermen Promote Healthy Watershed
People in Montgomery and Mobile have been learning about watersheds when they watch the local weather broadcasts on WSFA-Channel 12 and WKRG-Channel 5. Meteorologists at these stations have been participating in an educational project sponsored by ADEM to educate the public about nonpoint source pollution and its impact on the watersheds in Alabama.
This educational effort aims to foster changes in the behavior of citizens and to emphasize the water quality benefits that can be achieved when citizens throughout an entire watershed make minor adjustments to their day-to-day activities. The goal is for local residents to be better informed about the causes of nonpoint source pollution, as well as other environmental issues, and to learn how their lifestyle can contribute to, and more importantly prevent, water quality impairments. The project is targeting broadcast meteorologists since they have the ability to reach large segments of the Alabama population on a nightly basis.
The project also includes web sites which will provide updates on environmental issues that affect the watersheds. The web sites include a variety of graphics and visualizations that viewers can utilize to identify the watershed within which they live. There is interactive satellite imagery so citizens can view an outline of their local watersheds, types of forest cover, and other features. Furthermore, the web-sites include links to real-time information such as stream flow, groundwater and surface water quality information (where available) from the US Geological Survey and any locally available environmental observations that could be linked to the sites. To view one of these websites, go to http://wkrg.iewatershed.com/ or http://wsfa.iewatershed.com/
ADEM is currently working to provide this educational opportunity to citizens in the Birmingham and Huntsville areas in 2005. If you would like additional information on this project please contact Ms. Patti Hurley with the ADEM Office of Education and Outreach at (334) 394-4350.
- the Editor
Sierra Club Announces 2005 Election Results
Sierra Club members turned out in historic numbers this year to elect five of their peers to the 112-year-old environmental organization's Board of Directors and to reject a ballot initiative that would have forced the group to support restrictions on immigration. Over fifteen percent of the Club's membership returned 122,308 ballots – the second highest in the Club's recent history – and defeated the anti-immigration measure by more than a 5 to 1 margin.
Sierra Club President Larry Fahn said the strong turnout was the mark of an engaged and informed membership. "At a time when many of America's basic democratic values are under attack, we're proud of the fact that we walk the walk when it comes to public participation," stated Fahn. "The five members elected to our Board of Directors all have distinguished records of service on crucial environmental issues in the Club and in their communities."
Regarding the resounding defeat of the anti-immigration measure, Fahn added, "Our members have once again displayed great wisdom and made their views perfectly clear. Now we can put our focus back where it is needed most, into strengthening communities and building alliances to protect our environment for our families and our future." - Sierra Club website
2005 ExCom Members
Chair - Judy Jones 852-6179
Vice Ch/Treas. Sam Denham 539-1033
Web Page - Nat Berry 461-8107
Newsletter editor - Jack Drost 880-2644
Membership - Dave Kostowny 325-2296
Conservation - Bruce Martin 256-725-2168
Outings - Lee Hollingsworth 461-3060
Publicity - Liz Poleretzky 461-5819
Programs Logistics Coordinator
- Doug Horacek 772-6788
Secretary – Judy Burley 883-4267
Fund Raising - Freddie DiPlacido 533-0651
Tuesday Hikes - Nancy Dudney 882-9408
Programs - Brenda Cummings 881-7447
General Meeting – New Location
North Alabama Sierra Club - Outings and Events Calendar
Thursday, May 19, 6:30pm. Huntsville Public Library – Upstairs on the 3rd floor. Jerry Green will share his photos of Spiders, Snakes and Other Creatures. Oh My!
Saturday, May 14, Little River Canyon Rockhop. Strenuous. Be prepared to get wet as we walk up through part of Alabama's greatest canyon. Bring lunch, water, hat, sunscreen, and change of clothes for trip back to Huntsville. Strenuous because of rock hopping, leader approval required. Meet at 8:30am downtown at Garden Cove, corner of Pratt and Meridian. Sam Denham 539-
1033(h), 961-0436(w).
May 14-21, Natchez Trace Bicycle Trip. Strenuous. Join us for the annual 440-mile trek from Nashville to Natchez. Sag wagon equipped. You must have your own bicycle and camp gear. We'll travel as a group and stop every 10-15 miles for breaks and snacks. Cost is $150 per person plus pocket cash for T-shirts, laundromats, and a couple of restaurant meals. Sag, campgrounds, food and permits all included. Limited to 10 people. Bruce Martin 256-725-2168.
Tuesday, May 17, 6pm, Mountain Evening Hike. Meet at the Monte Sano Hiker's Parking Lot. Info: Liz Poleretzky (wk) 461-5819.
Sunday, May 22, Rainbow Mt. Dayhike. Easy. Meet at 2pm at Rainbow Mountain Trail head. Bring water, insect repellent, and sturdy hiking boots. Contact Doug Horacek 772-6788 for more information.
Tuesday, May 24, 6pm, Mountain Evening Hike. Meet at the Monte Sano Hiker's Parking Lot. Info: Nancy Dudney 882-9408.
Excom meeting
Thursday May 26, Outings 5:15, Excom 5:45. Info Dave Kostowny, 325-2296.
Saturday, May 28, Monte Sano Dayhike. Moderate. Join us for an 8-mile moderate hike on Monte Sano. Meet at the hikers parking lot in the State Park, bring lunch and water. We’ll end at Burritt Museum and be shuttled back to the hikers parking lot. Bruce Martin 256-725-2168.
Sunday, May 29, Elk River Canoe trip. Moderate. We will meet at Tims Ford Dam at Noon. Bring your own canoe or kayak or call to ask if someone could use a partner. Everyone that wants to come should contact Freddie by Friday at 533-0651 or freddip@bellsouth.net. Or you might reach Freddie at the lake at 931-968-6322 on Saturday or Sunday morning.
Monday, May 30, Memorial Day Lake Party in Tennessee. Easy and Fun! 11 am until. Bring picnic lunch/supper (gas grill and bonfire provided). 5 mile hike around 1:30 pm (easy). Directions: Winchester Rd to Tennessee, continue to Huntland, TN and take a left when road deadends. Go about 2 miles and turn right onto Hwy 64, go to Winchester, TN and turn right onto Hwy 16 south. Continue about 10 miles and turn left onto Jehovah Jireh Lane (between mile markers 22 and 23). Follow gravel drive to lake. Canoe, paddle boat, swimming, hiking, kayaking available. Info: Joette 776 -3551 before Saturday, May 28th.
Tuesday, May 31, 6pm, Mountain Evening Hike. Meet at the Monte Sano Hiker's Parking Lot. Info: Judy Burley, 883-4267.
Saturday, June 4, Lake Guntersville State Park Dayhike. Moderate. Meet at Hampton Cove Publix Parking lot at 9am. We will hike the state park perimeter trails. The plan is then to stop and have dinner at the Top o' the River. Please bring lunch and plenty of water. Hiking boots are recommended. For more info contact Judy J at 256-852-6179 or jfdomina@juno.com.
Sunday, June 5, Work Party!! We’ll be back on the Land Trust property for a new attack on the Bush Honeysuckle problem. Bring gloves, clippers, or bow saws for our new offensive. Rated hard work but necessary. Refreshments provided. Meet at the trailhead beside Toll Gate apartments. 3 hours. Bruce Martin 256-725-2168.
Tuesday, June 7, 6pm, Mountain Evening Hike. Meet at the Monte Sano Hiker's Parking Lot. Virgil DeStefano, 539-0348.
Newsletter Labeling
Wednesday, June 8, 5:30pm. Barbara Martin's office, Holmes Ave at Church St. Info: Judy Jones 852-6179 (h).
Saturday-Sunday, June 11-12, Sipsey Backpack or Dayhike. Moderate. Meet at 8am at Hardees on South Memorial Parkway. We will hike 8 miles and camp for the night. If you want to come just for the day please join us. For more info call Bruce Martin at 256-725-2168
Thursday-Sunday, June 9-12, AT Backpack Max Patch to Hot Springs, NC. Moderate. Max Patch is a favorite trail with hikers. It is a gentle climb across the southernmost bald on the Appalachian Trail to its grassy summit at 4,629 feet. During the warmer seasons, the trail abounds with wildflowers. The northern segment travels 20 miles to the town of Hot Springs. We will depart on Thursday at 7:30 am and take a shuttle to Max Patch. We will spend Saturday night at the Hot Springs Campground on the French Broad River with a one hour soak in the mineral hot springs. The cost will be $27.00 per person and the group size is limited to ten. Call Tom Burley at 883-4267 or email tdburley@knology.net no later than June 2nd.
Tuesday, June 14, 6:00pm, Mountain Evening Hike. Meet at the Monte Sano Hiker's Parking Lot. Info: Bruce Martin, 256-725-2168.
Saturday, June 18, 12th Annual Pisgah Gorge Hike/Rockhop. Strenuous. Waterfalls, boulders big as houses, spiders big as dinner plates, swimming, ticks, snakes, poison ivy, everything! The most beautiful scenery in Alabama is worth it! Leader approval required. This hike is too strenuous for dogs; so no dogs, please! Sam Denham 539-1033(h), 961-0436(w).
Friday-Sunday, June 24- 26, Car Camp / Day Hike Cherokee National Forest. Moderate. Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest is a place of scenic beauty that provides opportunities for anyone interested in nature and history. We will depart on Friday, June 24 at 11:00 am and drive to the Chilhowee Campground where we will spend the night. We will hike 10 to 12 miles on Saturday and return to the campground Saturday night. We will return on Sunday. The campground has toilets and showers and will cost $6.00 per person per night plus a $3.00 day use fee. Rated exploratory. Contact Tom Burley at 883-4267 or tdburley@knology.net
Other Outings / Events
“The following activities are not sponsored or administered by the Sierra Club. The Sierra Club has no information about the planning of these activities and makes no representations or warranties about the quality, safety, or supervision or management of such activities. They are published only as a reader service because they might be of interest to the readers of our newsletter.”
Bicycle Across Magnificent Alabama, June 4-11. Seven days, 400 miles, 100 riders max, $250. This year we'll be cycling around Mobile Bay: Bayou La Batre, Ft Morgan, Fairhope, Pensacola, Bay Minette, and Mobile. More info and registration www.bikebama.com, Sam Denham, treasurer, B.A.M.A. 2005, 539-1033(h), 961-0436(w).