October Meeting - The American Chestnut Tree
General Meeting Thursday, October 21st, 6:30 p.m. Huntsville Public Library
Dr. Mitchell Burford of the American Chestnut Foundation

"Under the spreading chestnut tree, there we sat just you and me. Oh! what joy it is to be, under the spreading chestnut tree."

A childhood song of long ago reflects the familiarity of the chestnut tree. They are not so familiar anymore. Not since a blight arrived from Asia in the early 1900s. Until the 1930s, the American Chestnut made up 25% of the Eastern forests, dominant in much of the Appalachians, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Cumberland Plateau, the Highland Rim and the Ridge and Valley areas. The fruit was valuable, especially as food for hogs and the wood was valuable as lumber. Billions of trees were lost to the blight of the chestnut tree. The blight attacks the bark and encircles the tree, killing it before it matures. But not all is lost. The roots survive, and they sprout again. There is hope, perhaps cause to sing again. The American Chestnut Foundation is a group whose purpose is to reestablish the chestnut tree. The Alabama Provisional Chapter of that organization is active in our area, and members of that group have established a primary research plot in Muscle Shoals. Dr. Mitchell Burford, a retired pathologist and board member of the Alabama chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation, will present the history, the facts, the hopes and the methods under study for reestablishing this tree that was once vital to our culture. Please come to our October 21 meeting at the library at 6:30. Dr. Burford will speak to us at 7:00. And if on your ramblings in the woods you have encountered what you believe to be a healthy chestnut tree, be sure to tell Dr. Burford about it (it has been known to happen). - Brenda Cummings October 2004

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Vote November 2!

If you are concerned about the environment, the 2004 presidential election is critical. George W. Bush took over as president in 2000 vowing that his administration would use voluntary and incentive-based methods to protect the environment.

In the past four years however, the Bush administration has systematically undermined environmental laws, weakened pollution and public safety standards, cut funding for enforcement agencies and programs, and nominated agency and judicial appointees who are openly hostile to environmental and public health protections.

Despite stating on his website, "When government and landowners and conservationists and others work together, we can make dramatic progress in preserving the beauty and the quality of our environment," (www.georgewbush.com/enviroment) George W. Bush has compiled one of the worst environmental records of any president in the history of the United States. http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/bush_archive.asp

The Sierra Club has formally endorsed Senator John Kerry for president of the United States, citing his outstanding leadership in safe-guarding America's air, water and public lands. Highlights of Kerry's environmental record include:

* Advocating strict enforcement of the Clean Air and Water Acts
* Pushing for restoration of Superfund's trust fund to ensure that polluters, not taxpayers, pay to clean up abandoned waste sites
* Opposed the Bush administration's attempts to allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
* Proposes an energy plan that increases fuel economy to reduce our dependence on oil and supports development of alternative energy sources
* Believes the United States should take the lead in international efforts to cut global warming pollution http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/200409/kerry.asp

The choices we make this election year will affect us for decades to come. In the 2000 election, hundreds of thousands of committed environmentalists did not vote because they did not feel it would make a difference. It has made a huge difference judging by the erosion of environmental protections over the last four years. Your vote does count! Alabama voter registration is open until October 22. If you are not registered to vote, registration cards are available at the public library and at the court house. Register to vote, talk to friends and colleagues and consider volunteering before the election. Together we can make a difference. - the Editor

First Annual Invasive Plant Symposium

Did you ever wonder what all the fuss is about invasive plants and why normally good-natured outdoors folk will rabidly declare war on them with pruning shears, hatchets and even Roundup? Sure, we all know about kudzu, but bush honeysuckle and the seven-sisters rose? How much harm can they really do? Come to the Monte Sano Sate Park Lodge Wednesday, October 27, from 6:00 pm until 8:30 pm.

Learn more about the destructive nature of non-native plants and how to eradicate them. Special guest speaker is Dr. James Miller, research ecologist for the USDA Forest Service and author of the book "Nonnative Invasive Plants of the Southern Forest."

Presentations begin promptly at 6:30 and include a session by Soos Weber about invasive plants at the Hays Preserve and Kent Wilborn speaking on invasive plants in Monte Sano State Park. The keynote speaker, Dr. James Miller, will speak on Alabama's ten worst invasive plant species.

There is no charge but reservations are REQUIRED. For more information or to make reservations, call Andy Prewett at 534-5263 or email to andy@landtrust-hsv.org The workshop is co-sponsored by the Alabama Invasive Plant Council and The Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama.

Nominations Needed for North Alabama Chapter Excom

The North Alabama Chapter of the Sierra Club needs nominations for several members to serve on the executive committee. The executive committee is made up of a dozen active club members who meet monthly to conduct the business of the chapter - getting outings for each month, arranging the monthly meetings, voting on policy for the group, getting the newsletter out to members and acting as contacts for the state and national chapters. If you come to a meeting or an outing once in a while and would like to get more involved, this is your chance. We need your help to keep the North Alabama chapter running. If you have some new ideas and energy to donate, please send a short biography to the editor at drostj@uah.edu by Nov 5 to be published in the next newsletter. Or if you know of someone you would like to nominate, please email their name and a brief bio. We will vote on new Excom members at the December meeting/holiday party and the new members will begin their two-year term in January. Let's keep the North Alabama Sierra Chapter vital and growing - please consider serving by contributing a little time each month to help keep North Alabama wilderness available for all to enjoy. - the Editor

Backpacking Clinic for Inner City Boy Scout Groups

Those of us who grew up in Scouting associate the time with hikes and campouts, learning the hard way what to bring along and what to leave home, how to set up a tent, cook over an open fire and make s'mores the right way. But many kids who live in the city, even a city as small as Huntsville, don't get many chances to get out into the wilderness much less have anyone to teach them how to prepare for a fun weekend out in the woods.

Tom Ross is a Scoutmaster in Huntsville who saw a need and has worked to fill it. He started a program a few years back to bring together troop leaders for inner city troops to enable them to share knowledge and scarce resources to improve the Scouting experience for all the inner city Boy Scouts, many of whom come from homes with no fathers. When Tom started the program he had 35 Scouts and leaders; now he has over 500. Each year this group gets together for a Junior Leader training expo and they would like the North Alabama Sierra Chapter to help out with a backpacking clinic.

The Expo this year will be on Saturday, October 23 from noon until 5:00 at Union Chapel Primitive Baptist Church on Winchester Rd. Bruce Martin and John Allen are looking for volunteers to help demonstrate basic backpacking skills - what kind of food to pack and how to prepare it on the trail, how to pack a backpack, basic gear to bring and what to leave home, camp fire basics, water safety, etc.

If you have some backpacking/camping experience and want to help kids learn about the joy of exploring the wilderness, please consider volunteering for this event. It promises to be busy and fun. For more information or to volunteer, call Bruce Martin 256-725-2168, or John Allen 539-5287. - the Editor

North Alabama Sierra Club - Outings and Events Calendar

Hike Ratings
Easy-Less than 5 miles, no serious elevation changes, no trail obstacles.
Moderate-5 to 10 miles, some elevation changes and/or rough trail (rock hopping), or trail obstacles such as creek crossings.
Strenuous-More than 10 miles, substantial elevation change (1000 ft or more), trail may be rocky, obstructed or nonexistent.
Exploratory-any event that the leader has not experienced before, may fit any class above.

Saturday, Oct 16, Monte Sano Dayhike. - Meet at 10 am, hikers parking lot. 6 mile moderate loop around the mountain. Hike will pass over Logan's Point, through the Stone Cuts, Goat trail to O'Shaughnessy Point and then return. Bring lunch and water. One dollar park usage fee at trailhead. Late timing so that you may participate earlier in the morning Liz Hurley cancer fund 5K run. Email me for 5K run registration (Non- Sierra Club Event). Lee Hollingsworth, 461-3060 days, 520-6659 evening.

Tuesday, Oct 19, 6pm. - Downtown Evening Hike. Huntsville Land Trust Office, 907 Franklin St., Info Judy Burley, 883-4267.

General Meeting. Thursday, Oct 21, 6:30pm Huntsville Public Library. Speaker will be Dr. Mitchell Burford from the American Chestnut Foundation.

Saturday Oct 23, Mt Cheaha Fall Color Dayhike. 8 miles total, from Cheaha trailhead along the ridgeline on the Pinhoti trail to Caney Head. Beautiful panoramic views of the mountains and valleys in their autumn splendor. Then descend on the Chinnabee trail to Turnipseed campsite to reach the shuttle vehicles. Bring water, lunch, sturdy boots or strong ankles. Rated moderate, trail is very rocky. Watch the sunset as we eat dinner at the state park restaurant. Optional campfire and camp overnight, RSVP. Meet 7am Hampton Cove Publix parking lot. Combined outing with Cahaba Group. Lee Hollingsworth, 461-3060 day, 520-6659 eve.

Tuesday, Oct 26, 6pm. Downtown Evening Hike. Huntsville Land Trust Office, 907 Franklin St. Info Virgil DeStefano, 539-0348.

Thursday, Oct 28, Outings meeting 5:15, Excom meeting 5:45. Info Freddie DiPlacido, 533-0651.

Friday, Oct 29-Sunday, Oct 31, State Sierra Club Retreat, Camp McDowell. http://alabama.sierraclub.org/cahaba/retreatschedule.htm

Saturday, Oct 30, Monte Sano Dayhike. 8:30am. Hike the Arrowhead Trail in Monte Sano State Park, and combine it with a brief rock-hop. Highlights: Rock-eating tree, natural well, brilliant yellow sugar maple overstory on the ridge between Hale and McKay Hollows, and the Arrowhead extension trail itself, built by our own Carl Craig and Brenda Cummings. Moderate to strenuous - some off trail. 6 miles, about 4 hours. Bring snack and water. Free beer afterwards in Sam's back yard. Meet at Sam Denham's: 4333 Chickasaw Dr SE. 539-1033(h) 961-0436(w).

Tuesday, Nov 2, 6pm. Downtown Evening Hike. Huntsville Land Trust Office, 907 Franklin St. Info Nancy Dudney, 882-9408.

Saturday, Nov 6, Lake Guntersville State Park Dayhike. Meet 7am at the McDonald's near Publix in Hampton Cove. We will car pool to Lake Guntersville State Park. Hike will last approx. 4 hours and you need H2O and your camera. We will go for a fish dinner after the hike. Info Dave Kostowny, 256-325-2296 or Bruce Martin 256-725-2168.

Tuesday, Nov 9, 6pm. Downtown Evening Hike. Huntsville Land Trust Office, 907 Franklin. Info Bruce Martin, 256-725-2168.

Newsletter Labeling Wed, Nov 10, 5:30pm. Barbara Martin's office, Holmes Ave at Church St. Judy Jones 852-6179 (h).

Thursday, Nov 11 - Sunday, Nov 14. Providence Canyon, Pine Mountain Hike/Carcamp. We will leave Thursday and return Sunday, carcamping three nights at FDR State Park in GA. Hike Providence Canyon 8 to 10 miles on Friday and the Pine Mountain Trail 8 to 10 miles on Saturday. Visitors are often amazed at the breathtaking colors of Providence Canyon. The rare pink, orange, red and purple hues of the soft canyon soil make a beautiful natural painting at this unique park. Scenic Pine Mountain Trail winds through a mix of hardwoods and pines. Deer and other animals such as raccoons, rabbit, fox and turkey are often seen if everyone is quiet. Info Tom Burley at 883-4267 or tdburley@knology.net

Friday, Nov 12, Wade Mountain Astronomy Walk. Meet at Seattle South at 5:30pm for something warm to drink. Bring flash light, binoculars or small telescope and sturdy hiking boots. We will walk up to the glades and look at the stars. Meet at Trail Head at 7:00pm. The trail head of Wade Mountain is at the second curve on the right hand of side of the street or north side of the street on Spragins Hollow Road. To get to Spragins Hollow road take Memorial Parkway North past Winchester Road take a left on Hollow Road that has a Church on the North side then take a right, turn north on Spragins Hollow Road. Call Doug Horacek at 772-6788 for more information.

Saturday, Nov 13, Pinnacle Point Dayhike. Camp Jackson, (Boy Scout), near Scottsboro. Hike is short, but strenuous. Bring lunch, water and your camera to capture one of the most spectacular views in Alabama overlooking the Tennessee River (700 ft. up). Info John Allen, 539-5287.

Sunday, Nov 14, 8am. Monte Sano History Hike. 8 ½ miles - all downhill!! Join us for our yearly history trip on Monte Sano. Visit the Lily Pond, O'Shaughnessy homeplace, Chalybeate Springs, Cold Spring, Railroad Bed, Fagan Springs and end up with a tour of Three Caves. Bring lunch and water, a flashlight, and any stories from early Huntsville you've picked up. Meet at the hikers parking lot on Monte Sano State Park at 8:00am. Rated moderate. Bruce Martin 256-725-2168.

Tuesday, Nov 16, 6pm. Downtown Evening Hike. Huntsville Land Trust Office, 907 Franklin. Info Liz Poleretzky, (wk)461-5819.

Friday, Nov 19-Sunday, Nov 21 Smokies Backpack. Departure Friday 2pm. We'll start at Elkmont, where we'll see the dilapidated structures that the Park has been restricted from demolishing (See http://www.elkmont-gmpa-ea.com/ ). Saturday's mileage will be around 12 miles with options for more. Sunday will be shorter with a total not more than 5 miles unless we get adventurous. Campground stay Friday night. Contact Steven Baty, 489-0990.

Tuesday, Nov 23, 6pm. Botanical Gardens Galaxy of Lights Hike. Huntsville Botanical Gardens, Bob Wallace Ave. just west of Jordan Lane. This is a no-cars night for the Galaxy of Lights, a wonderful light show of Christmas decorations throughout the gardens. Info Judy Burley, 883-4267.

Other Outings "The following activities are not sponsored or administered by the Sierra Club. Sierra Club has no information about 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."

North Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitators Fall Festival, Saturday, Oct 23. Monte Sano State Park Amphitheater. 9:00am-5:00pm. Activities and crafts for kids, raffles, information booths, vendors, art exhibits, food, animals, bands, pet adoptions. Music starts at 1:00pm. $5 adults, $3 children, $2 discount with a bag of pet food. Leashed pets welcome. Information or to volunteer, Michelle Nocosel 337-7961. www.northalabamawildliferehab.org.

North Alabama Birdwatchers Society, Wheeler Refuge Outings. Best place in North Alabama to view migrating waterfowl coming here to overwinter. Info, Ken Ward 837-5646 (Nov 13) or Dick Bruer 772-0411 (Nov 20). www.tvas.org/nabs.html

Wednesday, Oct 27, Lunar Eclipse viewing at Hays Nature Preserve. With Von Braun Astronomical Society. Gates open at 7pm. US 431 South past Hampton Cove. Info, Soos Weber 427-5116. www.vbas.org