General Meeting. Thursday, Nov 18, 6:30pm Huntsville Public Library. Speaker will be Caroline Kelly, Marketing Director of Burritt on the Mountain..
State Retreat Muggy But Productive
The Cahaba Group sponsored the annual Alabama Sierra retreat which was held at Camp McDowell adjacent to the Bankhead Forest, Friday-Sunday, 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 Alabama's unique wilderness.
Since the camp borders the Bankhead there was easy access to trails for hiking. Due to popular demand, there were fewer meetings on Saturday and more time for outings which ranged from explorations of the beautiful canyons and bluff shelters of the Bankhead to a hike to Bee Branch and the state's 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 AEC's “Dirty Dozen” list of Alabama's 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. Mark started the movement which has turned into the ADEM Reform Coalition when strip-mining next to Camp McDowell threatened to pollute the area.
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 KFO's; 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 Alabama's electoral votes; Kevin from the Mobile chapter 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. 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. - the Editor
Trouble accessing our WebPages? Email natberry@yahoo.com or call Nat Berry at 256-461-8107.
Want to get the newsletter by email? Email Tom Burley at tdburley@knology.net.
Questions, comments? Email the editor at JDinHSV@aol.com
North Alabama Chapter Excom Elections
Excom elections are coming up and we need YOU. Please show your support of the Sierra Club by joining the Excom staff who are responsible for getting the outings, newsletter, minutes, programs, etc together for the Sierra Club. The members of the Excom represent the hub of the wheel and are essential for our chapter's continuance. Please send a short biography to Jack Drost, the editor, drostj@uah.edu. Elections will be held in December. You may also nominate others for election to the Excom.
The Excom has positions open for a secretary and a contact for political issues. We can also use members to help plan outings and take care of other chapter business.
This election is just to see who will have a vote at the Excom meetings. There is a limited number (9) who can vote. If you are interested in joining the Excom, you can be a non-voting member and this is just as essential and necessary as the voting members. There are currently 15 members on the Excom, only 9 are voting members. If you run for the Excom, we need you whether you are elected for a voting position or not. Your interest is very important to us, so please submit your bio today. --- Thanks, Joette Carter
Annual Holiday Party and Photo Contest
We'll be celebrating the holidays at our annual get together December 16 at the downtown library meeting room. We'll provide the turkey, ham and drinks - you bring a covered dish to share. We usually end up with plenty of desserts, so some vegetable dishes would be appreciated.
Also, we'll have our photo contest for outdoor photographers. Enter as many as you wish. Categories are:
- People on outings
- Animals in the wild
- Flowers, leaves and Mother Nature
- Awe-inspiring views
Hope to see everyone there! - Bruce Martin
Possibility of Combined State Newsletter
Newsletter editors from around the state met at the retreat to discuss the possibility of combining all the chapter newsletters into one small monthly newspaper. Pros and cons were discussed and a couple of the editors will attend a workshop at the national office to see how other states do their newsletters and how well a single state newsletter has worked for them. Dave Newton, the state chapter newsletter editor, is getting price quotes for printing and mailing a state-wide newspaper.
Pros:
- Informs the whole state of Alabama environmental issues and could give us a stronger political front (very important after the recent election)
- Less work for the individual groups
- Easier to see and join upcoming outings for the entire state
- Possibly cheaper than the current system
Cons:
- Deadline for news and outings will be about two weeks earlier
- Loss of local focus and control
Local groups would still need an editor to compile local news and outings and send them to the state editor. The state editor would then compile the outings and news for the entire state and forward the copy to a printer. A mailing house would then label and mail the newspapers.
The newspaper would be about 8 pages (and could be longer when necessary) which should be plenty of room for all of our outings and news.
The North Alabama Excom would like to have your input on the idea of a single state newspaper. Please email the editor with your comments (drostj@uah.edu) or call one of the Excom members. We will also discuss this at the general meetings. - the Editor
Renew Your Sierra Membership Today!
Have you renewed your Sierra Club membership this year? The Sierra Club depends on dues from it's members for all the work that goes on to protect the wilderness areas in which you hike and camp. Please take this opportunity to renew if you have not already done so. For information about how to renew, you can contact Dave Kostowny, Membership chair for the North Alabama Group at 325-2296. Keep in mind that if you renew on an outing, the North Alabama Group retains a portion of your renewal fee for support of the local chapter.
If you have never joined the Sierra Club but come along on our outings, please consider joining. New members who join during a club-sponsored outing not only pay a reduced fee, but also get their choice of a Sierra t-shirt, ball cap or backpack. - the Editor
A New Southern Hiking Magazine
A new publication designed specifically for walkers, hikers, and backpackers in the Southeast, “Southern Hiker”, is preparing to hit the newsstands.
The bi-monthly publication will be geared strictly toward the Southern hiker with feature trail destinations that include not only trail maps and descriptions but also the area's history, events and attractions, even recommendations for the best accommodations and restaurants. The magazine will also feature product and gear reviews, event and activity calendars, interviews and profiles, articles and features on environmental issues that are facing the South.
Southern Hiker is being developed by Joe Cuhaj, the author of articles and several books on hiking and canoeing in the south including Hike Alabama and Paddling Alabama.
The first issue is scheduled for publication December 2004. For more information, check the website, http://www.SouthernHiker.com , or contact Joe Cuhaj at 251-533-1812 or at southernhiker@bellsouth.net. - the Editor
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
Political - John Allen 539-5287
At Large - Doug Horacek 772-6788
Secretary - Joette Carter 776-3551
Fund Raising - Freddie DiPlacido 533-0651
At Large - Nancy Dudney 882-9408
Programs - Brenda Cummings 881-7447
At Large - Rick Riquelmy 881-0786
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 the leader has not experienced before, may fit any class above.
North Alabama Sierra Club - Outings and Events Calendar
Saturday, Nov 13, Pinnacle Point Dayhike. Camp Jackson, (Boy Scout), near Scottsboro. Meet 10:00am at the Winchester Rd. Winn-Dixie. 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 ˝ 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 stories you have about early Huntsville. 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.
General Meeting. Thursday, Nov 18, 6:30pm Huntsville Public Library. Speaker will be Caroline Kelly, Marketing Director of Burritt on the Mountain..
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.
Saturday, Nov 20, 8:30am. Wild Flower Trail Hike. Approximately 5 miles and one of my favorites. At this time of year there probably won't be a lot of wild flowers, but there will be a variety of elevation changes and of course, it is wonderful to be out communing with Mother Nature. Bring water and a snack. Hiking boots recommended. Rated Moderate. Meet at the Landtrust Parking Lot. Info. Judy Jones 256-852-6179 or jfdomina@juno.com Monday, Nov 22, Outings meeting 5:15, Excom meeting 5:45. Info Sam Denham, 539-1033.
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.
Friday, Nov 26, 9am. Walk off the Turkey Hike. 5 miles, rated easy. Bring a turkey sandwich and water. Meet at Monte Sano State Park hikers parking lot. Bruce Martin 256-725-2168.
Tuesday, Nov 30, 6pm. Downtown Evening Hike. Land Trust Office, 907 Franklin St., Info Virgil DeStefano, 539-0348
Saturday, Dec 4, Pigeon Mountain Dayhike. Drive to this Georgia offshoot of Lookout Mt. near Mentone for an 8-mile dayhike on the Pocket trail. Rated strenuous due to 1200ft elevation gain. MacLemore Cove rivals Cades Cove for beauty but is closer and not very well known. Bring lunch and water. Eat supper at buffet in Trenton, GA on the way back. Meet at 8am at Garden Cove downtown at Pratt and Meridian. Sam Denham 539-1033(h), 961-0436(w).
Sunday Dec 5, Honeysuckle jihad, 1pm- 5pm. Jihad! Join us for our next assault on the Bush Honeysuckle infestation on the Land Trust/Heritage of Monte Sano. Meet at the trailhead on Toll Gate Road. Bring gloves, cutting shears, machetes or just show up to work and we'll furnish your equipment. Rated Hard Work, But Necessary. Bruce Martin 256-725-2168.
Tuesday, Dec 7, 6pm. Downtown Evening Hike. Huntsville Land Trust Office, 907 Franklin St., Info Nancy Dudney, 882-9408
Newsletter Labeling Wed, Dec 8, 5:30pm. Barbara Martin's office, Holmes Ave at Church St. Judy Jones 852-6179 (h).
Friday, Dec 10, Walking Tour of Old Decatur Christmas Lights. Meet at 5:30pm at Captain D's, Hwy 20 in Madison, or 6pm at downtown Decatur Library. Dinner at trendy Decatur restaurant afterwards. Rain date Dec 11th. Sam Denham 539-1033(h), 961-0436(w).
Saturday, Dec 11, Fort Mountain Dayhike, Optional Carcamp. Fort Mountain derives its name from an ancient 855-foot-long rock wall which stands on the highest point of the mountain. The mysterious wall is thought to have been built by Indians as fortification against other more hostile Indians or for ancient ceremonies or perhaps by the so called mooneye people. Some of the most beautiful trails in northern Georgia wind through hardwood forest and blueberry thickets, occasionally crossing streams and providing spectacular vistas. Hike 10 to 12 miles, rated moderate. Optional carcamp Saturday night at the park campground. Meet at Winn Dixie on Winchester Road at 7:00 a.m. For further information contact Tom Burley 883-4267 or tdburley@knology.net
Tuesday, Dec 14, 6pm. Downtown Evening Hike. Land Trust Office, 907 Franklin St., Info Liz Poleretzky, (wk)461-5819.
Saturday, Dec 18, Wade Mountain First Quarter Moon Walk. Meet at Jade Palace at 5pm. for dinner before hiking up by the light of the first quarter moon. Bring flashlight, sturdy hiking boots, binoculars or small telescope. Meet at Trail Head of Wade Mt. at 6:30pm. We will walk the glades looking at stars and enjoying the first quarter moon light. Memorial Parkway North past Winchester Rd, turn left at the bottom of the hill on Hollow Road; there is a church on the north side of the street. Then turn right on Spragins Road. There is a sign. The trail head is on the second curve on the right hand or north side of the street on Spragins Hollow Road. Info, Doug Horacek, 772-6788. Tuesday, Dec 21, 6pm. Christmas Lights Hike. Meet at Huntsville Land Trust Office, 907 Franklin St., Info Bruce Martin, 256-725-2168.
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."
Saturday, Nov 20, 9am-noon. Trail Work Day, Hays Nature Preserve. We will be trimming privet and installing trail signs. Mountain bikers, hikers and horseback riders are all invited. Bring lopping shears, chain saws and work gloves. More info, call Soos Weber, 427-5116.
Alabama Hiking Trail Society Events: Nov 20-23, Pinhoti Trail Work. Camp at Cheaha State Park.
Nov 24-28, Pinhoti Trail Turkey Strut. Series of five one-day hikes, 38 miles total. Camp at Cheaha State Park.
Thursday, Dec 9, Trail Mapping of Shoals Area trails. 5:30pm at Alabama Outdoors.
Dec 11-12, Backpack Workshop, Claude D. Kelly State Park.
For info about these events, contact Rick Guhse, 334.301.2538 rguhse@hotmail.com http://www.alabamatrail.com Click on Activities.