Annual Holiday Party and Photo Contest
Thursday, December 16th, 6:30pm. Huntsville Public Library
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
Sierra Club 2005 Calendars
The new Sierra Club calendars are in and as usual they are full of spectacular
photos. Wall calendars and appointment calendars are both only $10 and make
great gifts. Get your calendars from Freddie DiPlacido at the December meeting or call her at 533-0651. We also have Sierra daypacks and t-shirts for sale.
Note on the Big Tree Mentioned Last Month
In the notes about the annual retreat last month there is a statement about
hiking to the big Yellow Poplar tree in the Bee Branch drainage in the Bankhead.
This tree is truly awe-inspiring but is not actually the largest tree in
Alabama. It is the largest YP tree, found and measured thus far, but there are a
couple of taller trees (a Swamp Chestnut Oak and an American Beech) and about
eight other species that have larger diameters. The tree with the largest
recorded diameter in Alabama is a Live Oak with a circumference of 384 inches
compared to the Bankhead's YP of 248 inches.
The most current listing of the largest known trees in Alabama is located at the
following website run by the AL Forestry Commission under the program title of
Champion Trees of Alabama. http://www.forestry.state.al.us/champion_trees.htm
American Forests maintains a national listing of biggest trees at
http://www.americanforests.org/
- the Editor, with thanks to a reader
Forever Wild to Purchase Green Mountain Tract
The Forever Wild Board recently voted to go ahead with the purchase of the
Certain property on Green Mountain, the northern tract we have all been worried
about. Thanks to everyone who has attended meetings, written letters and spoken
out in favor of this purchase. Our efforts DO make a difference.
- 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
Biographies for Excom Candidates
Judy Burley
I enjoy hiking and backpacking and am hiking somewhere every weekend. I help
lead the Tuesday night hikes and have led other outings. I am planning on
backpacking the Grand Canyon next May. Next year I am planning several hikes and
backpacks. I am committed to helping to preserve the environment so that there
will be places left that future generations can enjoy.
Sam Denham
I've been a Sierra Club member since 1976 except for a six-year hiatus while
living in exile up north, and a North AL Excom member for about ten years. I try
to attend public meetings on environmental issues and speak for the Sierra Club,
I write letters to government officials and legislators, lead frequent outings
for the club, educate folks about bush honeysuckle and cut a bunch of it, make a
squash casserole now and then, and most of all-actively take part in the life of
the community.
Jack Drost
I’ve been a Sierra Club member here in Huntsville for about a year now, before
that in Hampton Roads and south Louisiana. I’m currently the newsletter editor
and attend most of the Excom meetings. I would like to get more involved on the
state level as we will be facing some tough legislative hurdles in the next four
years.
Doug Horacek
I have been interested in nature since my youth. I moved here seven years ago
from St. Louis where I was an active Member of the Missouri Botanical Garden. In
the past seven years I have been an active member of the Sierra Club, the
Wildflower Society, and the North Alabama Land Trust, and I lead hikes for all
three groups. I have served on the Excom of the Sierra Club for at least four
years. I have served in the programs and conservation areas and supported
conservation by participating in Honeysuckle cleanups. My strong conservation
background is a good reason to consider me as a voting member of the Excom.
Judy Jones
I have been a member of the Sierra Club since 1996, holding the offices of
Outings Chair, Co-newsletter Editor and currently as the ExCom Chair. I believe
in taking care of the environment by preservation and when possible reclamation,
not only for our generation, but for our children and their children, who can
have an opportunity to experience the wonders of nature. We can all do a little
toward this end.
Dave Kostowny
I am currently the Membership chair for the North Alabama Sierra Club. I am an
avid lover of nature, hiking and biking. My experiences include hiking the Grand
Canyon from both the North and South rims, hiking on the Great Wall in China,
BNAFF, Yosemite and Chiricahua. I am currently planning on hiking Copper
Canyon in Mexico in 2005.
I have been a member of the North Alabama Sierra Club for several years and feel
that the club offers unique experiences and opportunities to members. I would
like to continue as Membership Chair and would appreciate your vote.
Bruce Martin
I’ve been a member of the Sierra Club and the local and state executive
committees since 1987. I’ve served as group, conservation, outings, programs,
and vice chair over the years. I continue to support the themes of both the
state chapter and our local groups and have been involved in setting those goals
and implementing them. I think new blood in our decision making body is
absolutely necessary, but I also realize we need the experience and background
knowledge that older officers bring to the process. It prevents us from making
the same mistakes and having to re-invent the wheel each time we kick off a
New Excom.
Liz Poleretzky
I have been a member of the Sierra Club since 1990 and am currently the
publicity chair. In the past I have also served as treasurer and secretary. I
am actively involved in the outings program and hope that through our outings
more people become involved with the club and inspired to help preserve our
natural resources.
December 2004 North Alabama Sierra Club
Executive Committee Ballot
Vote for 5 Excom members from the candidates below
Mail this ballot by December 20th to
North Alabama Sierra Group
PO Box 1893
Huntsville, AL 35807
Or
Bring this ballot to the December 16th meeting/Holiday Party at the Huntsville
Public Library
Single Joint
_____ _____ Judy Burley
_____ _____ Sam Denham
_____ _____ Jack Drost
_____ _____ Doug Horacek
_____ _____ Judy Jones
_____ _____ Dave Kostowny
_____ _____ Bruce Martin
_____ _____ Liz Poleretsky
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.
Friday, Dec 10, Walking Tour of Old Decatur Christmas Lights. Easy. 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).
Tuesday, Dec 14, 6pm. Downtown Evening Hike. Land Trust Office, 907 Franklin
St., Info Liz Poleretzky, (wk)461-5819.
Holiday Party Thursday, Dec 16th 6:30pm. Huntsville Public Library. Bring a
dish and your best outdoor photos. Details on front page.
Saturday, Dec 18, Wade Mountain First Quarter Moon Walk. Easy. Meet at Jade
Palace at 5pm. for dinner before the hike. 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. 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.
Tuesday, Dec 28, 6pm. Downtown Evening Hike. Huntsville Land Trust Office, 907
Franklin St., Info Judy Burley, 883-4267.
Excom meeting Thursday Dec 30, Outings 5:15, Excom 5:45. Info Jack Drost
880-2644.
Friday-Saturday, Dec 31-Jan 1. Silers Bald/New Years Backpack. Moderate. We’ll
travel to the Georgia/North Carolina border for a short trip on the AT – 3 miles
up to the shelter at Silers Bald for an easy day. At midnight we’ll toast in
the New Year on the Bald (hopefully a clear crisp night), then back down to the
cars Saturday morning. Limited to eight participants. Leader approval
required. Bruce Martin 256-725-2168.
Saturday, Jan 1, New Year's Day hike. Moderate. Meet at Sam Denham's on Monte
Sano at 10am for a 6-8 mile hike through Monte Sano State Park. Bring lunch and
water. There will be some elevation changes. 4333 Chickasaw Dr SE. 539-1033(h).
Sunday, Jan 2, Little River Canyon rock-hop/dayhike. Strenuous. Although rated
strenuous because of the rock-hopping, off trail sections, and one creek
crossing, this is the easiest section of the canyon (down the Powell Trail and
up at Eberhard Point). Meet at Winn Dixie on Winchester Rd at 8:30am. Sam
Denham 539-1033(h).
Tuesday, Jan 4, 6pm, Downtown Evening Hike. Huntsville Land Trust Office, 907
Franklin St. Info: Virgil DeStefano, 539-0348.
Saturday-Sunday, Jan 8-9, Hobbs Cabin Backpack. Moderate to Strenuous.
Approximately 18 miles round trip, rated moderate to strenuous due to length.
Contact Liz Poleretzky, hiker@knology.net or 461-5819, for meeting location and
time.
Tuesday, Jan 11, 6pm, Downtown Evening Hike. Huntsville Land Trust Office, 907
Franklin St. Info: Nancy Dudney, 882-9408.
Newsletter Labeling Wednesday, Jan 12, 5:30pm. Barbara Martin's office, Holmes
Ave at Church St. Info: Judy Jones 852-6179 (h).
Outings Leader Training
Saturday, Jan 15, Montgomery, AL
This is a one-day session that will allow you to lead official Sierra Club
outings. Four hours on rules, planning, insurance and the nuts and bolts of
outings leadership, then three hours of Wilderness First Aid training. Begins
at 9:00 AM. Bring lunch. All course materials will be provided. Bruce Martin
256-725-2168.
Saturday, Jan 15, Fiery Gizzard to Ravens Point. Moderate. We will take the
easy way to Ravens Point and eat lunch there. We will have dinner afterwards in
Sewanee or Monteagle, Bring water, lunch, hiking boots and warm clothes. Meet at
Winn-Dixie on Winchester Road at 8:00 A.M. Contact Doug Horacek 772-6788 for
more information.
Sunday, Jan 16, 9:00 Wade Mt. Rock Hop. Moderate. I have found an area that is
particularly beautiful on Wade Mt. and want to explore it some more. Please wear
hiking boots and bring a snack and water. The hike will last approximately 3
hours. Meet at the Wade Mt. Hikers parking lot located on Spraggins Hollow Road.
For more info. Judy Jones at 852-6179 or jfdomina@juno.com.
Tuesday, Jan 18, 6pm, Downtown Evening Hike. Huntsville Land Trust Office, 907
Franklin St. Info: Liz Poleretzky, (wk) 461-5819.
Saturday, Jan 22. Carter Mt hike. Strenuous. Meet at Winn/Dixie parking lot on
Winchester Rd at 8:30 am. Hike will be strenuous, 8-10 miles with elevation
gains, waterfalls and great views. Bring lunch and water. Joette 776-3551.
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.”
Sunday, Dec 26, Wolf Creek / Little River Canyon Dayhike. Cahaba Group.
Strenuous. Burn off that holiday fat on a three to four mile hike down Wolf
Creek from the Rim Road to the floor of Little River Canyon and then upstream.
Expect no trail, huge boulders and logs to climb over, under or around; no
wading should be required but balance and agility a must. Exceptional scenery
and wilderness experience. Meet 8:00 am at the Cracker Barrel Trussville Exit
I-59 Contact Carroll Wilson 205-221- 6196.
March 12-14, 2004. Watershed Leadership Conference.
On March 12-14, the Alabama River's Alliance will host this conference at the
Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville, AL. It is inspiration, training,
planning, and fun for people who care about Alabama's environment. For
information on this conference, call ARA toll-free at 877-862-5260. Joe Wheeler
is a beautiful setting for this very interesting and timely subject.