Fall in Maine on the Appalachian Trail
Our own Bruce Martin, hiker, backpacker, conservationist, and pillar of the organization, will give November's program. He has chosen to present "October in Maine, on the Appalachian Trail." We will view the rugged, rocky terrain and the challenging Mount Katadin in full, fall foliage. Bruce will enthrall us with full details of his hike and answer our questions. Hmmmm. Maybe a good idea for a North Alabama group hike for 06?
Also, Paul Wieland will be talking about the local recycling situation. He has some ideas to discuss to promote recycling related to the recent change of city garbage service from twice to once weekly.
This will be a really good meeting – please come!
- – Brenda Cummings
Looking For a Few Good Excom Members
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 . Biographies for candidates along with a ballot will be in the December newsletter.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.
-The Editor
Questions?
Web page – Call Steven Baty 489-0990
Want the newsletter by email? Email Tom at
Newsletter questions or comments - Email the editor at
drostj@bellsouth.net
New Members Wanted!
The new member contest is still under way! Remember, the club member who signs up the most new recruits will receive a cash prize of $100.00.
All new checks ($25.00) should be mailed to:
David Kostowny
116 Pebblebrook Circle, Madison, AL 35758.
Phone: 325-2296. E-mail: divadlk@msn.com
Join the Sierra Club or Renew your Membership for $25
Name______________________________________________
Address____________________________________________
City/State____________________________Zip____________
Phone___________________Email______________________
Contributions, gifts and dues to the Sierra Club are not tax deductible; they support our effective citizen-based advocacy and lobbying efforts. Your dues include $7.50 for a subscription to Sierra magazine and $1.00 for your chapter newsletter.
Enclose check and mail to:
David Kostowny
116 Pebblebrook Circle
Madison, AL 35758.
How Do You Recycle a Computer?
Do you have an old computer that you don't know
what to do with? Now computers can be recycled locally. Technology Recycling, at 9540 Madison Blvd. in Madison, west of Wall Triana near Glenn Harmon Blvd (the access road to the airport), accepts computers and monitors for recycling. They also accept TVs, though there is a charge to recycle TVs. Call 464-7985 for more information.
We will be collecting computers at the November 17 Sierra Club meeting for recycling.
- Paul Wieland
New State Program for Rare Fish and Mussels
According to the Montgomery Advertiser, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is setting up a program that will try to recover more than 60 species of fish, mussels and snails into waterways within the Mobile River Basin. The project's goals are to clean waterways as well as repopulate endangered and imperiled species. The Department has hired one of the nation's most qualified malacologists, Paul Johnson, former director of the Tennessee Aquarium Research Institute. He will be based at the Marion State Fish Hatchery in Perry County. "This is an effort by the state to do some recovery work to keep many of these animals off the endangered species list," Johnson said in the October 11th Advertiser article. "These (freshwater) ecosystems in the Southeast are particularly rich, but the extinction rate we've seen over the last 100 years is estimated to be the second highest of any ecosystem on the planet. Tropical rainforests are No. 1, but guess who's No. 2?" In Alabama, there have been 175 species of mussels - 32 of which are extinct and 40 endangered, stated Johnson.
- Bama Environmental News, Oct 27, 2005 #252
Proposed Interstate to Run Through the Smokies
A proposed interstate highway, I-3, from Savannah, Georgia to Knoxville, Tennessee is causing a lot of controversy in the areas through which it will run. As proposed in the newly signed transportation bill, the new interstate would cut through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. The interstate is being pushed by Georgia congressmen as a way to improve the status of the port of Savannah and relieve traffic congestion in Atlanta. A bill initially calling for a $400,000 study of the proposed interstate tripled overnight during transportation budget talks to a total of $1.3 million in the final transportation bill.
Opponents claim the interstate would ruin the cultural fabric of rural communities and the environment, while supporters claim it will bring needed economic development to Clay, Cherokee and Graham counties. A meeting last month in Murphy attracted 300 people, most against the interstate judging by the “Stop I-3” T-shirts, hats and stickers and nearly unanimous applause that followed negative comments made about the project.
Discussion largely focused on how the planning process will work and ways to get involved. Many were hopeful that the government would conduct a feasibility study of a proposed route, a formal process that involves a steering committee and public input.
To find out more about the proposed interstate and the protests about it, go to www.stopi-3.org
- The Editor
2005 ExCom Members
Chair Judy Jones 852-6179
Vice Ch/Treas. Sam Denham 539-1033
Conservation Bruce Martin 256-725-2168
Fund Raising Freddie DiPlacido 533-0651
Membership Dave Kostowny 325-2296
Newsletter Jack Drost 880-2644
Outings Lee Hollingsworth 461-3060
Publicity Liz Poleretzky 461-5819
Programs Brenda Cummings 881-7447
Programs Logistics Coordinator
Doug Horacek 772-6788
Secretary Judy Burley 883-4267
Tuesday Hikes Nancy Dudney 882-9408
Web Page Steven Baty 489-0990
General Meeting
Thursday November 17, 6:30pm. Downtown Library auditorium.
Bruce Martin will talk about hiking the Appalachian Trail in Maine.
Tuesday, Nov 15, 6:00pm - Downtown Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at Huntsville Land Trust Office, 907 Franklin St. Leader: Bruce Martin, 256-725-2168.
Saturday, Nov 19 - Pinhoti Trail Construction. Strenuous. Help build the trail that will eventually connect Alabama's Blue Ridge Mountains to the AT in Georgia. Bring loppers, lunch, water, and work gloves. Other tools provided. Free early supper afterwards for everyone who shows up! Call Sam Denham for meeting time and place. 539-1033(h), 961-0436(w).
Sunday, Nov 20 - Cloudland Canyon hike. Moderate. Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, this is one of the most scenic parks in the state. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek, and elevation differs from 800 to 1,980 feet. We will first hike to the bottom of the gorge where there are two waterfalls cascading into pools below. We will then hike the 6 mile rim trail which should provide some spectacular vistas. Meet at the old Winn Dixie on Winchester Road at 8:30am. Contact Judy Burley at 883-4267 or jcburley@knology.net
Tuesday, Nov 22, 6:00pm – Downtown Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at Huntsville Land Trust Office, 907 Franklin St. Leader: Bruce Martin, 256-725-2168.
Friday, Nov 25 – Walk Off the Turkey Hike. Moderate. Yeah, we all pigged out at the Thanksgiving celebrations, so burn off a few of those calories on a moderate 5-mile hike through Monte Sano state park. Bring a turkey sandwich and water. Meet at the hikers parking lot at 9:00 AM. Bruce Martin 256-725-2168.
Tuesday, Nov 29, 6:00pm - Downtown Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at Huntsville Land Trust Office, 907 Franklin St. Leader: Liz Poleretsky, (wk) 461-5819.
Excom Meeting
Thursday, Dec 1 - Outings 5:15, Excom 5:45. Liz Poleretsky, 461-5819.
Saturday, Dec 3 - Guntersville State Park. Moderately Strenuous. Lets check out the lower half of the park, hiking 8 to 10 miles, beginning and ending at the Tom Bevill trailhead. Meet at the Super Wal-Mart gas station on South Parkway, Hsv, at 7:50am to carpool. Bring water, lunch and good hiking shoes. Sandy Kiplinger 256/498-1023 (w) or slkip@mindspring.com.
Tuesday, Dec 6, 6:00pm - Downtown Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at Huntsville Land Trust Office, 907 Franklin St.
Leader: Nancy Dudney, 882-9408.
Newsletter Labeling
Wednesday, December 7th, 5:30pm. Barbara Martin's office, Holmes Ave at Church St. Info: Judy Jones 852-6179.
Friday, Dec 9 - Walking Tour of Old Decatur Christmas Lights. Easy. Meet at 5:30pm at Captain D's Madison Hwy 20, or 6:00pm at Decatur Public Library. Dinner at trendy Decatur restaurant afterwards. Rain date Dec 10. Please call so that I can make reservations at the restaurant. Sam Denham 539-1033(h), 961-0436(w).
Saturday, Dec 10 – Monte Sano hike. Moderate. Meet at 9:00am at the Monte Sano Hiker's parking lot for short Monte Sano dayhike. Do Mountain Mist, the Sinks, connector between the Goat and Keith trails, the Stone Cuts, Logans Point, Super Cuts and back. Bring water. Call Doug Horacek for more information at 772-6788.
Sunday, Dec 11 - Aldridge Creek Cleanup. Easy. We have not been back to Aldridge Creek in a couple of years, so there is probably quite a bit to pick up. Please bring clippers, loppers or any tools that you think would make picking up trash easier. I would suggest heavy work gloves and water as well. Meet at the entrance to Ditto Landing at 1:00pm and we will work our way North. This will give us about 4 hours for the clean-up. Info. Judy Jones 852-6179.
Tuesday, Dec 13, 6:00pm - Downtown Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at Huntsville Land Trust Office, 907 Franklin St. Leader: Nancy Dudney, 882-9408.
Saturday, Dec 17 - Pinhoti Trail Construction. Work on the section of the trail right at the Georgia/Alabama line. Bring loppers, gloves, lunch, water. Other tools provided. Supper afterwards compliments of North Ala. Sierra Club. Call Sam Denham for meeting time and place. 539-1033(h), 961-0436(w).
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, 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.
Hays Nature Preserve
Saturday, Nov, 19 - Privet Round Up. 10:00am to 1:00pm. Bring gloves, chainsaws, long-handled pruners, etc. Drinks provided. For more information call Soos at 427-5116.
Thursday, Nov 24 - Walk off your Turkey Leftovers Hike. Nite hike beginning at 7:00pm. Rated easy. For more info, call Soos at 427-5116.
Nature Wanderers
Friday, November 18. Parade of Lights. Easy evening hike to enjoy the Botanical Garden’s Galaxy of Lights. Adults $6, children $3. Meet 6pm in the Space and Rocket Center parking lot. Call Lee Hollingsworth, 461.3060 days or 520.6659 evening.
Saturday, Nov 19 – Oak Mountain State Park. Great day hike with spectacular views from one of the highest points of Oak Mt south of Birmingham. 6.2 miles on trail rated moderate. Meet 8:30am Captain D’s in Madison at or Shell Station at Hwy 36 and I-65 at 9:15am. Doug Felton 256- 830-2271 (w) or 256 432-1812 (h).
Saturday, Nov 26 - Sipsey Wilderness/Bankhead Forest
Join Ted and friends from Wild South for our first ever “Wild Turkey” hike. Ted will lead an easy-to-moderately rated hike in the Sipsey Wilderness area of the Bankhead Forest. Meet at Trading Post in Wren at 9:00 am. Bring lunch and water. Call Ted Kuzma 256-974-7771 or Janice at Wild South 256-974-6166.
Saturday, Dec 3 – Chief Ladiga Trail Bike Ride. Ride the Chief Ladiga “trail” from Piedmont to near Anniston. The “trail” is a paved railroad bed. 40 + miles round trip – there and back. Rated moderate. Bring water and snacks. Meet at Wavaho gas station corner of hwy 36 and 231 in Morgan County at 8:30 a.m. Call Doug Felton 256 830-2271 (w) or 256 432-1812 (h) for additional information.
Thursday, Dec 15 - Full Moon Hike
Meet at Mr. Primes Steakhouse at 4:30 for an “early” full moon hike along the north side of the river on Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. Bring water and snacks. We will probably walk about 6 miles – rated moderate. Dinner afterwards optional. Call Teresa Young 256-773-1945 for more information.
New: Important New Websites and Articles to Bookmark
Below are some informative websites and articles that have been brought to the Bama Environmental News' attention over the past month.
http://www.bamanews.com/ BEN #252
http://www.redmountainpark.org - Want to get "involved" in the creation of one of our nation's largest urban parks? Here is your chance. Check out this website and they will show you how to help. http://www.alearn.info - This website provides Alabama citizens with useful, timely and interesting information about Alabama waters and plants and animals that inhabit them. http://www.commutesmarter.org - Tired of high gas prices? Try Commute Smart. You can register online or call 1-800-826-RIDE. http://www.wastetrade.org - The Waste Reduction and Technology Transfer (WRATT) Foundation out of Sheffield, Alabama has created an innovative trading and reuse program for companies. http://www.coastaltraining-al.com - The Coastal Training Program has a new website to market its training events. Check out their continually updated "scheduled classes" section. http://www.projectalabama.com - Found this group at the Kentuck Arts Festival - a remarkable program where hand crafted dresses are produced in Florence, Alabama. http://www.keepingitwild.org - I know this project is in Georgia, but I was fortunate to attend the kickoff event earlier this month in Atlanta. At the Atlanta University event, Troy, Alabama native and civil rights leader, Congressman John Lewis gave a very inspiring speech on the importance of protecting our environment and "Keeping it Wild." http://www.tnhomeandfarm.com/current/feature2.htm - This is an excellent article that appeared in a Tennessee Farm Bureau magazine about conservation easements and their use as a tool to protect the family farm.