The Nature Conservancy in Alabama

The program this month will be presented by Lynne Berry who joined The Nature Conservancy as Associate Director of Community Relations for their new office in Huntsville. A native of Huntsville and graduate of Vanderbilt University she has served as director of the Historic Huntsville Foundation and Foundation-owned Harrison Brothers Hardware prior to joining The Nature Conservancy.

As many of you know the Nature Conservancy was involved in the acquisition of the Walls of Jericho. Lynne will be talking about the mission, initiatives, and accomplishments of The Nature Conservancy, particularly in North Alabama but she also wants to learn about the Sierra Club and what our mission, interests, initiatives, and accomplishments are, particularly in North Alabama.

- Tom Burley

Back on Monte Sano for Tuesday Night Hikes

Tuesday evening hikes are back on Monte Sano. Meet at the Hiker’s Parking lot at 6:00pm and walk 3-4 miles. Hikes are rated Easy unless otherwise noted. There will soon be a fee required for entrance into the State Park, so come with a few dollars.

- the Editor

Earth Day at the Hays Preserve on April 22

The North Alabama Sierra Club will be participating again in the annual Earth Day Celebration at the Hays Nature Preserve. We will man a booth with greeters and Sierra information, plus we’ll lead a series of short hikes along the Flint River. To volunteer, call Bruce Martin 256-725-2168.

If you have not been out to the Preserve in the spring, it is an incredible place. The Preserve is on the North Alabama Birding Trail and the event will kick off with a birding hike at 7:30 a.m. At 10:00 am, the major events begin with reptile man Bill Kruger, and after that Dr. Bloome of the Alabama Zoological Park will show and tell us about animals that are fast disappearing from their native landscape, such as a baby black bear he is raising.

Hike around the Preserve and the new Goldsmith Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary. Conservation, outdoor groups and vendors will be in the exhibit area by the Flint River. More information at www.huntsvillepreserves.com or call Soos Weber at the Preserve at 427-5116.

- the Editor

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.

Marina Development Planned for Elk River

A mature hardwood forest and unbroken shoreline to be sacrificed for a private business. With an environmental statement that begins "TVA is committed to environmental stewardship" and ends with "for the greatest public good", it is hard to understand how TVA reconciles its eagerness to sacrifice this rare piece of land.

The Elk River near Rogersville in Limestone County in North Alabama is the site of the proposed marina and rv park on 91-acres of primitive TVA land on the west bank of the Elk River just north of the Tennessee River near the town of Rogersville. This will be a 30-year lease with major detrimental impacts to the environment. The Tennessee River corridor is continually being eaten alive by industry, development and their attendant pollution.

The Shoals Environmental Alliance, Rogersville Special Interest Group is hosting a rally and Nature Walk at the site of the proposed marina on Sunday April 23. Meeting and lunch start at 12:30pm, hike at 2:30pm. Please attend to show your support and find out what you can do to help. Directions to the rally and hike site: From Rogersville traffic light on Highway 72, go south 2.5 miles on County Road 91 (Lambs Ferry Rd) to County Road 605, turn left onto CR-605. Go 1.5 miles to the "Y" (not the "Y" that you encounter after just 0.3 miles), then bear left ( a sign will indicate CR-91 branches to the left and right, go left). From that "Y", go 1.6 miles to intersection of CR-91 and Bluff Drive (on the left). Turn left onto Bluff Drive. The rally site is on the left about 100 yards north of the intersection on left. For more information go to

http://shoalsenvironalliance.netfirms.com/ERM/ERM1.htm - the Editor

Thousands of Acres Saved Along Perdido River

As part of one of the largest conservation purchases in U.S. history, the Nature Conservancy of Alabama has acquired more than 14,000 acres of forestland along the Perdido River in Baldwin County. According to the Mobile Register, the state Nature Conservancy's announcement was part of an estimated $300 million package nationally developed by the group's national office to acquire a portion of International Paper's North American land holdings. Overall, the Nature Conservancy will purchase 218,000 acres of International Paper land in 10 Southern states. In March, Forever Wild purchased 4,000 acres along the Perdido, just north of the Nature Conservancy's tract. The state hopes to purchase the 14,000 acres from the Nature Conservancy in the future to make it available to a wide range of public uses. Biologically, the land is home to numerous endangered and threatened species, including gopher tortoises, indigo snakes, red-cockaded woodpeckers and numerous wildflowers.

http://www.nature.org/pressroom/ip/press/forests.html

- Bama Environmental News #261 April 7, 2006

Local Firm Buys 4.3 Million Acres of Forestland

On the heels of the Nature Conservancy's acquisition, a Birmingham firm, Resource Management Services, is purchasing 3.8 million acres of Alabama timberland from International Paper. Under terms of the agreement, the group will supply International Paper's mills for 20 years. After all the land sales with timber investment management companies and conservation organizations are completed, International Paper, who is focusing on its paper mills, will have sold 5.4 million acres or about 85% of its U.S. forestland holdings.

- Bama Environmental News #261 April 7, 2006

2006 ExCom Members

Chair Liz Poleretzky 461-5819

Treasurer Sam Denham 539-1033

Fund Raising Judy Jones 852-6179

and Freddie DiPlacido 533-0651

Membership Dave Kostowny 325-2296

Newsletter Jack Drost 880-2644

Outings Lee Hollingsworth 461-3060

Publicity Sandy Kiplinger 256/498-1023

Programs Tom Burley 883-4267

Prgm Logistics Coordinator

Doug Horacek 772-6788

Secretary Judy Burley 883-4267

Tuesday Hikes Liz Poleretzky 461-5819

Web Page Steven Baty 489-0990

General Meeting

Thursday April 20, 6:30pm. Downtown Library auditorium.

Lynne Berry will talk about the Alabama chapter of the Nature Conservancy.

Hike Ratings

General Note: Most Saturday outings take all day and last into early evening. Please allow for this in your schedule

Easy-Less than 5 miles, no serious elevation changes, no trail obstacles.

Moderate-5 to 10 miles, some elevation changes or rough trail (rock hopping), or trail obstacles such as creek crossings.

Strenuous- Over 10 miles, substantial elevation change (1000 ft or more), trail may be rocky, obstructed or nonexistent.

Exploratory- event the leader has not experienced before, may fit any class.

Fri-Sun, April 14-16 - Talladega Triad Hike and Carcamp. Strenuous. This 17 mile loop just south of Mt. Cheaha highlights the best of the Talladega National Forest. The loop consists of three trails: the Pinhoti, Chinnabee Silent, and the Skyway. We will pass through hardwood forests with excellent views of the surrounding mountains, Cheaha Falls - a beautiful 50 ft waterfall - and with luck the azalea, rhododendrons, and dogwoods will be in bloom. We will camp at Turnipseed campground Friday and Saturday nights. This hike is rated strenuous due to the distance, steep climbs, and elevation gain. Bring food for both days but we will likely eat at the park lodge Saturday night. Return on Sunday. Contact Tom Burley at 883-4267 or tdburleyhiker@knology.net

Saturday, April 15 - Bike Chief Ladiga Trail. Moderate. Out and back 44 miles on smooth blacktop path on old railroad bed. Beautiful scenery, will take us from Piedmont thru JSU to Anniston and back. Bike at your own pace. Meet 7:00am at Hampton Cove McDonalds. Bike, helmet, lunch and water required. Make pre-arrangements to car pool due to bikes. Information: Lee Hollingsworth, 256-461-3060.

Saturday, April 15 - Reuben Creek hike. Moderate-Strenuous. Reuben Breek is a beautiful creek near Sewanee. The hike will have several creek

crossings, wild flowers, with a possible longer hike to Cowan RR tunnel. Meet at Winchester Rd Winn/Dixie parking lot at 9:00am. Joette 256-776-3551

Tuesday, April 18, 6:00pm - Mountain Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at Monte Sano Hiker’s Parking lot. Leader: Judy Burley, 883-4267.

Sat-Sun, April 22-23 - All Ladies Backpack. Moderate. Attention ladies! Dust off those packs and join us for a moderate backpack (total 10-11 miles) in the scenic Sipsey Wilderness. Sonnie, from Alabama Outdoors, will be available to answer your questions about equipment woes. Novices welcome. Group size limited. For information, call or email Sandy Kiplinger (256/498-1023 sandykip@juno.com or) or Liz Poleretzky (hiker@knology.net or 256/461-5819).

Saturday Apr 22 - Earth Day at the Hays Preserve. Easy. The Sierra Club will be a part of this annual celebration of our environment. We’ll man a booth with greeters and Sierra information, plus we’ll lead a series of short hikes along the Flint River with wildflowers, wildlife, and mild times. Bring a lunch or buy from the hot dog stand. Volunteers to help would be appreciated. Bruce Martin 256-725-2168.

Sunday, April 23 - Steven's Gap Cave hike. Easy. Hike to this spectacular Dragon's Den, one of Alabama's most scenic places. (National Geographic has filmed here.) Bring snack for the two-hour hike. Meet at 2pm at Hampton Cove Publix to carpool to Woodville. Optional group supper afterwards. Sam Denham 539-1033(h), 961-0436(w).

Tuesday, April 25, 6:00pm - Mountain Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at Monte Sano Hiker’s Parking lot. Leader: Liz

Poleretzky, 256-461-5819

Excom Meeting

Thursday, April 27 - Outings 5:15, Excom 5:45. Brenda Cummings 256-881-7447.

Fri-Sun, April 28-30 - The Hunt for Buckeye Falls. Strenuous. Unofficially said to be 475 feet high, part cliff and part cascade, not easily reached or

viewed. Located in the Sampson Mountain Wilderness of the Cherokee

National Forest, TN. Exploratory, strenuous and all off-trail. Carcamp at trailhead, dayhike to falls. Leader approval required. Information- Lee Hollingsworth 256-461-3060.

Sunday, April 30 - Monte Sano Hike and Rock Hop. Strenuous. Hike the Arrowhead Trail to the bottom of McKay Hollow Creek, then rock hop for 1 mile, then climb back up to the top. Beer and peanuts in the backyard after the hike. Meet at 2 pm at Sam Denham's house, 4333 Chickasaw Drive, 539-1033(h), 961-0436(w).

Tuesday, May 2, 6:00pm - Mountain Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at Monte Sano Hiker’s Parking lot. Leader: Helga Sowa, 256-534-5656.

Saturday, May 6 - Stonedoor Dayhike The Great Stone Door is a 150-foot

deep crevice at the crest of the plateau by which we will enter Savage Gulf. We will follow the Big Creek Gulf trail with a side trip to Ranger Falls and return by way of the Big Creek Rim trail which promises spectacular vistas. Bring lunch and water.Strenuous 10 to 11 mile hike. We will eat at a local restaurant on the way back. Meet at the old Winn Dixie on Winchester Road at 8:00 am. Contact Tom Burley at 256-883-4267 or tdburleyhiker@knology.net

Sunday, May 7 - Monte Sano Dayhike, Moderate. Meet at 1:00pm at the

Hiker's Parking Lot for 4-5 mile hike. Liz Poleretzky, 461-5819, hiker@knology.net

Tuesday, May 9, 6:00pm - Mountain Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at Monte Sano Hiker’s Parking lot. Leader: Bruce

Martin, 256-725-2168.

Newsletter Labeling

Wednesday, May 10th, 5:30pm. Down South Condominiums clubhouse. South Mem Parkway. Entrance on right between Big Ten Tires and Schlotzsky’s. Judy Burley, 883-4267.

Saturday, May 13 - Bucks Pocket Day Hike. Moderate. Join us for a moderate 6-mile day hike through one of our most spectacular local state parks. Lots of

wildflowers, great geology, waterfalls and majestic views. Bring lunch and water. Meet at the Publix on Hwy 431 near Hampton Cove at 8:00am for carpooling. Bruce Martin 256-725-2168.

Tuesday, May 16, 6:00pm - Mountain Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at Monte Sano Hiker’s Parking lot. Leader: Virgil

DeStefano, 256-539-0348.

Sat-Sun, May 20-28 - Natchez Trace Bicycle Trip. Strenuous. We'll bike from Nashville, TN to Natchez, MS (444miles). Sag wagon, all food en route and

campgrounds provided. Fee $150. Limited to 10 participants. Bruce Martin 256-725-2168 for more information.

Sunday, May 21 - Rainbow Mountain hike. Easy. Meet at 2:00pm. Bring water and sturdy hiking boots. Call Doug

Horacek for information at 772-6788.

Tuesday, May 23, 6:00pm – Mountain Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at the Monte Sano Hiker's Parking Lot. State Park Fee. Leader: Judy Burley, 256-883-4267.

Monday, May 29 - Tennessee Lake Party. 11:00am until? Bring picnic lunch/supper (gas grill provided). 5 mile optional hike 1:30pm (easy). Directions:

Winchester Rd to Tennessee, continue to Huntland, TN at stop sign, turn left and go about 2 miles to another stop sign and turn right onto hwy 64 (east), go

to Winchester, TN UNDER an overpass and turn right (south) onto Hwy 16,

continue about 10 miles up Keith Springs mountain and turn left at Jehovah Jireh

Lane (between mile markers 22 and 23).

Follow asphalt drive to lake. Canoe, paddle boats, kayaking, swimming,

hiking available. More info: Joette 776-3551 BEFORE Sat, May 27 or (931)

968-0073 on the 29th.

Fri-Sun, June 9-11 Coosa Backcountry Loop Hike/Carcamp. Strenuous. This 12.5 mile hike offers a bit of everything: rugged summits, challenging trails, dense woodland, mountain streams, and solitude. Time permitting we will take a side trip to the summit of Blood Mountain the highest point in GA on the AT which has grand views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. We will stay at the Hiker Hostel Friday and Saturday nights. The cost is $30 per person for the two nights which includes breakfast. Bring lunch for each day but we will eat out Friday and Saturday night. This hike is rated strenuous due to the distance and elevation gain. Return on Sunday. Contact Tom Burley at 883-4267 or tdburleyhiker@knology.net

Thur-Sun, June 22-25 – Smokey Mountains Backpack. Strenuous. This is a 26 mile self sufficient backpack with 3,100 ft elevation changes over two days. We will begin on the Lakeshore Trail and traverse Jonas Creek, Welch Ridge, and Bear Creek Trails back to Lakeshore Trail with a side trip to High Rocks from which we will have an expansive view to the south of Fontana Lake. One trip report I read stated that the Welch Ridge area has become a haven for bears. We will depart on Thursday and stay at Deep Creek campground that night beginning the backpack on Friday and return on Sunday. Bring food for two days. Group size is limited to eight and leader approval is required. Contact Tom Burley at 883-4267 or tdburleyhiker@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, 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.

for more info at 427-5116

Shoals Environmental Alliance

Sunday, April 23. Rogersville Special Interest Group is hosting a Nature Walk at the site of a proposed marina located two miles southeast of Rogersville. The Walk will tour 91 primitive wooded and wetland acres of TVA land near the mouth of the Elk River slated for construction of the marina. The tour will begin Sunday, 4/23/06 at 2:00PM should be over by 4:30PM. Read more here . Sunday, April 23---Wildflower Walk, Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve. Sponsored by Alabama Outdoors. Meet 1:00pm at the Alabama Outdoors store, 468 N. Court St., Florence, or 1:30pm in the parking lot of the Rocking Chair Restaurant, US-72, Tuscumbia. Led by the inimitable Leon Bates. See the rare French’s Shooting Star, Fire Pinks, native Azaleas, Yellow Lady’s Slipper, Mayapple, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Dwarf Crested Iris, orchids & trilliums. Also: waterfalls, shelter bluffs & scenic vistas. Call 764-1809. Saturday, April 29, 9:00am---Explore the TVA Trails Hike. Led by Larry Wright for Alabama Outdoors. Meet at the TVA Nature Trails parking lot. TVA’s trail system (over 13 miles total) is one of the Shoals’ best kept secrets! Call 764-1809.

Cahaba Group

Sun. 4/23. Wildflower Hike Sipsey Wilderness. 5-6 mile walk, all on trail, in northwest part of Sipsey from Thompson Creek Trailhead across lower end of White Oak Hollow to the confluence of the Sipsey Fork. The floodplain along Thompson Creek is some of the continent’s finest spring wildflower habitat. Expect showy orchids, trillium, white larkspurs, Virginia bluebells, green dragons, goldenseal, etc. Optional dinner to follow. Meet 8 am at Hayden/ Corner Park & Ride or at 9:30 at Jack’s, Hwy 278 in Double Springs. Contact Carroll Wilson, (205) 221-6196 or mountain-man@mindspring.com

Sat. 4/29. Canoe on Locust Fork River Section 6. Abundant with wildlife and wildflowers, an easy and scenic float. Some canoes available and no experience needed. Meet Hayden/Corner Park & Ride at 9 am. Bring water, lunch, boat, dry clothes. Optional dinner afterward. Call if inclement weather predicted. Call Vicky Wilson (205) 647-6961.

Sat. 5/6. Wildflower Walk Monte Sano State Park. The diversity & beauty of wildflowers in Monte Sano Park equals those anywhere in No. Ala. 6 Mile hike/walk in possibly the state’s most scenic park. Meet at Hayden/ Corner Park & Ride at 8:30 am. Contact leader for more info: Joe Copeland (256) 287-1652.

Sat. 5/13. Work Day at Locust Fork Creek. We’ll be joining forces with Friends of Locust Fork on their annual river clean up. Got a canoe you can bring? Contact msrebar@gmail.com .

Middle Tennessee Group

Sat - Sun, May 6-7 - 4th annual Wilderness First Aid course (WFA) will be held May 6th and 7th at Fall Creek Falls State Park. Instruction includes 16 hours in 2 days certification by Landmark Learning, LLC, in an outdoor setting. Training, snacks and lunch are provided, all for $140. For questions and registration (deadline April 10), contact Katherine Pendleton at 615-943-6877 or email katibug1959@aol.com . More detailed information is also available in the February and March Tennes-Sierran newsletters .