City Greenway Plan to be Presented
The City of Huntsville Greenways Plan was last amended in June 2006 outlining Huntsville’s efforts to protect natural, cultural and historic resources while providing access to these important resources for recreational enjoyment. With more than 18 miles of existing greenways and trails, in addition to three projects currently under design with approved funding, local pedestrians and bicyclists will enjoy open space along natural features and scenic roadways throughout the Huntsville area. Through the development of a complete multi-use greenway system, the city of Huntsville plans to raise awareness on the many benefits of preserving natural, cultural and historic resources.
The City of Huntsville Greenways Plan identifies over 180 miles of interconnected trails, including shared use paths for biking and walking. The goal of this plan is a continuous greenway system of interconnected corridors that offer alternative non-motorized transportation. This includes access to facilities for recreation, increased quality of life and most importantly – the preservation of cultural, natural and historic resources. The greenways plan is currently available on the city’s website at http://www.hsvcity.com/Planning/GreenwaysPlan2006.pdf .
- Shundreka R. Givan, City Transportation Planner
Flint River Cleanup Set for September 30
Come out for a fun day on the beautiful Flint River and join a team of volunteers for the annual river cleanup sponsored by the Flint River Conservation Association. The team will pick up trash from the river and along the banks at bridge crossings from Hwy 72 to Little Cove Road. Those that have their own canoes should
bring them. Everyone should bring sunscreen, hats, and water, and wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and a little dirty. FRCA will supply more water, snacks, and trash bags to volunteers.
If you do not own a canoe but want to help on the water, you can do so by paying $10 per person to rent the canoes. As a bonus, with that contribution, volunteers will get an individual membership with FRCA, and with $20 - a family membership. This entitles the individual or family to "member's only events" such as ecotours into the Walls of Jericho. You will need to reserve your canoe space (two people per canoe) by September 25.
Those that do not canoe can be landlubbers--cleaning up the bridge crossings in the watershed. Lunch and drinks will be provided.
The FRCA will provide lunch and more snacks and drinks at the end of the trip down the river. Meet at 9:00am at the Publix Parking lot in Hampton Cove. For more info and to reserve canoes, call Soos at 427-5116. We should be off the river by 1 p.m.
- Soos Weber, Director of the Hayes Nature Preserve for the city of Huntsville
Invasive Plant Demo Day
The Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama, in conjunction with the Alabama Invasive Plant Council’s North Alabama Group, will be hosting an Invasive Plant Eradication demonstration event on September 30th from 9:00am to 1:00pm. The focus of this demonstration will be bush and Japanese honeysuckle which are listed among the worst 10 invasive plants in Alabama. The event will be held at the Bankhead Land Trust Hikers parking lot.
Meet at the Picnic Pavilion located in the rear of the lot. We will discuss some of the worst local invasive plants and demonstrate proper cutting techniques and proper herbicide treatments. Invasive plants are becoming a significant threat to the wilderness areas in this part of the country and volunteers are needed to help combat the spread of these plants. Please come and learn how you can help.
- Sam Denham
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Environmental Justice for All Tour
Come share your stories for the need for environmental justice in the Southeast, and learn how air monitoring methods are one way that can help make industry and the government accountable for its toxic pollution. On Wednesday, September 27, there will be a media event focused on the need for clean air and a healthy environment, followed by an air monitoring demonstration and discussion on the need for environmental justice in Alabama and all over the Southeast. Snacks will be provided.
The meeting will be at the Anniston City Meeting Center on 1615 Noble St. From I-20 take exit 185 toward Anniston/Oxford. Follow Hwy 21/Quintard Ave. north. Turn left onto 16th St. and right onto Noble St. and into the City Meeting Center parking lot.
Moderators will be Hilton Kelley, from the Community In-Power Development Association and Pete Conroy, Jacksonville State University Environmental Policy and Information Center
For more information please contact Rufus Kinney at (256) 435-4743.
Tennessee Valley Invasive Plant Symposium
On Friday October 13th The Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama, in conjunction with The Alabama Invasive Plant Council’s North Alabama Group, will host the 3rd Annual Tennessee Valley Invasive Plant Symposium at the Monte Sano Lodge. The event will be from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. This year we will also be hosting a demonstration event the morning after on Saturday to reinforce some of the information from the night before. Details for the field trip will be forthcoming.
Also, in conjunction with the Symposium, the Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council will be presenting its new Regional Mapping Project. This is a project that will allow the identifying, reporting, and mapping of invasive plant species into a regional database. It is about a 3 hour program that will educate and train individuals on how to participate in the project. Details on the exact time for this presentation and training will be available shortly. Contact andy@landtrust-hsv.org for additional information, or call the Land Trust office at 534-5263.
- Andy Prewett
Tuesday Night Hikes Downtown in October
As we do every year, the Tuesday night hikes will move back downtown October 3, meeting in the Land Trust parking lot at 907 Franklin St. for a brisk walk around downtown. Until then, the Tuesday night hikes will continue on Monte Sano.
2006 ExCom Members
Chair Liz Poleretzky 461-5819
Vice-Chair and Treasurer
Sam Denham 539-1033
Conservation chairs
Brenda Cummings 881-7447
Doug Horacek 772-6788
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 Sept 21, 6:30pm. Downtown Library auditorium Huntsville’s Greeenway Plan
Saturday, Sept 16 - Dugger Mountain hike. Strenuous. Enjoy this section of the Pinhoti Trail running from Forest Service Road 500, near Piedmont, AL, to County Road 55 (Rabbittown Road). Dugger Mountain, the state's second highest point, lies on the trail between these two points. We'll start around 850 feet, ascend to 2,100 feet, then descend back to 850 feet. The elevation gain and constant changes in the nature of the trail gain this 7.7 mile section a rating of strenuous. Bring plenty of water and a picnic lunch. Optional dinner afterwards. Meet Hampton Cove McDonalds, 7:30 am. Lee Hollingsworth, 256.461.3060.
Sunday, Sept 17 - Honeysuckle Jihad. Meet at 1:00 at the Landtrust across the street from Fagan Spring Apartments. Bring water, clippers and gloves. Doug Horacek for more information 772-6788.
Tuesday, Sept 19, 6:00pm - Mountain Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at the Monte Sano Hiker's parking lot. State Park fee. Leader: Bruce Martin, 256-725-2168.
Saturday, Sept 23 - Cloudland Canyon hike. Moderate. On the western edge of Lookout Mountain, this is one of the most scenic parks in Georgia. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek with an elevation change of 800 to 1980 feet. We will hike to the bottom of the gorge where two waterfalls cascade into pools below, then hike the rim trail which has spectacular vistas. Bring lunch; dinner will be at a local restaurant. Meet at the Hampton Cove Publix at 9:00am. For more info contact Judy Burley at 883-4267 or jcburley@knology.net.
Tuesday, Sept 26, 6:00pm - Mountain Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at the Monte Sano Hiker's Parking Lot. State Park fee. Leader: Virgil DeStefano, 539-0348.
Excom Meeting
Thursday, Sept 28, 5:30. Phuket restaurant in the Village of Providence.
Fri-Sun, Sept 29-Oct 1 -Snowbird Area Backpack. Strenuous. The trip will be strenuous as we will backpack approx. 16 miles over two days, gaining 2700 ft Saturday and descending along Snowbird Creek (fording it several times) Sunday. Campground stay Friday night. Departure Friday at 2pm. Contact Steven Baty, 489-0990.
Saturday, Sept 30 – Quarter Moon hike. Easy. Meet at Jade Palace at 5:00pm and at the Wade Mountain trailhead on Spragins Hollow Road at 7:00pm. Bring a flash light and water and listen to the owls around Devils Racetrack in the light of the first quarter moon. Hike cancelled if it is overcast. Contact Doug Horacek at 772-6788 for more information.
Saturday, Sept 30 – Cleanup on the Flint River. Trash cleanup along the Flint river- by canoe and at bridge crossings. For information call Soos Weber at 427-5116 or 509-1219.
Sunday, Oct 1 - Elkmont Rails to Trails hike. Moderate. Moderate 6 mile hike. Meet 1:00pm at the Southern Family Market (formerly Bruno's) corner of Hwy 72 West and Wall Triana. This former Civil War railroad track used to supply a Confederate fort not far from the track. Join us for a pleasant hike on this historic trail. Liz Poleretzky, 461-5819 or hiker@knology.net.
Tuesday, Oct 3, 6:00pm - Downtown Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at the Land Trust parking lot at 907 Franklin St. Leader: Judy Burley, 883-4267.
Saturday, Oct 7- Collins Gulf Dayhike. Strenuous. This 13 mile loop in the South Cumberland descends into the Collins River Gorge and has waterfalls, overlooks, and rock formations. We will descend into the gorge and climb out by way of the Stagecoach Historic trail and return along the Collins Gulf rim. This is a very difficult but rewarding. Bring lunch and water and we will dine afterwards at a local restaurant. Hike leader approval required. Contact Tom Burley at 883-4267 or tdburleyhiker@knology.net Tuesday, Oct 10, 6:00pm, Downtown Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at the Land Trust parking lot at 907 Franklin St. Leader: Nancy Dudney, 882-9408.
Newsletter Labeling
Wednesday, Oct. 11, 5:30pm. Down South Condominiums clubhouse. South Mem Parkway. Entrance on right between Big Ten Tires and Schlotzsky’s. Judy Burley, 883-4267.
Thu-Sun, Oct 12-15 - Fontana Dam to Nantahala Backpack. Strenuous. This is a 29 mile self sufficient backpack with significant elevation changes over three days. We will depart on Thursday at noon arriving at Fontana Dam around 6:30 p.m. We will shuttle vehicles and drivers to Nantahala Outdoor Center. Fontana Dam is the highest dam east of the Mississippi. The variety of forest growth along with the many spectacular views, make this entire section of trail memorable and hopefully we will see some fall color. Group size will be limited to a maximum of eight. For more information contact Tom Burley at 883-4267 or tdburleyhiker@knology.net
Saturday, Oct 14 - Monte Sano Dayhike. Moderate. We will hike about 5 miles. Meet at 9:00am at the Hiker’s parking lot. Bring water, lunch and $2 State Park fee. Call Helga Sowa for information 534-5656.
Sunday, Oct 15 - Wade Mountain Wildflower Hike. Easy. Meet at the Wade Mountain Trail Head on Spragins Hollow Road at 1:00pm. Bring water, bug spray and sturdy hiking boots. We will be looking for ladies tresses. Call Doug Horacek 772-6788 for more information.
Tuesday, Oct 17, 6:00pm - Downtown Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at the Land Trust parking lot at 907 Franklin St. Leader: Liz Poleretzky, 461-5819.
Saturday, Oct 21 - Heart healthy walk on Monte Sano. Moderate. Get ready for the holiday feasts by joining me for an 8 to 9 mile, moderate to strenuous walk around Monte Sano State Park. We will begin walk on the South Plateau trail and end with a cardiac push as we ascend McKay's Hollow. Meet at the Hiker's Parking lot at 8:20am. Bring hiking shoes, water, snacks, lunch and a few dollars for the park's entrance fee. For an extra cardio workout, arrive late. Sandy
Kiplinger, sandykip@juno.com
Sunday, Oct 22 - Honeysuckle Jihad. Meet at the Land Trust across from Fagan Spring Apartments at 1:00pm. Bring clippers, gloves, water and insect repellent. Call Doug Horacek for more information at 772-6788.
Tuesday, Oct 24, 6:00pm – Downtown Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at the Land Trust parking lot at 907 Franklin St. Leader: Helga Sowa, 534-5656.
Sat, Oct 28 Walls Of Jericho hike. Moderate. Meet at 9:00 am at the Alabama hikers parking lot. Directions: East on Hwy 72 toward Scottsboro, turn north on Hwy 79 and go 30 miles to the Alabama Walls hikers parking lot (not the horse riders parking lot, which is a mile before the hikers parking lot). Bring lunch and water. The hike will begin in Tennessee at their new hiking area. We will hike to the Walls and return to the Alabama parking lot via the Alabama
hiking trail. Approximately 8 miles. For more information, call Joette at 776-3551. This will be a joint hike with TN
Trails Association.
Fri-Sun, Nov 10-12 - Mammoth Cave Backpack/Carcamp. Moderate. This is a 14.7 mile self-sufficient backpack over two days. We will depart on Friday around 10:00am arriving at Mammoth Cave around 3:00pm. We will carcamp the first night and begin the backpack on Saturday. First Creek is a gem of backcountry trails with plenty of scenery. The variety of forest growth makes this entire section of trail memorable. Optional tour of Mammoth Cave if time permits. Group size will be limited to a maximum of ten. For further information 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. 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.
Nature Wanderers
Saturday, Sept 23 - Rock Pile Trail Hike. Moderate. Muscle Shoals. Join fellow Wanderers for a picnic and a hike along the south side of the Tennessee River below Wilson Dam. Call Teresa Young 256-773-1945 for details.
Saturday, Sept 30. Sipsey Wilderness/ Bankhead Forest Hike. Join Ted and other friends from Wild South as Ted leads an easy-to-moderate hike in the Sipsey Wilderness and/ or Bankhead Forest. Destination to be announced at the time of the hike. Remember to bring lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Meet at Trading Post in Wren at 9:00 am. Call Ted Kuzma 256-974-7771.
Saturday, October 7. Bike Ride.
Destination to be decided. Easy - moderate bike ride 18 – 25 miles. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. Please call Doug Felton at 256 830 2271 in advance of date for details.
Saturday, October 21. Bike Ride
Easy ride along the Tennessee – Tombigbee Waterway in NE Mississippi. 18 –25 miles along a gravel road. Bring lunch, water and snacks. Please call Doug Felton at 256 830 2271 in advance of date for details.
Saturday, Oct 28. Sipsey Wilderness Hike. Get wild with our friends from Wild South as Ted leads an easy – moderate hike in the Sipsey Wilderness of the Bankhead Forest. Remember to bring lunch, water and snacks. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Trading Post in Wren. Call Ted Kuzma 256-974-7771.
Cahaba Group
Saturday, September 23 – Pinhoti day hike. This is a moderately strenuous day hike of about 10 miles on the Pinhoti Trail beginning on Hwy 24 and ending at its Hwy 431 intersection. Come and bring a friend for a day in the woods on this scenic section of the trail that many have not yet hiked. Meet at 8:15 AM at Kmart parking lot, corner of Crestwood Blvd and Montclair Road, or Shoney’s in Oxford at 9:15 AM. Trip leader, Sonja Mathis (205) 556-3330 or email at smath2casa@aol.com.
Saturday, Oct 14 – Monte Sano and Land Trust Hike. Moderate. The State Chapter Outings Chair, Bruce Martin, will lead this 8 1/2 mile hike from the top of Monte Sano Mtn. to the Three Caves, located on the Huntsville Land Trust property. From the ruins of the old hotel and health spa to mineral springs, an old railroad built by Chinese labor and an underground limestone mine; this hike is rated one of the top in the state. There is a $2.00 per person admission fee to the park. Bring lunch and plenty of water. Optional dinner after hike. Meet at the Hayden/Corner Park & Ride at 8:00 am. or the Monte Sano Hikers Parking Lot at 10:00 am. More info call Joe Copeland (256) 287-1652.
Shoals Environmental Alliance
Monday, Oct 2 – Installation of Solar and Wind Energy Systems. Green Power Switch Generation Partners and Sheffield Utilities will host a technical orientation session on the installation of grid-connected solar and wind energy systems on Monday, October 2 in Sheffield, Alabama. The free workshop, featuring Kevin Lynn of the Florida Solar Energy Center, is open to anyone interested in learning about the technical aspects of solar and wind installations and how these systems can be safely connected to the local power grid. The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. CDT and end at 2:00 p.m. It will be held at the Cedar/Cypress meeting room at the Holiday Inn in Sheffield, 4900 Hatch Blvd., Sheffield, AL (directions attached). To register, please email gglawyer@tva.gov. Please include the number attending and the name of your local electric power distributor. Please RSVP by Friday, September 22. From Huntsville, take I-565 West (it will turn into HWY 20 / ALT 72) for approximately 12 miles into Decatur, AL. After crossing the Tennessee River turn right at the Holiday Inn, following HWY 20 / ALT 72. Follow for approximately 45 miles until you arrive in the Shoals area. Turn right onto HWY 43 North. Holiday Inn is 4 miles on the left just after you cross the railroad tracks.
National Park Service Internship
The Student Conservation Association (SCA), in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), is taking part in a nationwide effort to eradicate invasive, exotic plants from National Park lands. After habitat loss, invasive, exotic species are considered the greatest threat to global diversity. A team made up of National Park Service Natural Resource Management Staff and up to five interns will form a mobile strike team to control invasive, exotic plants in 18 National Park units the southeastern states. The Park Service is hiring now for six month internship positions. Interns will implement and document invasive, exotic plant management control methods using integrated pest management strategies. Manual, mechanical, pescribed fire and chemical techniques are used. Accurate and detailed data collection is a significant part of this effort.
Interns will receive extensive training in all invasive, exotic plant control techniques including native and non-native plant identification, herbicide application techniques, operation of chainsaws, pole saws, brushcutters and various hand tools will be provided. The operation of manual and gas powered sprayers,4WD vehicles and ATV’s are also covered. Extensive training in data collection using GPS/GIS, digital photography and Access database is provided.
For additional information please contact Nancy Fraley at 828-296-0850 ext. 100. For more on the Student Conservation Association, please visit: http://www.theSCA.org .