Annual Christmas Party!
It’s time for the annual Sierra holiday party. Bring your best side dish or dessert to share and your best nature photos for the photo contest. North Alabama Sierra will furnish ham, turkey, drinks, plates, cups, etc.
For the photo contest, photos should have been taken in 2006 and there is a limit of three entries per category. The categories are 1) people on outings, 2) animals in the wild, 3) Mother Nature (plant life) and 4) awe-inspiring views. There will be prizes for the best photographs.
Come to the downtown library auditorium on December 21 at 6:30 and share the season with other Sierra members. If you have not mailed in your ballot for the Executive committee elections you may bring it to the party. See everyone there!
- the Editor
Meetings Move to Wednesday Nights in 2007
Due to conflicts in the library meeting room schedule, general meetings will be the third Wednesday evening of the month in 2007 instead of Thursday. Please make a note of this and let other Sierra members know as well.
- the Editor
Excom Elections
New members are needed for the North Alabama group executive committee. Please take a few moments to read about the following candidates and vote!
Charlotte Buening
I have been associated with the Sierra Club for 2 years. I have enjoyed the hiking and backpacking trips that I have attended through the club. I am interested in maintaining our environment and the issues that are involved with it. I truly hope you consider me for the Excom
Judy Burley
I enjoy hiking and backpacking and try to be on the trail every weekend. I help lead the Tuesday night hikes and lead other outings as well. I believe that outings are important as they introduce people to the outdoors and hopefully they will then become more involved with the Sierra Club.
I have served on the excom the last two years as the secretary. 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 and a North AL Excom member for about twelve years. I try to attend public meetings on environmental issues and speak for the Sierra Club, represent the Sierra Club on the Lands committee of the Huntsville Land Trust and on the local Invasive Plants Council, lead frequent outings for the club, advocate our local North AL newsletter which I think keeps our group together, educate folks about bush honeysuckle and Hartselle Sandstone, make a squash casserole now and then, and most of all-actively take part in the life of the community.
Jack Drost
Current newsletter editor. Involved with Sierra since 1995 in Hampton, VA, Houston, TX and North Alabama.
Liz Poleretzky
I have been a member of the Sierra Club since 1990 and am currently the Chair for the North Alabama Group. In the past I have 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 are inspired to help preserve our natural resources.
Helga Sowa
I have been interested in nature for as long as I can remember. I would like to serve the Sierra Club in any capacity. I am an active hike leader for the North Alabama Group. We need to interest more young people in joining us in protecting and enjoying nature
Anne Yates
Member of Sierra Club 10 years
4 years as Treasurer
35 years of hiking and enjoying nature.
Sierra activist training
Willing to serve.
December 2006 North Alabama Sierra Club
Executive Committee Ballot
Vote for 5 Excom members from the candidates below
Mail this ballot by December 27th to
North Alabama Sierra Group
PO Box 1893
Huntsville, AL 35807
Or
Bring this ballot to the December 21st meeting / Christmas Party at the Huntsville Public Library. We will have extra ballots at the party.
Single Joint
_____ _____ Charlotte Buening
_____ _____ Judy Burley
_____ _____ Sam Denham
_____ _____ Jack Drost
_____ _____ Liz Poleretzky
_____ _____ Helga Sowa
_____ _____ Anne Yates
New Members Wanted!
Mail checks for $25.00 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.
Sierra Club Calendars for 2007 Now Available
Looking for the perfect "stocking stuffer" holiday gift for that special someone who loves beautiful nature scenes? The North AL Sierra Club is selling the 2007 Sierra Club Wilderness Wall Calendar and Engagement Calendar for $10 each. What a great gift for friends, teachers and those distant relatives who have everything.
The calendars will be available for sale at the Holiday party Thursday, December 21 at the main library downtown. Or you can call Liz Poleretzky at 461-5819.
- - the Editor
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
Christmas Party
Thursday, Dec 21, 6:30pm. Downtown Library auditorium
Bring a covered dish or dessert and your best nature photos.
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.
Saturday, Dec 16 - Stonedoor dayhike. Strenuous. 8 to 10 miles. 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 that promises spectacular vistas. Bring lunch and water. We will eat at a local restaurant on the way back. Meet at the Publix on Winchester Road at 8:00am. Contact Tom Burley at 883-4267 or tdburleyhiker@knology.net
Tuesday, Dec 19, 6:00pm - Downtown Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at the Land Trust parking lot at 907 Franklin St. Leader: Bruce Martin, 256-725-2168.
Thursday, Dec 21 – Christmas Party.
Downtown Library, 6:30pm. Bring a dish
to share and your best outdoor photos for the photo contest.
Saturday, Dec 30 - Green Mountain Nature Trail hike. Easy. Meet at 2:00pm in the parking lot. We will hike the 2 miles around the lake (maybe even twice). For those interested - optional dinner afterwards. Contact Liz, 461-5819 or hiker@knology.net .
Monday, Jan 1 - Get rid of the Hangover hike. Moderate. Meet at Sam
Denham's house, 4333 Chickasaw Dr, at 1:00pm for an afternoon hike in Monte Sano State Park. Rated moderate, may include a brief rock-hop. Hot cider and (more) beer by the fireplace after the hike. 539-1033(h).
Tuesday, Jan 2, 6:00pm - Downtown Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at the Land Trust parking lot at 907 Franklin St. Leader: Nancy Dudney, 882-9408.
Excom Meeting
Thursday, Jan 4, 5:30. Sam Denham, 539-1033.
Saturday, Jan 6 - Signal Point hike. Moderate. Signal Point is the highest point on Signal Mountain. The hike from Signal Point to Edwards Point is part of the Cumberland Trail with striking overlooks of the Tennessee River Gorge. The hike is about seven miles. Bring lunch and we will dine afterwards at a local restaurant. Meet at 8:00am at the Publix in Hampton Cove. Contact Tom Burley at 883-4267 or tdburleyhiker@knology.net
Tuesday, Jan 9, 6:00pm - Downtown Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at the Land Trust parking lot at 907 Franklin St. Leader: Bruce Martin, 256-725-2168.
Newsletter Labeling
Wednesday, Jan 10, 5:30pm. Down South Condominiums clubhouse. South Mem Parkway. Entrance on right between Big Ten Tires and Schlotzsky’s. Judy Burley, 883-4267.
Sat-Sun, Jan 13-14 - Big Hill Pond carcamp. Easy. We will drive to this state park in West Tennessee Saturday and camp out Saturday night at the park campground. An optional 5-mile dayhike will be planned for Saturday afternoon. Park highlights include the Boardwalk - an eight-tenths of a mile long walkway through the Dismal Swamp; the Observation Tower - a 70 foot refurbished fire tower that offers a panoramic view of Travis McNatt Lake and the swamp; Civil War Earthworks - a railroad guardpost built by Union Soldiers. Return to Huntsville Sunday. For more information and meeting time/location contact Liz, 461-5819 or hiker@knology.net.
Saturday, Jan 13 - Mountain Mist Marathon Hike Part I. Strenuous. Hike where thousands of running shoes have gone before and gain a new perspective. The Mountain Mist is a 50K (31 mile) run on the Monte Sano and Land Trust trails. We'll hike it in two parts, beginning and ending at the Monte Sano Hikers parking lot. This is an early bird special for strong hikers who can keep up a moderate pace. The week's weather will determine which side we'll hike first, Monte Sano (14 miles) or the Land Trust (15 miles).
Lightening strikes, tornados on the ground and torrential rains will reschedule. Layer down, wear good hiking boots, bring plenty of food and water and a few bucks for the Park's entrance fee. We start our hike at 7:30am sharp. Sandy Kiplinger, slkip@mindspring.com .
Tuesday, Jan 16, 6:00pm - Downtown Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at the Land Trust parking lot at 907 Franklin St. Leader: Liz Poleretsky, 461-5819.
Wednesday, Jan 17 – General meeting at the Downtown Library.
Saturday, Jan 20 – Cave and Wolf Coves hike, Carter Mt, TN. Strenuous. Meet 8:00am at the old Winn/Dixie parking lot on Winchester Rd ( approx 1 mile north of Moores Mill on the right on Winchester Rd). We will hike through two coves on Carter Mountain, TN, passing waterfalls, caves, and some wonderful views. We will hike about 8 miles, some off trail. Bring lunch and water. Joette 776-355.
Saturday, January 20. Mountain Mist Marathon Hike Part II. Strenuous. This is part two of the Mountain Mist hike scheduled for Jan 13 (see above). We will hike either Monte Sano (14 miles) or the Land Trust (15 miles). Layer down, wear good hiking boots, bring plenty of food and water and a few bucks for the Park's entrance fee. We start our hike at 7:30am sharp. Sandy Kiplinger, slkip@mindspring.com .
Sunday, Jan 21 – Landtrust Honeysuckle Elimination. Meet at 1:00pm at the Landtrust property across from Fagan Spring Apartments. Bring loppers, pruners, saws, work gloves and water. Call Doug Horacek at 772-6788 for more information.
Tuesday, Jan 23, 6:00pm - Downtown Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at the Land Trust parking lot at 907 Franklin St. Leader: Helga Sowa, 534-5656.
Saturday, Jan 27 – Sierra Film Festival
Showings at 4:00, 7:00 and 9:00pm at the Flying Monkey Arts Center, in the old Lowe Mill at 2211 Seminole Dr.
www.flyingmonkeyarts.org/lowemill.html
Saturday, Jan 27 - Quillan Canyon- Parker Canyon hike. Strenuous. We will hike two of the most scenic gorges in the Sipsey Wilderness. This is an off trail 8-mile strenuous hike. Be prepared for MANY creek crossings (waterproof your boots). Meet at 7:30am at Madison Cracker Barrel (or earlier for breakfast) or 8:30am at the Trading Post at Wren.
Lee Hollingsworth, 256.520.6659 or 256.461.3060.
Sunday, Jan 28 - Fagan Spring hike. Easy. Meet at 1:00pm at the Cleermont trail head. Call Doug Horacek for more information at 772-6788.
Tuesday, Jan 30, 6:00pm - Downtown Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at the Land Trust parking lot at 907 Franklin St. Leader: Virgil DeStefano, 539-0348.
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.
Sierra Cahaba Group
Tues, Dec 26 – 14 Annual Post Christmas Dayhike in Little River Canyon National Preserve. Strenuousth This year we will enter the canyon on the Powell Trail and probably hike to Canyon Mouth Park. If Johnny’s Creek is not crossable, we will hike up the canyon a ways and back out on the Powell Trail. Any way we go, we will encounter rocky terrain that requires agility and tenacity. Wear clothing that will warm you when wet (not cotton). Meet 8:00 am at the Cracker Barrel at the Trussville exit off I-59. Rated strenouous. Contact Carroll Wilson at 205-221-6196 or mountain-man@mindspring.com for more information.
Sun, Dec 31 - Big Tree Hike. Moderately Strenuous. Great way to spend New Year’s Eve. Hike approx 8- 10 miles to Alabama’s biggest Tulip Poplar tree. Beautiful canyons, waterfalls. Return loop takes us along the Sipsey River. Bring lunch, water, flashlight (it is sometimes dark when we finish our hike), wear sturdy shoes. Optional dinner afterward. Meet 8 am Hayden Corner Park and Ride or 9:30 Jack’s in Double Springs. Rated Moderately Strenuous. Limit 10 people. Call Vicky Wilson 205-647-6961 for more details.
Nature Wanderers
Saturday, Dec 16 - Bike Ride - Muscle Shoals.Easy bike ride along paved bike path on the south side of the Tennessee River below Wilson Dam. Weather permitting we may even venture across the new bridge into Florence. Lunch afterwards at local Florence eatery. Call Teresa Young 256-773-1945 for meeting/time place.
Saturday, Dec 30 - Sipsey Wilderness hike. Celebrate the New Year and get a bit of exercise 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.
Sunday, Jan 7 - Bike Ride. Great chance to observe winter migrant birds along the river and on the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. Easy afternoon bike ride along gravel roads. Bring a snack and water. Call Teresa Young 256-773-1945.
Sunday, Jan 14 - Sipsey Wilderness or Bankhead Forest Exploration. Join Ted on an easy-to-moderate hike in the Sipsey Wilderness and/or Bankhead Forest. Destination to be determined by Ted and participants on day of hike. Remember to bring your lunch and water. Meet at the Trading Post in Wren at 9:00am. Ted Kuzma 256-974-7771.
Saturday, Jan 20 - Big Tree Sipsey Wilderness hike. A favorite hike - Ted leads us on a moderate hike to see the largest poplar tree in the State of Alabama. 5-6 miles along established trail for the most part. Bring lunch, water, and you will want to bring your camera along to photograph the tree as well as the canyon where it lives. Call Ted Kuzma 256-974-7771.
Saturday, Jan 27 - Sipsey Wilderness or Bankhead Forest hike. Join Ted and a group from Wild South as Ted leads them on 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 water. Meet at Trading Post in Wren at 9:00 am. Call Ted Kuzma 256-974-7771.
Monday, Jan 29 - Natures Wanderers meeting. We will meet at Gibson’s Barbecue on Sixth Avenue in Decatur at 6:00pm for the quarterly meeting of Natures Wanderers. Call Teresa Young 256-773-1945.
South Cumberland State Recreation Area
Saturday, Dec 23, 9:00 AM - Cold Weather Hiking. It is important to be prepared for freezing conditions when venturing outside in the winter months. For a few tips on what to wear and what to pack, meet Ranger Jason at the South Cumberland Visitors Center. Saturday, Dec 30, 2:30 PM - Food of the Forest. Meet Ranger Anthony at the Visitors Center to hike around the woods and learn what animals eat in winter.
Saturday, Jan 6, 12:00 PM - Cold Weather Hiking. It is important to be prepared for freezing conditions when venturing outside in the winter months. For a few tips on what to wear and what to pack, meet Ranger Jason at the South Cumberland Visitors Center. Saturday, Jan 6, 1:00 PM - Winter Tree Hike. Join Ranger Jamie at the Stone Door Ranger Station for this easy quarter mile hike to Laurel Falls and learn about the winter forest of the plateau. Sunday, Jan 7, 2:00 PM - Stone Door hike. Join Ranger Jamie at the Stone Door Ranger Station for an easy 2-mile hike to Stone Door and back. We will see some awesome views and learn about the Savage Gulf State Natural Area. Sunday, Jan 7, 3:00 PM - Savage Slideshow. Meet Ranger George at Savage Gulf Ranger Station for an informative slideshow on Savage/Stone Door Area. Saturday, Jan 13, 12:00 PM - Trail Maintenance Clinic. Meet Ranger’s Jason and Anthony at the Grundy Forest for an informal clinic on trail maintenance basics. We will provide gloves and tools.
Sunday, Jan 14, 2:30 PM - Hike to Suter Falls. Meet Ranger George at Collins West access for a strenuous 2-mile hike round-trip to the base of Suter Falls. Dress Warm and wear sturdy shoes. Thursday, Jan 18, 10:00 AM - Hike to Small Wild Campground. Meet Ranger Anthony at Foster Falls parking lot for a 4-mile round trip hike to Small Wild campground and overlooks.
Sunday, Jan 21, 9:00 AM - Cave Program. Discover the strange but beautiful world below the surface of the park. Come to the Carter State Natural Area parking lot for this strenuous five-mile round trip hike. Bring two sources of light, long pants, boots, water and a light snack. Ranger Jason will be your interpreter on this informative nature program.