Alabama Students Learn about Environmental Justice First-Hand
March 25-27, 2016: The Alabama Sierra Student Coalition in collaboration with the University of Alabama's Environmental Council and University of Montevallo's Environmental Club hosted the first-ever Southeastern Student Summit for Justice at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. This student-led, student-planned conference gathered 20 youth from around the state to learn about the current struggles for social justice on campus and how they intersect with environmental justice issues in our communities. The summit included: lodging at Canterbury Chapel Student Center; a Friday night art party; Saturday workshops and sessions on skills and knowledge for organizing and winning campaigns; a student rally and action in solidarity with Uniontown residents; and special guests Esther Calhoun (of Uniontown and Blackbelt Citizens), John Wathen (of Tuscaloosa and Hurricane Creekkeeper), and Mathew Louis-Rosenberg (of West VA and Extreme Energy Extraction Collaborative).
April 15-16, 2016: Birmingham Inspiring Connections Outdoors and New Beginnings Ministry's (Brighton, Alabama) Youth group participated in the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve Bio-Blitz. The trip included camping, great foods like smores, waterfalls, hiking, and exploring beautiful Turkey Creek with 12 amazing teenagers from across Birmingham and Jefferson County. The Birmingham ICO program is looking for more support in all forms because we need to provide more opportunities to get our children outdoors! If you are interested in learning more about the AL Sierra Student Coalition or Birmingham ICO, please contact Adam Johnston at bbcfhj.aj@gmail.com
Photos are courtesy of Adam Johnston, Kyle Crider, and Brandon Battle
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by Adam Johnston, member Black Belt Citizens Fighting for Health & Justice, member Al Episcopal Diocesan Task Force for the Stewardship of Creation, member Al Sierra Club Executive Committee
Constitutional Amendment Lets Voters Protect Parks
After years of threats to Alabama’s state parks, a constitutional amendment protecting their funding once and for all will be on the ballot in November. Senate Bill 260, which calls for a statewide vote on an amendment to specify that any funding earned by or designated for Alabama’s state parks can only be spent on parks, passed the House on April 20. This means the administrative transfers that decimated state parks’ budgets in the past will no longer be allowed to take place. It will now be up to voters to show their support for Alabama’s state parks in November.
Last year our state parks experienced a funding crisis that closed five of Alabama’s 22 parks and required an additional six parks to reduce their services and hours. These park closures are the direct result of legislators transferring money from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) into the General Fund. These administrative transfers have occurred for the last five years, taking money generated from hunting and fishing licenses and park entrance fees from DCNR and delivering it to the General Fund.
In advance of this year’s legislative session, more than a thousand emails were sent demanding our state parks be protected in this year’s budget. In response to the overwhelming public support for our state parks, Senator Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville) introduced SB 260.
Your support is needed to pass this final hurdle. Your vote this November will protect state parks and keep them open for all of us to enjoy. Let’s ensure our public lands are there now and for future generations.
For regular updates from Conservation Alabama on bills making their way through the state legislature, visit our Bill Tracker or sign up for our weekly Hot List email by visiting the website to get the latest news on environmental bills sent directly to your inbox.
Canoe Trip with the Cahaba Group of the Sierra Club
The Friends of the Locust Fork River hosted an easy canoe and kayak trip on April 23rd and were kind enough to include the Cahaba Sierra Group on the trip. A total of 34 people took to the water to enjoy the scenery. Along the way we saw some wildlife, including a beaver, turtles, fish, and a bald eagle. A local dog even joined in the fun, paddling his or her way down the river for a while among our boats. We stopped for lunch midway of our trip just below a nice little rapid. A wonderful potluck dinner after the trip at the hosts' house rounded out our lovely day on the river. (submitted by Roe Hyche)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW! ALABAMA SIERRA CLUB FALL RETREAT
Living Lightly on the Earth At Beautiful Camp McDowell, Nauvoo, Alabama
October 28 – 30, 2016
Sponsored by the Coosa Valley Sierra Club
Spring cleaning for Mother Nature, courtesy of a man and his dog
Wolfdog has been cleaning up our rivers for four years. Nobody has ever paid him a dime, but he's picked up thousands of bags of garbage. The story of this fellow, his dog, and their mission to pick up after the rest of us will warm your heart, make you mad, and maybe inspire you to pick up the trash you see while you're out enjoying nature. Story is the first part of a monthlong series "Raines on the Water" on al.com. Read the full story from Ben Raines here.
Action Alert for Alabamians.
A water conflict has been raging in the Southeast for more than two decades, and rivers and communities are at a breaking point. Outdated water management practices and wasteful water use threaten the Apalachicola, Chattahoochee and Flint rivers.
Unless Georgia, Alabama and Florida reach a transparent water-sharing agreement that protects both people and wildlife throughout the basin, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers improves water management, the region will face lasting economic and environmental damage. You can take action today by urging Governor Bentley to work together with the Governors from Georgia and Florida for a shared resource. Learn more here.
INFORMATION ON FEDERAL COAL LEASING PROGRAM HEARINGS KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE (DATE & TIME TO BE DETERMINED)
Background
In January, President Obama announced a formal plan to consider reforming the federal coal leasing program. A key first step is hearing from Americans what the administration should consider in its analysis of the coal leasing program, called a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS). This will be the first PEIS on federal coal leasing since the Reagan administration and will provide the foundation for fixing a broken and outdated system. It also will examine, for the first time, the collective climate impacts from all coal mined from public lands.
Why is this important?
We know that a flood of subsidized federal coal has harmed communities, including many in Alabama, stunted clean energy growth, and hurt our climate. It’s time for a planned transition that will keep federal coal in the ground. A fair review of this program will uncover the true cost of coal mining on public lands on our communities, our health, our wallets, and our planet. We can use this review as an opportunity to make smart choices about the future of U.S. energy policy:
- Requiring coal companies to pay royalties that reflect the true cost of this coal will allow clean energy to compete on an even playing field;
- Keeping dirty fuels in the ground and generating electricity with clean energy to avoid the pollution, costs, and health risks associated with coal; and
- Steward our public lands to protect and sustain our land, water, and wildlife instead of creating sacrifice zones for a dirty fuel we don’t need.
Public Hearings
In late May, federal public hearings will be held around the country, including in Knoxville, Tennessee. By speaking out now, we can use this historic opportunity to press the federal government to protect move us toward a policy that the President has said we must pursue: keeping more dirty fossil fuels in the ground where they belong. We must also demonstrate broad public support for reforming the broken federal coal leasing program and push the government to transition out of the coal business.
If you’re interested in attending the hearing in Knoxville, want more information, or have questions, please contact Jonathan Levenshus, Campaign Representative for the Beyond Coal Campaign at jonathan.levenshus@sierra.club.org
Alabama Water Rally - 2016
The Alabama Sierra Club encourages its members to attend the Alabama Water Rally, being held in Mobile the weekend of May 20-23, in conjunction with the national River Network River Rally 2016 (see alabamarivers.org for more information and to register). Attending the Alabama Water Rally on May 20 is free but registration is required. If you plan to attend the entire River Rally, registration and payment of fees is required.
PROCEDURE FOR SENDING MATERIAL TO THE ALABAMA SIERRAN
Many thanks to Roe Hyche, Bob Hastings, Lucina Horner, and Peggie Griffin for agreeing to be the new newsletter committee.
The newsletter is put together monthly, and material for the newsletter should be sent to plgriffin@comcast.net, with a subject line of "For the Editorial Board" no later than the 15th of the month.
Group newsletter editors may continue sending group meeting information and calendars of events to Joe Watts at joe@joewatts.com, no later than the 25th of each month.
Guidelines for Material:
- The newsletter committee is seeking articles about Alabama environmental issues, articles highlighting Alabama’s special beautiful places, and engaging write-ups about group and chapter activities.
- Articles should be originally written for the Alabama Sierran, factual, and timely.
- A link to another publication should only be used rarely, but if a link is to be used, a full summary of the information (at least a paragraph long) should be written, with the link provided for more detailed information.
- The newsletter committee has the right to make any changes, so that material will meet these guidelines.
Don't miss any of the outings and events across Alabama this month
Check out our outings and events page!
Cahaba Group
Thursday, May 12 7:30PM - 9:03PM. Catching the Sun. In lieu of the regularly monthly meeting at the Birmingham Zoo, we are encouraging people to see "Catching the Sun", a feature length documentary that explores the global race to a clean energy future.
This event is promoted by Energy Alabama. A minimum number of tickets need to be ordered by May 5 to ensure the showing of the documentary in Birmingham.
You can read about and order tickets here:
https://www.tugg.com/events/95417
If the minimum number of tickets is not reached, no one will be charged and the event will not take place.
Description of the movie from the tugg.com website:
"Movie presentation of Catching the Sun
Through the stories of workers and entrepreneurs in the U.S. and China, Catching the Sun is a feature length documentary that explores the global race to a clean energy future. Catching the Sun follows the hope and heartbreak of unemployed American workers seeking jobs in the solar industry and sheds light on the path to an economically and environmentally sustainable future. Through personal stories that illuminate the universal theme of hope for a better life, and set against the struggle to build a ‘green economy’, Catching the Sun will engage new audiences in solutions to climate change and income inequality."
Saturday, May 14, 2016. Outings Leader Training. The Cahaba Sierra Club is having a leader training day on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Hoover Library. The all-day class will include a first aid class as well as the leadership training for Sierra Club outings. We will provide each person with a first aid kit and a binder of sign in sheets. The Cahaba Sierra Club covers the cost of the training and asks that each leader lead or co-lead at least one event per month - hiking, walking, biking, water activited, etc. Please contact me, Lucina Horner at lucinamarie@gmail.com to get on the list.
For many Sierra Club, Cahaba Group outings (plus some non-Sierra Club outings), check out the Birmingham Adventure Group on Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/BirminghamAdventureGroup/
Saturday, May 14, 2016. Join the Cahaba Group of the Sierra Club on a sunset hike at Mount Cheaha in which we will hike out to McDill Point at dusk from the Cheaha (aka the Arch) Trailhead. We will enjoy the sunset and then hike back from McDill Point under the cover of darkness.
The hike will be approximately five miles in length and is rated moderate due to the hike back over Hernandez Peak from McDill Point and the fact that visibility will be very low during the hike.
If you do not hike or do intense cardio on a regular basis OR have cardio-pulmonary issues this will be a strenuous hike for you. Please bring a liter or two of water, a light source, snacks/food, sturdy shoes, and insect repellent. (A cheap headlamp from Walmart works very well for this.) A walking stick or trekking pole may be helpful on some of the rockier sections in the dark.
Glow in the dark items are encouraged. We will meet at the Bass Pro Shop in Leeds at 4:00p (leaving by 4:15p) and again at the Target in Oxford at 5:00p for anyone that lives east of Birmingham that wants to join us as well. We will leave the Target parking lot by 5:15p and should start hiking just after 6:15p at the Cheaha Trailhead.
These times are very firm - we do not want to miss the sunset at McDill Point and want to be settled into our spot before the sun begins to set. The sun will set at 7:40p on this date and there will be another 20 minutes of dusk before true nightfall.
We will likely not be back to the trailhead until 9:30p or possibly a little later. Optional late night dinner after the hike in the Anniston/Oxford area. Since half of this hike will be in the dark, there will be several rules in force that are not normally a part of the average Sierra Club dayhike. The terrain upon which we will be hiking around McDill Point, Hernandez Peak, and the rocky Pinhoti trail bed in this area can be very dangerous even under the best conditions in full daylight. Because of the inherent dangers of night hiking in this area, no dogs will be allowed on this hike - however, children ages ten or older are welcome on the hike. We will also need to hike together as a group without a very big separation between the point and sweep. There are several spots here where the trail is confusing and people often get lost even in the daytime. If you have never hiked at night, I suspect that you will be surprised at how well you will be able to see on the trail at night with a light. If you have any questions please post below or message me via my meetup profile. I will post my cell number as the date of the hike approaches. Learn more about the event on facebook here.
Typical Monthly meetings - 2nd Thursday every month at 6:00 pm at the Birmingham Zoo Auditorium (building to the right of entrance gate) NOTE: locations do vary, so check the facebook page for the latest infomraiton.
Business meeting at 6:00, presentation at 6:30.
Coosa Valley Group
Thurs., May 11, 6:30 - book signing and presentation by Dan Spaulding, author of "Ferns of Alabama" and senior curator at the Anniston Museum of Natural History. Books will be available for purchase. Refreshments provided. Meeting to be at the Joe M. Ford Center, 405 Cardinal Dr., Gadsden.
Mobile Bay Group
Tuesday evening, May 3rd, screening at 7:00 p.m. Catching the Sun. The Mobile Bay Sierra Club is pleased to host the Premier Gulf Coast Screening of 'Catching the Sun'! A must-see film! An eye-opening look at workers and entrepreneurs on the forefront of the clean energy movement that will transform, and enliven the way you see the future. What is clear is the wonderful economic opportunities the transition to clean energy represents! "Award-winning filmmaker and eco-activist Shalini Kantayya’s documentary broadens the climate change debate to explore the possibilities of social and economic justice in a soon-to-be solar-powered world." - Julie Anderson, LA Film Festival. Please don't miss this powerful documentary! Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m.
5 Rivers, Tensaw Theater, Please follow the Sierra Club signs. (The General Public is invited, No Admission)
5 Rivers, Alabama’s Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Blvd., Spanish Fort, AL 36527 (entrance is across from Meaher State Park on the Mobile Bay Causeway). For more information, please contact Carol Adams-Davis, 702-496-5050 or email: mcadamsdavis@earthlink.net
Montgomery Group
Sat. 5/07. Cheaha Wilderness Day Hike, AL. We will hike the ridgeline south of Mount Cheaha State Park for about a 7 mile round trip. Specifically, we will start on the Cave Creek Trail, then connect to the Pinhoti Trail for the return trip. We will also take a quick peek at Cave Creek Cave, so bring a flashlight if you wish to enter the cave. Wear good hiking shoes since the trail is quite rocky. Bring trail snacks and at least two liters of water. Rated moderate. Meet 8 AM at the Hwy 231 Winn Dixie parking lot (near the Laundromat) just south of Wetumpka. The drive is about two hours. Free.
Note: These trips can change at any time, so please contact trip leader, Roger Wolczek, 334-361-7354, rwolczek@knology.net, for the latest information.
Note that regular Group meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM at Aldersgate Methodist Church (Room 25), 6610 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116. (334) 272-6152
North Alabama Group
Sat-Sun, Apr 30-May 1 - Big Frog Wilderness Backpack. Strenuous.
We will leave Huntsville early on Saturday, traveling to the Big Frog Wilderness, where we will hike the Big Frog trail to the top of Big Frog Mountain and camp for the night (approximately 8 miles). We will return to our cars Sunday on the Big Frog, Benton MacKaye and Rough Creek trails (approximately 10 miles). This hike involves several thousand feet of elevation gain on Saturday and as much elevation loss on Sunday. Big Frog Mountain is the most westerly 4000 foot peak in the Appalachian chain, and temperatures this time of year can easily reach freezing. Hikers should be self-sufficient, with adequate clothing, food and shelter for the weather. Water will be required to be filtered or treated and food hung. We will likely have the option of dining afterward at a local restaurant. Group size is limited and hike leader approval is required. For information contact Bob Eastburn at reast09@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 3 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Moderate.
Depart at 6:00pm sharp from the Monte Sano State Park Hikers’ parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot and during the hike. Though not strenuous, hikes may be vigorous and range from 3 to 5 miles. For directions or questions contact Suzanne Cawthon at atirawolf@yahoo.com
Saturday, May 7 - Sharps and Bice Mountain Hike. Strenuous.
We will get views of Jackson County and the Paint Rock water shed to the east then hike west to get views of Madison County. We will visit an old coal mine and a sink. Hike is 8 miles round trip with half of the hike being off trail; it has an initial steep ascent with the hike having a total 1700 feet elevation gain and 1700 feet elevation decent. Depending upon your condition and ability to hike off trial this could be either a moderate or difficult rating. Bring Lunch and Water, there should be water sources for filtration. Bring water, snacks, lunch and dress for the weather. Wear hiking boots. Hiking poles are optional but may be advantageous due to off trail hiking. This outing is limited in participant number. You must contact the hike leader for approval and if you reserve a spot, please commit to showing up. Hike leader will notify you of meeting location. We will meet at 8:30 and carpool to trailhead, hike starts at 9:00 and we will return about 1:30. Contact Steve Jackson at covecrawler@gmail.com RAIN CANCELS.
Tuesday, May 10 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Moderate.
Depart at 6:00pm sharp from the Monte Sano State Park Hikers’ parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot and during the hike. Though not strenuous, hikes may be vigorous and range from 3 to 5 miles. For directions or questions contact Richard Williams at rbwilliams67@gmail.com or Judy Burley at jcburley@bellsouth.net
Saturday, May 14 - Return to the Fiery Gizzard! Strenuous.
RSVP does not guarantee you a slot. You must contact the hike leader for a space. Located in the South Cumberland State Park, TN, the Fiery Gizzard trail has been listed as one of the Nation’s top 25-hiking trails. Join me, Charlie and Aaron for an incredibly scenic trail series which includes the Fiery Gizzard trail. We’ll begin our hike by descending into a gorge to follow a stream with waterfalls, cascades, rock formations, and colorful plant life. We will be crossing several rock fields which require steady feet to an eventual steep climb up to the top of the plateau. From there, we will hike the new section of trail which is very steep but in areas has a rope to hold onto, stone and wooden steps. It will be well worth the climb up even more stone steps to our early afternoon lunch place which offers a view of an incredible waterfall. We’ll back track on this trail up to the plateau and finish on the more rolling Dog Hole loop, dropping back into our original gorge and up to the parking area. Again, this is a STRENUOUS hike and limited in number. Bring snacks, lunch, lots of water, bug spray, hiking boots, poles (optional but highly recommended), and dress for the weather. For more information, contact Sandy at sandykip56@gmail.com RAIN CANCELS.
Tuesday, May 17 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Moderate.
Depart at 6:00pm sharp from the Monte Sano State Park Hikers’ parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot and during the hike. Though not strenuous, hikes may be vigorous and range from 3-5 miles. For directions contact Aaron Lesky at aaronlesky22@gmail.com or Judy Burley at jcburley@bellsouth.net
Saturday, May 21 - Blevins Gap Preserve Hike. Moderate.
This hike is approximately 8 miles and involves some climbing. Bring water, snacks, lunch and dress for the weather. Wear study hiking boots. We will break for lunch with a great view of South Huntsville. Depart at 9:00am sharp from the Huntsville Mountain Trailhead Land Trust parking area at the Southeast Church of the Nazarene on Cecil Ashburn Drive. For directions or questions contact Richard at rbwilliams67@gmail.com RAIN CANCELS.
Tuesday, May 24 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Moderate.
Depart at 6:00pm sharp from the Monte Sano State Park Hikers’ parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot and during the hike. Though not strenuous, hikes may be vigorous and range from 3-5 miles. For directions or questions contact Rick Gates at rgates@knology.net or Sue at sierraboot@yahoo.com
Saturday, May 28 - Canoe, Cave and Cliff Hike. Moderate.
Dutch Oven Breakfast (Hillbilly Quiche) for 12 people (first come, first serve, no cost). You are welcome to bring a side dish (fruit, etc.) if you wish. We will Canoe/Kayak from Hwy 72 access to Little Cove Road, approx. 5 miles. We will stop to visit a small local cave, then do lunch riverside with an optional ¼ mile hike to the top of Sublets Bluff with a great view of Northern Madison County (this is an off trail hike, foliage may be thick so you may wish to bring long pants or zip offs especially if you are sensitive to poison ivy). We will meet at NACK (North Alabama Canoe and Kayak) on the corner of Moontown road and Hwy 72. They have Kayak and Canoe rentals if you do not have a boat. I recommend them as they will put you in and pick you up at the takeout. Contact NACK for rental details. Optional Breakfast starts at 0830. We depart for river at 0900. We will leave promptly at 0900 so get there early if you need to get a boat. Trip is rated easy to moderate and will last about 3.5 hours. PFDs are a requirement for this outing. For directions or questions contact Steve Jackson atcovecrawler@gmail.com or 256 337-9702. RAIN CANCELS.
Saturday, May 28 - Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve hike. Moderate.
8-10 mile hike. This privately owned pristine property has been preserved in its natural state and added to since its original purchase in 1979. Join Charlie, Jerry and me on an adventure of exploration to rock shelters, sandstone bluffs, streams, glades, a variety of plant life, and other attractions. Bring snacks, lunch, water, bug spray, good hiking shoes and dress for the weather. For more information, contact Sandy at sandykip56@gmail.com RAIN CANCELS.
Tuesday, May 31 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Moderate.
Depart at 6:00pm sharp from the Monte Sano State Park Hikers’ parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot and during the hike. Though not strenuous, hikes may be vigorous and range from 3 to 5 miles. For directions or questions contact Pete Luther at pluther@knology.net
Saturday, June 4 - Sipsey Wilderness Hike. Strenuous.
The hike will include two creek crossings. Join Chris and Tom for a challenging hike in the Sipsey Wilderness. It will consist of trails 203 207 and 208 and is 10 to 12 miles. We will follow the 203 trail pass beautiful rock formations, one rock shelter which has what looks to be the remnants of an old whiskey still and a Native American stone bowl worn in one of the boulders. We'll follow 203 all the way to the bridge at Borden creek. We will continue to Flannigan creek and cross there to trail 207. We will follow 207 along Flannigan creek to 208 and 208 to the trailhead. This hike has beautiful scenery along the way. Bring plenty of food and water, your bug spray, water shoes and a foot towel. There is a 10-person limit for Sipsey Wilderness hikes so you must reserve a slot. For directions or questions contact Tom Burley at tdburleyhiker@bellsouth.net
Fri-Sun, June 10-12 - Wilderness First Aid Training.
The North Alabama Sierra Club is offering a comprehensive two and one half day course June 10th -June 12th that will teach you the wilderness medicine skills you need to handle backcountry emergencies. Instructor approval is required to enroll in this course and class size is limited. The cost is $100 which includes both CPR/AED and WFA certification and must be paid in advance. You are not guaranteed a slot until payment is received. Payment may be made beginning now but is due no later May 20. There will be no refunds after June 1 due to materials having been purchased. From the Patient Assessment System through traumatic, medical, and environmental emergencies, you'll experience a wide variety of topics designed to prepare you to act if an accident occurs. This is a 20 hour course over two days and one half days. The course begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday with Adult CPR/AED certification and at 8:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday and runs through 5:00 p.m. You will have both classroom time and hands on practice scenarios. Practice scenarios may take place outside in various weather conditions; be prepared for inclement weather. Participants will have to pass both a written and a practical test. Successful completion results in an American Red Cross Wilderness & Remote First Aid certification valid for two years. For further information and payment instructions contact Tom Burley at tdburleyhiker@bellsouth.net
June 30. Alabama Wildlife Center at June Sierra Club Meeting
Have you ever wondered how sick, injured, and orphaned wild birds take flight into the Alabama skies again? At the June 30th Sierra Club meeting, Scottie Jackson from the Alabama Wildlife Center will talk about how their patients regain their ability to survive in the wild. You will also get to meet AWC's live raptor ambassadors up close! The Alabama Wildlife Center, founded in 1977, is Alabama's oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation and education facility. AWC rescues, rehabilitates, and returns to the wild almost 2,000 native birds from over 100 different species annually. The Center is also a state educational resource, reaching over 30,000 participants every year through wildlife and conservation education programs.
On Thursday, August 18, Darryl Patton, the Southern Herbalist will give a fascinating talk on medicinal and edible uses for local plants. The meetings start at 6:00pm and will be in the training room of the National Children’s Advocacy Center at 210 Pratt Avenue. This is at the corner of Pratt and Meridian streets. Meetings are open to everyone. Come join us!
North Alabama Sierra Club Meetings for 2016
Mark your calendars for meetings of the North Alabama Sierra Club. Meetings start at 6:00pm and will be in the training room of the National Children’s Advocacy Center at 210 Pratt Avenue. This is at the corner of Pratt and Meridian streets. The North Alabama Sierra Club meets quarterly and meetings are open to everyone. Come join us!
- November - Program to be determined
- December - Holiday Party. This will be held in the auditorium of the public library downtown.
West Alabama Group
Fri-Sun 5/8. Campout weekend at Desoto State Park. Join us for a weekend of fun in the great outdoors in beautiful northeast Alabama. We plan to campout in Desoto State Park on Friday and Saturday, May 6th and 7th. We will hike on Saturday on state park trails. Exact distance is not known, but plan for a 3 to 4 hour day hike. Trails at Desoto are rated moderate to strenuous. Bring your camping gear and make reservations by going to alapark.com or call 1-800-ALAPARK (252-7275).
Thurs. 5/19. 7:00pm. Monthly meeting. “History, Mission, and Vision for the Future of the UA Arboretum” Monica H. Moss Watkins, M.S., Director, The University of Alabama Arboretum, St. Francis Parish, Mulvoy Building, 811 Fifth Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.