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
Heading to the Beach this Summer? Take some advice from the Birmingham Audubon Society and Share the Beach!
New Website Highlights Trails Around Alabama
There's a new website for trails all across Alabama. It isn't complete yet, but there's a built in tool that lets YOU add trails. Visit the website and follow the directions. The more trails included in this site, the better it will work for the trails community--hiking, biking, canoeing and more! www.alabamarecreationtrails.org.
2016 Swim Guides
Planning on taking a trip down a beautiful river? Be sure to check out the water quality before your trip. Below is a snapshot of the Cahaba River's current monitoring status. You can also check on the Coosa River's swim guide here. What other area Riverkeepers are providing water quality alerts like this? Let us know by sending an email to joe@joewatts.com. To learn more about the Cahaba River and to get updated alerts, visit the Cahaba Riverkeeper's website here.
David Newton, Longtime Alabama Sierra Club Activist Suggests Contacting Your Legislator
I suggest that each of you call the D.C. offices of Senators Sessions and Shelby, and also your congressional representative. If you require confirmation of your representative’s name, visit http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/ and enter your ZIP Code.
Here are the telephone numbers:
Senator Jeff Sessions, (202) 224-4124
Senator Richard Shelby, (202) 224-5744
Representative (AL District 1) Bradley Byrne, (202) 225-4931
Representative (AL District 2) Martha Roby, (202) 225-2901
Representative (AL District 3) Mike Rogers, (202) 225-3261
Representative (AL District 4) Robert Aderholt, (202) 225-4876
Representative (AL District 5) Mo Brooks, (202) 225-4801
Representative (AL District 6) Gary Palmer, (202) 225-4921
Representative (AL District 7) Terri Sewell, (202) 225-2665
As you know, we hire these people to represent us. I believe we must supervise them. Please call their offices and educate them about climate change. They hear from me a lot, but I need help. Of course, they will change their minds when DC floods, but if we continue to act, we can help them avoid having to wade to work. Thanks.
Here is part of the email message recently sent to the Alabama Delegation. You should take this opportunity to do the same!
Humans are responsible for most of the unprecedented increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases, with the principle long-term gas being carbon dioxide resulting from our burning of fossil fuels. (The greenhouse effect of carbon dioxide is certainly in evidence on planet Venus where temperatures can reach 870 degrees F. in an atmosphere that is 96.5 percent carbon dioxide.)
Regarding the economy, thousands of jobs have been created by increased use of energy from sources other than fossil fuels. Increased use of renewable sources of energy also helps to improve the health of your constituents and can help to reduce the costs associated with health care.
It seems the entire Alabama Congressional delegation should re-think its position on climate change. See (below) a letter I recently sent to several newspapers in Alabama:
“Following the December, 2015 climate change agreement in Paris (by 195 countries), 175 countries signed the final agreement in New York on April 22. (The remaining 20 counties have 12 months to sign.) According to the U.N., “the Agreement’s objective is to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius [3.6 degrees Fahrenheit], and to strive for 1.5 degrees Celsius [2.7 degrees Fahrenheit]. It will enter into force 30 days after at least 55 countries, accounting for 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, deposit [with the U.N.] their instruments of ratification.” Among the signatories of April 22 are 15 nations that have already ratified the agreement, most of which face imminent dangers from climate change, e.g., submersion under rising seas.
“And the drumbeat of ominous scientific reports continues. A few days ago the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that for the 11th straight month global temperatures set records for warmth.
“Meanwhile in Alabama, there is little evidence of concern about climate change among the nine members of our Congressional delegation. The annual voting scorecard for 2015 for all members of the U.S. Congress, published by the League of Conservation Voters (LCV), shows deficiencies, especially in Alabama. The seven members of the Alabama delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives had LCV voting scores on climate change that ranged from 0% to 40%. Congresswoman Terri Sewell received the 40% and the other six scored 0%. Alabama Senators Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby also scored 0% on climate change for 2015.
“Concerned citizens should urge their congressman and senators to disavow denial of climate change and begin to work in support of policies that will lessen the impact of this global problem.”
Map Of Alabama’s Top 50 Transportation Projects Highlights State’s Imbalanced Approach To Infrastructure
From Black Warrior Riverkeeper. Birmingham, AL—A map released today of Alabama’s 50 most needed road improvements, the total cost of which could be completed for half a billion dollars less than the proposed Northern Beltline, highlights a critical need for accountability and transparency in the decision‐making process around statewide transportation investments.
The Southern Environmental Law Center and Black Warrior Riverkeeper released the map, based on an independently published report by nonprofit transportation research group The Road Information Program (TRIP), to emphasize that statewide transportation needs will continue to go unmet as long as the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) gives funding priority to the Northern Beltline and other politically‐motivated projects. Read the full release here.
Mobile Bay Riverkeeper Award
by Casi Callaway, Mobile Baykeeper
I was so proud to accept the River Hero award from my colleagues at River Network and couldn’t have been more blown away that Marc Yaggi, Waterkeeper Alliance Executive Director, flew to Mobile for the sole purpose of introducing me to the crowd of about 400. It was an incredible honor to receive this award with my family, staff, board and friends in the audience.
Below you will find the acceptance speech I prepared. You can CLICK HERE to listen to what I actually said as is typical of speeches and me. The most important point I hope you see in both speeches is that working together is the only way we’re going to make a difference in our communities. We all have great challenges, but we can all be incredible allies for each other. Thanks to all who nominated me and supported me to this place. Read more of this press release here.
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, June 9th. Join us for a meeting of the Cahaba Group at 6:30p at the Birmingham Zoo's Auditorium (in the building to the right of the ticket booth and gate into the zoo). The business meeting begins at 6: 00p and will be followed at 6:30p by a presentation by Kyle Crider who is with the Alabama Environmental Council and project manager for the Alabama Solar Knowledge (ASK) Project. The project is a partnership between the Alabama Environmental Council and UAB and is designed to map data collected from solar businesses in and near Alabama and also from Alabama citizens. Eventually this data will be utilized as part of recruiting industries to the state.
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 information.
Business meeting at 6:00, presentation at 6:30.
Mobile Bay Group
Tuesday evening, June 7. 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
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
Tuesday, June 7 - Monte Sano Tuesday Evening Hike. Moderate. Depart at 6:00 p.m. 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 Judy Burley at jcburley@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 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
Tuesday, June 14 - Monte Sano Tuesday Evening Hike. Moderate. Depart at 6:00 p.m. 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 Carolyn Brooks at dr_c_brooks@msn.com
Saturday, June 18 - The Fabled Goat of Monte Sano. Moderate. 9-mile moderate hike. Join Charlie and I as we search for the elusive goat of Monte Sano State Park around the Super Cuts, Stone Cuts, Golan Heights, the Goat Trail (of course) and Rocky Nightmare. Wear good hiking shoes, dress for the weather and bring snacks, lots of water, lunch, and bug spray. Group size limited. Contact Sandy at sandykip56@gmail.com for more info. RAIN CANCELS.
Tuesday, June 21 - Monte Sano Tuesday Evening Hike. Moderate. Depart at 6:00 p.m. 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 Rick Gates at rgates@knology.net
Tuesday, June 28 - Monte Sano Tuesday Evening Hike. Moderate. Depart at 6:00 p.m. 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 Steve Jackson at covecrawler@gmail.com
Saturday, July 2 - An Old-Fashion Celebration: Hike, Swim and Picnic lunch. Moderate. Moderate hikes due to terrain, not distance. Grab your inner tube, bring a picnic lunch and celebrate the 4th of July holiday weekend with Charlie and me in the South Cumberland State Park area. We’ll hike short trails to three different waterfalls where you’ll have a chance to float, frolic, photograph, or just enjoy. Bring snacks, water, lunch, a towel, wear a swim suit (if you plan to swim), hiking shoes/gear, and bug spray. Group size is limited. Contact Sandy at sandykip56@gmail.com for more info. T-storms/torrential downpour cancel.
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!
- June 30 - Alabama Wildlife Center
- August 18 – Darryl Patton, Wilderness Survival and Medicinal/Edible plants in the woods.
- November - Program to be determined
- December - Holiday Party. This will be held in the auditorium of the public library downtown.
West Alabama Group
Sat. 6/11. Heron/Egret Rookery at Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. Want to experience the excitement of a rookery, then join us as we get within a football field's distance of one of the largest heron/egret rookeries in the southeast. There will only be a short walk along a boardwalk to view the nesting birds. Meet at 8:00a.m. at Buhl Elementary School. Buhl School is only 11 miles from the Northport Civic Center. For more information call Dexter Duren at (205)393-0927.
Visit our website for up-to-date info.: http://www.sierraclub.org/alabama/west-alabama