Cahaba Group
Thursday, April 12, 2018, 6:00 pm. - Renowned herbalist and forager Darryl Patton will lead a plant walk/discussion at the Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, 1214 81st Street South, Birmingham, AL.
We will meet in the parking lot/picnic pavilion of the Nature Center at 6:00pm and walk from there along a trail where Darryl will point out medicinal and edible plants "in the wild" as it were.Darryl Patton is a wilderness survival expert, outdoorsman, adventure traveler, and herbalist who studied under the tutelage of Tommie Bass - one of the last of the old Appalachian Mountain herb doctors. Patton teaches wilderness survival skills around the country and is an instructor with Randall's Adve nture Training in Ft. Payne, has been a consultant for the Discovery Channel's 'Man vs. Wild' with Bear Grylls, and also is the author of 'Mountain Medicine, The Herbal Remedies of Tommie Bass.'
Patton's walk will last about forty-five minutes and he will focus on presenting the traditional edible and medicinal uses of many of the indigenous plants that can be found in the Appalachian region of the southeastern states.
The walk will not be strenuous and is suitable for all ages. Time permitted, we will meet back at the pavilion at Ruffner to continue the discussion.
There are restrooms and a water fountain at the pavilion.
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/
Coosa Valley Group
Thursday (April 12th) at 6:30 pm. A Naturalist Goes Fishing, Jim McClintock.
James B. McClintock is the Endowed University Professor of Polar and Marine Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Santa Cruz (1978) and his doctoral degree from the University of South Florida (1984). In 1987, after completing a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of California at Santa Cruz, he joined the faculty of the Department of Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He became a Full Professor at UAB in 1997 and has also served as Dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (1999-2003) and as Interim Dean of the Graduate School (2003-2005). Dr. McClintock’s research has been funded continuously over the past 25 years by the National Science Foundation and focuses on aspects of marine invertebrate nutrition, reproduction, and primarily, Antarctic marine chemical ecology. Over the past decade his research has also encompassed studies of the impacts of rapid climate change and ocean acidification on Antarctic marine algae and invertebrates. He has published 275 peer-reviewed scientific publications, edited and written books, is invited to make numerous scientific and popular science presentations, and his research has been featured in a variety of public media outlets including the NPR Diane Rehm Show, NPR’s “On Point” with Tom Ashbrook, NPR Morning Edition with David Green, National Geographic Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, Discover Magazine, Scientific American Magazine, CNN, the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, and The Weather Channel. He has been an invited speaker for 'TEDx' (Birmingham) and 'The Moth' (Lincoln Center, New York City) and has served on workshops sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences on Climate Change and Polar Ecosystems. He recently returned from his 15th research expedition to Antarctica where over the past two decades he and his research collaborators have become among the world’s authorities on Antarctic marine chemical ecology and drug discovery and have developed an award winning interactive educational outreach web site (www.antarctica.uab.edu). His expertise on the ecological impacts of climate change and ocean acidification on marine life of the Antarctic Peninsula has garnered numerous invited lectures and he writes in the popular literature on this timely topic. His book Lost Antarctica: Adventures in a Disappearing Land (Palgrave/MacMillan) was released in September 2012 (paperback edition released in 2014 with a Foreward by Sylvia Earle) and has garnered considerable national and international praise (www.lostantarctica.com). In June 2013, a video short based on his book was produced and released by the EO Wilson Biodiversity Foundation that featured narration by Harrison Ford. His second book A Naturalist Goes Fishing (St. Martins/MacMillan), released in November 2015, combines fishing adventures with an overview of pressing needs for freshwater and marine conservation (http://us.macmillan.com/anaturalistgoesfishing/jamesmcclintock). He has been the recipient of numerous awards and distinctions including the UAB Ellen Gregg Ingalls Recognition for Excellence in Teaching and the UAB Caroline P. and Charles W. Ireland Prize for Outstanding Scholarship. In 2001 he was selected as the winner of the Wright A. Gardner Award for the most outstanding scientist in the state of Alabama and he was selected in 2012 to serve on the Advisory Board of the EO Wilson Biodiversity Foundation. In 2017, a national playwright, Caridad Svich, scripted a play based on his life with a focus on Antarctica and environmental issues. He is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, an elected Trustee of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and an elected Fellow of the Explorer's Club. In 1998 the United States Board on Geographic Names designated the geographic feature “McClintock Point” in honor of his contributions to Antarctic science.
Directions to the Joe M. Ford Center: From I-59, take the exit for I-759. Follow I-759 until it ends at George Wallace Dr. Turn right, then take the first left onto East Cardinal Drive. The Joe Ford Center is the first building on the right. Connect with Sierra Club: By phone |256| 459 8177 (get info, text, leave a message) fb.com/CoosaValleySierraClub
Mobile Bay Group
Tuesday evening, April 3. 6 p.m. Monthly Program. Coal Ash in Coastal Alabama presented by Casi Callaway, Executive Director & Baykeeper of Mobile Baykeeper. Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) recently held a public hearing in Montgomery on its draft coal ash storage and disposal rules. Southern Environmental Law Center, Alabama Rivers Alliance, Black Warrior Riverkeeper, Coosa Riverkeeper, Mobile Baykeeper, Sierra Club and other conservation groups argued that ADEM’s rules are less stringent than federal regulations and inadequate to protect the state’s water from coal ash contamination.
Director Casi Callaway will share how Mobile Baykeeper is working to make sure that the most protective closure plan is chosen for coal ash stored at Alabama Power's Plant Barry. She will review the results of much research and talk about the serious impacts and ongoing threat to the the Mobile River and Mobile-Tensaw Delta, if this massive coal ash pond is left in place.
When: Tuesday Evening, April 3rd at 6:00 p.m.
Refreshments will be served at 6:00 p.m. and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Where: 5 Rivers, Tensaw Theater, follow the Sierra Club signs.
Please forward this invitation to any interested people or groups.
(The General Public is invited, No Admission)
Location address: 5 River, 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
Location address: 5 River, 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
These trips can change at any time, so contact Roger Wolczek, 334-361-7354, rwolczek@knology.net, for the latest information.
Sat. 4/21. Cherokee Ridge Trail Day Hike, AL. This area has 7 miles of hiking trails along scenic Lake Martin. At this time of year, wild Azalea, Rhododendron, and Mountain Laurel should be blooming. We will hike the loop trails until we get tired. Bring trail snacks and plenty of water. Rated moderate. Meet 9 AM at the Hwy 231 Winn Dixie parking lot (near the Laundromat) just south of Wetumpka. It takes about an hour to drive there. Free.
Sat. 5/19. Little River Canyon Preserve Tour and Hike, AL. This canyon has numerous overlooks and a trail to the bottom. Wear good hiking shoes and bring trail snacks and water. Rated moderate. Meet 7:30 AM at the entrance to the Prattville Target, just west of I-65, Exit 179. The drive is about 3 hours.
Sat. 6/23. Hike Tumbling Rock Cave, Scottsboro AL. This trip is an introduction to caving and will be the only time I will offer it. No rope work is required, but you will get dirty. Hard hats and head lamps are required. I will provide more information later. Rated moderate. Meet 7 AM at the entrance to the Prattville Target, just west of I-65, Exit 179. The drive is over 3 hours. There is a $10 fee to access the cave. If you are interested, let me know at least a month in advance.
General Note: Saturday outings may take all day and last into early evening. The Sierra Club encourages carpooling to save fuel, but please be prepared to drive your own car on club outings.
Note: Participants of Sierra Club outings are required to sign a waiver, and you do not have to be a member of the Sierra Club to participate
The Montgomery Group meets monthly on Thursday evening at 7:00 PM at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Room 25, at 6610 Vaughn Road in Montgomery (next to St. James School).
North Alabama Group
Saturday, April 7 - Keel and Calloway Sinks Hike. Strenuous.We will hike half of this trip off trail so expect uneven terrain. Boots are recommended. There will be an initial steep ascent. We will visit a waterfall, a cave and then the Sinks on Nature Conservancy Property. We will be hiking to a remote location that will have little or no cell coverage most of the time. The hike will be about 9 miles with 2500 feet elevation gain and 2500 descent. Meet at Publix on Winchester at 8:45am and we will drive from there to the trailhead in Sharps Cove, about a 25-minute drive. Bring water (there will be water sources to filter) and lunch. Rated strenuous and hike leader approval is required. Limited to 12 hikers. Contact Steve Jackson at 256 337- 9702 or covecrawler@gmail.com. Rain cancels.
Saturday, April 7 - Monte Sano Wildflower Hike. Moderate.Enjoy the spring weather on Huntsville’s jewel. We will explore trails in the State Park., experiencing the beauty of the park in spring and enjoying the wildflowers in bloom. Dress for the weather, including sturdy shoes. Bring a camera, water, snacks and some cash for the park entrance. Meet at the Hikers Parking Lot at 8:30am; the hike leaves at 9:00am sharp. Leashed dogs welcome. Rain cancels this hike. Questions, contact Patricia at pwales77@gmail.com
April 7. Tuscumbia. Shoals Earth Day Fest 2018. The 11th Annual Shoals Earth Day Fest 2018 will be held on Saturday, April 7, from 11am until 6pm in historic, downtown Tuscumbia, Alabama! Family-friendly activities are highlighted, including a children’s activity tent, eco-entertainer Steve Trash, all-day live music, art and crafts vendors, food, juggling, recycling drop off, pet adoption, and Earth-friendly booths with information on solar energy, organic gardening, and much more! Rain location is the Roundhouse, 204 W 5th Street,Tuscumbia, AL. For more information please call 256-767-2909 or visit www.ShoalsEarthMonth.com for continuing updates.
Tuesday, April 10 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Easy. 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. 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 Patricia at pwales77@gmail.com
Saturday, April 14 - Monte Sano Stone Cuts Hike. Moderate.Join us for a moderate hike on Monte Sano visiting some of the park's interesting geological formations. We will hike 5-6 miles with some mild rock climbing along the Stone Cuts Trail. Dress for the weather, including sturdy shoes. Bring a camera, water, snacks and some cash for the park entrance. Meet at the Hikers Parking Lot at 12 noon. Leashed dogs welcome. Rain cancels this hike. Questions, contact Aaron at sctrailevents@gmail.com
Saturday, April 14 - Monte Sano Campfire & Campout. Join the Sierra Club for a campfire & campout at Monte Sano State Park in the Primitive Camping Area. We will have a potluck dinner so bring your favorite dish to share with everyone! If camping isn’t your thing, feel free to join us for the potluck and campfire! Otherwise, bring your tent/sleeping bags/camping supplies and enjoy a night under the stars!Location: Monte Sano Primitive Camping Area – 5105 Nolen Ave; Huntsville, AL 35801Date & Time: April 14th at 3PM Social & Tent Pitch / 5:30 PM Potluck & CampfireFree to the public – Information at 256-230-5957 or summer.rehkop@gmail.com
Tuesday, April 17 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Easy. 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. 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 Aaron at sctrailevents@gmail.com
Thursday, April 19 - Dr Bob's Traveling Snake Show - Reptile Presentation. Bob Hastings’ presentation will include a slideshow illustrating the 44 species of snakes native to Alabama, with descriptions of identifying characteristics, distribution within the state and their biology. In addition, living specimens of several common species will be demonstrated. Anyone who wishes will be allowed to hold nonvenomous snakes that are not inclined to bite.Location: National Children's Advocacy Center- 210 Pratt Ave NE, Huntsville, AL 35801Open to the public. Information at 256-337-9792.
April 21. Hays Nature Preserve Earth Day Event Huntsville. Mark your calendar for April 21st! From 10am to 2pm at Hays Nature Preserve, we’ll celebrate Earth Day and Operation Green Team will have plenty for you to do, like a morning birding hike and two butterfly releases! Click the link below for more information about all the activities, vendors and so much more! https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/city-calendar-event/earth-day-2018/
Tuesday, April 24 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Easy. 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. 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 Aaron at sctrailevents@gmail.com
The North Alabama Sierra Club meetings start at 6:00pm 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 free and open to everyone. Come join us! For information call 256-337-9702
West Alabama Group
Thurs. 4/19. Environmental Presentation by the Tuscaloosa County High school Environmental Class. 7 p.m. University Lutheran Church, 911 5th Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.
Sat. 4/21. Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve Hike. Come with us to a very special place in northwestern Alabama. There are several unique plant communities at Cane Creek and the owners are very hospitable. We will see a large waterfall and many wildflowers and large trees. The hike will be about 4 miles and moderately strenuous because of some elevation change. Bring your lunch for the hike, water, bug repellent, sturdy shoes, etc. Meet at the CVS Pharmacy: 4280 Mitt Lary Road, Northport, AL at 8:00a.m. This will be a full day trip, so plan accordingly. There will be an optional dinner at a local restaurant after the hike. Expect to arrive back in Northport after 6:00p.m.