Name: Charles Yeager
Alabama Sierra Group: Cahaba
What are your specific environmental interests?
While most environmental issues hold a certain degree of interest for me, especially since they are all connected, my biggest focal point is aquatic conservation. More specifically, I work to improve habitat quality in aquatic systems that have been heavily impacted by development and pollution.
How are you helping Alabama explore, enjoy, and protect the environment?
I manage a Nature Preserve in Pinson, Alabama, the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. In addition to providing access for over 130,000 annual visitors to one of the state’s most popular swimming holes, I educate thousands of students each year, through our environmental education programs. I also work with partner organizations to improve the watershed through conservation and restoration projects.
What is one of your favorite memories associated with the Sierra Club?
As an ICO leader, I had the opportunity to mentor young minds on some wonderful outings. On one of these outings, I led a hike at Ruffner Mountain in Birmingham. During this hike we visited beautiful overlooks of the city, explored for salamanders, and discovered some really beautiful wildflowers.
What is one action you would like to see more of from the Sierra Club Alabama Chapter?
Serving on the Alabama EXCOM for 2 terms really broadened my understanding of the Alabama Chapter’s many strengths and weaknesses. There are many wonderful people that work extremely hard everyday to ensure that the Alabama Chapter’s resources and impact is affective. Unfortunately, however, there is just not enough of these wonderful people and often times they are overworked and under appreciated. I would love to see more active involvement from the member base. Our chapter depends on volunteers to fill roles and provide support. As the issues our state and country face seem to increase, we need more people taking on an active role in their group and the chapter. Even if it is just taking on small roles or just attending meetings, we just need more involvement. The more support we have the stronger we will become and the more impactful our actions will become. If you care about our state and it’s amazing resources, please consider becoming involved, because your actions do make a difference. Sometimes this means supporting other peoples priorities before your own, or going a little out of your comfort zone and interacting with new people, or getting out and physically organizing an outing or a meeting, to ensure that they happen. Whatever the case, you have gifts and can make a worthy impact towards the future of the chapter and our state!