Mothers and Daughters: Featured Sierran Nancy Muse and Daughter Meghan
Name: Nancy Muse
Alabama Sierra Group: Shoals Group
What are your specific environmental interests?
Since my college days, I have advocated for renewable energy since many of our environmental, social and economic woes are tied directly to how we produce energy. I was greatly influenced by the policies of President Jimmy Carter and his installations of solar photovoltaic on Federal properties during his Presidency.
I am extremely concerned about all issues related to biodiversity and best practices that we, as a society, must implement, to protect the functioning of natural systems. Sustainable food production, including the elimination of monoculture and big-agri chemicals, preservation of public lands, wilderness and critical wildlife habitats and Smart Growth development are areas I have actively focused on by organizing informational community symposia and participating in TVA public scoping events.
How are you helping Alabama explore, enjoy, and protect the environment?
As a young mother, I regularly took my two daughters to the local woods and on extensive camping trips out west to National Parks, in order to allow them to experience the joy of nature. I am overjoyed now, to have these experiences with my grandchildren. For 4 decades, as a public school visual arts teacher, I implemented interdisciplinary studies which incorporated environmentalism in art lessons which reached thousands of students. In the 1980s, I was involved in organizing Earth Day activities, helping to establish the city- wide recycling program with the Alabama Conservancy local Chapter, protesting TVA nuclear plant expansion and joined the battle to fight for the expansion of the Sipsey Wilderness. In the early 2000s, I also worked alongside other local activists to save the TVA Muscle Shoals Reservation and National Recreation Trail from development. For 14 years, as president of a local, grassroots 501C3, Shoals Earth Month, I have coordinated the Annual Shoals Earth Day Fest, and I am in a community group that is currently working with City leaders to create a ban on single-use plastic.
What is one of your favorite memories associated with the Sierra Club?
Sierra Club was active in Florence in the 80’s when my children were small. We had some wonderful outings and very interesting programs at the monthly meetings. One program stands out which featured two brothers, who, while on a canoeing trip, were lost in the Canadian wilds. They shared details of how they managed to stay alive over weeks away from civilization.
What is one action you would like to see more of from the Sierra Club Alabama Chapter?
I would like to see Sierra Club Alabama Chapter have quarterly, informational symposia, free and open to the communities across the state, featuring eco experts, local government officials and Sierra Club spokespersons from local and National, which promote the many areas of environmental protection issues relevant to Alabama. Due to the current situation with Covid-19, these could be virtual and available live on social media and on the Sierra Club Alabama Chapter website.
Meghan Muse
Alabama Sierra Group: Shoals Group
What are your specific environmental interests?
I am interested in both mindfully exploring through the woods, or at other times, high-paced trail running. I love observing birds and other animals—especially the hawk family that lives in my backyard! Otherwise, my environmental interests also include sociopolitical advocacy for environmental justice issues through the inclusive lens of social justice intersectionality.
How are you helping Alabama explore, enjoy, and protect the environment?
I help by volunteer work as a graphic designer and social media liaison for local non-profits like The Sierra Club, Shoals Group and Shoals Earth Month, Inc. I also partake in local community awareness events such as the Climate March. Sometimes it is just small, everyday acts that I engage in such as avoiding single-use plastic products, like using straws at restaurants, upcycling, or recycling. Otherwise, I engage in constant social engagement with colleagues, family, and friends to normalize these practices and encourage them to do the same!
What is one of your favorite memories associated with the Sierra Club?
One of my favorite memories is not a specific event, but my appreciation of the ongoing quality relationships I have gained with such special folks that I have met along the way during my engagement with Sierra Club! Team work makes the dream work!
What is one action you would like to see more of from the Sierra Club Alabama Chapter?
I would love to see a more focused offensive to combat constant polluting-industry propaganda! Otherwise, so proud to be a part of such an amazing, impactful organization!
When you run into all of your AL Sierra folks at the League of Women Voters gathering. The “Bear” was immersed. Roll Tide! #wereinthistogether — left to right with Sierrans Meghan Muse, Nancy Muse, Stephen Stetson and Joyce Adams Lanning. Far right, Casie Jones.
