Alabama State Chapter News
Find out what's going around the state at http://www.sierraclub.org/alabama
Just a few of the articles in this month's newsletter:
- Straight Talk about Climate Change
- Oak Mountain Master Plan, is it good or bad for the users?
- The Year in Review from National Sierra Club
- Is Coal Smarter than a 5th Grader?
- Grassroots Activism: Georgia County Wins on Public Transit
- Keystone Pipeline: from Michael Brune, Sierra Club's Executive Director
Follow the North Alabama Sierra Club Online
On our website: http://www.sierraclub.org/alabama/north-alabama
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/254833822112/
Alabama Water Rally at Lake Guntersville State Park
The 17th annual conference of the Alabama Rivers Alliance will be held Friday, February 27 - Sunday, March 1 at Lake Guntersville State Park.
The Alabama Water Rally is the annual conference of the Alabama Rivers Alliance. Each year the Rally brings over a hundred individual attendees from a variety of backgrounds together to share, network, and learn. Participants include agency employees, teachers, elected officials, scientists, lawyers, engineers, concerned citizens, nature lovers, and Alabama Water Rally participants receive professional development training from experts on the newest ideas and innovations in science, community organizing, and environmental policy work. It's a great opportunity for professional development as well as a chance to get together with eco-minded people to socialize, celebrate our victories, share our challenges, and have a good time.
Friday night there is a banquet followed by an awards ceremony. Saturday there are conference sessions as well as beginner and intermediate water outings, a guided tour to view the eagles and hiking and biking in the State Park. For more details and to register, go to the Alabama Rivers site at http://www.alabamarivers.org/events/conference
The North Alabama Sierra Club has no affiliation with the Alabama Rivers Alliance.
Outings
Hike Ratings
Easy - Less than 5 miles, no serious elevation changes, no trail obstacles.
Moderate - 5 to 10 miles, some elevation changes or rough trail (rock hopping), or trail obstacles such as creek crossings.
Strenuous - Over 10 miles, substantial elevation change, rocky, obstructed or nonexistent trail.
Exploratory - any event where the leader has not experienced the event; may fit any class above.
Note. Participants of Sierra Club outings are required to sign a waiver.
NOTE: There will be no Tuesday evening hikes until March.
Thursday, Jan 1 - Get Rid of the Hangover Hike. Easy and Sobering.
Meet at Sam Denham's house, 4333 Chickasaw Dr., at 1:00pm for an afternoon hike in Monte Sano State Park. May include some off-trail hiking and a brief rock hop. Hot cider and more by the fireplace after the hike. For more information please contact Sam Denham at 256-539-1033.
Sunday, Jan 11 - Monte Sano Early Afternoon Hike. Easy.
Hike will be approx. 4 miles. Depart at 1:00 pm from the Monte Sano State Park hiker’s parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash. For directions or questions contact Liz at hiker@knology.net. Inclement weather cancels.
Saturday, Jan 17 - 9th Annual Mountain Mist Marathon Hike Part I. Strenuous.
Land Trust & Monte Sano State Park. Hike the trails where thousands of runners have slid in the mud, stumbled over tree roots, crossed slick stream beds, and ascended rocks holding onto trees and crevices en route to an eventual triumph at the finish line. With some trail modifications, we'll travel the 50K course, approximately 14-15 miles on each side, as closely as possible, over two Saturdays. This is not for the weak of feet as the terrain can be rough and we need to maintain a moderate pace (to avoid flashlight use). Again, note the rating, Strenuous. Dress for the weather, wear good hiking boots and bring snacks, lunch, water, and a few dollars for the park entrance fee. We'll leave the Hiker's parking lot in Monte Sano State Park at 7:30am sharp. For extra cardio, arrive late. RAIN CANCELS. For more information please contact Charlie Cohen at 256-361-3837 or charlie.cohen@att.net or Sandy Kiplinger atsandykip@juno.com
Saturday, Jan 24 - Monte Sano Mysteries Hike and Dutch oven Breakfast. Moderate.
We will visit a few areas that are off the beaten path and seldom visited. The hike will involve two separate sections, both approximately 3 miles, for 6 to 7 miles total. You can hike one or both sections as the second section will begin where we started the first, at the small pavilion next to the overlook. The Dutch Oven Breakfast (AKA Hill Billy Quiche) will be served at 8:30am by the small pavilion. There will be enough to serve about 12 people, so first come first serve. There is no cost for the breakfast; you are welcome to bring fruit, juice or a side dish. Hike begins at 9:00am at the small pavilion. Sturdy boots are recommended as we may cross stream beds and be off trail for a time. Bring water. Contact Steve Jackson at covecrawler@gmail.com or 256- 337- 9702.
Saturday, Jan 31 - 9th Annual Mountain Mist Marathon Hike Part II. Strenuous.
Land Trust & Monte Sano State Park. Hike the trails where thousands of runners have slid in the mud, stumbled over tree roots, crossed slick stream beds, and ascended rocks holding onto trees and crevices en route to an eventual triumph at the finish line. With some trail modifications, we'll travel the 50K course, approximately 14-15 miles on each side, as closely as possible over two Saturdays. This is not for the weak of feet as the terrain can be rough and we need to maintain a moderate pace (to avoid flashlight use). Again, note the rating, Strenuous. Dress for the weather, wear good hiking boots and bring snacks, lunch, water, and a few dollars for the park entrance fee. We'll leave the Hiker's parking lot in Monte Sano State Park at 7:30am sharp. For extra cardio, arrive late. RAIN CANCELS. For more information please contact Charlie Cohen at 256-361-3837 or charlie.cohen@att.net or Sandy Kiplinger at sandykip@juno.com
Sunday, Feb 15 - Monte Sano Early Afternoon Hike. Easy.
Hike will be approx. 4 miles. Depart at 1:00 pm from the Monte Sano State Park hiker’s parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash. For directions or questions contact Liz at hiker@knology.net. Inclement weather cancels.
2014 Excom Members
Chair /Membership Liz Poleretzky hiker@knology.net
Vice Chair/Programs Steve Jackson covecrawler@gmail.com 337-9702
Secretary/Chapter Delegate Jennifer Gresham jgresham98@gmail.com
Treasurer Charlie Cohen 837-3622
Environmental Education Charlotte Buening charlotte.r.buening@gmail.com
Outings Tom Burley tdburleyhiker@bellsouth.net
Energy Consultant Gretel Johnston gretel@best-matrr.org
Political/Conservation chair Joe Imhof enviroman88@earthlink.net
Programs Steve Jackson covecrawler@gmail.com
Publicity Jayanthi Srikishen signalmtn@hotmail.com
Social Media Michael Stewart/Sandy Kiplinger sandykip@juno.com
Newsletter Jack Drost drostj@bellsouth.net
Web Page Steven Baty 489-0990