Amphibian Communication for April Meeting
On Thursday night, April 20, we will learn about frogs and other amphibians and how they communicate. Dr. George Cline, a biologist from Jacksonville State University, will give the presentation and he will bring some local species for us to interact with. This will be a great program for kids.
Dr. Cline a herpetologist and ecologist and is interested in behavioral ecology and quantitative ecology. He gives programs around the state on snakes, amphibians, and other native species such as alligators. Dr. Cline is passionate about educating people about these animals. These reptiles may be scary to some, but they play an important part in our environment. “The ecosystem is a very delicate balance,” said Cline. “Conserving this balance is protecting our habitats as well.”
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. North Alabama Sierra Club meetings are open to everyone. Come join us!
Celebrate Earth Day!
Huntsville - Saturday, April 22. 10:00am-2:00pm. Come join the Sierra Club and dozens of other exhibitors for the 47th annual Earth Day at the Hays Nature Preserve on Hwy 431 south of Hampton Cove. Located at Hays Nature Preserve on the banks of the Flint River, Earth Day attracts more than 12,000 attendees. In 2017, Earth Day will be celebrated on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Visit over 85 earth-friendly exhibitors/vendors. Watch casting and fly fishing demos. Get tips on creating a more energy-efficient home. Get an up close glimpse at an owl, snake, tortoise and more Alabama wildlife. Children will also enjoy face painting, the natural playground, plus make and take crafts. World renown rockin' eco hero, Steve Trash will perform.
This family friendly event is a free festival aimed to provide activities and information that celebrates mother Earth and the many way communities around the globe work together for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Pack a picnic lunch or enjoy healthy fare which will be available for purchase at the Preserve.
Athens -Saturday, April 29. 2017 Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO. 10:00am-3:00pm at the Friendship Church, 16479 Lucas Ferry Rd.
There will be events indoors and outdoors, live animals, food, crafts, and fun for all ages! Most activities are handicapped accessible. Over 50 exhibitors signed up last year to share information on the environment, earth-friendly products and services, outdoor activities, and healthy living. Come and enjoy fun, hands-on activities for young and old. Free door prizes, hot dogs, and treats.
A few highlights are:
- 7:30am Guided Walk on the Marbut Bend Walking Trail: This walk will be led by Damien Simbeck, TVA Natural Resource Management, who is very knowledgeable about the history of this area and the wildlife that call it home. The trail is located in West Limestone on Hwy. 99 past the Elk River bridge on the left heading west. Bring binoculars if you have them, wear comfortable walking shoes and insect repellent. The trail is handicapped accessible.
- Wings to SOAR: Wings to Soar’s mission is to create awareness about the vital role birds of prey play in the natural world. In their FREE FLYING raptor programs, they give the audience a unique opportunity to view and interact with Birds of Prey up close.
- The Tennessee Valley Zoo will bring a variety of animals for our guests to pet, feed, and enjoy.
- KIN Stables Jim Swanner and his beautiful and talented horse, Rosie, will join us.
- Water Wheels: Learn about water conservation, including information on purchase or creation and use of rain barrels.
Muscle Shoals/Florence – Saturday, April 8. 2017 10th Annual Shoals Earth Day Fest! 11:00am-6:00pm. Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Center, 200 Jim Spain Dr, Florence. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and picnics to this fun, FREE, family friendly festival! Activities throughout the day include:
- Children's activities
- Earth-friendly displays
- Music by Uncle Shuffelo & His Haint Hollow Hooteanny, Blind the Sky, Scoot Boyer Trio, Steve Trash
- Presentations on solar, organic gardening, composting, Native American culture and much more!!
RAIN LOCATION --
SHEFFIELD RECREATION CENTER
2901 East 19th Avenue
Sheffield, ALhttp://www.shoalsearthmonth.com/
Alabama State Chapter News
Find out what's going around the state at
https://sierraclub.org/alabama/blog/2017/04/april-2017-alabama-sierran
Just a few of the articles in this month's newsletter:
- Bus to Washington for People's Climate March
- Rivers of Alabama Day (lobby/legislative day)
- #defendrivers Paddle
- A letter to the editor from David Newton
- Sewage Right to Know: demand public notification of sewage spills
- The Danger Downstream
- Alabama Sierra Club has a new Facebook page
- Renew Alabama Conference
- Save the date: People's Climate Mobilization, April 29, 2017, Washington DC
- National Club Election is Underway
Follow the North Alabama Sierra Club Online
On our website: http://alabama.sierraclub.org/na.html
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/254833822112/
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.
Tuesday, April 4 - Monte Sano Tuesday Evening Hike. Moderate.
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 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@outlook.com
Saturday, April 8 - Family Friendly Hike at Rainbow Mtn with Heather Montgomery. Easy.
The Sierra Club of North Alabama welcomes Heather Montgomery, beloved children’s author and award-winning teacher. She will lead a family friendly nature walk/hike on beautiful Rainbow Mountain in the heart of Madison, AL. This will be an easy 1.5 mile hike with ~400 ft. in elevation change over uneven/rough ground. Enjoy boulder gardens, fossils, rock formations including the balancing rock, and a wonderland of wildflowers along with fantastic views of the city below. Heather shares her passion for weird and wacky nature through books for young readers and has published a dozen children’s books including How Rude! Real Bugs Who Won’t Mind Their Manners (Scholastic) and Unsolved Mysteries of Nature (Capstone Publishing). She will be engaging and answering questions throughout the hike. Dress for the weather and bring water and snacks. Meet at the Land Trust Parking lot – 191 Stoneway Trail Rd. Madison, AL 35758 at 9:30am. The hike leaves at 10:00am sharp. Leashed dogs welcome. Rain cancels this hike. Questions, contact Aaron at sctrailevents@gmail.com
Tuesday, April 11 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Moderate.
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 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
Tuesday, April 18 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Moderate.
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 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 Patricia Wales at pwales77@gmail.com
Thursday, April 20 - Sierra Club Meeting and Presentation.
Dr. George Cline, a biology Professor at JSU will discuss frogs and amphibians and how they communicate. He will bring some local species for us to interact with. This will be a good program for kids. This Sierra Club program is free to the public. The program is April 20th at 6:00pm at the National Children's Advocacy Center in Huntsville, Al. For information contact Steve Jackson at covecrawler@gmail.com or text 257-337-9702.
Saturday, April 22 - Monte Sano hike. Moderate.
Enjoy springtime on Huntsville’s favorite mountain. We will explore trails in the State Park, hiking about 6-7 miles, experiencing the beauty of the park in spring. Dress for the weather and wear 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
Tuesday, April 25 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Moderate.
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 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 Alan Greene at agreene256@comcast.net
Saturday, April 29 - Fat Man Squeeze with Blueberry Cobbler. Moderate.
We will have to tighten up our belts to make it through some of these stone squeezes (optional). Most of the hike will be off-trail to see some seldom visited areas of the park. This route is a figure eight so you can do half and peel off (sign out) at the halfway mark. The hike is approximately 5 miles and is rated moderate in difficulty. Leader recommends long hiking pants with insect repellent and well as water and a snack.
9:30am Arrive early to have some Dutch Oven Blue Berry Cobbler
10:00am Hike begins at Hikers Parking lot in Monte Sano State Park
For more information, contact Steve Jackson at 256 337-9702 or covecrawler@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 2 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Moderate.
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 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 Suzanne Cawthon at atirawolf@yahoo.com