Native Medicinal Plants and Their Uses – Thursday, October 19
For the program in October, Phyllis Light will discuss the traditional medicinal uses of common native plants, both woodland and field, and their role in promoting good health. She believes that it is important to preserve traditional ecological knowledge which underscores the importance of habitat conservation. For example, the traditional harvesting of wild ginseng is embedded with rituals and activities that insure that wild harvesting doesn’t exceed sustainable levels. Understanding native plants and their traditional helps folks of all ages connect with their local natural environment and fosters respect for the land and traditional knowledge. Phyllis is a fourth generation Southern Appalachian Folk herbalist and carries on the knowledge of her family and other folk herbalists in the area.
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
Alabama Sierra Retreat in October on the Cahaba River
There is still time to register for the annual retreat October 13-15 at the Living River Retreat on the Cahaba River just west of Montevallo. All Sierra Club members, family and friends are invited to gather in festivity while we learn about "Amazing Alabama" and appreciate the natural wonders that our incredibly diverse state has to offer. Knowledgeable speakers will illustrate why Alabama is near the top of the list of most biodiverse states. Together, we will reflect on ways that we can protect and preserve the assets we have just as John Muir and his fellows would have long ago.
Enjoy outdoor camaraderie as we take in the natural beauty first hand, listen to live music while conversing with fellow outdoorsmen and conservationists, and take home valuable knowledge of our Amazing state of Alabama. Sierra Club Alabama Chapter's conventions are open to all regardless of membership to the club. Please forward this to anyone who might be interested. Student Scholarships will be available. For a detailed schedule and information on registration, go to https://sierraclub.org/alabama/retreat
For more information about the Living River Retreat and Cahaba Environmental Center, go to www.cahabaec.org/about-our-property.html
Alabama Chapter Executive Committee needs nominations!
Each year four of the Sierra Club Alabama Chapter's eight elected members of the Executive Committee (ExCom) reach the end of their 2-year terms. Some decide not to run again, others do. The Chapter uses democracy to hold itself accountable to its membership, so we need good candidates to best represent our members' interests.
The ExCom sets the chapter budget and strategic direction, mediates disagreements on conservation positions, raises money, chooses a delegate to the Council of Club Leaders, and approves litigation and electoral endorsements. To accomplish all of this, the ExCom meets quarterly at locations throughout the state, and there is e-mail correspondence between meetings. The ExCom also participates in planning additional important events throughout the year.
The Nominations Committee is looking to you to suggest nominees! After receiving nominations, the Committee will consider and recommend candidates for the ballot, which will be mailed to you this fall. Candidates may also get on the ballot by petition. Candidates get space on the ballot to advocate for their election. Candidates receiving the top votes will start their two-year terms in January 2018. If you have ideas on who would be a great representative, please send those names to
nominations@alabama.sierraclub.org by October 1st.
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, September 19 - 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
Saturday, September 23 - Monte Sano Hike. Moderate.
Enjoy summer on Huntsville’s jewel. On this 6-7 mile hike we will explore trails in the State Park. Experiencing the beauty of the park in summer. 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
Tuesday, September 26 - 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 Aaron Lesky at sctrailevents@gmail.com