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 Chapter Gathering - Last Chance to Register!
Explore, Enjoy, Protect... on 440 acres at the beautiful Living River Center on the Cahaba River. The focus will be on outings with experienced guides, hands-on learning, and exploring the beauty of the river and surrounding area. There will be opportunities to hike, bird, hunt for fossils, and canoe the Cahaba. Lodging at the retreat center will be camp style dorms with bunk beds. You will need to bring your linens and blanket or sleeping bag, plus a pillow and towel.
See the agenda (complete with great outings, speakers and food!) here.
Deadline to register is October 9, 2017, so hurry!!! Registration form is attached.
Lodging and meals will be available on site.
Wild and Scenic Film Festival Returns
Alabama Rivers Alliance, Energy Alabama, and Flint River Conservation Association (FRCA) are proud to bring Wild & Scenic Film Festival to Huntsville for the fifth year on November 10 from 6:00-8:00pm at the Flying Monkey Arts Center. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is the largest environmental film festival in the United States. It sits apart from the hundreds of festivals around the world by leaving you feeling INSPIRED and MOTIVATED to go out and make a difference in your community and the world. At the festival, you’ll LEARN new ideas from a selection of inspiring environmental films with hard hitting topics including bioengineering, water issues, wilderness preservation, citizen activism and more. You’ll EXPERIENCE the adrenaline of kayaking the wildest rivers, climbing the highest peaks and trekking across the globe with adventure films from around the world. You’ll EXPLORE the issues and movements with leading environmental activists and professionals, filmmakers, and celebrities. And you’ll CELEBRATE the natural and wild world.
Join us for an evening of celebrating the great outdoors through film that will leave you feeling inspired and engaged. The program will feature short films and documentaries highlighting adventures to be had as well as important issues to be addressed. Experts from across the state will be on hand to help answer any questions and provide guidance on how you can get involved locally and throughout Alabama. Plus we’ll have door prizes! Each ticket includes a membership to Alabama Rivers Alliance and Flint River Conservation Association (FRCA). $10 for general public, $5 for students, military and senior citizens (65 or over). Tickets include an annual membership to ARA and FRCA!
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.
Saturday, October 21 - Monte Sano Hike. Moderate.
Enjoy autumn on Huntsville’s jewel. We will explore 6-7 miles of trails in the State Park. Bring a camera, water, snacks and some cash for the park entrance. Dress for the weather and bring water and a snack. 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
Saturday, October 28 - A Spirited Adventure at Lake Guntersville State Park. Strenuous.
Join Charlie and me for a 12-mile hike on a series of interior trails which include distant views of the Lake and fun trivia chatter about two different Park 'spirits.' Group size is limited. Bring water, snacks, lunch, bug spray and wear good hiking shoes/dress for the weather. To reserve your spot and for more meeting location and time contact Sandy at sandykip56@gmail.com before Wednesday, October 25. Rain cancels.