By: Jessica Morehead, Chapter Conservation Program Manager
REI Buford store adopts Panther Creek Trail
Last year we partnered with the US Forest Service to hold six trail days focused on restoring the Panther Creek Trail in Clarkesville, GA. This popular waterfall trail has been loved to death and needed help to make it sustainable and safe. This year we are excited to have the REI Buford Store join us in our efforts! We kick things off with a recreational hike and swim on July 7th.
Throughout the rest of the year we will hold trail days to continue our work. For dates and to RSVP go to sierraclub.org/georgia/calendar. With REI’s support, the Forest Service’s guidance, and Sierra Club members’ leadership and dedication, we will love this trail back to life!
Cooper Creek Watershed Update
This March, along with SELC and Georgia ForestWatch, we filed an administrative objection in response to the Blue Ridge Ranger District’s Final Environmental Assessment and Draft Decision Notice with a Finding of No Significant Impact. We are still concerned about the impacts this project will have on native brook trout streams in Bryant Creek and the commercial logging proposed on forest land. We now await the Final Decision which will determine our next steps. You can find more details about the project, our efforts, and the full objection here.
Become a Sierra Club Outings Trip Leader
We’re excited about the growth of our Local Outings here at the Georgia Chapter! We had a great class of students this spring and are gearing up for another leader training late fall in coordination with Sierra Club Military Outdoors and the Atlanta ICO program. Whether you want to work with children, veterans and active duty military, or you simply want to take anyone outdoors, this will be a training you don’t want to miss!
If you’d like to be notified of this and other outings training opportunities, please email Jessica Morehead at jessica.morehead@sierraclub.org.
A huge thanks to all the volunteers who keep our Outings program alive by helping people explore and enjoy #OurWildGA!
Atlanta ICO Looking for Youth Groups
The Atlanta ICO (Inspiring Connections Outdoors) program serves youth with limited access to the outdoors. Through active involvement with nature, the program increases participant's environmental awareness, appreciation for nature, interpersonal skills, and self-esteem. If you are involved with a local youth organization (e.g., social service agencies, community centers, church-affiliated youth groups, and schools) and would like to to learn more about the Atlanta ICO program, fill out the survey below and a volunteer will be in touch shortly!
Help Us Save Cumberland Island
If you’d like to get involved in our efforts to protect Cumberland Island from development, please contact Karen Grainey, Coastal Group Chair & Cumberland Team Leader, at karengrainey@bellsouth.net and visit our webpage here.