October 2016 Alabama Sierran

SAVE THE DATE NOW FOR OCT. 28 – 30!

You don’t want to miss the Annual Alabama Sierra Club Retreat! Invite your friends!  Let’s expand our Sierra Club family and friends group!

ONE PLANET:  ACT WITH CARE  a sustainable living summit focusing on how our actions affect the place we live

OCTOBER 28 -30, 2016 at beautiful Camp McDowell, Nauvoo, Alabama

ANNUAL RETREAT FEATURING. . .

  • All meals will include at least one fresh, local food item (meals included in registration price)
  • Different price levels for lodging
  • Joint activities with Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network (ASAN)
  • Limited Number of Scholarships Available – Email mhill@jsu.edu for application form

We are pleased to announce that this symposium will share events with Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network (ASAN) During the day on Friday (10/28), ASAN will be hosting a Regional Food & Farm Forum at Camp McDowell / the McDowell Farm School.

These Forums feature peer-to-peer roundtable discussions on a wide variety of food and farming topics, exhibit tables, hands-on components, networking opportunities, and of course, amazing food!

Forums are open to farmers, gardeners, community leaders, and local food supporters of all varieties and skill levels.
We encourage you to start your weekend a little early, and mix and mingle with farmers and food lovers, by participating in the Regional Food & Farm Forum! 
To register  for the Farm Forum and for more information,  go to  http://asanonline.org/RFFF16.

Forum attendees are being encouraged to stay  for the cookout and campfire activities on Friday night, jointly hosted by ASAN and Sierra Club!

Friday Evening – October 28

  • Opportunity to attend the ASAN Food and Farm Forum
  • Sierra  Registration in Pradat Hall begins at 4 p.m.
  • Last item under Friday Evening – Joint ASAN/Sierra cookout 6:00 pm – featuring local grassfed burgers.  Followed by campfire activities and music. (Leftover cookout food will be saved for late arrivals)

Saturday – Caring for Ourselves and the Earth with Our Food Choices

  • Farmers’ Panel:  Making Wise Food Choices
  • Majadi Baruti, Magic City Agriculture Project:  Making Good Food Choices Available for All
  • Scott Douglas, Greater Birmingham Ministries:  Including Diversity in Our Outreach
  • Adam Johnston:  Meeting with Alabama Sierra Student Coalition
  • Afternoon Hikes – Secret Canyon, Caney Creek Falls, Natural Bridge, Bankhead Tree ID
  • Alternate Afternoon Activities – Beginning Harmonica Class,  McDowell Farm Tour
  • AN EVENT TO REMEMBER – A Farm to Table Feast at the McDowell Barn
  • Evening of Music – Starring Red Mountain White Trash with Joyce Cauthen calling

Sunday – Caring for the Earth with Our Life Decisions

  • Kendra Burns, Camp McDowell Naturalist–Cherishing All the Pieces
  • Rev. Mark Johnston, Director Camp McDowell – Geothermal Presentation and Outing
  • McDowell Farm School Tour
  • Dexter Duren, West Alabama Sierra Outings Leader - McDowell Tree Hike
  • Lunch and Fabulous Door Prizes
  • Bob Hastings, Alabama Sierra Club Chapter Chair – Together We Can Do It!

What to Bring:  layered clothing, toiletries, musical instrument for Friday night,  camera, hiking shoes, hiking stick, towels (unless you are staying in Miller Commons), harmonica if you plan to take Beginning Harmonica on Saturday afternoon.
*A limited number of different levels of scholarships are available.  For more information and/or a registration form, email mhill@jsu.edu.
To register  for the Farm Forum and for more information,  go to  http://asanonline.org/RFFF16.

You can download the registration form and information about the event here.

Work Day at Ruffner Mountain Sunday Sept 25

Cleanup at Ruffner

The Cahaba Sierra Club was asked to help with a work day at Ruffner Mountain Park.  It is on some property that the city of Birmingham owns but has abandoned and is no longer used.  Ruffner is working to add this property to what it already owns so it can add more miles of trail for hiking and biking. They also have plans to use some of the existing buildings that are standing but in need of repair.  We worked cleaning the overgrown vines and brush away from the buildings and clearing brush from what used to be a lawn.

We had 16 people who helped with this project. We hope to have another work day to help move this project along.  The two photos above show a small section of the work we did.

State Parks day at Oak Mountain

Love Your State Parks Day

On September 24 the Cahaba Sierra group participated in Love Your State Parks Day at Oak Mountain State Park. This was planned and implemented by a high school senior named Maddie Hoaglund. The event had eleven organizations who tabled and handed out information about their groups and also talked with visitors about the importance of voting YES on Amendment 2 on the Nov 8 ballot for the future funding of our state parks. It was a nice day, so we had a lot of visitors stroll through who were at the park but did not know about the amendment. Lucina led a hike at 9 AM so that it would be cooler than later in the day. Birmingham Audubon Society's Teaching Naturalist, Ansel Payne, led a bird watching hike that morning. The other organizations who tabled, besides the Sierra Club, were: Alabama Wildflower Society, Alabama Hiking Trail Society, Oak Mountain Interpretative Center, Alabama Wildlife Center, Alabama Herpetological Society, Leave No Trace, Fresh Air Family, Southeastern Outings, and BUMP (Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers). Maddie also had a table.

Protect Alabama State Parks: Vote YES on Amendment 2

State Parks Are For Recreation

Funding for state parks must be protected to provide opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking, biking, birding, camping, hunting, and fishing for all Alabamians and for future generations of our children and grandchildren.

State Parks Pay For Themselves

Approximately 80% of the funding for state parks comes from users in the form of admission fees, camping fees, and room rentals - with only 20% of funding coming from tax dollars. These user fees should remain dedicated to funding state parks and not be diverted into other government spending.

State Parks Bring Money to Alabama

More than four million people visit Alabama's state parks each year, pumping nearly $400 million into the Alabama economy. Cutting state parks funding would put this economic impact at risk and could kill good Alabama jobs. Many communities rely on state park visitors to support small businesses.

Protect Alabama State Parks: Vote YES on Amendment 2
Election Day is Tuesday, November 8

State's Ballot Error Causes Problems for Absentee Voters

From Conservation Alabama. Since this weekend we have received numerous questions from concerned voters about the ballot language for Amendment 2, the amendment protecting funding for Alabama’s state parks. When absentee ballots were printed and the sample ballot for November was posted online, the amendment's first two paragraphs were left off. This means that key language that addressed the permanent protection of state parks funding was omitted.

On Monday morning, Conservation Alabama contacted the Alabama Secretary of State’s Election Division to notify them of this error and ask for it to be corrected so that voters can exercise their right to vote in a fair election. The Secretary of State's office was not aware of the ballot error until our call and attributed it to human error. Legally, the full text of any amendment as passed by the state legislature must appear on the ballot. It may not be shortened or changed.

We have been communicating regularly with the Secretary of State’s office and our partners to make sure any voters who received an incorrect absentee ballot will be sent a replacement ballot as soon as possible, and that the error will be corrected before the General Election on November 8. Here are the steps you need to take to vote on the correct, full version of Amendment 2:

If you received an incorrect absentee ballot: It is our understanding that you will be receiving a new corrected absentee ballot in the mail.

If you are waiting to receive an absentee ballot: When you receive your ballot via mail, double check that the full text of Amendment 2 is present. If the correct text is present, complete your absentee ballot and submit it as normal. If the ballot text is incorrect, please contact the Secretary of State's office at 334-242-7210.

If you will vote in person on Election Day: The Secretary of State’s office has said the ballots will be corrected and reprinted in advance of Election Day. Amendment 2 should appear in its full and correct form on your ballot on November 8.

If you have any further concerns about your ballot or your right to vote on Amendment 2 as it was passed by the state legislature, please contact us. You can also call the Secretary of State’s office directly at 334-242-7210.

We understand that mistakes happen, but holding elected officials accountable is part of our job at Conservation Alabama. We will continue to make sure that your right to be engaged in the political process is not limited. Once we have more information we will update you.

Sincerely,
Tammy Herrington
Executive Director

State Parks

Letter to the Editor

from David Newton

In a speech to the New York Economic Club on September 15, Mr. Trump indicated his administration would be “scrapping the EPA’s so-called Clean Power Plan.” . . . “A Trump Administration will lift restrictions on all sources of American energy production.”  Such statements suggest a lack of concern for observations of the global scientific community and the member states of the United Nations.
 
For example in January 2015, NASA reported: “The 10 warmest years in the 134-year record all have occurred since 2000, with the exception of 1998.”  Also, on July 19, 2016, NASA reported: “Each of the first six months of 2016 set a record as the warmest respective month globally in the modern temperature record.”  Other ominous NASA reports contain similar data on rising sea levels, shrinking glaciers, ocean acidification, increasing concentration of atmospheric greenhouse gases, and more.
 
The UN reports 28 (including the U.S. and China) of the necessary 55 participating parties in the Framework Convention on Climate Change (last December’s Paris Agreement) have ratified the agreement.  This represents 39.08 percent of the required 55 percent of global emissions of greenhouse gases for the agreement to “enter into force.”  Additional ratifications are expected at the UN soon.  Thus, the nations of the world are working to dramatically reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, while Mr. Trump favors the opposite path – which would be exceedingly detrimental to you and other life on earth.

See more from a recent AP story: 2016's hellish summer weather: A told-you-so climate moment?

PROCEDURE FOR SENDING MATERIAL TO THE ALABAMA SIERRAN

Many thanks to Roe Hyche, Bob Hastings, and Peggie Griffin for agreeing to be the new newsletter committee.
The newsletter is put together monthly, and material for the newsletter should be sent to plgriffin@comcast.net, with a subject line of "For the Editorial Board" no later than the 15th of the month.
Group newsletter editors may continue sending group meeting information and calendars of events to Joe Watts at joe@joewatts.com, no later than the 25th of each month.
Guidelines for Material:

  • The newsletter committee is seeking articles about Alabama environmental issues, articles highlighting Alabama’s special beautiful places, and engaging write-ups about group and chapter activities.
  • Articles should be originally written for the Alabama Sierran, factual, and timely.
  • A link to another publication should only be used rarely, but if a link is to be used, a full summary of the information (at least a paragraph long) should be written, with the link provided for more detailed information.
  • The newsletter committee has the right to make any changes, so that material will meet these guidelines.
  • Sierra Club Events

    Cahaba Group

    Thursday October 13, Join us for the Cahaba Group's monthly meeting at the Birmingham Zoo. 6:30-7:30 pm. On this evening, there will be a presentation on bats in Alabama by Dick Mills of World Discovery Safaris. Mr. Mills will discuss Alabama's bat species and some of the threats various populations of bats face around our state. Also, since we are very close to Halloween, he will also discuss the vampire bats! Mr Mills is the former Assistant Director of the Birmingham Zoo and currently owns World Discovery Safaris -- a company that specializes in customized wildlife, nature related, educational and cultural travel programs to many of the earth’s great natural areas There will be no live bats at the event! So there is no need to get your rabies vaccine prior to attending! The Cahaba Group's business meeting will begin just after 6:00p - so join us for that if you are interested in finding out how you can explore, enjoy, and protect the planet.

    Typical Monthly meetings - 2nd Thursday every month at 6:00 pm at the Birmingham Zoo Auditorium (building to the right of entrance gate) NOTE: locations do vary, so check the facebook page for the latest information.
    Business meeting at 6:00, presentation at 6:30.

    Oct 22, 2016. Pinhoti Challenge dayhike. We’ll be hiking a portion of trail located in Section 7 between Cleburne County Hwy. 24 (Abel Road) and U.S. 431. This hike in our Pinhoti Challenge series gains a rating of moderate due to some quick ups and downs. Along the 5.2 mile trek, we’ll see a 35 foot waterfall directly on the Pinhoti, several smaller cascades, remnants of an old still, and splendidly quiet woods. Optional dinner afterwards. Make sure to bring a camera. Dress for the weather. Hiking boots a necessity, as well as plenty of water and a picnic lunch.  
    Meet at the Bass Pro Shop in Leeds at 7:30 AM or Target (in parking area away from the store) at Exit 188 off I-20 in Oxford at 8:30 AM.
    Email kennethhyche@yahoo.com or call 205-540-3930 for more info.

    Coosa Valley Group

    Oct 13, 6:30 pm – Martha Hunter, Alabama Rivers Alliance (tentative)

    November 10, 6:30 pm – Trails of Alabama – Joe Watts, President, Birmingham Audubon Society and webmaster for the Alabama Sierra Club.

    Dec. 8, 6:30 pm – Christmas Pot Luck

    Directions to the Joe M. Ford Center:  From I-59, take the exit for I-759.  Follow I-759 until it ends at George Wallace Dr.  Turn right, then take the first left onto East Cardinal Drive.  The Joe Ford Center is the first building on the right.Connect with Sierra Club: By phone |256| 459 8177 (get info, text, leave a message) fb.com/CoosaValleySierraClub

    Mobile Bay Group

    Tuesday evening, Oct 4.  What: Mobile Bay Sierra Club Monthly Meeting
    7:00 p.m. Program Presentation
    6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served prior to program.
    Please forward this information invitation to any interested people or groups.
    Meeting Location: 5 Rivers, Tensaw Theater
    Address: 5 Rivers, Alabama’s Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Blvd., Spanish Fort, AL 36527
    (entrance is across from Meaher State Park on the Mobile BayCauseway)
    Follow the Sierra Club signs to the meeting location at 5 Rivers.
    For more information, please contact Carol Adams-Davis, 702-496-5050
    o
    r email: mcadamsdavis@earthlink.net

    Montgomery Group

    Note that regular Group meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM at Aldersgate Methodist Church (Room 25), 6610 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116. (334) 272-6152

    North Alabama Group

    Saturday, October 1 - McKay Hollow Hike/Rockhop. Moderate-Strenuous. Hike down Monte Sano into McKay Hollow on standard trails, then go off trail for a one-hour rockhop.  Total time about 4 hours. Rated moderate-strenuous due to off trail and nearly 900 ft elevation gain. Bring lunch and water. Meet at 9:30am at Sam Denham's house, 4333 Chickasaw Dr.
    Rain date Sunday, October 2. For Info call Sam @ (256) 539-1033.
     
    Saturday, October 8 - McMullen Cove Hike. Moderate. Explore the trails around McMullen Cove. This trip will explore a few of the lesser known trails in the mountains surrounding McMullen Cove. We will connect several smaller trails and end up hiking 6-8 miles. This trip will be a moderate one, but should be an adventure since not all trails are well marked. This trip is limited to the first 10 people who contact me, Richard Williams, at rbwilliams67@gmail.com

    Saturday, October 15 - Fall Splendor Hike at Prentice Cooper Wildlife Management Area. Strenuous. Approximately 10-mile hike on the Mullens Cove Loop Trail. Enjoy the solitude of a trail that winds through a forest and eventually opens up to scenic views of the Tennessee River Gorge. The second half of the trail is more visited as it follows the river for a distance and includes rock formations, overlooks and a stone door. Group size is limited. Dress for the weather, wear good hiking shoes, and bring snacks, lunch, and water. Optional dine-out afterward. For meeting location/time and detailed info, contact Sandy at sandykip56@gmail.com

    Saturday, October 22 - Pinnacle Point and Pisgah Gorge Hikes. Moderate. Meet at 8:30am at Piggly Wiggly in Gurley. The Pinnacle Point Trail at Camp Jackson is rated moderate, with a steep initial elevation gain to the point, then a descent of approximately 2 miles. We will have an excellent view of the Tennessee River from the top of the bluff. We will take a short drive to Pisgah Gorge where we will hike 1.5 miles. The hike at the Gorge is rated easy to moderate (this can be a longer and more strenuous hike if you hike to the lower falls). We will get a good view of the Gorge and waterfall if there has been rain. On our return there will be an optional stop at Stevarino’s Pizza - a hike leader favorite. Bring water and a snack. Contact Steve Jackson at covecrawler@gmail.com

    Saturday, October 29 - Alum Cave Trail Hike. Moderate. We will hike the New Alum Cave Trail on Green Mtn. in South Huntsville. This 5 mile hike will explore the new trails leading down to the Alum Cave ancient human habitation site. Dress for the weather, wear good hiking shoes, and bring snacks and water. Meet at the Publix at Mountain Gap Rd and Bailey Cove at 9:00am. For info email Aaron at sctrailevents@gmail.com

    West Alabama Group

    Sat. 10/8. Lake Lurleen State Park dayhike with optional campout. Join us for a hike in Tuscaloosa's closest state park. Enjoy views of the lake and the diverse forest as we walk the trail. We will be hiking approximately 4 miles which will take about 3 hours. If you plan to camp, please call the park to reserve your campsite as soon as possible. Meet at 9:00a.m. on Saturday morning, for the hike, just inside park gate after paying the entrance fee of $5.00/person. Bring water, hiking shoes, walking sticks, etc.

    Thurs. 10/20. Monthly meeting. “Update on response to the Northport Sewage Spills” Nelson Brooke, Riverkeeper, Black Warrior Riverkeeper, University Lutheran Church, 911 5th Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.

    Visit our website for up-to-date info.: http://www.sierraclub.org/alabama/west-alabama