North Alabama Sierra Club November 2017 Newsletter

 

Back to Natives Program – Thursday, November 16, 6:00pm

 

Come join us for a program by the Alabama 4-H Science School. Their newest outreach program is called Back to Natives. This program combines the Raptor Trek and Herp Journey where groups get an up-close view of some of Alabama’s native reptile and raptor species. Meet two of Alabama's non-releasable raptors and learn about the circumstances that brought these avian educational ambassadors into the School's care. We will learn what steps we can take to help protect these native species. In addition, we will also have the chance to meet three various native reptile species. These scaly educators have a lesson to teach on their important role in Alabama’s ecosystems. Established in 1994, the Alabama 4-H Science School prides itself in providing quality experiential environmental education through adventure, outdoor and science classes.  

 

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 in Huntsville. Meetings are free and open to everyone. Come join us! For more information, e-mail covecrawler@gmail.com 

 

 

 

Wild and Scenic Film Festival - Friday, November 10, 6:00pm

 

Alabama Rivers Alliance (ARA), Energy Alabama, and Flint River Conservation Association (FRCA) are proud to bring the Wild & Scenic Film Festival back to Huntsville for the fifth year in a row. The festival will be Friday, November 10 from 6:00-8:00pm in the Flying Monkey Arts Center at Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr in Huntsville. 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!

 

 

 

Remember to Vote!

 

The deadline to register to vote in Alabama's special election to fill Jeff Sessions' U.S. Senate seat is Monday, November 27. Apply for an absentee ballot until December 7. Remember: Election Day is Tuesday, December 12.

 

 

 

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, November  4 - 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. 

 

Thursday, November 16 - Sierra Club Program - Back to Natives

 

The Alabama 4-H Science School. “Back to Natives Program.” 6:00p.m. at the National Children’s Advocacy Center – 210 Pratt Ave, Huntsville, Al 35801

 

Saturday, November 18 - Monte Sano Hike. Moderate.

 

 

Enjoy autumn on Huntsville’s jewel. We will explore trails on a 6-7 mile hike in Monte Sano State Park, experiencing the beauty of the park in autumn. 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

 

 

Saturday, November 25 - Calorie Blast on Wade Mountain. Strenuous
Approximately 11.5 miles. After a holiday feast of turkey, all the trimmings and too much dessert, followed by a day of left-overs, join Charlie and me on the trails of Wade Mountain to help burn it off. Bring lunch, snacks, water and dress for the weather. Group size is limited. Contact Sandy at sandykip56@gmail.com for more info. Rain cancels.