North Alabama Sierra Club April 2018 Newsletter

 Dr. Bob's Traveling Snake Show!

Come learn about Alabama snakes Thursday, April 19 at 6:00pm. Bob Hastings’ presentation will include a slide show illustrating the 44 species of snakes native to Alabama, with descriptions of identifying characteristics, distribution within the state and their biology. In addition, living specimens of several common species will be demonstrated. Anyone who wishes will be allowed to hold nonvenomous snakes that are not inclined to bite.

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 or 256-337-9792.

 

Campout on Monte Sano

Come join us for a campfire & campout at the Monte Sano State Park Primitive Camping Area. We will have a potluck dinner so bring your favorite dish to share with everyone! If camping isn’t your thing, feel free to join us for the dinner and campfire! Otherwise, bring your tent/sleeping bags/camping supplies and enjoy a night under the stars!

Location: Monte Sano Primitive Camping Area – 5105 Nolen Ave; Huntsville, AL 35801

Date & Time: April 14th at 3PM Social & Tent Pitch / 5:30 PM Potluck & Campfire

Free to the public – Information at 256-230-5957 or summer.rehkop@gmail.com

 

Earth Day Celebrations

Huntsville

Mark your calendar for April 21st! From 10am to 2pm at Hays Nature Preserve, we’ll celebrate Earth Day and Operation Green Team will have plenty for you to do, like a morning birding hike and two butterfly releases! Click the link below for more information about all the activities, vendors and so much more! https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/city-calendar-event/earth-day-2018/

Tuscumbia

The 11th Annual Shoals Earth Day Fest 2018 will be held on Saturday, April 7, from 11am until 6pm in historic, downtown Tuscumbia, Alabama! Family-friendly activities are highlighted, including a children’s activity tent, eco-entertainer Steve Trash, all-day live music, art and crafts vendors, food, juggling, recycling drop off, pet adoption, and Earth-friendly booths with information on solar energy, organic gardening, and much more!

Rain location is the Roundhouse, 204 W 5th Street,Tuscumbia, AL. For more information please call 256-767-2909 or visit www.ShoalsEarthMonth.com for continuing updates.

 

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, April 7 - Keel and Calloway Sinks Hike. Strenuous.

We will hike half of this trip off trail so expect uneven terrain. Boots are recommended. There will be an initial steep ascent. We will visit a waterfall, a cave and then the Sinks on Nature Conservancy Property. We will be hiking to a remote location that will have little or no cell coverage most of the time. The hike will be about 9 miles with 2500 feet elevation gain and 2500 descent. Meet at Publix on Winchester at 8:45am and we will drive from there to the trailhead in Sharps Cove, about a 25-minute drive. Bring water (there will be water sources to filter) and lunch. Rated strenuous and hike leader approval is required. Limited to 12 hikers. Contact Steve Jackson at 256 337- 9702 or  covecrawler@gmail.com. Rain cancels.

Saturday, April 7 - Monte Sano Wildflower Hike. Moderate.

Enjoy the spring weather on Huntsville’s jewel. We will explore trails in the State Park., experiencing the beauty of the park in spring and enjoying the wildflowers in bloom. 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, April 10 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Easy.  

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. 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 Patricia at pwales77@gmail.com

Saturday, April 14 - Monte Sano Stone Cuts Hike. Moderate.

Join us for a moderate hike on Monte Sano visiting some of the park's interesting geological formations. We will hike 5-6 miles with some mild rock climbing along the Stone Cuts Trail. 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 12 noon. Leashed dogs welcome. Rain cancels this hike. Questions, contact Aaron at sctrailevents@gmail.com

Saturday, April 14 - Monte Sano Campfire & Campout.

Location: Monte Sano Primitive Camping Area – 5105 Nolen Ave; Huntsville, AL 35801

Date & Time: April 14th at 3PM Social & Tent Pitch / 5:30 PM Potluck & Campfire

Free to the public – Information at 256-230-5957 or summer.rehkop@gmail.com

Tuesday, April 17 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Easy.   

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. 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 at sctrailevents@gmail.com

Thursday, April 19 - Dr Bob's Traveling Snake Show - Reptile Presentation

Slideshow illustrating the 44 species of snakes native to Alabama, with descriptions of identifying characteristics, distribution within the state and their biology. In addition, living specimens of several common species will be demonstrated. 6:00pm at the National Children's Advocacy Center- 210 Pratt Ave NE, Huntsville, AL 35801. Information at 256-337-9792.

Tuesday, April 24 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Easy.   

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. 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 at sctrailevents@gmail.com