Waterkeepers Alabama Launches New Website
Waterkeepers Alabama, a new coalition of Waterkeeper organizations protecting watersheds across Alabama, has launched a new website. It features an interactive map of 10 Waterkeepers’ patrol areas so that anyone can report pollution to the right Waterkeeper and support their clean water advocacy.
Waterkeepers are nonprofit organizations licensed by the international Waterkeeper Alliance that patrol their local watersheds and enforce laws for clean water. Waterkeepers Alabama, a regional entity of Waterkeeper Alliance, is composed of all 10 member organizations working in Alabama. While Waterkeepers have been protecting various Alabama waters individually for over 20 years, starting with Mobile Baykeeper, groups from all across the state founded Waterkeepers Alabama in 2018 to strengthen their efforts to ensure drinkable, fishable, swimmable water.
Waterkeepers Alabama works collaboratively to protect and restore water resources for the state of Alabama, which leads the nation in freshwater biodiversity. The 10 independent member organizations meet regularly to advance solutions for improving public health, wildlife habitat and recreation. These nongovernmental organizations’ efforts are particularly crucial as the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) ranked dead last in per capita funding among the nation’s state environmental agencies, according to a study by the Environmental Council of States.
To view Waterkeepers Alabama’s new website and interactive map, visit: waterkeepersalabama.org/
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And see what's going on around Alabama at https://www.sierraclub.org/alabama
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.
Monday, March 2 - Rainbow Mountain Fast Hike. Moderate.
Join Wayne for a weekly 3-mile fast hike on Rainbow Mountain. This will be a cardio intensive hike/trail run at a quick pace over rocky terrain with some steep elevation gains and descents. Bring a camera, water, snacks and some cash for the Land Trust if you are not a member. We will meet at 233-245 Stoneway Trail in Madison, AL at 3:30pm. The hike leaves at 4:00pm sharp. Leashed dogs are welcome. Rain cancels this event. Questions, contact Wayne at wlr265@me.com
Wednesday, March 4 - Rainbow Mountain Fast Hike. Moderate.
Join Wayne for a weekly 3-mile fast hike on Rainbow Mountain. This will be a cardio intensive hike/trail run at a quick pace over rocky terrain with some steep elevation gains and descents. Bring a camera, water, snacks and some cash for the Land Trust if you are not a member. We will meet at 233-245 Stoneway Trail in Madison, AL at 3:30pm. The hike leaves at 4:00pm sharp. Leashed dogs are welcome. Rain cancels this event. Questions, contact Wayne at wlr265@me.com
Monday, March 9 - Mondays on Monte Sano Hike. Easy.
Join Vickie for a weekly hike on the Land Trust’s Monte Sano property! The hike starts at 5:00pm sharp from the Land Trust Parking lot on Bankhead Pkwy - 2442 Bankhead Pkwy NE, Huntsville, AL 35801. Please get there early to sign in. 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, depending on the sunset. Bring water and snacks and dress for the weather. Rain cancels. There is no cost for parking, but if you are not a Land Trust member courtesy dictates putting a couple of dollars in the box located at the Trailhead. For directions or questions contact Vickie at vtmouser38@gmail.com
Monday, March 9 - Rainbow Mountain Fast Hike. Moderate.
Join Wayne for a weekly 3-mile fast hike on Rainbow Mountain. This will be a cardio intensive hike/trail run at a quick pace over rocky terrain with some steep elevation gains and descents. Bring a camera, water, snacks and some cash for the Land Trust if you are not a member. We will meet at 233-245 Stoneway Trail in Madison, AL at 3:30 pm. The hike leaves at 4:00pm sharp. Leashed dogs are welcome. Rain cancels this event. Questions, contact Wayne at wlr265@me.com
Tuesday, March 10 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Moderate.
Everyone is welcome to the Sierra Club Tuesday Night Hike! We depart at 6:00pm sharp from the Monte Sano State Park Hikers’ parking lot on Nolen Avenue. Please get there early to sign in. There is a small fee to enter the park and 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, depending on the sunset. Bring water, snacks and cash for the State Park Entrance Fee ($5). Dress for the weather. Rain cancels. For directions or questions contact Aaron at sctrailevents@gmail.com
Wednesday, March 11 - Rainbow Mountain Fast Hike. Moderate.
Join Wayne for a weekly 3-mile fast hike on Rainbow Mountain. This will be a cardio intensive hike/trail run at a quick pace over rocky terrain with some steep elevation gains and descents. Bring a camera, water, snacks and some cash for the Land Trust if you are not a member. We will meet at 233-245 Stoneway Trail in Madison, AL at 3:30pm. The hike leaves at 4:00pm sharp. Leashed dogs are welcome. Rain cancels this event. Questions, contact Wayne at wlr265@me.com
Saturday, March 14 - Hiking Key Mill loop in the Bankhead National Forest. Strenuous.
Join Charlie and Sandy on a 10-mile hike in the scenic Bankhead National Forest. We'll follow a loop, passing seasonal waterfalls and perhaps a few horse riders, before entering the canyon. In the canyon, we'll follow the trail upstream, passing rock formations until we reach the waterfalls. We'll exit off-trail. This hike is limited in group size and is a first-come, first sign-up basis. Bring water, snacks, lunch, bug spray, $3.00 for parking (per vehicle; $1.50 with a National Park pass), and dress for the weather. We will be traveling on a Forest Service Road to reach our starting point. Rain cancels. For more information contact Sandy at sandykip56@gmail.com
ALL ORGANIZED SIERRA CLUB EVENTS ARE CANCELLED UNTIL AT LEAST APRIL 12.
As we each take time to evaluate the ongoing situation related to the Coronavirus outbreak, we're taking our guidance from National Sierra Club.
Per National Sierra Club's request, All events of any size that bring people together between now and Sunday, April 12th are cancelled.
We encourage you to get outside, to enjoy the beauty of Alabama in spring, but please also practice social distancing and avoid crowds.
We need you to remain healthy and able to continue to protect the environment that we all love.