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Committee Chairs
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Conservation
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Volunteer for this position! Call 247-1876
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Environmental Education
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Volunteer for this position! Call 247-1876
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Outings
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Brian Paradise
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Inner City Outings
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D. Westman
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Programs, Ponte Vedra
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Larry Lickenbrock
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Programs,
Duval
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Janet Larson & Pauline Berkeley
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Membership
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Volunteer for this position! Call 247-1876
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Julianne Mammana
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Legal
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Volunteer for this position! Call 247-1876
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Publicity
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Volunteer for this position! Call 247-1876
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Gabe Hanson
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Bill Armstrong
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Photo of the Month
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NoKXL Rally at the White House
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Credit:
Sierra Club Instagram
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City Council Endorsements
We will be campaigning for about 6 environmental City Council candidates--at libraries and doing various other activities. Please help. Those who participate in this process find it very enlightening and gratifying.
Please contact Janet Stanko 904 208 1341 or [email protected].
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Want to be a Sierra Club Outings Leader?
You can help our environment and also have fun, as well as improving your outdoor skills, by becoming a Sierra Club Outings Leader. To be an Outings Leader, you'll need to attend about an hour long Outing Leaders training course, and you'll need to have a First Aid certificate. Brian Paradise, Outings Chair of the Northeast Florida Group, will be conducting training courses in coming weeks.
Please let Brian know by e-mail at [email protected] if you're interested in attending one of these courses.
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Clean Water Rally in Tally
In January we told you about the Clean Water Rally in Tally. Please come to the rally and support the broader campaign strategy demanding protection of water quality and supply in Florida. Our lobbyists will be talking to legislators during session about water legislation and the need to keep Amendment 1 funds focused on conservation land. This rally and media event will start that conversation that will be continued by our lobbyists. Legislators need to know we are watching and we demand protection of our drinking water. WHO: Floridians' Clean Water Declaration and Amendment 1 activists from all across the state!
WHAT: Floridians for Clean Water & Amendment 1 Rally
WHEN: Wednesday, February 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: On the front steps of the Old Capitol, 400 S. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
RSVP: Here
Questions?: Contact Cris Costello at [email protected]
Transportation to and from Tally will be provided. Please contact Janet Stanko (904 208 1341 or [email protected]) if you plan to attend.
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Inner City Outings Seeking a New Leader
Do you like working with kids? Inner City Outings (ICO) could be for you! ICO is a community outreach program of the Sierra Club that provides youth who have little opportunity to experience nature with trips to area locations. ICO works with local schools and organizations to plan and conduct six to nine outings per year.
With the guidance of ICO volunteer leaders, kids discover the beauty of wild lands and how to enjoy these places without harming them. Interpersonal skills and self-esteem grow as a natural result of teamwork and an active relationship with the outdoors.
Interested in leading this wonderful outreach program or co-leading with others? We offer a solid budget, a strong group of volunteers, training, and the help of our former leaders. What more could you want! To volunteer or to get more information, contact Debra Westman at [email protected] or Mark Pettigrew at [email protected].
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Jacksonville Program
Monday February 9: 6:00pm
James Vanderpool with the Osceola National Forest will speak about the history of the Forest, land management practices and recreational opportunities. He will also share some upcoming public events, such as programs at the Olustee Battlefield given by Osceola National Park's archeologist.
James is finishing an internship with the Forest and will share his knowledge about securing job opportunities with this unique ecosystem.
Feb. 9th, 2015 Lakewood Presbyterian Church, 2001 University Blvd W, rear of bldg, entrance next to the playground.
Please bring your own cup to reduce waste in the landfill.
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Ponte Vedra Program
Monday, February 2: 6:30 pm
Protecting the First Coast with a National Marine Sanctuary
Neil Armingeon, Matanzas Riverkeeper, will speak on how we can help make the proposed Eubaelena Oculina National Marine Sanctuary a reality. The objective of this nomination is to protect and expand the only known calving grounds of the critically endangered Northern Right Whale, and to protect other marine mammals including dolphins, sea turtles, manatee, and fish, from seismic air-gun blasting, a precursor to oil and gas extraction. A National Marine Sanctuary designation is the only legal way to protect an area of the ocean permanently from seismic testing and oil and gas drilling. Seismic testing, which is expected to start in the near future, is estimated to injure or kill 138,000 marine mammals.
All are welcome. For further information contact Larry Lickenbrock at (904) 537-6047. The program will be held in the main meeting room of the Ponte Vedra Beach Public Library on Library Road at A1A (blinking light south of the intersection of A1A and Solana Road on A1A about two miles south of the intersection with Butler Boulevard.)
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Looking to get involved?
Our Northeast FL Sierra Club group is currently looking for volunteers to help campaign for the upcoming city council elections. Stay tuned to find out which candidates we will be endorsing in the next issue of Sierra Sentry.
If you are interested in helping us campaign, please contact Janet Stanko at 904-208-1341 or by email at [email protected].
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Meeting Calendar
Wednesday, February 18 @ 6:30 pm
Combined Executive Committee/ Conservation Committee Meeting
Monday, February 2 @ 6:00 pm
PGA Meeting Room
Monday, February 9 @ 6:30pm
Jacksonville Program
2001 University Blvd W., Jacksonville
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Hello Sierrans!
Here is your February edition of Sierra Sentry. This issue is filled with tons of great articles and opportunities to get involved. City council elections are right around the corner so contact us if you'd like to get involved campaigning!
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Proposed National Marine Sanctuary Needs Support
By: Brian Paradise
WHAT: The Friends of Matanzas Inc. an effective environmental organization based in St. Augustine, has proposed that a National Marine Sanctuary be established off the East Coast of the U.S. from the south side of the St. Johns River southward to Malabar in Brevard County. Attend our February 9th General Meeting to learn more about the Sanctuary.
WHY: The purpose of the nomination is to protect the calving grounds of the endangered Northern Right Whale, now numbering about 500, and to protect other marine mammals including dolphins, turtles and manatee, as well fish species, from seismic air gun blasting which is known to injure, kill and otherwise severely impact these marine mammals and fish. Seismic testing uses an array of air guns which are towed behind ships and which release intense blasts of compressed air into the water- which is just about the loudest underwater sounds that humans make short of explosives.
Dr. Christopher Clark, the Director of Cornell's Bioacoustics Research Program has called seismic testing "the most intrusive form of man-made underseas noise short of actual naval warfare".
According to the estimates of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, a Department of the Department of the Interior, seismic testing is estimated to kill or injure 138,500 marine mammals. Additionally seismic testing, which is expected to start in 2015, can be expected to adversely impact our tourism and commercial fishing industries. Further, we can expect our quality of life to be diminished by the seismic testing and by oil and gas exploration, and the possibility of oil spills, which will likely result from the seismic testing.
HOW TO HELP: The Friends of Matanzas is submitting their proposal in March of 2015 and need as many letters of support as possible. Letters should be addressed to Dan Basta, Director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Program, 1305 East-West Highway, 11th floor, Silver Spring MD, 20910. Letters of support should be emailed to: [email protected] and will be submitted along with the proposal.
Talking points in the letter can include the following: "I respect protection of endangered right whales and strongly desire a particularly protected habitat for their calving grounds.
I am outraged that 138,500 marine mammals will be sacrificed in the interest of oil and gas exploration. Many these mammals are endangered species which are protected under the Marine Mammal Act.
The area covered by the proposed sanctuary contains numerous items of invaluable maritime archeology, many of which have yet to be carefully examined. These artifacts tell the story of our history here, and should be protected so that they can be preserved and studied.
I would like the East Coast of Florida to be exempt from oil and gas exploration.
A National Marine Sanctuary would be a boon for tourism, education and Florida's economy.
Sanctuaries enhance recreational and commercial fishing."
Emails can also be sent to Senator Bill Nelson here to solicit his support.
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A poem by Drew Dillinger: 
It's 3:23 in the morning, and I'm awake because my great,
great, grandchildren won't let me sleep.
My great, great, grandchildren ask me in dreams
What did you do, while the planet was plundered?
What did you do, when the earth was unraveling?
Surely you did something when the seasons started failing as the mammals, reptiles and birds were all dying?
Did you fill the streets with protest when democracy was stolen?
What did you do once you knew?
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"Your Time...To Use Less Electricity...is Now"
By: Ken Fisher
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Image by Chris Gash
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Last month, in the premier of this column, the emphasis was to stop using paper/plastic/styrofoam plates, cups, utensils, and napkins! How is that going? Keep it a priority and keep finding ways to improve!
This month your challenge to make a more conscious effort to use less electricity at home, work, or wherever you may be...even if you're not paying the bill! This is not about saving money, though you will: It's about conserving a valuable resource!
On average, lighting is the #4 user of electricity in homes. I am sure most of you are already using energy efficient light bulbs, but if you're not, that's a great next step. The biggest electrical hogs in most homes are the air conditioner, heater, water heater, and refrigerator:
- AC/Heater: Crank it up or down. So many people set them to a predetermined temperature and leave it alone. We have found it much more cost efficient to turn the system off or way up or down when we are not home or sleeping and then monitor it when at home and awake. 66 to 68 degrees is fine for cooler months while 80-82 degrees is good for warmer months. Give it a shot and see the difference!
- Water heater: This is another appliance that shouldn't be left on all the time. We turn ours on at the electrical breaker panel for about 15 minutes just before needing it to take a shower or run the dishwasher or washing machine. If you leave it on all the time it's keeping water hot 24/7 when you only need it hot for 30-60 minutes a day depending on your family's needs. This requires some planning, but you'll get used to it quickly. Use a kitchen timer to ensure you remember to turn it off!
- Refrigerator: I can almost guarantee that a majority of us have ours set too cold for both the fridge and freezer. Use a thermometer to check: your fridge should be 40 degrees and the freezer 0 degrees. Also, check and clean the doors seals regularly; a lot of air might be escaping, and you might not even be aware! Finally, don't let the doors stand open for a long time; open them as infrequently as possible for as little time as possible.
This month's focus has been on simple and free things you can do today, things some of you might already be doing. Please do them as consistently as possible and share this information with your family and friends. Want to do more? Check the internet for many other ideas such as new windows, enhanced insulation, or maybe an attic fan to make your home more energy efficient.
Your time...to use less electricity...is now!
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 Sierra Visits Nassau's John Muir Ecological Park & the Ralph Simmons Forest By: Todd Sack, MD On a recent bright Saturday morning, thirty hale Floridians, aged 6 to 70, and a few dogs set out to explore two sites in Nassau County that you will want to visit yourself. The event was for us part pilgrimage and part adventure. It was a pilgrimage in that this was our 13th annual gathering to an important site in Yulee, Florida that was tramped through by a young John Muir in October, 1867. We met there at the John Muir Ecological Park.
The park is small--just a few acres accessed by a boardwalk through the maturing forest-but it afforded us the opportunity to walk on the very path tread by Muir, to read from his journal, to stud an historical sign describing his visit, and to reflect upon both Muir's worldwide environmental legacy and the current projects of the Sierra Club NE Florida.
From there, our day switched from pilgrimage to adventure.We drove 30 miles into NW Nassau County to the Ralph Simmons State Forest. This is a large State-managed forest that is used by hunters, birders, & hikers. We were accompanied by Ranger Les Stokes of the Florida Forest Service. We walked about 3 miles, saw examples of several of Florida's distinct natural communities, including longleaf pine, herb bogs, and ravine forests. We picnicked together on the sandy shore of the St Mary's River. Trip leaders were Todd Sack and Brian Paradise. Watch the Sierra Club bulletin and Meet Up to join us for our 14th Annual John Muir Family Walk coming in November and anticipate our celebration in 2017 of the 150th anniversary of Muir's own walk.
To reach the John Muir Ecological Park, drive on I-95 N from Jacksonville & take Exit 373 east towards Fernandina Beach. The Park is 2.4 miles from I-95, on the left. There are picnic tables & a restroom; no fees. The Simmons Forest is reached from I-95, Exit 373, by going west on SR200/A1A towards Callahan to the junction of US301/23/CR15, then north for 18.2 miles through Hilliard to turn right onto Lake Hampton Road. At approximately 1 mile, there is a large parking lot on the left, a clear trailhead, and sign. There are several easy loop trails, around 10 miles total. No facilities or fees. Call a few days ahead (904-845-3597 or 845-7751) to confirm that there will be no hunting or controlled burning during your visit. |
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How does Sierra Club Decide What to Support vs Oppose?
This week, Sierra Club Florida established its Legislative Policy Platform for the 2015 session.
We encourage members to promote the following policies in dialog with legislators (call 'em up and schedule a visit on a matter in which you are interested); support this platform in conversation with your neighbors, workmates and friends; tell your local area officials about our interests--help them understand what we are proposing. Our representatives in Tallahassee will be focusing on key bills that are affected by this platform and educating officials on the whys and ways that would serve these goals.
If you'd like to learn more about these subjects, to follow doings in and about Tallahassee, sign up for the Florida Report, a periodic email from the Sierra Club about its lobbying efforts and how you can support them.
In coming weeks, from time to time legislative committees will continue meeting, our lobbyists and volunteers will be visiting legislators and their staffs and several environmentally-oriented rallies and "lobby days" will be organized-stay tuned here or sign up for the Sierra Club Florida Report to learn more. If you are already on the Action Alerts list you may get emails telling you what we need to support these positions as bills move through the Florida Legislature during the upcoming session this spring. Your message will support statements shared by our lobbyist.
Our principally chapter-funded lobbyist is Dave Cullen, returning to serve us for his 8th year at the Capitol. One can reach him at: 941-323-2404. His email address is: [email protected]. Please contact him for advice, referral, or with information that pertains to effecting our platform. He's pretty busy, but regularly communicative- your contact may be referred to a supportive Sierra Club volunteer or staff member with expertise relating to your inquiry.
After much consideration and learning-by volunteer members and staff from around the state, Sierra Club F lorida recommends the people's representatives to the legislature of the state of Florida take action to undertake these policy positions.
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Monthly Outings
Saturday, February 14, 10:00 a.m.: Hike Fort George Island Cultural State Park
Let's hike Fort George Island Cultural State Park! The hiking distance is approximately four miles along an old golf course that operated from the 1928 to 1991. Since its closing the land is undergoing "plant succession," a biological term for returning the land to something like it was prior to its development. Several interesting and historical sites will be observed along the way. Park in the lot across the road from the Ribault Club: 11241 Fort George Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32226. Please bring bug spray as pests can be a nuisance, especially during the first mile or so, but hopefully won't be too bad this time of year. Children are welcome on the hike, but please no pets. The entrance to Fort George Island is on the north side of Heckscher Drive just past the Mayport Ferry entrance heading from Jacksonville. After turning on Fort George Road, at the fork bear to the right towards the Ribault Club. Keep driving 1.4 miles until you see the Ribault Club on your right and park in the lot on your left. The road is quite narrow, so drive carefully. There is no fee to enter the park.
RSVP on Meetup.com (Sierra Club Northeast Florida) or with outing leader Ken Fisher at 904-210-7765 / [email protected].
Saturday, February 14, 9:00 a.m.: Kayak Durbin Creek
Join us on a leisurely six-mile paddle down the ACA-award winning, beautiful, and remote Durbin Creek. We'll put in at the Bartram Canoe Trail launch area at 4936 Race Track Rd, 32259. Bring your own kayak or canoe. Experienced kayakers only. PFD and whistle are required. Bring insect repellent and water. You must RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Bill Armstrong, [email protected].
Saturday, March 14, 10:00 a.m.: Hike Ravine Gardens State Park
Don't miss amazing Ravine Gardens State Park! This park is beautiful this time of year due to about 100,000 azalea plants in bloom; be sure to bring your camera. Our hiking distance will be approximately four miles over moderately challenging terrain, which winds around trees and curves and has elevation changes. This link provides more information about the park: http://tinyurl.com/oujr853. The park is located 1600 Twigg Street, Palatka, FL 32177. Please plan accordingly as this is about an hour drive from Jacksonville. There is a $4.00 fee for single-occupant vehicles and $5.00 for vehicles with two to eight people. We will meet in the parking lot and go from there. Please bring bug spray, sunglasses and water. Children are welcome, but please keep in mind this is a somewhat challenging hike. Finally, please bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after the hike. There is a very nice picnic area adjacent to the parking lot where we can relax and discuss the hike, life or whatever you want!
RSVP on Meetup.com (Sierra Club Northeast Florida) or with outing leader Ken Fisher at 904-210-7765 / [email protected].
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"No challenge poses a greater threat to future generations than climate change"
-President Barack Obama
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