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Janet Stanko, Chair
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208-1341
janestan@bellsouth.net
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Cindy Baker
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cindysbaker@gmail.com
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Lisa Williams
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388-6357
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Ed Schlessinger, Treasurer
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730-8148
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Julianne Mammana
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Ken Wright
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Maria Andal
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Forevertruth1206@gmail.com
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Ponte Vedra Program
Wednesday, January 10 at 6.00 p.m.
How to Protect our Trees in St. John's County
John Henry November, Esq. Executive Director and General Counsel of The Public Trust Environmental Legal Institute of Florida, will be discussing how his recent initiatives in Duval County have protected trees in Duval County and how St. Johns County may be able to follow up on this success.
John will provide details about the recent settlement that will revolutionize Duval County's urban forestry practices and create enhanced government transparency. This settlement will now be a catalyst for the planting of $20 million worth of trees in Duval County in upcoming years. John will also discuss how St. Johns County may be able to benefit from emerging urban forestry technologies that could be used to dramatically enhance systematic tree planting projects throughout St. Johns County.
All members and non-members are welcome.
The program will be held in the Friends of the Library main meeting room of the Ponte Vedra Beach Public Library at 101 Library Boulevard (at intersection of A1A) in Ponte Vedra Beach.
For further information please e-mail Brian Paradise at
bgparadise@comcast.net.
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Jacksonville Program
Monday, January 8 2018, 6:45p.m.
Conserving Rattlesnakes: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake and many other species of rattlesnake are in a steep decline across their range. Researchers and members of the Eastern Diamondback Conservation Foundation (EDCF) are working to change their population trajectory and catalyze a major culture shift towards conservation.
Rattlesnake roundups, which are cruel events that involve the slaughter of thousands of rattlesnakes annually, are occurring in 6 states across the U.S. with no sign of slowing down. To date, only one rattlesnake roundup has converted to a conservation festival and the EDCF supports that event every year by displaying snakes for education as well as live presentations.
Executive Director of the EDCF, Tony Daly-Crews, along with some of his reptile friends will educate us about why rattlesnakes are relevant, the threats to them, and how the organization is working to transform the way people think about rattlesnakes.
Tony Daly-Crews is a passionate field biologist, ecologist, and a veteran. As a native Floridian growing up in Ocala, he spent a lot of time outdoors interacting with many species of wildlife. Tony studied at the University of North Florida and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. After graduating, he was hired on full time as a biologist for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and currently works at the North Florida Ecological Services Field Office. He also was part of the Florida National Guard as a Chinook helicopter mechanic for 6 years where he deployed to Iraq in 2012. Research he was involved in while in college focused on management and restoration of Florida scrub, which is one of many important ecosystems to eastern diamondbacks.
Tony has been part of various aspects of venomous herpetology, from instructing venomous training, to participating in the rule making process for venomous in Florida. In 2016, he served as a member of the Venomous Reptile Technical Assistance Group (VRTAG) for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and worked with a group of professionals to improve and update current rules regarding captive venomous reptiles. Tony currently manages a collection of 50+ venomous reptiles and various species of non-venomous reptiles. All of the species of venomous reptile that he keeps are used to instruct students on how to handle venomous reptiles safely and responsibly.
Current projects Tony is working on include expanding the EDCF's training program to include training for zoos and private collections, research using detector dogs to track eastern diamondbacks in the wild, and working with private land owners on expanding conservation lands for the eastern diamondback rattlesnake and other native species.
Please join us for our November Sierra Club meeting at
Lakewood Presbyterian Church, 2001 University Blvd W, rear of the education building.
Social time is from 6:30-7:00 with the
program starting at 7:00pm. All are welcome. Free.
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Florida Master Naturalist Program
REGISTRATION CLOSES February 19, 2018.
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Florida Master Naturalist Program Coastal Shoreline Restoration course sponsored by St. Johns County Parks and Recreation and Duval County Extension will be offered February 26, 27, and 28, 2018 (day classes 9- 5). Classroom sessions will be held at The Players Community Senior Center, 175 Landrum Lane, Ponte Vedra, Fl, 32082. This program is for adults who want to learn more about protecting Florida's coastal environment. Individuals as well as educators, and those in the eco-tourism business can benefit.
Teachers may receive up to 40 hours continuing education credits. Topics include: living shorelines, oyster reefs, mangroves and salt marsh. Advance registration is required. Course fee begins at $155 (see web site for full pricing). Course instructors are Kelly Ussia, Danny Lippi, and Carol Wyninger. Student requirements include attendance, participation, and enthusiasm! For registration and program information contact the web site
www.masternaturalist.org.
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We are currently in the process of improving our chapter's program schedule for the new year and would like your feedback. Sierra Club Northeast Florida group wants to hear what types of meetings and events appeal to you. To help us improve our programs, please take this brief survey.
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Newsletter Assistant Wanted
Are you looking for a way to volunteer, but haven't yet found your niche? We are currently looking for an individual who would be willing to take learn and assist with our monthly newsletter, the Sierra Sentry. Excellent communication skills, passion for our cause, and flexible hours are favorable. If you or anyone you know would be interested in learning the ins and outs of our newsletter publication, contact Julianne.
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HELP NEEDED on the 2018 Legislative Session
Be an "armchair activist" by making calls & sending emails to your legislators
It's hard to believe, but the next legislative session starts
January 9. We have been hard at work during the run-up to the session, meeting with legislators to educate them on our key issues. During session we will send out action alerts and Facebook alerts to ask you to communicate with legislators on important legislation.
Below is a few of the issues.
Land Acquisition Trust Fund (formerly known as Amendment 1 in 2014): We are trying to get $300 million for land acquisition. This is in alignment with the will of voters who overwhelmingly approved Amendment 1 from 2014 .
Fracking Ban:We believe that Florida legislators are ready to pass a fracking ban. We need to pass the two bills out of committee and get cosponsors of the legislation so it can go to a floor vote.
Tree Trimming & Cutting: Proposed legislation would pre-empt enforcement of tree ordinances throughout the state. In Jacksonville, Sierra and other trees organizations recently reached an agreement (championed by our own Tom Larson) with the city to significantly improve enforcement of our tree ordinance. If this anti tree legislation passes, all our efforts would be out the window, including the tree amendment overwhelmingly approved by Jax voters to protect our trees. We had a
media event on 12/11 to protest the impact of this proposed law.
SIERRA THANKS LEGISLATORS FOR FAVORABLE ENVIRONMENTAL VOTES IN 2017
During the 2017 legislative session, some of our Northeast Florida legislators voted favorably on environmental bills above the average for the state House and Senate. We wish to thank Representative Tracie Davis, Senator Audrey Gibson, Representative Cyndi Stevenson and Representative Jay Fant for their favorable voting records.
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Interested in Going Solar in 2018?
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Upcoming Outings
Saturday, January 6, 9:00 a.m.: Hike Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park
Beautiful trails, a nature tower, varied terrain, remnants of a WWI camp - what more could you ask for! We'll meet at the Nature Center, at the far (north) end of the park, and hike about 3 miles on two different trails.
We'll go 1/2 mile up the road to beautiful downtown Yukon for lunch at Trent's afterwards (across from NAS Jax; 4553 120th St Jacksonville).
Bring sunscreen, repellent, snack, and water. No pets, please. Kids capable of an adult pace are welcome. Some parts of the trail may be damp, so bring appropriate footwear.
The park is located at 7000 Roosevelt Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244. From Roosevelt Blvd. near the Yorktown Gate of NAS Jax, go west at Yorktown Rd. Drive north to the end of the road to the Nature Center.
RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Bill Armstrong, armsfam@yahoo.com.
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Sunday, January 7, 10:00 a.m: Hike Cedar Point Preserve
Join me for a 5 - 6 mile hike through live oaks and pines at Cedar Point with some great views of the beautiful Timucuan Preserve salt marsh. We will meet in the parking lot of the preserve located at 7116 Cedar Point Road, Jacksonville FL 32218. There are no restrooms at the trailhead.
Directions: Exit from I-295E at exit #41 onto Heckscher Drive. Continue north on Heckscher Dr. for one quarter mile then turn left onto New Berlin Road. Drive to Cedar Point Drive and turn right. Continue for about 3.5 miles. The parking lot is on the right. If you get as far as Pumpkin Hill Road, you have gone too far.
Bring insect repellent, sun block and water. No pets please. Older children capable of long hikes are welcome.
RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Richard Yelton at raptor43@juno.com.
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Saturday, January 13, 9:00 a.m.: Friendly Morning Paddle - St. Augustine
Let's kayak St Augustine Bayfront in the early morning and then enjoy breakfast / lunch at an area restaurant after we pack up. Approximately a 2-3 hour paddle total.
Join us for a fun filled full morning of kayaking, food and friends on the beautiful landscape of the oldest city. The day will begin at the Vilano boat ramp launch and in water by 9:00 a.m. (Please arrive by 8:30 to prepare and review).
We will then paddle to Hospital Creek and the Bayfront, do some exploring, and return to Vilano ramp to load back up....then on to refuel.
A great way to begin the day with positive people.
Directions: From A1A (San Marco Ave) in St.Augustine, turn east on the Vilano Causeway. The boat ramp is about .75 miles on the right. From A1A in Ponte Vedra Beach, head south on A1A. Cross the bridge toward St. Augustine. The boat ramp is on the left in about .5 miles.
Bring your own kayak, water, and PFD. You must wear your PFD.
RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Rick Knowles at rtknowles@aol.com.
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Saturday, January 20, 9.30 a.m.: Hiking on UNF trails
Explore the varied trails of UNF with views of flatwoods, wetlands, and Lake Surprise and Lake Oneida in this oasis of nature near the hustle and bustle of the city. Weíll hike about 3 to 4 miles.
DIRECTIONS: Meet in the parking lot of the Parking Permit Building 52 near the west entrance to UNF about a half mile east of the I-295 East Beltway. This is the entrance that continues east from Town Center Road. Youíll see a building on your right where parking permits are purchased. (You donít need a permit on Saturday).
Please bring water, lunch and bug spray. No pets please. Restrooms available.
Please RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Brian Paradise at bgparadise@comcast.net
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Saturday, January 20, 10:00 a.m.: Kayak Bulow Creek
Let's go for a leisurely paddle along one of Florida's designated historic trails: Bulow Creek. Weíll Launch at Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park at 10am Saturday, January 20 for a total paddle of 2.5 hours.
The plantation ruins take you back to the 18th century. The sugar mill, a spring house and the foundations of the mansion are all that remain of the Plantation today. The creek runs north for a few miles and south to the intercoastal for a total of 13 miles.
This waterway is affected by tides, storms and winds so watch for changes in our launch time. Paddle launch is 10 am so please arrive by 9:30 am.
Rentals: Thanks to recent storms the park lost all but three of its rental kayaks. I have reserved all three anticipating some of you will need them. They are $40.00 for the day or 10.00 per hour. Please let me know if you need one of the kayaks and plan on paying cash when you arrive.
The park entrance fee is 4.00 and it is on the honor system. Put 4.00 in the blue envelope at the entrance, tear off the stub and put the stub on your dashboard so that it is visible to rangers.
As always, you will need, water, a snack, sunscreen, a hat and a PFD which you must wear at all times.
Directions: The address is 3501 Old Kings Road, Flagler Beach. It is three miles west of Flagler Beach on Country Road 2001 between State Route 100 and Old Dixie Highway. From I-95 take exit 284 at SR 100 and go east. Turn right onto the first road, Old Kings Road. Bulow Ruins State Park is about 2.5 miles on the left. The plantation entrance is a dirt road that is about a mile long.
RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Carla Carpenter at drifterkayaker@mac.com.
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Sunday, January 21, 10:00 a.m.: Hike Nocatee Preserve
On Sunday, January 21st, we will revisit Nocatee Preserve. It is an easy 5-mile hike. Trailhead sign-in will begin at 9:45 and we will start hiking at 10:00. The trail is well-maintained, running from the northern trailhead just past Ponte Vedra High School to the Intracoastal. It is a multi-use trail. The scenery changes along the way and is both beautiful and interesting.
We will walk approximately halfway to the end and then return to trailhead, avoiding most of the flood-prone area. Contact me, Mike DiAngelo, phone or text, 919 523 5965 if you have any questions.
Directions to Nocatee Preserve:
We will meet at the trailhead parking lot located to the left and behind Ponte Vedra Beach High School. The address for the school is 460 Davis Park Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081. Coming from
Jacksonville on US Hwy 1 South, take the Nocatee Parkway flyover ramp, follow it for 4.3 miles, and turn right onto Davis Park Road. After you turn, follow the signs to Nocatee Preserve. Do Not turn Into Davis Park (a common mistake). Go around the school to the LEFT, pass the football field and tennis courts to get to the trail parking lot. From A1A: Turn onto Mickler Road. Proceed 1.5 miles to traffic circle and take second exit onto Palm Valley Road (210). Proceed 2.2 miles west on Palm Valley Road to Davis Park Road. Turn left onto Davis Park Road, proceed as above.
Bring sufficient water, sunscreen, and insect repellant. Dress for the season. Sturdy hiking boots are advised as the trail is subject to flooding near the eastern end. Children capable of a moderate 5-mile hike are welcome. No pets are permitted. Restrooms are available at the trailhead. Participation is limited to 30 people.
RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Mike DiAngelo at mfdiangelo@gmail.com.
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Saturday, January 27, 10:00 a.m.: Hike the Dune Ridge Trail on Little Talbot Island
Join other outdoor enthusiasts in hiking the Dune Ridge Trail, a picturesque loop at the southern end of Little Talbot Island. The trail courses through vegetated areas of Little Talbot Island dunes for a 2 mile stretch, then returns along the ocean shoreline. The trail showcases the varied flora of the vegetated dune area and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Except for a few sandy dune areas, the trail is firm, has a difficulty rating of 2 (on a 5 pt scale), and takes approximately three hours to complete the four miles.
The trail begins near the Little Talbot Island Ranger Station at the southern end of the island.
DIRECTIONS: Exit from I-295E at exit #41, exit right onto Heckscher Drive (i.e., SR 105) then drive eastward. Heckscher Drive (SR 105) becomes A1A when you pass the Mayport Ferry entrance. Continue on A1A until you cross the Fort George River bridge onto the southern end of Little Talbot Island. When you cross the bridge look to the right for the entrance to Little Talbot Island Park. The official address for the park is 12157 Heckscher Drive.
After entering the park continue driving toward the beach around a curve to a parking area at the beach entrance. We will gather there and begin the hike from this parking area.
Park fees: $5.00 for vehicles with multiple passengers, $4.00 for vehicles with one passenger.
Bring water, insect repellent, and sun screen. No pets are allowed.
RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Logan Cross at jlogancross3@gmail.com).
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Thursday, February 22, 10.00 a.m.: Hike Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
Weíll hike about 5 to 6 miles along varied trails with good views of lakes and the ravine in this lovely and special state park. Meet at the parking lot immediately next to the ranger station. Entrance fee of $5.00 per car. The address of the Park is 6239 State Road 21, Keystone Heights, Florida 32656. The Park is about a one and a half hour drive from Jacksonville.
Please bring lunch, bug spray and water. Children are welcome if they can hike for 6 miles. Please form carpools on Meetup. RSVP on Meetup or to Outings Leader Brian Paradise at bgparadise@comcast.net
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Congratulations to all of those who helped us to organize, lead, or have participated in our local outings programs.
In 2017, we led a total of 1008 people on 55 outings!
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