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Vol. XVI Issue 1 / January 2017
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Your Monthly News & Updates
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| As we ring in the new year, let us reflect on why we all are a part of this inspirational group. Take a look at why your membership matters in this short video featuring footage from our recent outing. Let the new year energize and motivate you to become the change you wish to see in the world! |
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Upcoming Meetings
Jacksonville Program: Speaker Andrea Conover- Conservation Advocate
Please join us for our January Sierra Club meeting to be held January 9, 2017 in 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. This is a free event.
Our speaker for the evening will be Andrea Conover of the North Florida Land Trust. As Conservation Advocate, Andrea's main job is to advocate with state and local elected officials for full funding of the Florida Forever land acquisition program following voters' intent with the passage in 2014 of the Florida Land and Water Legacy Amendment. One of Sierra Club's top priorities in the 2017 legislative session will be to push for full funding.
Unfortunately, the legislature has used the funds for purposes other than land conservation. The North Florida Land Trust's call to action is to empower citizens to let their elected officials know that acquiring conservation land in our county is important to them, especially in this period of active development.
Prior to joining the Land Trust,
Andrea was Program Manager for the St. Johns River Alliance for five years, focusing on promoting river recreation and eco-tourism and the St. Johns River specialty license plate. She has also worked with The St. Johns River keeper as Itinerary and Event Coordinator for the March 2016 "Save the St. Johns" tour.
Andrea is an avid kayaker on the waterways of northeast and central Florida. In 2015 she kayaked the entire 310-miles of the St. Johns River, camping along the way. She's also visited all 161 fabulous Florida State Parks. Her new goals are to kayak the entire Suwannee River and to visit all the National Wildlife Refuges in Florida.
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Ponte Vedra Program: Movie Night: "The Great Parks of Alaska"
Monday, January 9th, 2017
at 6:00 p.m. in the Ponte Vedra Beach Public Library
The NE Florida Sierra Club will present a 59-minute film, "The Great Parks of Alaska" about the magnificent National Parks in Alaska. Come along on a spectacular panoramic journey through our largest and least populous state, Alaska, home to more than 60% of America's national parkland - some 54 million acres. This program treats us to the unspoiled wilderness and wildlife; Mount McKinley's snow-capped summit; Eskimo culture and much more in this enthralling program. Ranging from active volcanoes to tremendous sand dunes, this diverse and dazzling array of scenery represents a wilderness treasure second to none, preserved for all generations.
All are welcome! For further information, contact Larry Lickenbrock at (904) 537-6047. The program will be held in the PGA 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 Butler Boulevard).
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Combined Executive Committee and Conservation Committee Meeting
Wednesday, January 18 @ 6:30pm
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Volunteering with Us
Many people are worried about how the environment will fare under the Trump administration and have asked how they can get involved. Here are two things to help you find meaningful ways to protect, learn and get involved.
Come to our next Lakewood general meeting at 5:45 PM on January 9th, 2017 where we will provide an overview of Sierra Club and our leaders will share specifics and answer your questions about their volunteer activities. This will be before our program at 7 o'clock when Andrea Conover from North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) will talk about how we need to lobby the Florida legislature for more money for land acquisition. NFLT has an impressive list of properties they want to acquire/preserve with funding from the state. We can help make it happen.
The meeting location is
Lakewood Presbyterian Church, 2001 University Blvd W, in the rear of the education building.
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De-Clutter Mindfully this New Year
The New Year is the ideal time for new beginnings. What better time to start with a clean slate than by finally getting rid of all that unused junk sitting in your garage? If you plan on de-cluttering this January, be sure that you know how to identify and properly dispose of hazardous wastes. Common types of waste that should be recycled mindfully include e-waste (TVs, printers, radios, VCRs, DVDs, power tools, small kitchen appliances, etc.) and hazardous household wastes (paint, batteries, pool chemicals, aerosol cans, fertilizers, ammunition, etc.). It is important to dispose of these items properly to ensure the health and safety of our local landscape and waterways.
For more information about recycling your household hazardous wastes and e-waste click here.
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Preventing Development on Cumberland Island
The quality of the natural experience on the Cumberland Island National Seashore is at risk because a developer wants to subdivide an 88-acre of undeveloped land into 10 lots. The proposed project has already recently been approved by The Camden County (Georgia) Planning Board.
The Cumberland Island is a popular destination for visitors of all kinds including backpackers, campers, day hikers and beach walkers, who enjoy the wild and pristine nature of the Seashore.
Background
The National Seashore was formed in 1972 when the National Park Service purchased land from most of the barrier island's landowners. Some of these landowners retained the right to continue living and driving on parts of the island. As these retained rights have gradually expired these properties have fallen under the direct management of the National Park Service with the purpose of allowing nature to reclaim the island providing wildlife habitat and serene natural beauty for generations of Americans to enjoy.
Ten years later, Congress designated the northern half of the island as a Wilderness Area.]
The Park Service was unable to purchase the entire island and 2,000 acres remain in private hands. Lumar LLC owns an 88- acre tract across a narrow section of the island just a quarter mile north of the Sea Camp ferry dock and Sea Camp. Access to the property is via the unpaved Main Road. A Camden County ordinance prohibits the subdivision of land which is not fronted by a paved road. Lumar LLC is seeking an exemption from this requirement. Granting this exemption would be the first step down a slippery slope leading to the eventual development of this property in the heart of the most visited part of Cumberland Island.
Take Action
The Camden County Planning and Development Commission has already approved the exemption. However, letters or e-mails can be written to the Camden County Board of Directors and the County Administrator and to the Director of Planning & Development to request that the development not be approved, Talking points can include the fact that the Seashore remains one of the few wild and pristine natural areas on the East Coast and the fact that the Seashore boosts the Camden County economy through the frequent visits of eco-tourists and other visitors. The Seashore is a popular destination for Sierra Club outings and you can comment that your own experience on the Seashore will be diminished by the development.
Addresses are:
Camden County Board of Commissioners
200 East 4th Street, P.O. Box 99, Woodbine, GA. 31569
Steve Howard County Administrator;
Eric Landon. Director of Planning and Development;
Find out more at the National Park Service Website
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State of Florida trying to close the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has initiated a process to revoke the agreement between the State of Florida and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This state action would eliminate the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge which would no longer be managed to protect wildlife.
Loxahatchee comes from the Seminole meaning "River of Turtles." The Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is a mosaic of wet prairies, sawgrass ridges, sloughs, tree islands, cattail communities, and a 400-acre cypress swamp. The refuge provides essential wildlife habitats for the King Rail, Limpkin, Fulvous Whistling-Duck, White and Glossy Ibis, Sandhill Crane, threatened Wood Storks, and endangered Everglade Snail Kites - home for 250 species of birds and two turtles, Peninsula Cooter and Florida Softshell.
Please write to Governor Scott to prevent the Refuge from being downgraded into a state water management property. You can comment that the Refuge was created to protect wildlife and that this mission should continue.
Contact information:
Office of Governor Rick Scott
State of Florida
The Capitol
400 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee.
F: 32399-0001
Phone 850-717-9337
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The Trial of the Century?
Twenty-one young people, represented by the Children's Trust, have sued the U.S. government for failing to protect their future from climate change, and for violating their constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property. The U.S. Government, and representatives of the fossil fuel industry, filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, but this motion was denied on November 10 by Federal Judge Ann Aiken thus clearing the lawsuit to proceed to trial.
Experts have expressed the opinion that the trial could be the biggest trial of the century because the fossil fuel policies of the U.S. are going to confront the climate science put forth by the world's best scientists. Theoretically the trial's outcome could have major implications for the incoming Trump administration which has denied the existence of climate change.
The case is expected to go to trial in the summer or Fall of 2017.
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Take a Step Back in Time
1981-
Ronald Reagan is inaugurated
Ronald Reagan has been elected President. The Reagan Administration has indicated that the environment may face tough times in the next four years.
President Reagan appoints James Watt as Interior Secretary and dark clouds
begin to gather over the environmental skies. Mr. Watt has been the chief executive of the Mountain States Legal Foundation (MSLF) a law firm that has specialized in handling public lands cases on behalf of resource developers. Watt's firm has fought against wilderness designations, has opposed efforts to reduce air pollution, has attacked efforts to reduce overgrazing on public lands, has fought enforcement of the 160-acre limit for reclamation projects and has opposed extending special rates for utility services to the poor.
On learning of the nomination, the Sierra Club states, "We are gravely concerned over the nomination of James Watt as Secretary of the Interior. This position should be filled by someone who represents all the citizens of the United States; the Secretary of the Interior is the custodian of the nation's prized national parks, its critical wildlife refuges, and vast tracts of the public domain. This official must balance the pressures of development with needs to protect the environment...."
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January Outings
Saturday, January 7, 10:00 a.m.: Hike Ft. George Island to Kingsley Plantation
We'll start at the famous Ribault Club on Ft. George Island and hike to Kingsley Plantation. Along the way, we'll climb Mount Cornelia (elevation 64 feet), the highest point in this coastal region. We'll also visit the once-busy port at Point Isabel. We'll spend an hour or so visiting Kingsley - enough time to take the free audio tour, then return. Total distance is about five miles. After our hike, we can eat at the great Sand Dollar.
Directions; Meet in the parking lot of the Ribault Club at 11241 Fort George Road, Fort George Island, Florida. From Jax, take I-295 East Beltway north. After crossing the Dames Point Bridge, exit right to Heckscher Drive/Rt 105. Drive for about 9.5 miles. The entrance to Fort George Island is on the left shortly after the Mayport Ferry. After turning on Fort George Road, at the fork bear to the right towards the Ribault Club. Drive about 2 miles until you see the Ribault Club on your right. Park in the lot on your left.
Bring water, bug spray, and sunscreen. No pets, please.
RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Bill Armstrong at
armsfam@yahoo.com.
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Thursday, January 12, 9:30 a.m.: Weekday Hike in Guana
We'll hike about 5 miles with good views of marshes and the inter-coastal waterway on some of Brian's favorite trails.
Please meet at 9.30 a.m. at the trail head for the Guana trails which is about 200 yards beyond the dam. The entrance to Guana (Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Reserve) and the dam is on the west side of A1A approximately 17 miles south of Butler Boulevard with the entrance just north of the Gate service station on A1A. The address is: 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra, FL 32082.
No pets please. Children who are capable of hiking 5 miles are welcome. Please bring water, lunch and bug spray. Entrance fee of $3.00.
Please RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Brian Paradise at
bgparadise@comcast.net
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Sunday, January 15, 11:00 a.m.: Hike the Florida Trail Hike along the Suwannee River
We'll hike out and back about 6 miles on the Florida Trail along the Suwannee River. The views are beautiful and the terrain is diverse. A camera and trekking poles are encouraged. The hike can be strenuous at times so bring plenty of water and durable shoes or boots.
We'll start and end at the Stephen Foster Culture Center. You can bring a picnic lunch and visit the museum and gift shop after the hike. We'll start hiking at 11:00 a.m. Please show up a little early so we can go over the details.
Directions - Head west on I-10 to exit 301. Turn left onto US-41 and follow the signs to the park (about 9 miles after exiting the highway). The address is 11016 Lillian Sanders Dr., White Springs, FL 32096. Support our state park system with a $5/car fee and follow the park road to the Florida Trailhead at the Gazebo on the southwest side of the park. The Park Ranger at the gate can give directions to the correct parking area.
Form carpools on Meetup to save on gas and entrance fees. Bring water, bug spray, and sunscreen. No pets, please.
RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Kevin Moore at moorekm79@icloud.com.
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Saturday, January 21, 9:00 a.m.: Hike the Nocatee Trail
We will have a repeat of last month's hike. It is an easy 5-mile hike on Ponte Vedra's beautiful Nocatee Preserve.
Trailhead sign-in will begin at 8:45 and we will start hiking about 9:00.
The trail is well-maintained, running from the northern trailhead just past Ponte Vedra High School to the Intercoastal Waterway. 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. Following the hike we can meet for lunch at one of several nearby restaurants.
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. No pets are allowed on this hike.
Directions to Nocatee Preserve:
We will meet at the trail 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. Go around the school to the LEFT and 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.
RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Mike DiAngelo, 919-523-5965.
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Saturday, January 21, 10:00 am: Hike in the Welaka State Forest
We'll hike for about four miles through the beautiful Welaka State Forest. After the hike, we can have lunch at a nearby restaurant. You can also visit the nearby Welaka National Fish Hatchery.
The Welaka State Forest has over 4 miles of river frontage long the east bank of Little Lake George on the St. Johns River; although most of it is swampy and inaccessible. With the Ocala National Forest on one side and Welaka State Forest on the other, this is one of the best preserved natural sections of the St. Johns River. Large cypress and pine trees provide numerous eagle nest sites on both sides of the river. The John's Landing Trail is a four mile hike meandering along old road beds to the St. Johns River.
Directions from Jax area: south on I-95, west (right) on SR-207 through Hastings and into East Palatka. At the light turn south (left) on US-17, follow for about 9 miles then west (right) on CR-309. After about 5 miles, you'll pass through the town of Welaka. After one more mile, you'll pass the Forest HQ on the left and the Mud Spring trailhead on the right. Then in one more mile you'll see the trailhead for John's Landing on the right.
Bring water, sun screen, and repellent. No pets, please. RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Andrea Conover at andrea_conover@live.com.
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Saturday, January 21, 10:00 a.m.: Kayak Lofton Creek
If you are looking to get out for a short easy paddle, this is a good one. The Lofton Creek paddle is only about 1.5 miles each way. It's a short but beautiful paddle: a narrow run that culminates with a grand 3-500 year old cypress. Lofton is also a good place to get a look at baby alligators as well as a variety of birds and plants. This is a leisurely paddle, ideal for nature lovers and paddlers
at any skill level.
Meet at Melton Nelson's boat ramp directly off of SR-200 (A1A) in Yulee. The address is 463540 SR 200, Yulee, FL. Directions: From I-95 north, take Exit 373, SR-200/A1A. Drive east for about 4.8 miles. The boat ramp is on your right.
We will launch at 9:30 am so please be on site and ready no later than 9:15 am. There are bathrooms at the launch site. Bring PFD, water, sunscreen. You must wear your PFD.
RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Carla Carpenter at carpenc@mac.com.
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We'll take about a 3 hour leisurely paddle up Trout Creek in St. Johns County on this very calm waterway. Lunch follows at a nearby restaurant for those interested.
We'll put in at the boat ramp at Trout Creek Park, 6795 Collier Road, 32092. Go south on US 13, over Julington Creek and past the Shands Bridge turnoff. After crossing the bridge over Trout Creek, you'll see the park on your left. Arrive by 9:30 to put in at 10:00 a.m. sharp. Easy / moderate pace. Bring your own kayak or canoe. PFD and whistle are mandatory and you must wear your PFD when on the water...Stay as a group.
RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Rick Knowles at rtknowles@aol.com.
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Thursday, February 23, 10:00 a.m.: Hiking and Exploring Tree Hill Nature Center
This gem of a nature center with 50 acres of unspoiled nature and lots of good trails and wildlife exhibits is located in the heart of Jacksonville. We'll walk for a couple of miles or so on easy trails then visit the wildlife exhibits.
We'll meet at the amphitheater which is located near the east entrance to the Center at 7152 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, 32211. No pets please. Please bring lunch, water and bug spray. Children are welcome. Entrance fee of $5 for Adults, $4 for Seniors and $3 for children and teenagers 3-17.
Please RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Brian Paradise at
bgparadise@comcast.net
RSVP for Outings on Sierra Club NE FL MeetUp Website
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Florida Master Naturalist Program
REGISTRATION CLOSES February 7, 2017.
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Florida Master Naturalist Program Freshwater Systems Module sponsored by Omni Hotel, American Parks of Florida, Duval County Extension, Amelia Naturally, and The North Florida Land Trust will be offered February 2-14, 16, 21, 23, 28 and 3-2, 2017 (day classes from 9-4:30).Classroom sessions will be held at Ft. Clinch State Park, 260 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, Fl 32034. This program is for adults who want to learn more about Florida's 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: ecosystems (forested wetlands, freshwater marshes, and permanent wetlands), key plants and wildlife, and the role of humans in shaping the environment. Each module includes classroom presentations, videos, field trips, and practical interpretation.Advance registration is required. Course fee begins at $230 (see web site for full pricing). Course instructors are Jessica Paarlberg, Christina Nelson, Elizabeth Strawbridge, and Carol Wyninger. Student requirements include attendance, participation, and enthusiasm! For registration and program information contact
the website. For further questions contact Carol Wyninger at (904) 220-0232,
wyninger@comcast.net.
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"Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children's children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance."
- Theodore Roosevelt
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