Keep informed through our monthly programs, outings, and news articles.

Your Monthly News & Updates
With the new year in full swing, we hope you can find the time to join us on a program or outing this month. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of your day to day routine and relax on a hike through the pristine Florida wilderness. You will definitely leave feeling refreshed, relaxed, and rejuvenated! 

If you have not found your niche with us yet, we would love to help you get your volunteer career moving. Join us for a legislative advocacy training workshop on February 11 (details below) to find out how to develop relationships with your local district representatives. Or email Janet Stanko to see what other opportunities we have that may match your unique skill set. 
The legislative session starting March 7th, we have 2 things we want to share with you...

 
1.  Meetings with legislators :  If you are available during the day, we have the following appointments set up and we are scheduling more.You are welcome to come as a constituent if you live in the district, or as a member of Sierra who represents many constituents in their district. You will be teamed with an experienced Sierra member. View the schedule here.
 
2.  Legislative Advocacy Training :  Learn how you can tell your legislators about our environmental issues. See the article later in the newsletter.
 
There are lots of worthy bills to support: Amendment 1 conservation funds, fracking ban, renewable energy, and recycling. Here is what bills expect to see this upcoming session.

Upcoming Meetings
 
Jacksonville Program: Tree Rx: Prescribing Urban Trees for Community Health
 
Please join us for our February Sierra Club meeting to be held  February 13, 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 7:00 pm. All are welcome. This is a free event. 

Student Project Leaders, Madison Masters, Daniel Norez and Kelly Rhoden will give a brief presentation on their community project, "TreeRx: Prescribing Urban Trees for Community Health" which focused on assessing tree planting opportunities in the Springfield/Eastside areas, and producing a white paper on the benefits of trees, from health to eco-system services. The project leaders also produced a brochure for the community that explains the health benefits, suggests certain trees for planting as well as care and maintenance tips. This project was through the UNF Environmental Center's Environmental Leadership Program in partnership with Groundwork Jax.


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Ponte Vedra Program: "Adventuring in Scotland" 

Monday, February 6th, 2017  at 6:30 p.m. in the Ponte Vedra Beach Public Library
 
The NE FL Sierra Club in Ponte Vedra will host a presentation by Brian Paradise, Sierra Club advocate and Outings Leader, on a 2016 hiking and exploration vacation that Brian and his family took to Scotland. They visited Perthshire and the Western Highlands of Scotland, including the Isle of Skye. He'll talk about their adventure, and show many slide photos of these beautiful areas.  

Due to extenuating circumstances, the meeting will begin at 6:30 pm for this month only.

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, February 15 @ 6:30pm 
The Sheraton Hotel 
10605 Deerwood Park Blvd 
Jacksonville, FL 32256
  For more info visit our website
Legislative Advocacy Training Workshop 

Sierra Club Florida Chapter is organizing Legislative Advocacy Training for February 11. The Northeast Group will host the event at The Granary, 1738 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073. It is a totally off grid meeting space, powered by solar PV, with a compost toilet and water from a cistern or pond. Holds 25 people. We'll provide lunch.
Start time is   11am ; agenda details will be  forthcoming. Save the date:  Saturday, February 11 .

Our goal is to build credible relationships with the legislators and their aides through periodic meetings with them before session, possibly during session, and after session.  This training will give you an overview of the context of this initiative and specific techniques for speaking with them as well as talking points.  You will be paired with an experienced Sierra member for these meetings. Come and "shadow" us. It is ideal to visit your legislators.
 
 
We're going for the long game--to build relationships.


Find your legislators here.
EPA Media Blackout 
 
In addition to signing 12 executive orders within the first week of his presidency, Donald Trump has issued a media blackout for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He also suspended the agency's grants. EPA staff was specifically prohibited from partaking in press releases, posting blog updates, and all social media posts. "This includes, but is not limited to, news releases, photos, fact sheets, news feeds and social media content," read an email to staff at the agency's Agricultural Research Service, which was obtained by the AP.
 
 The Trump administration has also ordered a temporary suspension of any new business activities at the EPA "including task orders or work assignments to EPA contractors." This will significantly affect EPA projects nationwide. The EPA contracts with outside vendors for a variety of services " from engineering and research to janitorial supplies." This media blackout has also been instituted for the Department of Agriculture and Interior departments. All EPA websites and social media accounts have shown no activity since Friday, January 20th.

As environmentalists of Northeast Florida, we must use our voices to preach what we know as true. Without significant and immediate attention, climate change will quickly become an unsolvable problem. Together we can spread the message of environmentally conscious living and speak up for those who cannot. 


Find out more
Help Preserve Cumberland Island 

If you have enjoyed the pristine beauty of Cumberland island, you will be alarmed about proposed development on Cumberland Island - more residents, buildings and vehicles. Please read David Kyler's article and contact Camden County Ga officials. 

 
Read the article here.
Cattleman Wants Your Water


Austrian/Canadian auto parts magnate Frank Stonach, owner of Sleep Creek Lands LLC, has for years petitioned Florida government entities to divert as much as 13. 2 million gallons of water per day from Silver Springs and the Silver River to water the grass of his cattle ranch. This amount is more than the city of Ocala uses in a day.

Two years or so ago the staff of the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRMD) warned Sleepy Lands that they would recommend that the District should deny the request of the cattle operator. Recently, however, the staffers did an abrupt about-face and recommended that the withdrawals would have minimal impact on Silver Springs and the Silver River. Environmentalists say that this change of heart is the result of pressure from the wealthy applicant and political pressure from higher ups. 

As Robert Knight, Director of the Howard T. Odom Florida Springs Institute and President of the Silver Springs Alliance has written, "The spring can't take this... Grass in Marion County, the same grass that supports Ocala's renowned thoroughbred horses, grows just fine with rainfall and without irrigation. The St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board should side with the original recommendations of its technical staff, with the public will, and with iconic Silver Springs, and not issue another groundwater extraction permit to this billionaire or to any other applicant."

Environmentalist, including Sierra Club members from our Group, protested at the SJRWMD offices in Palatka when the issue was on the agenda in January, and the item was pulled from the agenda. Several groups including the St. Johns Riverkeeper have also intervened legally to try and stop the withdrawal.

What you can do:
Make a contribution to the St. Johns Riverkeeper to defray legal costs and write to the SJRWMD to request that no permits be granted to Sleep Lands. 

Addresses are:
St. Johns Riverkeeper
2800 University Boulevard North
Jacksonville
32211
 
St John River Water Management District
P.O. Box 1429
Palatka
FL 32178-1429
North Atlantic Right Wales 

The North Atlantic Right Whale is one of the most beautiful, graceful ,and endangered large whales that swims in our Atlantic waters. Experts believe that this species of large whale is one of the most susceptible to extinction.
 
During the winter months, Northeast Florida and Georgia are recognized as the only known calving grounds for the North Atlantic Right Whale. These waters have been designated as Right Whale critical habitat by the National Marine Fisheries Service. Right Whales are typically sighted off the coast of Florida between November and April.
 
The Florida Marine Research Institute (FMRI) begins their North Atlantic Right Whale surveys on December 1. Mother and calf pairs are located to prevent ship strikes, and make identification through obvious markings. These aerial surveys are conducted on every flyable day, weather permitting. There are three survey teams in our region: St. Simons Island, Fernandina Beach, and St. Augustine. Each survey team consists of two pilots and two observers. Peak sightings are typically in January and February.
 
These magnificent creatures can sometimes be seen from our St. Johns County beaches and coastline. If you spot a right whale, please report an accurate location and description of your sighting to 1.888.97WHALE (94253) or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Wildlife Alert Program at 1.888.404.FWCC (3922).
More than 800 Earth Scientists and Energy Experts urge the new President to take Six Crucial Steps

President Trump has called climate change a Chinese hoax, vowed to dismantle America's climate and clean energy policies, and has appointed climate deniers with ties to the fossil fuel industry to his transition team and Cabinet.

In response, more than 800 Earth science and energy experts in 46 states have signed an open letter to Donald Trump, urging him to take the following six key steps to address climate change to help protect America's economy, national security, and public health and safety.
 
Make America a clean energy leader.  
 
Reduce carbon pollution and America's dependence on fossil fuels.  
 
Enhance America's climate preparedness and resilience.  
 
Publicly acknowledge that climate change is a real, human-caused,
and urgent threat. 
 
Protect scientific integrity in policymaking
 
Uphold America's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement.  


Read the full story here.
February Outings

Saturday, February 11, 10:00 a.m.: Kayak the Ichetucknee River

We'll kayak the beautiful, clear, Ichetucknee River at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Famous as a tubing paradise in the summer, it's open only for us kayakers at this time of year. We'll glide by turtles and birds, look down through the clear water at fish and bubbling springs, and we may even see manatee. After our paddle, we can go to Celebrity's Soul Food in nearby Fort White for lunch.

Bring your own kayak or canoe. PFD and whistle are mandatory and you must wear your PFD when on the water. Kayak carts might be helpful as it's a short distance down to the water. View more details and RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Bill Armstrong at  armsfam@yahoo.com. For detailed directions check out our website.

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Thursday, February 16, 10:00 a.m.: Weekday Hike - Ravine Gardens Azalea Walk
&
Saturday, February 18, 10:00 a.m.: Saturday Hike - Ravine Gardens Azalea Walk

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. The hike distance is approximately four miles over moderately challenging terrain, which winds around trees and curves, up and down stairs, with several elevation changes, narrow paths with stones and roots along the path.

Please bring bug spray, sunglasses and water. Children are welcome, but please keep in mind this is a somewhat challenging hike. For lunch, either bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the very nice picnic area adjacent to the parking lot, or I'll plan a group lunch at a local restaurant. 

Meet at Walmart at I-295 & San Jose Blvd in Mandarin to carpool 8:30 a.m. Find more details and RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Janet Stanko at  janestan@bellsouth.net. For detailed directions check out our website.

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Saturday, February 18, 9:30 a.m.: Kayak Pellicer Creek 

Pellicer Creek is one of few remaining pristine salt marshes on Florida's east coast. And for that reason and its natural marsh beauty, it is a designated part of the Florida Canoe Trail. On this three hour paddle you will find a variety of marsh plants, birds and other wildlife. Pellicer is on the north end of the Coastal Greenway and it links Faver-Dykes State Park to the Princess Placed Preserve. We'll put in at Faver Dykes State Park boat ramp.

Please arrive at 9am or earlier. You must have and wear a PFD and a whistle. Also, I strongly suggest bringing plenty of water and a snack. Bug spray, sunscreen and a hat are also highly recommended. RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Carla Carpenter at  drifterkayaker@mac.com. For detailed directions check out our website.

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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. For detailed directions check out our website.

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Saturday, February 25, 11:00 a.m.: Hike Big Talbot Island State Park

Big Talbot Island State Park presents an amazing display of driftwood along its beachfront. We will begin the hike from the The Bluffs parking area by taking a trail/boardwalk along Heckscher
Drive to a beach entry point. From there, we will walk south to see ever-increasing amounts of driftwood to Boneyard Beach. To return, we will reverse course on the beach for about one-half
mile and climb up an entry point near the parking area. The total hiking distance is about 3.5 miles.

Erosion caused by Hurricane Matthew made the former beach entry/exit point unusable. An alternate entry point is now in use. We will negotiate a nearly ten-foot vertical ascent on our return. You should consider the difficulty of this narrow and sandy section with a fallen tree across it before signing up for the hike . For more information see here.

RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Mike DiAngelo, 919-523-5965. For detailed directions check out our website.

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Thursday, March 16, 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. We'll hike about 4 to 5 miles. Please bring water, lunch and bug spray. No pets please. 

Please meet at the UNF entrance station parking lot on UNF Drive just east of Interstate 295. $3.00 parking fee. Please RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Brian Paradise at bgparadise@comcast.net. For detailed directions check out our website.

RSVP for Outings on Sierra Club NE FL MeetUp Website 
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.   

Thoughts on the Women's March
By our very own, Lisa Williams

It's not good to mess with a woman but especially not a bunch of tired women, which is exactly what The Women's March on Washington brought to town. In Jacksonville, a small group of us boarded our Women's March bus at 5:50pm on Friday, January 20th and traveled through the night to arrive at 8am in the Washington stadium. Needless to say, there wasn't a lot of room or sleep on that bus. 

With our "pussy" hats and our handmade sashes, carrying our own personal slogans like "Climate Change is Real," "Jesus loves the marginalized," and "Diversity makes us stronger" draped across our bodies, we marched towards the Capitol; a winding sea of pink composed of women, men, children of every age, color, religion, ethnicity, orientation and socioeconomic status. Signs quoting MLK decorated the route. Homeowners stood in their yards to cheer us on while policewomen high-fived us. Policemen were even caught wearing a couple of pussy hats. Bystanders offered warm beverages to fingers already stiffening from the high 40's temps.

As we neared the Capitol, the walking slowed dramatically as the crowds swelled. Lines for the port-a-potty took an hour to navigate so we quit drinking for the day. Chants of "This is what democracy looks like" and "Let's march now!" were erupting everywhere, which contributed to the party atmosphere. Even though we couldn't hear the speeches we were entertained by impromptu performers like Rosie the Riveter and my personal favorite: a woman holding a sign and saying that her sign was the best. There wasn't another sign better. No one could make signs as well as she did...

The march was supposed to start at 1 so we positioned ourselves as close to the route as we could. Chants kept erupting and dying but no movement forward until 2:15pm when suddenly the marchers started turning around in a wave and began walking in the opposite direction.  What we didn't know is that there were so many marchers that the organizers didn't know what to do with us all. Over 500,000 people had showed for a march that was supposed to be 250,000. We began marching a different route which emptied on to Pennsylvania Ave where we joined the other marchers.

The joy and excitement morphed into pride as we marched by the monuments of Washington including the museum with the First Amendment etched into the side of the 75ft tall marble building. As Lucia Miller, a fellow marcher, commented, "E very minute inspired awe and pride in being a woman who lives in a country that guarantees our right to peacefully assemble and make our voices heard." Most importantly, I am further inspired to remain involved. 
Involvement is a necessity for a functioning democracy but the March meant even more than that. 

Jodi Beere, another member of our group, reminisced, "One of her favorite moments occurred as we were walking back to board our bus for home. Exhilarating as the day had been, hours on our feet in chilly conditions were taking their toll. Several blocks from the bus parking lot, the Capitol Hill SDA Church had its doors wide open with members of the church lining its steps. They were there all day smiling, waving and thanking us for coming. They even invited us in to use the restrooms, and have something to eat and drink so we took them up on their offer. We met members of the church as well as fellow marchers and the conversation was positive and encouraging. No judgment, no harsh words just kind hospitality and warm conversation in a church in DC on the day of the Women's March. The church made an extraordinary day even better."

Open doors and kind hearts....As America convulses during this turbulent time, we are reminded once again of just what makes America great.


"Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money"

- Cree Indian Proverb
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