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

Your Monthly News & Updates
Please enjoy your March issue of Sierra Sentry. We hope you are taking advantage of the gorgeous Florida weather and getting yourselves outside to unwind. If you are still looking for opportunities to get involved, we are looking for volunteers to help coordinate an upcoming fundraiser. See the details below. 
Upcoming Meetings
 
Jacksonville Program:
Status of our Tree Protection Efforts 
 
Please join us for our March Sierra Club meeting to be held  March 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 7:00pm. All are welcome. Free.

Our speaker for the evening will be John November, the Executive Director for the Public Trust Environmental Legal Institute of Florida. John was born and raised in Atlantic Beach and graduated from the University of Florida, Magna Cum Laude. He then received his JD from University of Florida's Levin College of Law where he received the Book Award as the most outstanding student in the Conservation Clinic. In addition to his role with The Public Trust, as it is commonly known, John is also President of November Law. 

The primary focus of the Public Trust is to zealously protect the City of Jacksonville's Preservation Project and other federal and state protected lands and waters. The Public Trust pursues legal means, including litigation if necessary, to protect and preserve the public lands and waters. 
 
In July 2015, the Public Trust filed a complaint against the City of Jacksonville (COJ) for failing to enforce the tree protection ordinance and the charter amendment (passed by 75% of the electorate in 2000) and for inappropriate spending on activities that were not improving the health and extent of the tree canopy. The Public Trust has been working with concerned community stakeholders, including the Sierra Club, to develop a plan to enhance the COJ's enforcement processes and spending practices. Come hear about our progress in strengthening our tree culture.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Ponte Vedra Program: "John Muir & David Yulee: Contrasts in Florida 1867"
 
Monday, March 6, 2017 at 6.00 p.m. in the Ponte Vedra Beach Public Library
 
The Northeast Florida Group of the Sierra Club in Ponte Vedra will host a presentation by Todd Sack MD, FACP on John Muir and David Yulee, to celebrate 150th anniversary of the arrival of John Muir in Florida in 1867.  
 
Todd is a long term Sierra Club activist and Sierra Club Outings Leader who has lectured extensively on John Muir, environmental health, and Florida climate change policy. He is a past-Chair of the Florida Medical Association's Environment & Health Section, past Member of the Florida Energy Commission where he chaired the Climate Change Advisory Group, past President of the Duval County Medical Society, past Chair of the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board, and he serves on the Florida & National Boards of Physicians for Social Responsibility, of MOCA Jacksonville, and of the Yulee Historic Council. He edits www.mygreendoctor.org.
 
All are welcome! For further information contact Brian Paradise at (904) 710-0479. The program will be held in the Friends of the Library meeting room 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).
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Combined Executive Committee and Conservation Committee Meeting

We are re-evaluating the date and time of our meeting.  Check our website for new information.

Prospect of Duval County-wide Tree Survey Moves Toward Approval

The Environmental Protection Board of the City of Jacksonville agreed 13-Feb-17 to seek City Council  approval of proposal for $103,895 from an EPB trust fund for a county-wide tree survey, database & public web services, and public education thru the Public Trust Environmental Legal Institute of Florida. Sierra Club member Tom Larson and others are active in support of this project as part of a multi-prong, long-term effort to enhance the "tree culture" of Jacksonville and its environs. The timing of when this funding prospect will be moving into the city ordinance process is yet to be firmly set, but keep your eyes open for information about next steps and schedule for council consideration-please chime in then to support the proposal.

At our February General Meeting in Lakewood we enjoyed a presentation by UNF students  Madison Masters, Daniel Norez, Kelly Rhoden and Maria Mark of the UNF Environmental Center about a focused, on-the-ground survey students conducted of tree planting opportunities in the Springfield/East-side neighborhoods. Data from such localized studies will be able to be incorporated into the tree survey system we hope to be funded, to improve the resolution of information about our tree canopy and key planting opportunities.

Northeast Group leaders Lisa Williams and Carolyn Cooper, developed presentations about trees and the benefits of protecting and enhancing our tree canopy (on public and private lands).They have a well-researched, modular program they deliver to interested groups. Let one of them know if you would suggest a presentation and dialog opportunity to a group you know about.

Other moves are progressing in various directions to advance tree culture in Jacksonville. Greenscape, one of the leading, long-term champions of planting trees in the city, is working with Duval County Schools to plant trees at all schools, is developing other projects with neighborhood groups and the city, and Greenscape is sponsoring a family-focused fundraising event to take place  April 1, Jacksonville's Official Arbor Day, from  10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Metropolitan Park.

Click here to find out more.
Fundraiser Help Needed

We are planning a fundraiser concert at Riverside Presbyterian Church in May to raise money for effectively influencing legislators on environmental issues. We will need help with planning food, recruiting performers, set up, cleanup, and promotion. Please contact Rashi Grewal or Lisa Williams (lisaow@gmail.com) to find out more. 

Trump would Face Legal Battle for Dumping Treaty
 
According to a new report of the Congressional Research Service, the Trump administration will face a complicated legal battle if it tries to withdraw from the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).  Terminating the deal would align with the wish list of conservative think tanks like the Heritage Foundation and Competitive Enterprise Institute.  The new report examines the long-standing debate between the legislative and executive branches over the process for backing away from agreements under domestic and international law.
 
Researchers looked at past courtroom disputes over treaties to examine what might happen if President Trump were to quit the UNFCCC - often cited as the quickest route for the United States to get out of the Paris climate agreement.  Democrats have lined up behind a resolution committing the House to take meaningful action to ensure Trump does not issue an executive order to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement.
The Leading Cause of Everything

What if there was a way to reduce  your carbon footprint by more than half by making one lifestyle change? Would you be willing to adopt new habits to immensely  decrease your contribution to global warming? The answer may be more simple than you think. It also may surprise you...

Animal agriculture is the number one cause of species extinction, ocean dead zones, water pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, and deforestation. Our demand for and reliance on animal products is the reason why this is often overlooked on both a personal and policy level. Let's briefly take a look at some recent statistics regarding this issue: 

  • Animal agriculture is responsible for up to 91% of Amazon destruction.The leading causes of rainforest destruction are livestock and feed-crops. 136 million rainforest acres cleared for animal agriculture.
  •  Livestock and their byproducts account for at least 32,000 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, or 51% of all worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Animal agriculture is responsible for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, more than the combined exhaust from all transportation.  
  • Methane is 25-100 times more destructive than CO2 on a 20 year time frame.  Cows produce 150 billion gallons of methane per day.
  • Fracking (hydraulic fracturing) water use ranges from 70-140 billion gallons annually. Animal agriculture water consumption ranges from 34-76 trillion gallons annually. 
  • Agriculture is responsible for 80-90% of US water consumption.Growing feed crops for livestock consumes 56% of water in the US. 2,500 gallons of water are needed to produce 1 pound of beef. 
  • 5% of water consumed in the US is by private homes. 55% of water consumed in the US is for animal agriculture.
  • In the U.S. livestock produce 116,000 lbs of waste per second.  
  • We are currently growing enough food to feed 10 billion people. Worldwide, at least 50% of grain is fed to livestock. 82% of starving children live in countries where food is fed to animals, and the animals are eaten by western countries.
     
Simply being conscious of the lifestyle choices we are making for our personal health, as well as the health of our planet, is a step in the right direction. Not ready to cut out animal products from your diet completely? Start by reducing your consumption with Meatless Mondays or use meat to season a dish and not as the main star of the meal. Any little bit helps. Knowledge is power and once we can come to terms with the realities of our choices, we may be able to create powerful change with our consumer dollar. So next time you think changing your light bulbs and taking shorter showers are the answer to a healthier planet, think about the magnitude of impact that can be made simply by what is on your plate. 

Mourning the Loss of a Beloved Member 

Larry Lickenbrock, Sierra Club activist and Program Chair for the Ponte Vedra meetings of the Northeast Florida Group of the Sierra Club, passed away of February 8 at the age of 69. Larry is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Rose, and by his daughter Natalie, and son, Greg, and grandchildren. A visitation and memorial service for Larry was held on February 12. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in Larry's name be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the American Heart Association, or to the Sierra Club. Donations to the Sierra Club can be sent to the Northeast Florida Group of the Sierra Club, c/o Ed Schlessinger, 6028 Chester Ave, Suite 103 Jacksonville, 32217-2267.

An online guestbook can be signed  here.

Larry was a very active volunteer for the Northeast Florida Group and he will be sorely missed as a friend and volunteer.
Upcoming Outings

Saturday, March 11, 10:00 a.m.: Hike Cedar Point
 
Join me on a 4 mile hike at the National Park Service's wonderful Cedar Point at the end of Black Hammock Island. We'll hike through sandhill pine and through beautiful live oak with vistas of our treasured Timucuan Preserve. We'll even see the remains of an old plantation house.

Bring sun screen, hat, bug spray, and water. No pets, please. Restrooms available near trailhead. RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Bill Armstrong at  armsfam@yahoo.com .  For detailed directions  check out our website.


===============================================================
Wednesday, March 15th, 10:00 a.m.: Hike Gourd Island Conservation Area

An easy hike about four miles in length. Located in St. Johns County east of the city of Fruit Cove, Gourd Island Conservation Area features wetland and upland natural communities, including loodplain swamp, basin swamp, dome swamp, depression marsh, wet flatwoods, mesic flatwoods, sandhill and xeric hammock. The terrain is flat and may be muddy in places. 

There is limited parking. You may wish to coordinate carpooling here on Meetup. There are no restrooms at the trailhead, so plan accordingly. What to Bring: Water, bug spray, and sunscreen. No pets please. Please arrive 15 minutes early so we may start on time.

RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Mike DiAngelo,  mfdiangelo@gmail.com .  For detailed directions  check out our website.

===============================================================
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.


===============================================================
Saturday, March 18, 10:00 a.m.: Kayak Adventure - Princess Place

Princess Place Preserve is located near Pellicer Creek and the Matansas River in Flagler County and protects the Cherokee Grove. Along with a great kayak launch site is has an many hiking trails within the Preserve. Please join us for a 3 hour paddle (westbound) from the preserve along Pellicer Creek through one of the few remaining marshes on Florida's east coast.

Rick Knowles will lead this easy to moderate paddle for experienced paddlers. All paddlers must stay behind the lead and remain as a group. We will intend to take our time paddling to enjoy the wonderful surroundings and environment of this pristine area. If you are a "speedster" this paddle may not be for you. Requirements: PFD and whistle. Suggestions: water, sunblock and insect repellent. Lunch and snack if so desired.

Arrive by 9:30 unload, gather up for review and launch at 10:00. Park by the launch to unload then move car to the authorized parking area. No charge. RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Rick Knowles at  rtknowles@aol.com . For detailed directions   check out our website.


===============================================================
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.


================================================================

Saturday, March 25, 10:00 a.m.: Kayak the Potano Paddling Trail 

The complete Potano paddling trail includes the largely undeveloped Newnan's Lake and Prairie Creek.  Do you remember hearing about a few hundred Native American canoes being found during the 2000 drought? They were found at the bottom of Newnan's Lake. We'll paddle a bit of the lake which is surrounded by cypress and then take a run down the creek as far as it will allow. The creek can be tricky with downed trees and a low footbridge but is worth a look. Whatever path we end up taking, we will be steeped in history and Native American lore and surrounded by a variety of plants and animals. The goal is to paddle for 2.5-3 hours.

Bring a lawn chair and your lunch if you'd like to hang out in the park after the paddle.  Also, as always, bring bug spray, sunscreen and water for the paddle. Also, you must wear a PFD at all times while we are in the water. No smoking or phone calls on the water please!  

RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Carla Carpenter at  carpenc@mac.com .  For detailed directions  check out our website.


================================================================
Saturday, March 25, 9:00 a.m.: St. Johns River Celebration Clean-Up

Help us participate in a city-wide cleanup of the St. Johns River and its tributaries. We will be cleaning up two boat ramp areas and Julington Creek. Meet at Palmetto Leaves Park (13799 Old St Augustine Rd. across from the Bartram Park Shopping Center) at 9:00 a.m. Some will stay and clean up that area; others will drive to the Hood Landing boat ramp to clean up that area.We need kayakers to sweep Julington Creek between these two points to clean up any trash in the creek. All kayakers meet initially at Palmetto Leaves Park.

Trash bags provided. Bring gloves and trash grabber (if you have one). Kayakers must wear PFD. RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Bill Armstrong,  armsfam@yahoo.com . For detailed directions  check out our website.


=================================================================
Saturday, March 26, 12:00 p.m.: Hike the Dunn's Farm Trail in Jennings State Forest

Let's hike the Dunn's Farm Trail in Jennings State Forest. This 2.7 mile will take us through different natural communities, each with unique plants, animals and physical characteristics.  The rare Bartram's Ixia won't bloom until late spring, but I'm sure we'll see other interesting flora and fauna. This hike is one of three in Jennings State Forest that are part of the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker program.

Bring water, insect repellent, sunscreen and/or a hat. Sorry, no pets. RSVP on Meetup or to Outing Leader Andrea Conover at  andrea_conover@live.com . For detailed directions  check out our website.

=================================================================
Friday, April 21, 9:30 a.m.: John Muir Birthday Hike in Guana

Celebrate John Muir's birthday on April 21,1838 by hiking about 5 miles on trails in Guana that John would have loved to hike. Please bring along your favorite quotations or journal entries of John to share with your fellow hikers. Brian will have extra quotations and journal entries if you don't have any. 

Please bring lunch, water and insect repellent. Entrance fee of $3.00 if you don't have a pass. No pets please. Children are welcome if they are capable of hiking 5 miles. Please RSVP on Meetup or to Outings Leader Brian Paradise at  bgparadise@comcast.net .  For detailed directions  check out our website.
 

RSVP for Outings on Sierra Club NE FL MeetUp Website 

"The mountains are calling and I must go."

- John Muir
STAY CONNECTED: