In this last week of August, Footnotes Online is taking a summer vacation.
What you'll find in this issue: a series of upcoming events in the Charlotte area, our usual slate of outings, and some news clips relevant to current issues. We'll be back - and more comprehensive - in September.
Mt. Island Lake - In Trouble
As part of the Catawba River system, Mountain Island Lake will share in the difficulties of what American Rivers named "the most endangered river in the US." Much of the western side and numerous tributaries that feed the lake remain unprotected and vulnerable. With local partners, the Central Piedmont group of the Sierra Club will gather activists and students to help protect this vital water source.
On Saturday, Sep 13, the group will co-host a presentation at Central Piedmont Community College. On Saturday, Oct 4, we will clean up the Mountain Island Lake shoreline during the annual Big Sweep event. And on Saturday, Nov 22, we will plant a large number of trees to help protect this endangered watershed. A picnic lunch will follow. Please join the Central Piedmont group at any or all of these events and help clean up one of North Carolina's most important water sources.
Outings
Sun, Aug 31
DURHAM'S AILING STREET TREES--An Urban "Nature Hike" (NC Chapter & Headwaters Group)Many of Durham's urban neighborhoods are shaded by large street trees planted more than 70 years ago. Now many are dying of old age and pollution stress. Other trees have been massively pruned for power lines or even removed. How can we replace our urban trees to beautify our neighborhoods, to save energy and to sequester greenhouse gases?
Fri, Sep 5 - Sun, 7 Cabin Flats - Charlies Bunion Backpacking Trip (Piedmont Plateau)
The heat of July and August will be gone, it is time to return to the woods.
Sun, Sep 14 Batchelor Bay Paddle Trip: Bertie County (Cypress Group)
We will put in at Bachelor Bay, at the confluence of the Cashie, Roanoke, and Middle Rivers on Albemarle Sound.
Fri, Oct 10 - Sun, 12 Navigation Basecamp at Mt. Rogers - An Educational Outings from the NC/VA Chapters of the Sierra Club (NC/VA Chapter Joint Sponsorship)
Learn backcountry navigation from the Sierra Club!
In the News
NC, Sierra Club unite on pollution Charleston Post & Courier Aug 12, 2008
North Carolina has joined with the Sierra Club in court to get a decision quickly that could force 13 states, including South Carolina, to curb air pollution that wafts into the state.
Coastal N.C. county asks for offshore drilling OK Daily Tar Heel Aug 14, 2008
[State Director Molly] Diggins also expressed doubt that drilling would leave the tourism industry unscathed or garner much support in the N.C. government.
"It's hard to picture the state going in a direction that would send tourism somewhere else," she said.
Can't wait for our next issue? Check out our new look NC SIERRA CLUB BLOG for conservation links, volunteer ideas, and news relevant to all our members and supporters.