Conservation Forum
Nov 8th. The elections are over. What happens now?
What can we expect from Congress and the NC General Assembly in 2009 on climate change and clean energy policy? Join the NC Sierra Club for a look into the future (and how and where you can get involved).
What: Conservation Forum
Where: Peace College, Raleigh, NC [google map]
When: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Panels and interactive discussions with North Carolina's political and environmental leaders (and more) on:
Climate change | Clean energy | Transportation | Offshore drilling | Water resources
Couldn't make our Mt Rogers Trip? Read about it.
On Oct 10-12, 2008 the NC Chapter ran an educational basecamp to teach the art of backcounty navigation. Our focus was learning basic map & compass skills in outdoor classes held over the weekend. Practice made perfect, as we honed our new skills during a day-hike on Saturday and a workshop Sunday morning.
Our Saturday hike wound it's way through the Wilson Creek basin, crossing Quebec Branch, and ascending Wilburn Ridge for some focused map and compass work, plotting bearings to the Scales and to 1st Peak. Afterward, a large part of the group scaled the highest rock outcropping for a 360 degree view of the area, and stayed up there until completely oriented to the area, or perhaps because the view with clear skies was astounding...
Read more from Chris Plummer, Chapter Outings Chair, on our Chapter Outings blog
So you're a cool city. Now which way do you go?
Please save the date for January 24th, 2009 when the Sierra Club will hold its first Cool Cities Phase II workshop. This workshop is focused on offering energy solutions to Cool Cities and Sierra Club volunteers that are ready to move forward into a green economy.
This workshop draws upon the experience of real-world communities and businesses offering first hand testimonials that can equip participants with the tools to identify and redefine their energy use and generation.
Please pre-register online as there is limited seating available.
The workshop will be on Saturday, January 24th, from 10:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. at the Wake Forest School of Law in Winston-Salem.
Get out your compass...
The NC Chapter is now offering Beginner Backpack classes in the fall of 2008 and the winter of 2009. If you are interested in this "doorway to the backcountry" then please get in touch with Chris Plummer. We hope to offer one class starting in early November 2008 and a second class in 2009, most likely starting in March.
Training will involve several classroom lectures on bringing the "right stuff", backcountry navigation, and other skills like Leave No Trace.
Upon completion of our classes we will take you out on three outings to progressively introduce you to backpacking.
Sound interesting? Read more. And contact Chris.
Outings
Sat, Nov 1 Merchant’s Millpond Canoe or Kayak Outing with optional Overnight Camping (Cypress Group)
Gates County NC: Merchant's Millpond Canoe or Kayak outing led by Buster Thompson Plant 2000 trees at Mt Island Lake
Sat, Nov 8 Fall Colors of the Eno River (Orange Chatham)
Join us for a moderate day hike to view the river and explore historic Holden's Mill
Sat, Nov 15 NC Outings Leader Meeting (North Carolina Chapter)
If you are an Outings Leader in NC, an Outings Chair in NC, or a Sierra Club member interested in leadership and training, this meeting is for you!
Fires Creek Trail in Western NC, a beautiful 25.5 mile loop trail known for its cove hardwoods and old growth forests, has been entered in the 'Save The Trails' contest. Should the trail win, the $5000 Nature Valley grant will go towards 350-400 hours of trail maintenance and a public push for the permanent protection of the Fires Creek Rim Trail system, which connects to the Appalachian National Scenic and the 137-mile Bartram Trail. Please vote for Fires Creek Rim Trail.
Plant a tree!
Want to be a part of our largest tree planting event this year? Sign up and help protect Mt Island Lake, part of the 'most endangered river in the US,' according to American Rivers.
Can't wait for our next issue? Check out the NC SIERRA CLUB BLOG for conservation links, green tips, volunteer insights, and local and regional news relevant to all our members and supporters.
For upcoming club events and meetings, take a look at our Chapter Calendar.
And be sure to join us on Facebook.