“Building Solutions” Workshop
In January, NC Sierra Club will host its first Cool Cities Phase II workshop, which will present proven energy solutions for city and neighborhood operations.
We will relate real-world solutions that have significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions, solutions like energy efficient building design or lighting optimization. Attendees will leave equipped to identify and redefine their town or neighborhood's energy use and generation.
This workshop is open to the general public. We ask that you 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., in Winston-Salem.
Local Mayors turning Green and going clean
For signing on to the US Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement and pledging to reduce their city's greenhouse gas emissions, both Bald Head Island Mayor Larry Lammert and Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht will be awarded the Cool City Certificate.
Bald Head Island recently amended their Utility Ordinance to permit installation of a geothermal heating and air system for residential structures and also purchased a hybrid vehicle for the Police Department. Cary established an Environmental Advisory Board to develop goals for continued environmental stewardship in the community. By installing LED lights in all 151 traffic signals and by using solar power on their school zone signs, they have already reduced costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Please support these mayors by attending their respective ceremony. The Bald Head Island ceremony will be December 12th the Bald Head Association Center (111 Lighthouse Wynd), during their Village Council Meeting. The Cary ceremony will be December 11th at the Cary Town Hall, during their City Council Meeting.
Over 1,200 mayors nationwide have joined. Your city could be the next!! For more information or to start a Cool City campaign near you, email Kara Craig, NC Cool Cities Coordinator, at kara.craig@sierraclub.org or call her at (405) 208-2953.
Trees Planted: Over 3000!
If you're a loyal reader of Footnotes Online, you've no doubt glanced at numerous reminders about tree-related activities in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. Well, it's over, and it was a huge success!
On Nov 22, nearly 250 volunteers showed up to plant 2500 trees around Mountain Island Lake. Over the scope of the project, the NC Chapter helped plant over 3000 trees on the lake.
We could not have done it without our partners: American Forests, Catawba Riverkeeper, Central Piedmont Community College, and especially Mecklenburg County. Thanks to all for a remarkable effort in keeping North Carolina clean and beautiful.
It's that time of year - Calendar Season, that is
The Sierra Club's Engagement Calendar is the highest selling nature calendar of all time, and it's not hard to see why with pictures like these. Its 60 color photographs make it the perfect holiday gift for any nature or photography lover. (Order here)
The Wilderness Calendar is just as popular and just as stunning (check out the photos).
A more traditional, 12-month 12-photo calendar, this beauty makes for the perfect stocking stuffer. (Order here)
Your purchase will help support Sierra Club's conservation initiatives and help protect America's wild spaces.
Outings
Fri, Dec 12 Full Moon Trail Hike (Piedmont Plateau)
View a portion of the watershed and Lake Brandt as we hike under a full moon.
Sat, Dec 13 Help Build the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (Capital Group)
We will be joining other civic minded hiking groups and individuals in building the next section of the Mountains to Sea trail.
Sun, Dec 14 Pitt County: Walk Along The Tar River (Cypress Group)
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the route of the South Tar River Greenway (under construction)
In the News
Panel will get facts on drilling Winston-Salem Journal Dec 01, 2008
"The big push for offshore drilling was almost entirely political -- based on politics, not on substance," said Molly Diggins, the state director of the N.C. Sierra Club, which opposes drilling off the state's coast. "So I think a kind of top-to-bottom review of what the issues are would be a benefit to everyone."
Green Advocates See Potential Post Election Rocky Mount Telegram Nov 12, 2008
Molly Diggins, director of the Sierra Club’s North Carolina chapter, said there is a short window of opportunity — maybe just two years — for the nation to unite in the face of steep economic and environmental challenges.
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.
And be sure to join us on Facebook.