Florida Chapter
|
Loxahatchee
Group Florida Chapter |
| . |
| |
| . |
| NEWS:Turtle Tracks Newsletter |
Turtle
Tracks |
Back Issues Newsletter Editor |
Be a Sierra Summit 2005 Delegate; Help set the Sierra Club’s direction for the next 5 years
- By Marcia Karasoff
On September 8-11, 2005, an estimated 3000 Sierrans and other environmentalists from throughout the country will gather at the Sierra Club’s first ever large-scale convention, Sierra Summit 2005, at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. There will be top-notch keynote speakers and entertainers, educational workshops, exhibits of outdoor adventure and "green" ideas, products and technologies, and a showcase of the Sierra Club’s work.
One thousand official Sierra Summit 2005 Delegates will have an opportunity to participate in special sessions to formulate recommendations to the Club’s Board of Directors to guide and integrate our Club-wide conservation priorities, strategic approaches, and organizational capabilities for the next five years.
Delegates to Sierra Summit 2005 may either be appointed or elected, depending on the circumstance. Interested, active Sierrans are encouraged to submit their names to EXCOM for consideration to become a Sierra Summit 2005 Delegate, and work with Chapter and Group leaders and National committee chairs to be part of our Strategic Direction-Setting Process.
Sierra Summit is open to the general public, but Sierra Club members receive discounted rates for both registration fees and lodging. Summit Delegates will enjoy special reduced convention registration fees and subsidy for hotel rooms. The Convention Steering Committee will work with Chapters, Groups to ensure that all Summit Delegates needing financial assistance can participate.
Visit www.sierraclub.org/sierrasummit for more information and fees.
Return to top
John Gates Receives Gopher Tortoise Award
Letter to the Editor, PB Post
By Ron Haines
Our very own Program Chair, John Gates, has been honored by the Florida Chapter for his behind-the-scenes support of his wife, Kay Gates, Loxahatchee Group Chair. At our holiday party in December, amidst a standing ovation John accepted the Chapter’s Gopher Tortoise Award, an award for behind-the-scenes effort, encouragement and support of a more visible, recognized activist. It is named in honor of the gopher tortoise, whose burrows can support up to 360 other species, including those endangered and threatened.
“If not for John’s prodding, our esteemed Chair, Kay Gates, would never have become active in the group, as she thought she preferred the Audubon Society,” said past Group Chair, Lisa Hanley. “We wish to honor his behind the scenes work that makes it possible for our Chair to do hers. Kay says she is ‘computer challenged’ and it is John who prepares the posters and agendas Kay needs. He takes great pictures on outings and posts them on the internet. He proofreads and edits her communications to the Group, citizen advisory boards and governmental agencies. He not only encourages her to attend County Commission meetings, City Commission meetings, Conservation Land Acquisitions Selection committee meetings, Natural Area Management Committee meetings and CERP hearings, he also chauffeurs her (so she can talk on the cell phone!) and stays to be a cheering squad of one, when the going gets tough. With his engineering background, he provides valuable insight to Kay, to help her understand the complicated concepts, technologies and consequences of water flow which is central to CERP. Since Kay has been Chair, the Lox Group regularly participates in many community outreach events. But it’s John who loads the van, drives the van and sets up the displays. Without his unceasing love and encouragement and support, Kay simply could not do the outstanding job she does, which garnered her the Florida Chapter’s Pine Tree award for group leadership in 2003.”
Return to top
From the Easy Chair. . . . .
- Kay Gates, Chairperson
Life surely springs eternal as we watch the South Florida landscape rebound from the season of hurricanes. We continue to replace the non-native vegetation surrounding our home with the more drought and storm resistant natives. We purchase, or sometimes get freebies, at environmental fairs. Found a Dahoon Holly at the Ft. Pierce Inlet “Party in the Park.” Looking forward to “Everglades Day” at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge on February 12. Several Earth Day events will be at various parks in April, watch for specifics in the next Turtle Tracks as well as your local newspapers.
This is my annual thank you to 2004 volunteers, and welcome to new members. The Lox Group participated in numerous events, outings, and meetings to share our message and influence preservation of the environment this past year. Kudos to the volunteers for making these things happen. The group is most proud of our WPB Inner City Outings and Elaine Usherson Camp Scholarship programs. Touching the lives of future environmentalists is most important. Bouquets to the leaders, volunteers, and fundraisers that make these possible.
The Executive Committee welcomes back Barbara Curtis, reelected John Koch and Kay Gates, and new member Drew Martin. They join continuing members Nada, Maryvonne, and Louise. Along with Committee Chairs and many volunteers, they are the guiding force of this local Sierra Club group. Your input is needed and always welcome.
The generous financial support by members throughout the year has made the youth programs possible, sent activists for training and to conferences, funded conservation efforts, and keeps the group afloat. Gracias .
Return to top
General Meetings
- John Gates Program Chair
February 15th Chris Beaton will take us on a trip through Kings Canyon, and the Sierra Mountains. His narration will be accompanied with a slide presentation.
March 15 Debbie Evans as our delegate to the 4th Annual New partners For Smart Growth Conference will share with us the benefits of Smart Growth and “Green Building”, and applying renewable energy to future development. Our meetings start at 7:00 PM for socializing; the meeting opens at 7:20 PM. We look forward to seeing you.
Return to top
Please visit Events.
Hear Ye! Need Garage & Yard For Fund Raiser
By Sheila Calderon
We have been thinking of running a garage and yard sale to fund our ongoing Inner City Outings children's group and Elaine Usherson Scholarship Program. Like most of us, I am a "saver" and would be pleased to do a "spring clean-up and out" articles to donate to this worthy cause. Other Sierrans have offered to donate household articles that are perfect for a rummage sale. Problem is, we need a place to store donated articles and run the sale, and we need volunteers to run the sale. If you have a garage and yard we can store and sell from, if you have articles you would like to donate, or want to volunteer, write me at shecal@bellsouth.net or phone me at 561- 968-4166.
Return to top
Everglades Day
By Kay Gates
Everglades Day is February 12. We’ll be there meeting, greeting, and carrying the Sierra Club message. Want to volunteer for a couple of hours? Contact John & Kay, johnkay@mindspring.com or (561) 742-9219 . See poster on page 6 for details.
Return to top
Next EXCOM Meeing - Note Date Change: 7:00 p.m. on 2nd Tuesday of the month. February will be at the Gates’; March at Maryvonne Devensky’s. Call John & Kay Gates for directions if you plan to attend.
Return to top
March Fundraising Reminder
By Lisa Hanley
Before you know it, March will roar in and along with it, your Florida Chapter Annual Appeal letter. This year the Loxahatchee Group will not send out a fund appeal letter to you in March, so please, when you get the request next month, send a lion's share (ouch) to the Chapter, and make a note on the card that you're donating because the Loxahatchee Group reminded you to do so. If you do, we might get a percentage of the funds raised. March is the only time when Florida Club entities can ask the entire membership for a donation, so you can be assured that whatever you contribute when you get that letter from the Florida Chapter will stay in Florida, just as last March when the Loxahatchee group asked you for funds, your contributions went to work here.
Return to top
Lox Group Newsletter Labeling Party
is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 26, 2005. Call Kay Gates 561-742-9219 or Lisa Hanley 561-732-9578 for details.
Join Our E-Mail Forum
- Ron HainesGet on board with the Loxahatchee Group's very own e-mail forum. This is a general e-mail discussion and announcement list for members of the Loxahatchee Group of the Florida Chapter of the Sierra Club. Our forum is a strong network for communications, announcements, action alerts and just plain fun for members of the Loxahatchee Group. To sign onto the list, have your Membership Number handy and fill out the form on one of the following websites: http://www.sierraclub.org/memberlists or
http://www.sierraclub.org/memberlists?listname=FL-LOXAHATCHEE-FORUM
Holiday Party and Auction a Great Success
by Sheila Calderon
WOW!! We had a great evening at the beautiful Community Foundation Center of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. A REALLY BIG THANK YOU to everyone who helped put together and attended our successful Holiday Party and auction. Without the help of Sierra Club volunteers it just wouldn’t happen.
We saw old and new Sierra friends and listened to music by Sonny Russell. Barry Silver added a special note by singing his ‘Scripps’ song that he made famous at PB County Commission meetings.
Through the auction and 50/50 Raffle we raised approximately $2,000. This money will be used for our Inner City Outings (ICO) Program, Elaine Usherson Scholarship Program, and Loxahatchee Group conservation efforts. Through fundraisers like this, we have funded several ICO outings and sent a dozen deserving youngsters to environmental camp.
The Holiday Party’s theme was “Save Our Wetlands”. Prizes were awarded to a few creative Sierrans. Sabrina Carle won for best appetizer; Carol Meeds, best main dish; Barbara Reed, best salad; and Judith Werner, best desert.
A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to the following businesses and Sierra colleagues who made our auction such a success: Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Butterfly World, Jazz Arts Music Society, Florida Stage, Carrabba’s Italian Restaurant, Sea World of Florida, Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher park, Pine Jog Education Center, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Palm Beach Opera, Bamboo Club at Wellington Green, Palm Beach Ale House, Heritage of Miami II Tall Sail, Home Depot, Lake Worth, John G’s, Lion Country Safari, Ballet Florida, The Jungle Queen, Muvico, Two Georges, Colony hotel, Duffy’s Sports Grill and Disneyworld; Craig Melby who contributed a Vacation Home for a Week; Margi and Gary Lehnertz who contributed a Weekend Catamaran Sailing Trip; Nada MacKinney who contributed Framed Sierra Calendar Prints and Native Plants; Barry Silver, Esq., who contributed a Will or legal services; Douglas Kahle who contributed undersea photography; and Charles Hunt who contributed a Smart Solutions Consultation Certificate.
Loxahatchee Group Career Opportunities
- By Ron Haines
There are several small but important jobs to be done in the Loxahatchee Group, and issues we aren’t pursuing because for lack of personpower. Here’s a list: Coordinators for Phone Tree and Meeting Logistics; Assistants for Outings Leader, Events, Fundraising, and Newsletter; Agriculture Issues (i.e. Contained Animal Feeding); Air Quality Issues; Corporate Accountability; Environmental Justice; Genetic Engineering; Marine; National Forests;Waste; Wetlands. OK, maybe these are not ‘careers,’ but remember that a job is what you make of it! All are entry level, pay is zilch. Interested? Contact Group Chair Kay Gates..
Return to top
Education Committee Update
-By Maryvonne Devensky
After natural and political disasters (my opinion) in 2004, we could be gloomy or we could kick the dirt. Remember the motto: Think globally, act locally. This year, the Education Committee’s goal is to send 17 children to Environmental summer camps under the Elaine Usherson scholarship program. We have six volunteers (3 brand new) as contact people between schoolteachers and summer camp personnel. To raise money, we plan to publish a Recipe Book based on recipes created by Loxahatchee Group members, some of which we have sampled at various Lox Group functions. All Sierrans can participate by sending me at marydeven@bellsouth.net or P. O. Box 6271, Lake Worth, FL 33466-6271, your favorite tried and true recipes of all types. Having attended several picnics and Holiday Parties with the Lox members in the last few years, I know we have excellent cooks in our Group. The profits of the Lox Cookbooks will be used to fund our scholarships.
A few creative and/or organized volunteers are needed for this SHORT TERM PROJECT. If you are not a cook, but feel that you want to help this project, feel free to send donations marked for "The Elaine Ushershon Scholarship Program" at the Loxahatchee P.O. Box address. Any participation is welcome!
Return to top
Inner City Outings Report
- By Mike Baird
As the West Palm Beach Inner City Outings (ICO) group evolves, we’re planning more trips. All September trips were cancelled because of the hurricanes, but we had November trips. The Mud Patrol from Melaleuca and the Swamp Patrol from Grove Park Elementary Schools went on day hikes to Okeeheelee Park, learning about foreign invasive plants, hiking the nature trails and observing the butterfly gardens.
The Swamp Patrol went on safari at the Seminole Indian Reservation west of Fort Lauderdale. They enjoyed programs on Florida animals and Native American primitive tools.
On Jan. 29, the Mud Patrol will go on ICO's first overnight trip to Everglades National Park; and the Swamp Patrol will go on an animal tracking expedition to Jonathan Dickinson State Park. This is ICO's first attempt to run two separate trips in the same weekend. We'll report on these two fantastic trips in the next issue.
ICO is a Sierra Club outreach program that gives inner city children hands-on exposure to the natural world which most of them would never otherwise have, all at no cost to the children or their families. All expenses are paid by the ICO from funds raised by ICO volunteers, grants and donations. ICO has no paid local staff.
The West Palm Beach ICO is less than two years old and still needs volunteers both for working with the children and for administrative positions. We welcome any Sierran interested in volunteering. Contact ICO Chairman Mike Baird at GSDad@bellsouth.net or 561-965-7237.
Return to top
Florida Reefs in Peril
Bahamas/Florida Natural Gas Pipeline Threatens
- By John Gates
At the Loxahatchee Group’s January 18 General Meeting, Atlantic High School Student and A.R. Marshall Foundation Fellow Malcolm St Clair brought us up to date on the proposals to build three underwater pipelines from the Grand Bahamas to South Florida. The pipelines are to transport Liquid Natural Gas (LNG). One of Sierra Club’s main environmental concerns is the destruction of the few remaining coral reefs off Florida’s East Coast. We would like to thank Malcolm for his time and astute report on this important issue. Following is Malcolm’s written synopsis of this issue.
LNG Pipeline: Florida to the Bahamas
by malcolm st. clair
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has become an increasingly popular buzzword in energy discussions as we face increasing demands and fewer fossil fuels. Many believe that natural gas will satiate these growing needs, as the cleanest burning fossil fuel and can be used in power plants and even to power cars. Sounds great, but what has this thirst for energy driven major power companies to do? Right now, the biggest controversy is over the three proposed pipelines to be built between the Bahamas and the South Florida coast as a way to better transport LNG. This stands to do considerable damage to the coral reefs off both our coast and the Bahamians’, ours being the last in the United States.
“Two of the three gas pipeline companies, AES and El Paso, have approached me for my support for a new idea, boring a tunnel, much like the English Channel Tunnel to France,” says Dr. Ray McAllister, Professor Emeritus of Ocean Engineering at FAU. “They propose to go deep under all the reefs and come out on the continental shelf at about 115 feet of water depth, beyond the Third Reef. I strongly support this. However, the Bahamian reefs are still in jeopardy. Why should they not bore a similar tunnel for the pipelines on the Bahamian side? Their reefs are almost as endangered as our Florida reefs and deserve the same care and attention as American reefs.”
Though the conflict has been going on for some time now, we are finally beginning to reach some agreements with the energy corporations. Corporate malfeasance has not helped, as they have spread many lies concerning the potential damages and safety of LNG, especially on the Bahamian side where environmental concerns take a strong second to economic stability and growth. Even on this side it is hardly better; recently the Palm Beach Post published an article on the pipelines on the front page of the business section but failed to mention a single environmental concern. And so, few people are aware of the possible consequences of such a project. Exploring and carefully considering these consequences as a community is the key to achieving an appropriate solution to the dilemma.
Questions or comments? Email: malcolmsc@adelphia.net
Return to top
Scripps Scripps Status Update UpdateScripps Status UpdateScripps Status Update
By Barbara Curtis and Kay Gates
Environmental groups got some good news on Scripps on January 14. According to the St. Petersburg Times, state law makers, specifically Senate Committee Chairman Mike Fasano (R-New Port Ritchey) decided NOT to recommend the legislature impose a deadline for the Palm Beach County Commission to break ground on a permanent Scripps facility this year or risk losing the state's backing. (Yeah!) He stated he believed alternative sites were being pursued. Marshall Criser who oversees the state’s investment in Scripps Florida, Senator Ron Klein (D-Delray Beach) and Palm Beach County Commissioner Karen Marcus supported him. The County Commissioners do not want to build if lawsuits from environmental groups later force them to tear down buildings.
According to Marcus, the county is actively investigating three other sites. Each of the alternative sites has roads and other infrastructure and will cut costs for taxpayers even though the purchase of alternative land will cost twice as much as the rural Mecca Farms site that Palm Beach County bought in haste in December 2003 for $60.5 million. Let us hope the Commission acts on the alternative sites.
Your local Lox Sierra Club, along with all other environmental organizations in the county, has been diligently battling the Mecca site as the location for Scripps. Other groups have already legally challenged the Water District’s permit and the County zoning plan changes. Sierra is poised to challenge the Army Corps of Engineers if and when they decide to issue a permit. We know there are compelling grounds to dissuade development of the magnitude being sought, since the area is needed for the Loxahatchee River and Everglades restoration.
The Palm Beach Post and the Sun-Sentinel are providing a real service to the health and welfare of the county taxpayers by excellent coverage of this potential environmental disaster. We must say the Post’s Joel Engelhardt has been positively brilliant!
And now, low and behold, “Scripps experts are reviewing options.” Environmentalists have been reluctant to champion any one alternative site, but the more the facts creep out, the more evident it becomes that the Briger tract near Abacoa best meets Scripps & the County’s needs.
So continue your calls to your county and state representatives, letters to the editors, phones calls. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Return to top
Lee County Manatees Need Our Help
- By Louise Austin
Please send letters and e-mails before January 31 to Sam Hamilton at the US Fish and Wildlife Service, manatee@fws.gov, and Jay Slack, jay_slack@fws.gov, supporting establishment of a PERMANENT, year-round manatee refuge zone in Lee County. For an update, see www.savethemanatee.org/ taleecountyzones.htm. Every email and letter will help achieve the goal of preserving manatees' lives and giving them a fighting chance to survive injury and death.
Return to top
Hungryland Slough Hike
By Charles Hunt & Lisa Hanley
A large group (we lose count if we have more than 20) of Loxahatchee Group Sierrans started 2005 by walking the Hungryland hiking trail at the Corbett Wildlife Management area.
Lisa Hanley and Dr. Tom Poulson led the slow walkers, those of us who like to stop at every teensy wildflower or gall wasp and exclaim over their wonders. Our acquired knowledge about gall wasps was particularly helpful when seeing the movie Kinsey.
Mike Fitzpatrick led the fast walkers, who finished at least an hour before the lookers and wondered what in the world could they have looked at all that time!
Lisa explained how the slough acts as a vital water source for the Loxahatchee River and Dr.Poulson expertly filled in the blanks and pointed out the various plant habitats, complete with their Latin names, along the path. An unexpected treat was Dr.Poulson describing the aquatic life in the pond at the Everglades Youth Camp and spotting bobcat tracks, but only the lookers saw those!
There will be a longer hike on March 5th to delve more deeply into the Corbett Wildlife Management Area, its proximity to Mecca Farms, its relationship to the Loxahatchee River and Everglades restoration.
Return to top
Everglades Outing
By Barbara Curtis
The outing November 26-28 in the Everglades was enjoyed by all. The participants visited Eco pond and mangrove trails where many wading birds were spotted. They also went canoeing on West Lake and took a sunset boat ride. The cabins permitted cooking of gourmet meals.
Return to top
Outings to Host National Outings Leader Training 201 Training
- By Mike Baird
National Outings Leader trainings are usually hosted by Chapters or Groups but the West Palm Beach Inner City Outings (ICO) group is hosting a national core training for outings leaders on April 8 -10, 2005, at Pine Jog Environmental Center’s Everglades Youth Camp at Corbett Wildlife Management Area. Training is open to any Sierra Club member interested in leading outings, either adult or youth.
Training Director Sascha Paris has arranged for the Swamp Patrol of Grove Park Elementary to attend the training as junior host/hostesses and to participate in some of the class sessions. They will also be staying overnight at the camp.
Regional ICO Chairperson Sue Hamerstrom said this is a great opportunity for our youth members to meet and talk with adult Sierrans and see first-hand how to become involved. This is a large undertaking for a new and small ICO group and we need Loxahatchee Group volunteers to provide the food service at the weekend training. We need 4 or 5 volunteers per meal and will be serving six meals plus snacks. If you can help us out, please contact Mike Baird at GSDad@bellsouth.net or call 561-967-7237 (mornings please). Due to scheduling conflicts, volunteers can not attend the training. Registration for the training will be handled by national and the training will be announced in Sierra publications.
Return to top
Cell Phone Recycling Program
Keep your old cell phone for future fund-raising recycling. Details in next newsletter.
Return to top
Turtle Tracks is published bi-monthly by the Sierra Club Loxahatchee Group, P.O. Box 6271, Lake Worth, FL 33462-6271. Non-profit postage paid at West Palm Beach, FL. The purpose of this newsletter is to inform members about environmental issues and events. Members subscribe through their annual dues; nonmember subscriptions are available for $12/year. Send address changes to: Sierra Club Member Services, Box 52968, Boulder, CO 80322
Newsletter submissions are welcome. The deadline is the third Tuesday of each month. Email articles to Marcia Karasoff at karasoffm@bellsouth.net (phone 561/968-4058), or deliver Macintosh format 3.5" disc or Zip disc copy to general membership meeting. (Typed hardcopies are also acceptable, but not preferred).
| |
| Sierra Club
85 Second Street, 2nd Floor San Francisco, CA 94105-3441 USA 415/977-5500 phone 415/977-5799 fax |
Loxahatchee
Group Webmaster Marcia - karasoffm@bellsouth.net please let me know if you have any problems with this site |
The Loxahatchee
Group is an environmental organization serving Sierra Club members in
Palm Beach
County, Martin County, St. Lucie County and Okeechobee County, Southeast Florida
