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Chesapeake Bay |
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Chesapeake Bay |
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SIERRAThe Newsletter Of | ||||||||
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One of our top priorities this year was opposing the construction of Nimmo Parkway extended to Sandbridge. We opposed this project which is in Virginia Beach for several reasons: one it would destroy considerable wildlife habitat including a white cedar forest, it would result in considerable runoff from the road, ( which according to EPA is the major problem of major estuaries ), and finally it would open up considerable property for further development in the area. We went to the public hearing in Virginia Beach and presented our position. The city council chambers was packed with standing room only with approximately equal numbers of people for and against. It must be stated that the straight extension would be a much safer road and one that would allow important vehicles such as ambulances and fire engines quicker access. The city council vote was in favor of putting the project back on the cityís master transportation plan. Our position did include urging completion of the safety improvements to the existing road on three of the most dangerous corners. City council has agreed to continue with this project. Fred Adams Click to email comments, or call 467-2775. |
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Carrying out Sierra Clubís mission to educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural human environment, the Chesapeake Bay Group sent representatives Dotty Laverdiere and Vincent Kuo to the 52nd Annual Tidewater Science Fair to act as Special Awards judges. Held on March 15th at Nansemond River High School, the Science Fair attracted 200 eager young scientists. A certificate for Excellence in Environmental Research, accompanied by a $50.00 check was awarded in the Junior and the Senior Environmental Science categories. Winners were Abbie Gunter, Lynnhaven Middle School for What is the Effect of Materials on the Occupancy of a Wood Duck Nesting Box? and Chanteí Stubbs, Warwick High School for Testing for Dermo in Different Sites. Our thanks to Dotty and Vincent and congratulations to Abbie and Chantei!! |
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What other community has a 111,000 acre wildlife area within minutes of driving. This refuge has the largest concentration of birds, butterflies and mammals such as back bears in this part of the country. Our outing for April is a visit to the refuge. In preparation of that visit we have invited the manager of the refuge to be our presenter for the April program. Mr. Lloyd Culp is one of the refuge systems most experienced managers. His refuge is by far the largest in the North East Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Interesting enough, the refuge system is celebrating its 100 years of existence this year even though the The Great Dismal Swamp Wildlife Refuge is only about 25 years old. Mr. Culp will give us an overview of the Swamp and what we can expect to see on our visit. |
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On the 26th of April the refuge is having an open house. There will be a choice of activity. There will be a birding walk with a visit to a mist netting station where small birds seldom seen will be banded. There will be a plant and nature walk with Vicki Shufer, and a butterfly walk. These will all begin at 10 AM at Washington Ditch and will basically go for 2 hours. There will be a picnic lunch afterwards so bring everything you like to eat when out in Nature! We will assemble at the Virginia Beach Central Library at 8:30 and carpool to the refuge. This will be a great outing if only the weather will cooperate. |
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Nancy McAdoo reports the next outing of the Sierra Club Singles will be to hike the ca 5-mile NOLAND TRAIL in Newport News. If you want to join the group, meet in front of the Mariners Museum at 10:00 AM on April 19th. Call Nancy for details: 464-4483. |
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We have a special service outing program currently working: installation of a butterfly garden at Camp Young. This camp is a special place for Norfolk's elementary children. Director John Coleman has a very special environmental program which involves 15 citizens with individual passions for wildlife and the outdoors. This program is recognized by the governor of Virginia as one of the outstanding environmental programs in all of the state's elementary schools. We will describe our project and the progress and the camp's director, John Coleman, will discuss CAMP YOUNG. The time is 7PM, the location is the Virginia Beach Central Library and the date is May the 5th. We have also invited for the May program Jean Melnyk from the local Red Cross office to provide information on how to prepare for emergencies resulting from the actions of terrorists. The Red Cross is recognized as one of the foremost authorities on this subject for the public. Our world has dramatically changed and we must be prepared to deal with it in the American way: head on!! I think you will be glad you came. |
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Find out more about all the special features of CHIPPOKES STATE PARK. I think you will agree after you have been there that this IS one special park. Come and spend some time with us enjoying what makes this place special. Spring will be in full bloom by this time with birds, wildflowers and butterflies. If you have never been there, I think you will be very pleased with what you see and experience. We will meet at the Virginia Beach Central Library at 8:30 on the 17th of May and carpool to the park! We should be back at about 1 PM. Bring a lunch and your binoculars to observe all the different sites. Map and Directions to Chippokes State ParkNOTE: Red Star locates Chippokes SP.
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