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Chesapeake Bay |
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Chesapeake Bay |
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SIERRAThe Newsletter Of | |||||||||
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Professor E.O.Wilson in his latest book " THE FUTURE OF LIFE" states that the earth's population already has exceeded the planet's sustainable level. The estimated sustainable population is about 5 billion. As of 1999 the planet's population was already 6 billion and increasing exponentially, which is to say the more people there are the faster the population increases. The conclusion is: THE EARTH HAS ALREADY LOST ITS ABILITY TO REGENERATE. Continuing increases in population will wipe out a large part of the world's fauna and flora. An interesting quote is: "A country that levels its forests, drains its aquifers, and washes it topsoil downriver without measuring the cost is a country traveling blind." The planet's population is increasing at the rate of 200,000 per day which is more than a million every week. The rate of increases as the population increases. Wilson estimates that with an effort there is a chance the planet population could be limited to 9 billion, without the effort we could have 15 billion in the not too distant future. What can each of us do? What is the "CALL TO ACTION"? We are proposing to get involved in preserving species and more habitat. We are proposing programs to preserve: monarch butterflies, loggerhead turtles, red-cockaded woodpeckers, eagles, and the oysters of the Chesapeake Bay. In addition, we are considering preserving more habitat by supporting the local office of The Nature Conservancy and Wetland Watch. Fred Adams Click to email comments, or call 467-2775. |
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Our first species that we are assisting is the remarkable "Monarch". This is one of the most amazing insects on the planet. Come and find out much about this creature and what we can do to insure its future. It wasn't so long ago that the experts were predicting the total loss of the migration of this butterfly. The introduction to the seriousness of biodiversity and what it means to the continuing life of man will be by Skip Stiles. The overview of the life of monarchs will be by Fred Adams. Fred was the project manager of the monarch recovery project of The Atlantic Coast Ecoregion (ACE) of Sierra Club. This eco-region included the entire East Coast and Canada. To answer questions will be Stan Nicolas. Stan was one of the founding fathers of the American Society of Lepidopterists. There will be slides and a unique video of butterflies provided by the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Foundation of the University of Minnesota. There will also be milk weed seeds for everyone. In addition, we will have Mitchell Norman from the Virginia Game and Inland Fishing Agency to present information about Virginia endangered species act. Hopefully, he will have examples of the positive projects that Virginia sponsors. The date is April the 5th, the time is 7PM and the location is the Great Neck Branch of the Virginia Beach Library. |
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We'll hike the Noland Trail in Newport News. We'll meet Saturday, April 24 in front of the Mariners' Museum at 9:30 AM. The trail is a beautiful 5 mile circuit with 14 bridges crossing peaceful water. The Mariners' Museum and Peninsula Fine Arts Center are interesting activities to do after the hike. To get there, go West on 64 to Newport News. Take the second J. Clyde Morris exit and continue about 5 miles. J. Clyde Morris will take you to the entrance of the Museum grounds where the trail begins (and ends). Hope to see you there! Nancy McAdoo [464-4483 for questions] |
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This is the second in our projects to assist species in crisis. If you ever see a hatching of these creatures you will absolutely never forget it. Naturally, the birth of any of the creators creatures is remarkable and these turtles certainly fulfill this principle! We are inviting someone from The Back Bay NWR, who is responsible for the hatching project that has existed there for years. We are also inviting someone from the Virginia Marine Science Museum, where they have raised very young until such an age that it is safe to release and have rehabilitated those turtles that have been hit by boats or caught by fishermen. Finally, we are in contact with the turtle recovery project at Top Sail N.C. where they have as many as 125 nest in a single year. Our lead on this effort is Fran Adams. Fran has seen a hatching at Top Sail. Ask her to describe the emotions surrounding the experience. The date is May 3rd, time is 7PM and the location is the Great Neck Branch of the Virginia Beach Library.
OUTDOOR OUTINGA WALK AROUND THE NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDEN
NATIONAL SIERRA CLUB ELECTION
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