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Chesapeake Bay |
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Chesapeake Bay |
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SIERRAThe Newsletter Of | |||||||
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January marks the beginning of a new year with all its potential for accomplishing significant actions. There are going to be outstanding opportunities for the members to do meaningful and satisfying projects. First will be the legislative session. We definitely need to let our representative know that we are here and we are watching what they are doing. We are also going to be focusing on local issues which there are many of. These include the Eastern ShoreÕs Wind energy project and the Maresk terminal. There are development projects in Chesapeake that should be opposed. There is a newly formed alliance of organizations interested in the development of more pedestrian trail facilities for walking, hiking, jogging and bicycling. We are very much interested in pedestrian friendly communities. Finally, we anticipate service projects that will be bigger, though it would be difficult to find any that are better than those completed in the past. The Great Dismal Swamp Refuge is in need of major assistance after the hurricane. The main effort is the replacement of the board walk. Here is a project for every one. So come and join in. Help us with those projects already underway and let us know those projects that are a concern and passion for you. Fred Adams Click to email comments, or call 467-2775. |
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To get up to speed on what's coming in the next legislative session come to the Green Breakfast on Saturday, 10 January at 8:15 AM for breakfast and program at 8:45. The location is Uncle Louie's in Norfolk. There will be an outstanding program by Skip Stiles ( of VCN ), Helen Lang ( of the Nature Conservancy ), and Melanie Roberts ( of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters ). There will be a question and answer period. I'll be there so come and have breakfast with us. This is by far the best way to get connected to what's happening in Richmond this year and this will be a most important year. Either we get involved or we lose it.
Any questions call Fred at 467-2775. |
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Once each year we share with each other slides and photos of our summer experiences in the outdoors. Some of our members have done remarkable things like raft down the Colorado, or canoe the periphery of North Carolina and Virginia, so come and bring pictures of your experiences. Not all members have done such unusual activities, but yours are important. They have an important way of saying to each of us that if some one else can do so can I and it just might lead to some new and exciting experience for you! Date is Monday, 5 January (2004), time is 7-9 PM and the location is the Great Neck Library in Virginia Beach. Follow the enclosed map. In addition, we are planning a brief over view of the environmental aspects of the up and coming legislative session. Finally, we are emphasizing training for the preservation of wetlands. Come for the introduction to the subject with more detailed training scheduled for March.
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The Chesapeake Bay Group has done many "service outings". These have included building three butterfly gardens with another in the planning stage at First Landing State Park. The group has built and installed an osprey platform and two marvelous cages for birds of prey. We have gone as far away as the Colonial Parkway for a cleanup. Now we may have the opportunity for the largest service project ever. The Great Dismal Swamp Wildlife National Refuge used to have a 4,000 foot boardwalk. That is until hurricane Isabel came along, now the refuge has a huge mess. The replacement of this boardwalk requires three items: (1) funds for the materials ( will require some grant assistance ), (2) a large group of people to clear away the trees and damaged board walk and (3) another group to build the new and improved board walk. Our group has indicated that we will assist with the clean up and Reese Lukei has a team of individuals that has offered to rebuild it. The funds now are the major concern. However, we can begin to do the clean up. If you are interested in getting out in the wilderness and helping out, call Fred at 467-2775. |
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Start the new year off on the right foot! Come and join the singles for a healthful walk in Noland Park. This is a great way to get out in the out doors and be with friends. Afterwards there may be a stop at the closest coffee shop. The date/time is Saturday, 24 January, 10 AM. For details contact Nancy at 464-4483. |