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Chesapeake Bay |
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Chesapeake Bay |
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SIERRAThe Newsletter Of | |||||||
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We are attempting to address the needs of the membership with outdoor activities and political actions. The other day while at the 25th anniversary celebration event for the Dismal Swamp Refuge a lady from Nature Conservancy asked me to identify several tree leaves. Well I couldn't do many. Her explanation was: what kind of Sierran are you! What others think does not determine what I think and do, but in this case it represents an area of activity that we sometimes take for granted. Along these lines the club in the next couple months is going to; do a camp out at Kiptopeake State Park, go birding, do a clean up at Fishermen's Island, have some one trained in outdoor first aid, and have a presentation on how to deal with snakes in the wilderness. We can also practice tree identification while at the state park! Politically speaking, we are nurturing a group of activists. This group will meet periodically to |
consider issues during the legislative session and will particularly address local issues. Local issues will provide the best insight on how well the system works. Our form of government is a work in progress attempting to get better and better with experience. Unfortunately, the current political scene is corrupted by special interest and money. Jefferson thought that a major strength of our government was the members of congress "represented" the people. The need for large amounts of campaign funds has made this attribute impractical. A new form of town meetings and network of citizens is needed. We do most of political activities off line, because many of our members are more interested in outdoor events. There is nothing wrong with that. Experiencing the outdoors is and always will be our main interest. We had our first "wine and cheese" night in October and will have several more in the future. If interested call Fred Adams at 467-2775. |
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We have had Jim Bonavita as a speaker before. He is one of the most knowledgeable people in this area on the subject of snakes and how to deal with emergencies. In keeping with our objective to inform the membership on how to survive in the wilderness, we have invited Jim back. The last time he spoke we were pleased at how informative and helpful Jimıs presentation was. To Jim, snakes are marvelous creatures. He does an excellent job conveying his admiration and respect for them. Itıs our belief that if you are prepared and fully knowledgeable about snakes, you will be more comfortable in and will be able to more fully enjoy nature. Come and experience this informative and interesting program. It begins at 7PM on November 1, at the Virginia Beach Central Library. |
| Long flat beaches. Cool crisp air. Normally sunny skies, and again cool crisp and breezy wind; Thatıs Fishermenıs Island in November. We always wait for November to do our annual visit. We have had some stunning days. Our excuse for going is to conduct a clean up. by doing so we have a great day and make a contribution to the environmental health of the Island! We work up an excellent appetite so bring plenty of drink and a earty lunch. We will dine at the Island before returning. The date is November 6. We will meet an 8AM at the southern end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and carpool across. We go the the Refuge Visitorıs Center and a representative will guide us to the Island. We will be there about 3 hours and ought to be back before 1PM. Fishermen's Island is a special place. One that is untamed and yet so close. Come join us for a special outing. |
| First Landing State Park has a "Natural" area designated by the Interior Dept. This can be accessed from the 64th street entrance to the park as well as from Shore Drive. This month we are going to meet at the 64th street entrance for our Singles Outing. The park can always be counted on for a great hike because it is so well protected from the elements. Be there at 10AM for a good brisk walk ..... and then we will do whatever the group feels like doing afterwards! |
| You may ask,"What is the connection
between the Holiday Party and resolutions for the new year?" Well, there is no better time than the party to discover and share your interests and ideas for the New Year. It is no accident that Nature is important to many people. We have evolved in the presence of Nature. In a way it is a part of the genes, much like instinct accounting for so much in wildlife. Conclusion: Nature is important to our health and happiness. The Holiday Party is our main social event. It is a party, but it is mainly the time when people with like interests and similar values get together. It is entirely natural and desirable that we should talk about our interest in the outdoors. This is the time to talk with Fred and the other board members about what your passion and interests are in Nature. We have done many things and we can do many new things. Some of our outings have been the installation of the osprey platform and a butterfly garden. And we have been involved in political issues like the Fort Story golf course and Stumpy Lake. We are always looking for interesting and worth while new activities. Come and share your ideas and hear what others are interested in. What you have a passion for is probably some activity that others are interested in. The power of two is many times the effort of the individuals involved!! The date is December 6th, the time is 6:30PM, the location is Nancy McAdoo's and you are requested to bring a holiday dish to share. Any questions? Call Nancy at 464-4483. |