Dallas Sierra Club
#########Dallas Sierra Club News

May, 2011: In This Issue. . .


General Meeting Program - May 10, 7:00 pm - Refreshments at 6:30

Urban Wildlife: The Truth is Stranger than Fiction

BobcatDiscover why coyotes, foxes, bobcats, raccoons and opossums are thriving in urban areas.  Find out how to prevent problems with these city critters.  Learn what to do if you find an orphaned or injured wild animal.  Presented by Bonnie Bradshaw, Texas Master Naturalist, Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator and president of 911 Wildlife.

Everyone is welcome. You don't have to be a Sierra Club member.

Our General Meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. but come at 6:30 for snacks, information and fellowship. Click over to our General Meeting page of our website for more information and a map.


Outings Highlight

May 21 (Sat) Cedar Ridge Preserve Trail Clean Up
Its fun and its helpful to get out to the Cedar Ridge Preserve in Dallas to help upgrade some of the beautiful walking trails just south of Dallas. The address is 7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75249. Its a great morning workout, and the scenery is exceptional. No tools are required, (maybe gloves) just show up and be ready to lend a hand or two. We'll work from 9 AM to 11 or so, and then walk around the preserve and admire the wildflowers and fauna! Bring some water for sure. Its on Saturday the 21st of May, please see their website www.audubondallas.org/cedarridge.html for directions and info. Their number is 972-709-7784. If you wish to carpool, then let me know, and we'll arrange a meeting spot. Come on out and stay green, people! Coordinator: Ginger Bradley 469-223-7902

May 27-31 (Fri-Tue) Memorial Day Bus Trip to the White Mountains Wilderness Area
The White Mountains Wilderness Area contains about 48,000 acres located in the Sierra Blanca Mountains north of Ruidoso, New Mexico, near the Ruidoso ski area. The area contains a roughly "C" shaped ridge and the canyons on either side of it. The main trail runs along the top of this ridge and is known as the Crest Trail. The Crest features some of the best views and sunsets to be found anywhere. Many other trails are found in the forested canyons on the gently sloping east side of the ridge. The west side of the crest is steeper and offers great views of the snow like White Sands National Monument and the black Malpais lava flows. Five different hikes from moderate to strenuous will give you time for pictures or to stretch your legs. Ride in luxury bus seats that convert to bunk beds at night. We depart early evening on the 27th and return early morning on the 31st. Some backpacking experience is required. Trip details, cost and reservation information is available here. Bus trip leader: Mike Rawlins 972-783-0962

Jun 29-Jul 5 (Wed-Tue) Fourth of July Bus Trip to the South San Juan Wilderness, Southwest Colorado
The San Juan Mountains have been called “America's Switzerland.” A segment of this link in the Continental Divide was designated "South San Juan Wilderness" in 1980. U-shaped glacial valleys, rocky rivers, high green meadows, aspens, elk herds and beaver dams make this remote and scenic wilderness a summer delight for backpackers. Click here to see a complete description of the trip with pictures, maps and registration information. Five hike options are described. This is a new destination for a Dallas Sierra Club trip; reserve early to guarantee a space. Bus trip leader: Mark Stein 214-526-3733

Aug 31-Sep 6 (Wed-Tue) Labor Day Bus Trip to the Weminuche Wilderness in Colorado
Escape the Texas heat this Labor Day weekend and join us for our trip to the cool Colorado mountains of the Weminuche Wilderness. This trip has mountains, lakes, streams, and valleys. Trips will range from car camping with day hikes to strenuous long hikes. The Weminuche Wilderness offers a great diversity and all the miles you want to hike. It is a hidden jewel and one of our most popular trips. Complete information is available here (PDF file).  To sign up, download and print the information file, fill in the forms, and send them with your check to the address provided. Bus trip leader: Kathryn Hurn 214-321-4030(c)

For a complete list of our outings, visit our outings page.


Recycling Round-Up
by Rita Raccoon

Recent Recycling News - May 2011

Coalition to Push Healthcare Recycling
Eight healthcare, recycling and waste-management companies said they formed a coalition to increase the recycling of plastic products and materials used in the delivery of healthcare.

The founding members of the Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council are Becton, Dickinson and Co., Franklin Lakes, N.J.; Cardinal Health, Dublin, Ohio; DuPont, Wilmington, Del.; Hospira, Lake Forest, Ill.; Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, N.J.; Kimberly-Clark, Dallas; Engineered Plastics, Erie, Pa.; and Waste Management, Houston.

“The potential for plastics recycling is significant to both reducing environmental and human health impacts,” according to a news release from the coalition.

The coalition has three objectives: healthcare plastics value chain mapping, design for recycling guidelines and pilot studies, according to the news release. In addition, the coalition plans to expand its pilot programs, create a healthcare facility advisory board, and launch recycling-design guidelines in 2011 and 2012, according to a spokesman.

Battery Recycling Summit
Barbara Carr (aka Rita Raccoon) was invited to take part in a battery recycling summit in April to brainstorm ideas about recycling non-rechargeable batteries. The 2011 Battery Summit included key stakeholders incuding representatives from battery manufacturers (Duracell, Eveready), device manufacturers (Dell, Sony), retailers (Lowe’s, Staples, Radio Shack), state, local and federal government, waste management companies (Waste Management), materials recyclers,  NGOs and industry associations.

The vision was to describe a nationwide system which maximizes reuse of spent battery materials with a goal of zero waste Challenges to successful recycling include a product which is small and relatively cheap and a spent product which is only marginally hazardous.  The cost to recycle batteries is about $1.03 per lb (or about seven cents a battery).

Through a uniquely designed, collaborative process, all 75 participants had the opportunity to both learn and provide their perspectives on the respective components of a national battery recycling system. Particularly impressive was the group’s ability to share innovative ideas surrounding these components, as well as the high degree of involvement, engagement, and excitement among the participants. Diverse participant groups were tasked with designing a national system based on the input of all stakeholders and experts. 

Common themes and principles of a national system:
• Consumers are key – system must be convenient and convenient for customers
• Industry-led and market-driven
• Multi-stakeholder collaboration
• Net positive environmental and social impact, as well as sustainable economics

The Battery Recycling Project Council is refining and reviewing proposed action plans and system designs, which will form a recommendation to the Battery Recycling Board, comprised of the battery industry company presidents.


Calendar

Here is our calendar for the next two months. For complete listings, visit us at www.dallassierraclub.org.

Day Hike IconMay 7 (Sat) Dayhike on the Chisholm Trail in Plano
Meet at 9:00 AM in front of the Starbucks/Barnes Noble (north side of 15th just west of US 75). We will walk 5-6 miles on a paved path. Bring water. No reservations, just show up. Optional lunch afterwards. Leader: Judy Cato 972-238-5738(h)

Dallas Sierra Club Meeting IconMay 10 (Tue) Dallas Sierra Club General Meeting
Our May General Meeting features two great programs. First, it's city council election time.  Find out what you need to know to make an informed decision to protect our local environment. Next up is Wild Neighbors, humane solutions to common urban wildlife problems. The meeting starts at 7:00 pm, but come early for snacks, fellowship and information about what's going on in the Dallas Sierra Club.   Click over to our home page for details.

Service Outing IconMay 14 (Sat) White Rock Lake Cleanup
Walk and talk while helping to pick up trash and recyclables at the Sierra Club's adopted section of White Rock Lake Park. Meet at 8:15 AM at the Love of the Lake office on the Northeast corner of Garland Rd. and Buckner Blvd. Look for a crowd of people drinking free juice and coffee. Gloves, trash bags, etc. provided. Our area includes one of the wonderful prairie restoration areas, so there are always birds and wildflowers to enjoy. The lake and your karma will thank you. Brunch afterwards. Leader: Carol Nash 214-824-0244

Dallas Sierra Club Meeting IconMay 18 (Wed) Outings Committee Meeting
Meet in the upstairs program room at REI (on north side of LBJ between Midway and Welch), at 6:30 PM. Bring your ideas for the Dallas Sierra Club Outings program. We will be planning local outings and bus trips. All outings leaders, future outings leaders, and interested Sierrans welcome. Ask Bill to be placed on the email list for an agenda. Contact: Bill Greer 972-247-0446

Service Outing IconMay 21 (Sat) Cedar Ridge Preserve Trail Clean Up
Its fun and its helpful to get out to the Cedar Ridge Preserve in Dallas to help upgrade some of the beautiful walking trails just south of Dallas. The address is 7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75249. Its a great morning workout, and the scenery is exceptional. No tools are required, (maybe gloves) just show up and be ready to lend a hand or two. We'll work from 9 AM to 11 or so, and then walk around the preserve and admire the wildflowers and fauna! Bring some water for sure. Its on Saturday the 21st of May, please see their website www.audubondallas.org/cedarridge.html  for directions and info. Their number is 972-709-7784.  If you wish to carpool, then let me know, and we'll arrange a meeting spot. Come on out and stay green, people! Coordinator: Ginger Bradley 469-223-7902

Dallas Sierra Club Meeting IconMay 24 (Tue) Monthly Inner City Outings Meeting
Come at 6:30 for New Volunteer Orientation. The meeting starts at 7:00 pm. Inner City Outings ("ICO") is an outreach program of the Sierra Club comprised of volunteers who provide wilderness experiences such as day hikes and camping for disadvantaged youth. ICO meets on the fourth Tuesdays at REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Farmers Branch, TX 75244 (north side of LBJ between Midway and Welch). All volunteers and those considering becoming an ICO volunteer are welcome. To receive future announcements and meeting information you may sign up for our email list. For more information: Liz Wheelan

Bus Trip IconMay 27-31 (Fri-Tue) Memorial Day Bus Trip to the White Mountains Wilderness Area
The White Mountains Wilderness Area contains about 48,000 acres located in the Sierra Blanca Mountains north of Ruidoso, New Mexico, near the Ruidoso ski area. The area contains a roughly "C" shaped ridge and the canyons on either side of it. The main trail runs along the top of this ridge and is known as the Crest Trail. The Crest features some of the best views and sunsets to be found anywhere. Many other trails are found in the forested canyons on the gently sloping east side of the ridge. The west side of the crest is steeper and offers great views of the snow like White Sands National Monument and the black Malpais lava flows. Five different hikes from moderate to strenuous will give you time for pictures or to stretch your legs. Ride in luxury bus seats that convert to bunk beds at night. We depart early evening on the 27th and return early morning on the 31st. Some backpacking experience is required. Trip details, cost and reservation information is available here. Bus trip leader: Mike Rawlins 972-783-0962

Dallas Sierra Club Meeting IconJun 1 (Wed) Dallas Sierra Club Executive Committee Meeting
The Executive Committee (or Excom) is the elected governing body of the Dallas Sierra Club and meets at REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Farmers Branch, TX 75244 (north side of LBJ between Midway and Welch). Contact the Dallas Group Chair for more information.

Service Outing IconJun 11 (Sat) White Rock Lake Cleanup
Walk and talk while helping to pick up trash and recyclables at the Sierra Club's adopted section of White Rock Lake Park. Meet at 8:15 AM at the Love of the Lake office on the Northeast corner of Garland Rd. and Buckner Blvd. Look for a crowd of people drinking free juice and coffee. Gloves, trash bags, etc. provided. Our area includes one of the wonderful prairie restoration areas, so there are always birds and wildflowers to enjoy. The lake and your karma will thank you. Brunch afterwards. Leader: Carol Nash 214-824-0244

Dallas Sierra Club Meeting IconJun 14 (Tue) Dallas Sierra Club General Meeting
Our June General Meeting features two programs you won't want to miss. First, we'll have a program about Cohousing in Dallas. Then, we'll explore Ecological Landscapes and Green Roofs. The meeting starts at 7:00 pm, but come early for snacks, fellowship and information about what's going on in the Dallas Sierra Club.   Click over to our home page for details about our next General Meeting.

Dallas Sierra Club Meeting IconJun 15 (Wed) Outings Committee Meeting
Meet in the upstairs program room at REI (on north side of LBJ between Midway and Welch), at 6:30 PM. Bring your ideas for the Dallas Sierra Club Outings program. We will be planning local outings and bus trips. All outings leaders, future outings leaders, and interested Sierrans welcome. Ask Bill to be placed on the email list for an agenda. Contact: Bill Greer 972-247-0446

Bus Trip IconJun 29-Jul 5 (Wed-Tue) Fourth of July Bus Trip to the South San Juan Wilderness, Southwest Colorado
The San Juan Mountains have been called “America's Switzerland.” A segment of this link in the Continental Divide was designated "South San Juan Wilderness" in 1980. U-shaped glacial valleys, rocky rivers, high green meadows, aspens, elk herds and beaver dams make this remote and scenic wilderness a summer delight for backpackers. Click here to see a complete description of the trip with pictures, maps and registration information. Five hike options are described. This is a new destination for a Dallas Sierra Club trip; reserve early to guarantee a space. Bus trip leader: Mark Stein 214-526-3733

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