www.CentralFloridaSierra.org

The Sierra Club is the nation's oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization, with over 700,000 members nationwide. These individuals are using grassroots activism and community action to protect America's environment, for our families, for our future.

We are part of the Florida Chapter of the National Sierra Club. Our group, the Central Florida Sierra Club, comprises over 2,100 members in Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola Counties. Our goal is to explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth. We now invite you to explore and enjoy our web presence. Thanks for visiting!

~ Maria Bolton-Joubert, Executive Committee Chairman

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Sierra benefit day at Ethos Vegan Kitchen- April 10

Save the Date!

On April 10th, 10% of all proceeds at Ethos Vegan Kitchen will go to support the Central Florida
Sierra Club! Why don't you make plans to visit them for a great dinner, and support the Sierra Club at the same time?

Ethos is located at 1235 N. Orange Avenue, just north of downtown Orlando and east of Lake Ivanhoe. See their website for location information.

This is a great way to support the Sierra Club, have fun with family and friends, and eat some delicious food. Hope to see you there!

Our newsletter editor recommends the spinach salad :)

2010-03 Newsletter

The March-April 2010 edition of the Sierran is now available .

In this issue:

Get the facts about cypress mulch
A brief history of Earth Day (and volunteer opportunities!)
Report from the Copenhagen climate summit
Action alert: Osceola County"smart growth" plan isn't smart!
Coalition acts to protect the Florida Panther
...and more!

Take a look at it today!

March and April programs

Wednesday, March 17: Superior Solar
Join us on St. Patrick’s Day for a truly “green” event! Brian from Superior Solar will be speaking about solar power in homes. This compant is a leader in Central Florida in solar power, electric and water heating, both residential and commerical. Even their offices are solar powered. Brian knows all about the rebates available and the impact solar power can have on the environment.
(Further details to come; check our website.)

Wednesday, April 21: Wild Utah: America’s Redrock Wilderness
We are very excited to have Jackie Feinberg, the National Grassroots Organizer for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance speak to us for our April 2010 meeting! Jackie and her organization work closely with the Sierra Club in the Utah Wilderness Coalition, so she’s one of us! While living in Florida gives us opportunity to see and do myriad environmental areas and activities, let’s not forget there’s a whole other world filled with diverse lands and miraculous sites.
Jackie will guide us through “Wild Utah: America’s Redrock Wilderness”, a multi-media slideshow documenting citizen efforts to designate public lands in southern Utah’s spectacular canyon country as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. This 20 minute journey through redrock splendor invigorates and motivates viewers to participate in the movement to protect these unique lands.
“Wild Utah: America’s Redrock Wilderness” was made possible through the generous donation of photos, music and words from concerned Utahns who wish to pass this heritage on to future generations, including narration by Robert Redford.
In conjunction with a presentation on the current status of the Utah wilderness movement by Jackie Feinberg, National Grassroots Organizer for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, this inspirational and informational event is a must see for people wishing to become personally involved to make the difference in this tremendous American public lands conservation effort.

All programs are held at Harry P. Leu Gardens. 1920 N Forest Avenue, Orlando Florida. Door opens at 6:15 PM with light snacks and socializing. Programs are from 7:00 – 8:45 PM
A brief discussion of environmental issues preceeds the program. Admission is free and the public is welcome!
For more information contact Maria at 321-356-6257, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

April Outings

Apr. 3: Hike Black Bear Wilderness
This 1100 acre site is part of Seminole County’s Natural Lands Program. Sierra Club is familiar with the property since we were part of a lawsuit that forced a developer to reduce the number of homes built on Astor Farms adjacent to this property. This is an easy 2 mile total hike to the St. Johns River and a great hike for children. We’ll meet in the Publix parking lot just west of I-4 in Sanford at 10:30. Bring a picnic lunch.RSVP: Mary-Slater (407) 481-4398 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Free.

Jan. 27-Feb. 1: Backpack/Camp in Jonathan Dickinson SP
Hobe Sound, Fl. This will be a 5 mile backpack to a primitive campsite. This is part of the Ocean to Lake Trail which runs 11 miles from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Okeechobee. We will hike only a part of the trail within Jonathan Dickinson Park. Campsite has a hand operated water pump but water must be treated or filtered. No pets, no collection of firewood so bring 1 Duraflame log per hiker. Nominal fee - Approx: $5.00 Contact Terry Henson: 407-739-9444 after 5:00 pm or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (Fla. Trail Outing)

May 1st: Exploratory Bike Ride, Kissimmee (OK, not really April...)
Lewis and Clark were famous explorers and so are Mary-Slater and Rodney! Join us as we scope out bike trails in Osceola County. This should be an easy (we hope!) ride of about 6 miles. Both Kissimmee and St. Cloud feature scenic, paved routes along their respective lakes. The St. Cloud Lakefront Park features a two-mile, bicycle-friendly pathway while the three-mile course in Kissimmee wraps around both its Lakefront Park and the Kissimmee Civic Center. Call or email for meeting location. Bring water; must wear helmet! RSVP: Rodney (321) 436-2349 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (Fla. Trail Outing)

Non-members are welcome! YOU MUST RSVP BY CONTACTING THE TRIP LEADER.

March Outings

Mar. 13th: Camp Highlands Hammock SP
One of Florida’s oldest state parks with 9 hiking trails in Sebring. Drive to primitive campsite for a group up to 20, showers available at campground. Fire ring, picnic tables, no running water but available at campground. No electric, no pets. Fee approx: $5.00 Contact Terry Henson: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (Fla. Trail Outing)

Mar. 20th: Kids’ Hike-Katie’s Landing
“Woods to Water” is an activity sponsored by Wekiva Springs Aquatic Preserve at their newest land acquisition, Katie’s Landing, off of SR 46. Join the staff of the park from 9 a.m. to noon on a kids’ interpretive hike that involves hands-on activities in both the water and woods. For more information, contact Marsha Butler at 352-406-1473 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mar. 21: Kayak the Dora Canal
The Dora Canal is just under a mile of pristine “Old Florida” paddling. It’s well shaded with lots of wildlife. In the 1930s, the most well-known waterway in Lake County was called “the most beautiful mile of water in the world.” Lined with towering cypress trees that are draped with Spanish moss, it is a safe haven for nesting ospreys, herons and egrets. In the 1830s, the canal was not only popular for its natural beauty, but because the mile-long connection linked the two important lakes of Dora and Eustis. Bordering the two lakes are the cities of Eustis, Tavares and Mount Dora. Each city sports its own heritage and quaint downtown district. Depart at 10:30 a.m. Directions: From U.S. Highway 441 to Mount Dora, turn west onto Donnelly St. Take Donnelly St. 1.8 miles to Charles Ave. Turn left on Charles Ave. and follow 0.2 mile to Gilbert Park. RSVP: Mary-Slater (407) 481-4398 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Free.

Mar. 27th: Econ River Cleanup
Clean-up/Picnic/Fun Paddle at 9:00 am. Where: Econlockhatchee (Econ) River, Middle Section, meeting point on HWY 419 in Chuluota at the Econ River Put-In parking area. Contact Bryan Sims: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 321-604-8024. Not a Sierra Club outing, but we encourage you to volunteer!

Non-members are welcome! YOU MUST RSVP BY CONTACTING THE TRIP LEADER.

Florida Forever Take A Hike

On Feb 20th, 2010 Take a Hike, Florida has 31 participants who hiked to the Econ River as part of a coalition on nonprofits working to ensure Tallahassee funds land acquisition programs."

Native Wildflowers in the Landscape: How to Select, Plan & Establish

Sustainable Landscaping with Florida Native Plants and Wildflowers

A course for horticulture and landscape professionals
offered by the Association of Florida Native Nurseries (AFNN)
in conjunction with the 2010 Florida Wildflower & Garden Festival

12:30-5:00 pm, Friday, March 26, 2010 - Mainstreet Grill, 100 E New York Ave, DeLand FL 32724

Continuing Education Units (CEUS)
FNGLA: 4 CEUS
ISA: 3 Certified Arborist / 2 BCMA Practice / 3 Municipal Specialist / 1 BCMA Management CEUS
Fee
Fee includes lunch, CEUs, handouts, and break refreshment.
$45 by March 5. $59 after March 5.
$10 discount for AFNN members.
Registration limited to 30 attendees. Act fast: 21 registered as of 2/15/10
Advance registration required online or by phone: (321) 917-1960
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE NOW.

Questions: Cammie Donaldson, AFNN, (321) 917-1960 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Download printable flyer.
http://www.afnn.org/other/wildflower_ceu.html

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