Shoals Environmental Alliance

SEA is an environmental activities and watch-dog alliance established to promote the preservation of the natural resources, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities of the Shoals area of northwest Alabama. .Our mailing address is:

                               Shoals Environmental Alliance
                               P.O. Box 699
                               Sheffield, AL 35660

SEA is partnering with TVA and other local groups to enhance the recreational and educational values of TVA’s Muscle Shoals Reservation. Our first major project is the establishment of a Native Plant Garden, located by the handicap-accessible trail in the TVA Nature Trails Area. The Native Plant Garden is a cooperative effort by TVA, Shoals Environmental Alliance, Alabama Wildflower Society of the Shoals, Shoals Master Gardeners and Men's Garden Club of the Shoals.

Other goals of the SEA partnership with TVA include removing invasive pest species such as privet and kudzu that crowd out native plants, sowing wildflower seed, picking up litter, helping maintain walking trails and producing trail maps and brochures.

SEA also works to encourage responsible economic growth that preserves the public green spaces, recreational opportunities, and wildlife habitat of the Shoals area. Other SEA programs will include the monitoring of water quality in local waterways, historic preservation, and group outings such as bird watching, camping, canoeing, and hiking.

SEA meets monthly on the last Tuesday of each month at Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, 350 N. Wood Ave., Florence, AL. 5:30-7:00pm preceded by a social at 5:00pm.

Need more information or help in organizing to oppose an environmentally destructive project on public land? We can help. Contact us at: ShoalsEnvironmentalAlliance@yahoo.com

The last Saturday of every month, Wild South staff and volunteers lead hikes in the Bankhead National Forest in addition to other hikes throughout the month. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the incredibly beautiful places and important cultural heritage sites on our public lands, and why Wild South is dedicated to their protection. We are pleased to offer our hikes for no charge. To become a Wild South member (free) sign up at www.wildsouth.org. Wild South is a non-profit organization that operates on the generosity of donors, for whom we are sincerely grateful. Getting on our e-mail list for hikers is the best way to stay informed about our hikes and other events. Just e-mail janice@wildsouth.org and ask to be added to our list.

Note from Charles Rose: Call me at 366-1937 if you're interested in carpooling down for this from the Shoals.

Janice Barrett
Outreach Coordinator
Wild South
11312 Alabama Highway 33, Suite 1
Moulton, Alabama 35650
256-974-6166
janice@wildsouth.org

Tuesday, April 28 --- Shoals Environmental Alliance Meeting
SEA meets in the conference room at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, 350 N. Wood Ave., the last Tuesday of each month. The public is always welcome.
5:00pm --- Refreshments & informal discussion
5:30pm --- Meeting
Presentation by Janice Barrett on Wild South’s new non-native invasive plant species project in the Sipsey Wilderness, an overview of the Sipsey Hiking Trail system and volunteer workday opportunities in the Bankhead National Forest.

Saturday, May 2 --- Wildflower Saturday at Desoto State Park
DSP’s 17th annual wildflower day features 3 different, short hikes; it’s possible to do them all. To carpool, meet Charles Rose 6:00am at Alabama Outdoors (call A.O. at 764-1809 to register), or join us later at the park. Optional buffet & program.
Details: http://www.desotostatepark.com

Sunday, May 3, 1:30pm --- Nature Hike, Shoal Creek Preserve
Led by UNA’s Dr. Paul Davison, our expert on “all things small”. Learn about Mosses, lichens, leaf litter arthropods & stream invertebrates. They’re cool! Great event for the whole family.
Directions: From Cox Creek Pkwy. in Florence, take Old Jackson Hwy. (CR 47) to St. Florian. Turn left on Butler Creek Rd. (CR 61) & go 3 miles. Turn right at Shoal Creek Preserve sign to the parking lot.
For more info, call (256) 366-1937.

From Wild South:

Friday, May 1: Forestry Field Day, Double Springs
Third Annual Forestry Field Day at Loblolly Farm
The Third Annual Forestry Field Day will be held at Bill and Jeanie Snoddy's Loblolly Farm in Double Springs on Friday, May 1st, 2009, at 8:30 a.m.
Loblolly Farm carries the special designation of Helene Mosley TREASURE Forest, which means that Bill and Jeanie have developed and managed the forest according to a long-range plan. They've focused on timber production, recreation, aesthetics, and wildlife. The development has allowed their family and friends to derive a great deal of enjoyment from the property over the years.
Highlights include a walking tour of the property and speakers on such topics as long-range planning, forest management, pond construction and management, native grass establishment, forest roads, invasive plant management, and horticulture. A detailed program is available by clicking here. Loggers will receive six Professional Logging Manager (PLM) points by attending the field day.
Pre-registration is required by April 24th. A registration form is available by clicking here. Lunch is included in the $20 registration fee. You may also request field day program information by calling us at (205) 489-5376 or stopping by the Winston County Extension Office in the Courthouse Annex.

Saturday, May 2: Wild South and Fresh Air Family hike for kids and families in Bankhead National Forest. Thompson Creek Trail #206, Sipsey Wilderness. Approx. 3 miles roundtrip. Moderately easy. Premier wildflower site. Waterfalls! Since this is a wilderness hike, group size will be limited, so sign up soon!

Tuesday, May 5: Restoration monitoring field day in Bankhead. The best way to learn how Wild South and the Forest Service are working together to restore the Bankhead National Forest to natural forest types. Everyone is welcome.
The final itinerary for our May 5 Restoration Monitoring field trip has been decided (contact Wild South for detailed itinerary). We will be visiting several sites in the Bankhead National Forest that have had dormant (controlled) burns recently. Meet at the Bankhead District office on Hwy 33 in Double Springs at 8:30 AM, on Tuesday, May 5. Join Wild South, along with acting District Ranger Charlie Price, Wildlife Biologist Allison Cochran, Silviculturist Stephanie Love, Fire Officer Kerry Clark and others to see how the Bankhead Health and Restoration Project is progressing. Bring a lunch, drinking water, and your tick repellent of choice, as the little blookdsuckers are getting active in this warm weather.

Saturday, May 9: Clean the Green Festival, and environmental event in Madison, Alabama. Wild South will be represented by Janice Barrett. Keynote speaker is Dr. Doug Phillips. http://www.madisonalbeautification.org/clean_green/

Saturday, May 16: Wild South Work Day in Sipsey Wilderness Trail #203. It’s not too soon to sign up!

Thursday, May 21: Fresh Air Family hike in Bankhead National Forest (led by Wild South) www.freshairfamily.org

Saturday, May 30: Wild South’s Bankhead NF Hike Day

Janice Barrett, Outreach Coordinator
Wild South
11312 Alabama Highway 33, Suite 1
Moulton, Alabama 35650
256-974-6166
janice@wildsouth.org
www.wildsouth.org

2009 SPRING NATURE OUTINGS
Sponsored by
Shoals Chapter-Alabama Wildflower Society
Shoals Environmental Alliance
Shoals Audubon Society
Alabama Outdoors of Florence
& Fresh Air Family.
All walks open to the public. No registration or fee required unless noted.
Contact: Charles Rose at 256-366-1937 or chuckrivers@comcast.net to receive email updates & reminders for all outings.

Saturday, February 21, 10:00am - “Bluffs & Waterfalls” Hike, Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve

Get a jump on spring with this 4-mile “sneak peak” hike to the preserve’s new addition! Led by Dr. Jim Lacefield. Includes Devil’s Hollow & Delony Hollow. Moderately rigorous. Take lunch, water & snacks. Wear sturdy footwear. (256) 381-6301, 366-1937. Get a jump on spring with this 4-mile “sneak peak” hike to the preserve’s new addition! Led by Dr. Jim Lacefield. Includes Devil’s Hollow & Delony Hollow. Moderately rigorous. Take lunch, water & snacks. Wear sturdy footwear. (256) 381-6301, 366-1937.

Directions : From Muscle Shoals, take US-72 W. At the Colbert County Farmers’ Co-Op (3.4 miles west of US-43), turn left onto the access road & go down the hill to Frankfort Rd. Turn left (south) on Frankfort Rd. & go 7.25 miles. After passing Piney Grove Church of Christ (on the right), go ¼ mile & turn right on Loop Rd. (CR 41). Go .1 mile & veer left onto the gravel road as Loop Rd. bends to the right. Follow the gravel road past the chicken houses (on the left) to the Lacefield’s Spanish-style house.

Saturday, March 7 --- Shoal Creek Preserve Hike

Led by Greg Hart for Alabama Outdoors. Registration required: call (256) 764-1809. Meet 7:30am at the Big Star on CR 47 ( Old Jackson Hwy ) in St. Florian. Moderate, app. 4.5 miles. Take water & snacks. Lovely Forever Wild tract with cascading creeks!

Saturday, March 7 --- Moss Walk, Sipsey River Recreation Area, Bankhead National Forest

Led by UNA Biology Dept.’s Dr. Paul Davison, (256) 765-4434, for Shoals Audubon. Meet 8:30am -parking lot in front of UNA’s Norton Auditorium, or 9:30am -Sipsey River Recreation Area on Cranal Rd. (CR-6). Hand lens or magnifying glass will be helpful.

Saturday, March 14 --- Walls of Jericho Hike

Led by Bill Zuelke for Alabama Outdoors. Group size is limited: call (256) 764-1809 to register. Meet 10:00am at the trailhead (maps available at the AO store). Strenuous: 5+ hour, 6 mile hike, 1,000 ft. elevation change. Need sturdy footwear-lunch-snacks-copious water. 200 ft. cliffs & lovely wildflowers! Optional primitive camping available at Cathedral Caverns State Park .

Sunday, March 15, 1:30pm --- Wildflower Walk & Tour of Tuscumbia Landing, Park West, Sheffield

Registration required: call (256) 366-1937. Meet in front of Sheffield Library. Tour of Tuscumbia Landing historic site led by Gail King, Executive Director, Southeastern Anthropological Institute. Walk to see rare White Trout Lily & more led by Charles Rose.

Saturday, March 21 --- Wildflower Walk & Americana Exhibits at Bull Skull Hollow

Meet 9:00am at Jack’s, Woodward Av., Muscle Shoals. Bring water-snacks-lunch. Hosts Gordon & Cecilia Hicks will lead a tour of “The Village,” 6-7 log & wooden buildings, all full of old implements & antiques. Walk led by Margie Anderton, Tim Martin & Charles Rose. White Trout Lily, Virginia Bluebells, Barren Strawberry & more! (256) 366-1937. Info at: http://bullskullhollow.com

Sunday, March 22, 1:30pm --- Wildflower Hike, Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve

Led by Jim & Faye Lacefield. See Trout Lily, Hepatica, Bloodroot, Toothwort, Saxifrage, Spring Beauty. Waterfalls, scenic vistas. Moderately rigorous: at least 2-miles, with up-hills & down-hills. (256) 381-6301, 366-1937. Directions: See Feb. 21 listing.

Saturday, March 28 --- Fresh Air Family Wildflower Hike, Sinks Trail, Monte Sano State Park

Meet 8am-Florence K-Mart parking lot, by Wachovia Bank. Led by Loretta Weninegar for Fresh Air Family. Take lunch-snacks-water. Must register at: events@freshairfamily.org or call (256) 366-1937. Fees: $4-5. Twinleaf, Virginia Bluebells & much more.

Sunday, March 29, 1:30pm --- Wildflower Walk, Small Wild Area, TVA Muscle Shoals Reservation

Meet-TVA Nature Trails parking lot. Led by TVA’s David Webb & Damien Simbeck. Includes Native Plant Garden & 1st Quarters Ravine. See Dutchman’s Breeches, Spring Cress, Jacob’s Ladder, Cut-leaf Toothwort, False Rue Anemone. (256) 366-1937.

Saturday, April 4 - Wildflower Hike, Thompson Creek, Sipsey Wilderness, Bankhead National Forest

Led by Charles Rose for Shoals Audubon. Group size is limited: call (256) 366-1937 to register. Meet 8am-parking lot in front of UNA’s Norton Auditorium, 8:15am-Jack’s, Woodward Av., Muscle Shoals, or 9am at trailhead. Dazzling wildflowers & stunning rock formations! Moderate, 5 miles. Take lunch-water-snacks. White Trillium, Virginia Bluebell, Yellow Mandarin, Spurred Violet.

Saturday, April 4 --- Kids Fun Hike, TVA Nature Trails, TVA Muscle Shoals Reservation

Led by Summer McCreless for Alabama Outdoors. This is a fun way to introduce your children to the great outdoors! Open to all ages & levels of experience. Meet 10:00am at Alabama Outdoors. Bring water & lunch. Call AO at (256) 764-1809 to sign up.

Sunday, April 5, 1:30pm --- Wildflower Walk, Rockpile Trail, TVA Muscle Shoals Reservation

Meet-west end of TVA Rockpile parking lot. Led by Charles Rose & Tim Martin. Moderate: choice of walk distance. See Phlox, Dutchman’s Breeches, Stonecrop, Columbine, Jacob’s Ladder, Phacelia, Trillium, Hydrangea & Buckeyes. (256) 366-1937.

Tuesday, April 7 --- Wildflower Walk & Americana Exhibits at Bull Skull Hollow

Registration required: call walk leader Charles Rose at (256) 366-1937. Meet 9:00am at Jack’s, Woodward Av., Muscle Shoals (near K-Mart). View different array of blooms than from earlier walk here. Details: See March 21 listing. http://bullskullhollow.com

Thursday, April 9, 5:00pm --- Wildflower Walk, Small Wild Area, TVA Muscle Shoals Reservation

Meet at TVA Nature Trails. Led by Margie Anderton. Includes 1st Quarters Ravine & Hall Native Plant Garden. See Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Columbine, Phacelia, Jacob’s Ladder, Phlox, Larkspur, Rue Anemone, Native Azaleas. (256) 757-7064, 366-1937.

Saturday, April 11 --- Wildflower Walk, Prairie Grove Glade

Led by botanist David Webb for Alabama Outdoors. Registration required: call (256) 764-1809. Meet 8am-Alabama Outdoors, 8:15am-Jack’s, Woodward Av., Muscle Shoals or 8:45am-glade. Nature Conservancy Cedar glade, home to 12 rare plants, incl. Lyrate Bladderpod, Alabama Glade Cress & Ala. Larkspur. Those going on to Flint Cr. will caravan to the WMTC store for lunch.

Saturday, April 11 --- Wildflower Walk, Flint Creek Botanical Area, Bankhead National Forest

Led by Charles Rose (c. 256-366-1937) for Alabama Outdoors. Registration required: call (256) 764-1809. Meet 1:00pm - Warrior Mtn. Trading Company store on AL-33, south of Moulton. Easy to moderate. Spectacular wildflowers, incl. yellow trillium!

Eagle Watching trip to Town Creek & Lawrence County

Date to be arranged. This trip to view active nests is led by Norma Glascock. Group size is limited: call 256-810-0148 to register.

Tuesday, April 14, 12:00noon --- Wildflower Walk, Hall Native Plant Garden, TVA Muscle Shoals Reservation

Meet at the TVA Nature Trails. Bring a brown bag for this short lunch hour tour of the garden. Those with more time may continue on to the Small Wild Area. Led by Margie Anderton. Native Azalea & Yellow Lady’s Slipper! (256) 757-7064, 366-1937.

Saturday, April 18, 10:00am --- Wildflower Hike, Shoal Creek Preserve

Led by John Grinstead & Charles Rose. White Trillium, Yellow Mandarin, Virginia Bluebell, Fairy Wand, Green Dragon, Mountain Laurel, Wild Ginger, Squaw Root. (256) 366-1937.
Directions: From Cox Creek Pkwy. in Florence, take Old Jackson Hwy. (CR 47) to St. Florian. Turn left on Butler Creek Rd. (CR 61) & go 3 miles. Turn right at Shoal Creek Preserve sign to the parking lot.

Sat.-Sun., April 18-19 --- Sipsey Wilderness Backpacking Trip

Led by Norma Glascock for Alabama Outdoors. Call AO at (256) 764-1809 for details and registration.

Sunday, April 19, 1:30pm --- Wildflower Hike, Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve

Led by Charles Rose (256-366-1937) & Tim Martin for Alabama Outdoors (256-764-1809). Cane Creek hosts Ala.’s only known population of the rare French’s Shooting Star! See Dwarf Crested Iris, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Showy Orchis, Fire Pink, Eastern Blue Star, Native Azalea & Yellow Lady’s Slipper. Canyons, scenic vistas, shelter bluffs & waterfalls! Directions: See Feb. 21 listing.

Friday, April 24 --- Earth Day Ceremony, Old Railroad Bridge, Sheffield (north end of Ashe Blvd.)

5:30pm -- Earth Day Ceremony -- Call (256) 767-2909.
6:00pm -- Family Fun Walk -- Led by Summer McCreless for Alabama Outdoors (256) 764-1809.

Saturday, April 25, 11:00am-6:00pm --- Earth Day Celebration, Wilson Park, Florence

Music, environmental exhibits, kid’s activities, art, Steve Trash performance. More info: 256-767-2909 or http://shoalsearth.com

Sunday, April 26 --- Wildflower Hike, Borden Creek to Fall Creek Falls, Sipsey Wilderness

Group size limited: call leader Charles Rose (256) 366-1937 to register. Meet 9am-Jack’s, Woodward Av., Muscle Shoals or 10am-Warrior Mtn. Trading Co., AL-33, south of Moulton. Moderate, 6-miles. Take lunch-water-snacks. Wear sturdy footwear.

Saturday, May 2 --- Spring Birding Walk, TVA Muscle Shoals Reservation

Led by our State Malacologist Jeff Garner (look it up) for Alabama Outdoors. Registration required: call A.O. at (256) 764-1809. Meet 8:00am, in front of the restrooms at the TVA Nature Trails parking lot. Bring binoculars, water and snacks.

Saturday, May 2 --- Wildflower Saturday at Desoto State Park

DSP’s 17th annual wildflower day features 3 different, short hikes; it’s possible to do them all. To carpool, meet 6am at Alabama Outdoors (call A.O. at 764-1809 to register), or join us later. Optional buffet & program. Details: http://www.desotostatepark.com

Sunday, May 3, 1:30pm --- Nature Hike, Shoal Creek Preserve

Led by UNA’s Dr. Paul Davison, our expert on “all things small”. Learn about Mosses, lichens, leaf litter arthropods & stream invertebrates. They’re cool! Great event for the whole family. For Directions: See April 18 listing. Call (256) 366-1937.

Saturday, May 9, 8:00am --- Birding for Spring Migrants, TVA Muscle Shoals Reservation

Led by UNA's Dr. Tom Haggerty for Shoals Audubon. Meet in the first parking lot at the TVA Nature Trails. (256) 765-4432.

Sunday, May 10 --- Wildflower Hike, Devil’s Racetrack at Wade Mountain Preserve

Meet 11:00am-Florence K-Mart parking lot (by Wachovia Bank). Led by Doug Horacek for Huntsville Wildflower Society. Expect to see American Columbo, which blooms only once in 7 years! (256) 366-1937.

Saturday, May 16 --- Big Tree Hike, Sipsey Wilderness, Bankhead National Forest

Sponsored by Alabama Outdoors. Group size is limited: call (256) 764-1809 to register. Led by Charles Rose & Bill Zuelke. Meet 8am-Alabama Outdoors, or 9am-trailhead. Choose 5 or 9 mile route. Strenuous, creek crossings. Take lunch-water-snacks.

Saturday, May 23, 10:30am-1:30pm --- Introduction to Map & Compass Reading

Meet at Alabama Outdoors. Led by Summer McCreless for AO. Group size limited: register at (256) 764-1809. Bring compass.

Saturday, May 23 --- Astronomy Night at Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve

Sponsored by Fresh Air Family http://www.freshairfamily.org/ Group size is limited to 50; you must register to attend this event. How to Register: In the Shoals area, call Charles Rose at (256) 366-1937. Elsewhere, email events@freshairfamily.org or call (205) 401- 0245.

This event, offered free of charge to the public, will include an afternoon nature hike, a “bring-your-own” cookout, viewing of the night sky, optional camping and a Sunday morning nature hike to Devil's Hollow, starting at the new alternative parking lot. The astronomy night is hosted by Dr. Mel Blake, Director, UNA Planetarium and Observatory, and the Shoals Astronomy Club. There will be multiple telescopes available. Each participant will receive a star wheel, a circular map showing what stars are in the sky on a particular date and where to find them.

Participants are encouraged to bring flashlights with red beams or red gels to help preserve our night vision. The astronomy will of course be dependent on weather conditions. The other events will go forth regardless. If it is rainy or too cloudy, we will reschedule the astronomy. Parking space will be limited due to the astronomy, so please car-pool if possible.

Schedule
2:00pm - Nature Hike, led by Charles Rose & Verna Gates
6:00pm - Cookout
8:00pm - Presentation by Dr. Mel Blake
8:30pm - Viewing of the evening sky

Dr. Mel Blake is an Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of North Alabama and Director of the UNA Planetarium and Observatory. Mel's research area is mainly in time-variable phenomena in astronomy including binary and variable stars and active galaxies. Recent efforts include studying the close binary star UU Psc at David Dunlap Observatory in Richmond Hill Ontario. He has also worked at Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in Rosman, North Carolina. At UNA, Mel is preparing a research project with students to study long-term evolution of stars and variability in star forming regions. He teaches courses in introductory astronomy and physics.

UNA Planetarium website: http://www.una.edu/planetarium/ The Shoals Astronomy Club meets at the UNA planetarium the last Thursday of each month at 7:00pm. All are welcome. No previous astronomy experience is needed. More about Shoals Astronomy Club: http://www.una.edu/planetarium/shoalsastronomy/shoalsastro.html

Directions to Cane Creek: From Muscle Shoals, take US-72 W. At the Colbert County Farmers’ Co-Op (3.4 miles west of US-43), turn left onto the access road & go down the hill to Frankfort Rd. Turn left (south) on Frankfort Rd. & go 7.25 miles. After passing Piney Grove Church of Christ (on the right), go ¼ mile & turn right on Loop Rd. (CR 41). Go .1 mile & veer left onto the gravel road as Loop Rd. bends to the right. Follow the gravel road past the chicken houses (on the left) to the Lacefield’s Spanish-style house.

About Cane Creek: Dr. Jim Lacefield and his wife Faye own and maintain Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve and offer it free of charge to the public all year round for hiking, camping and other activities. It is located in Colbert County, AL, about 8 miles south of Tuscumbia. With the new addition on its north side, the preserve now totals more than 700 acres. It contains 12 miles of hiking trails, with another 3 miles currently under construction in the new addition. The preserve features canyons, huge boulders, waterfalls, scenic vistas and rare wildflowers, such as French's Shooting Star.

Cane Creek Canyon flier: http://schuffertstudios.com/catalog/Misc/CaneCreekPreserve.pdf
Dr. Tim Martin’s Cane Creek Canyon photo page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tlmartinsr/sets/72157594201647721/
2007 Shoals Magazine article about Cane Creek Canyon: http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070912/SHOALS/70828014/-1/SHOALS20

Sunday, May 24 10:00am - Devil's Hollow Nature Hike, led by Charles Rose & Verna Gates

We’ll meet in front of the Lacefield’s house to caravan to the Devil’s Hollow parking lot.

Cookout: We will provide firewood and some grills to place over the cooking fires. Participants should bring their own food, beverages and cooking utensils. The Lacefields are providing a number of chairs, but bring your own, if convenient.

Camping: Vehicles to be parked at the camping area need to be on site and parked by 4pm.

Hiking: Bring water and snacks. (Sunday, you might also want to pack a lunch.) Wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes. Moderately rigorous: at least a 2-mile hike, with up-hills & down-hills. See waterfalls, including the 60-ft. “Big Waterfall”, scenic vistas, huge flower-strewn boulders and cascading creeks.

Expected to be in bloom at this time are American Columbo, Indian Pink, Indian Hemp, White Milkweed, Climbing Milkweed, Common Anglepod, Climbing Milkvine, Greater Tickseed, Prairie Fleabane, Smooth Oxeye, Two-Flowered Cynthia, Oxeye Daisy, Small's Ragwort, Black-Eyed Susan, Southern Rosinweed, Venus' Looking Glass, Strawberry Bush, Mountain Laurel, Flowering Spurge, False Tall Indigo, Common Yellow Stargrass, Blue-eyed Grass, Downy Wood Mint, Heal All, Hairy Skullcap, Wild Garlic, Southern Sundrops, Hairy Phlox, Smooth Phlox, Fringed Loosestrife, Vasevine, American Ipecac, Foxglove Beardtongue and more.

More info: Jim & Faye Lacefield (256) 381-6301 or Charles Rose (356) 366-1937.

Charles Rose is President of Shoals Environmental Alliance, a Shoals Audubon Society board member and active with Shoals Wildflower Society. He is the coordinator and a walk leader for the annual Spring Nature Outings series in the Shoals area and has also led hikes for Alabama Outdoors, Fresh Air Family, Shoals Audubon and Wild South.

Verna Gates served for many years as President of the Birmingham Wildflower Society. A self-taught ethno-botanist, she is the founder of Fresh Air Family.

Sunday, May 31, 1:30pm - “Tree Identification 101” Nature Walk, TVA Muscle Shoals Reservation

Meet at the TVA Nature Trails. Led by Jack Paul. Learn our local trees & the basics of tree identification. (256) 366-1937.

Saturday, June 6 - National Trails Day Hike, Clifty Creek Falls, Sipsey Wilderness, Bankhead N. F.

Led by Charles Rose for Alabama Outdoors. Group size limited: call (256) 764-1809 to register. Meet 8am-Alabama Outdoors or 9am-Warrior Mtn. Trading Co., AL-33. Strenuous, 7-miles, off-trail, creek crossings. Take lunch-water-snacks-sturdy footwear.

Saturday, June 13 --- Cypress Creek Canoe Trip

Led by J.D. Cornelius for Alabama Outdoors. Call AO at (256) 764-1809 for details and registration.

Saturday, June 13 --- McKamy Lake-Benton Falls Nature Hike, Cherokee National Forest, East Tennessee

Sunday, June 14 --- Jack’s River Trail Nature Hike, Cherokee National Forest, East Tennessee

Both hikes are led by the inimitable Leon Bates. Camping available. For details, call Alabama Outdoors at (256) 764-1809.

Saturday, June 20 --- Evening Nature Walk, Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge

Led by Levi Wright for Alabama Outdoors (256) 764-1809. Meet 4:00pm at Alabama Outdoors. Easy 3-mile walk to the refuge’s observation tower & back, to view birds, wildlife & the sunset. Bring binoculars, flashlights or headlamps, water & snacks.

Saturday, June 27 --- Explore the TVA Trails Hike, TVA Muscle Shoals Reservation,

Meet 9:00am, in front of the restrooms at TVA Nature Trails. Led by Larry Wright for Alabama Outdoors (256) 764-1809. TVA’s trail system (over 13 miles total) is one of the Shoals’ best kept secrets! Strenuous, fast-paced. 6 miles, with up hills & down hills.