Sierran. In This Issue: Conservation Issues:

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1 The Central Ohio Sierran News of the Central Ohio Group FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC All programs, meetings, events and outings in this newsletter are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Articles appearing in The Central Ohio Sierran are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect policy of the Sierra Club. GET OUR NEWSLETTER VIA MAIL OR Club members who would like to receive this newsletter by mail, or would like to receive notification when current newsletters hit the web, please contact Doug Calem douglas.calem(at) gmail.com. In This Issue: Central Ohio Sierra Club Survey. 2 Chair s Corner... 3 Sierra Club Meetings... 3 Annual Picnic... 5 Outings... 6 Community Events Directory Conservation Issues: Conservation Warnings and Alerts... 4 Meet our Newest Conservation Coordinator... 4 River and Wetland Spring Cleanup Events... 5 MORPC Seeks Public Input... 8 Green Ideas and Tips for Your Home Garden... 9 Mosquito Fogging in Columbus 10 May-June 2011 Volume 40, Number 3 6:00 p.m., Tues. May 17 Aveda Institute Columbus Earth Jam benefit 2011 Location: Lifestyle Communities Pavilion Attend a fantastic fashion benefit and charitable auction for the Sierra Club s Clean Water Campaign in Central Ohio! Festivities will be held at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion at 405 Neil Ave. Enjoy an evening of multimedia presentations, live and silent auctions, cocktails, and an exciting fashion show presented by Aveda students and staff. For more information, visit the Aveda Institute Columbus website at or call for tickets. General admission is $15 advance/$20 door, VIP Wristband with catered food $40/50, VIP Reserved Seating $75/100 includes food and $25 gift certificate. See you there! Sierra Club Program, 7:00 p.m., Thurs., May 19 The Future of Nuclear in Ohio and the World Location: Northwood High Building, 2231 N. High St., Room 100 Central Ohio is extremely fortunate to have Kevin Kamps, one of America s top nuclear watchdogs, speak here. Originally from Michigan, Kevin has a particular interest in nuclear reactors on Lake Erie near his childhood home Fermi in Monroe, MI and Davis-Besse near Port Clinton, OH. He is one of the main organizers intervening to stop the relicensing of the aging Davis-Besse nuclear power plant on Lake Erie for 20 more years until Kevin Kamps (Continued on page 2) Special Event Movie, 7:30 pm, Thursday, May 24 GASLAND Location: The Drexel Theatre, 2254 E. Main St. in Bexley The issue of hydraulic fracturing is critical. The threat to Ohio is spreading rapidly. In response the Sierra Club has been promoting this academy-award nominated move GASLAND as widely as possible. The film has also won the Special Jury Prize from the Sundance Film Festival. (Continued on page 2) Father s Day, Sun., June 19, 5-7 p.m. Central Ohio Group Annual Picnic! See notice on page 5.

2 Page 2 We Want to Hear From You! Complete the Central Ohio Sierra Club Survey at Engaging Our Membership is the theme for the Central Ohio Sierra Club in The Central Ohio Group represents a geographically and demographically broad spectrum of individual interests and issues, and we understand many diverse needs deserve to be served. We need to hear from you in order to prioritize and focus our resources. We also want to keep you in the loop regarding our activities and programs. Help us achieve that goal by taking a few minutes to complete our online questionnaire at sierracog.homestead.com/. Ask yourself, How can I help? Indicate your interests in the survey and include your contact information. We ll follow up with suggestions on how YOU can get involved. In times like these, we need all of our members to be actively engaged, even if it means doing whatever you can from home. We particularly want to grow our presence in all 21 of our Group s counties and at local colleges and universities. With your input and with your support, we hope to become the most effective advocates we can be, sharing the goal of exploring, enjoying, and protecting our planet. The Future of Nuclear Continued from page This plant has the worst safety and violations record of any nuclear power plant currently operating in the US. The ongoing tragedy in Japan occurred since Kevin first agreed to speak, and he will have an insider s update on the implications for public health around the world and how citizens can organize to stop government nuclear subsidies. A new report by the Union of Concerned Scientists shows that these subsidies often amount to more than the worth of the electricity generated. Kevin has served as Radioactive Waste Watchdog at Beyond Nuclear in Takoma Park, Maryland since Beyond Nuclear aims to educate and activate the public about the connections between nuclear power and nuclear weapons and the need to abandon both to safeguard our future. Beyond Nuclear advocates for an energy future that is sustainable, benign and democratic. The Beyond Nuclear team works with diverse partners and allies to provide critical information necessary to move humanity toward a world beyond nuclear. Kevin specializes in highlevel waste management and transportation, new and existing reactors, decommissioning, Congress watch, climate change and federal subsidies. He addresses the safety and security risks of high-level radioactive waste storage on-site at nuclear power plants. He has studied the economic, environmental and public health risks associated with government and industry efforts to dump commercial irradiated fuel rods on Native American lands in the western United States. Previously he served as nuclear waste specialist at Nuclear Information & Resource Service (NIRS) in Washington, D.C. This program is also sponsored by the Democratic Socialists of Central Ohio. GASLAND Continued from page 1 The Halliburton-developed drilling technology of fracking or hydraulic fracturing has been exempted from the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and several other environmental safety regulations. Chemicals (596 have been identified in fracking fluids) and natural gas have the potential to permanently contaminate aquifers, lakes and streams throughout our state. Natural gas (methane), a potent greenhouse gas, is escaping unburned in large quantities from blasting processes occurring over a mile underground. Companies are getting unsuspecting landowners to sign drilling leases, many of which give landowners few or no rights. When filmmaker Josh Fox is asked to lease his land (Continued on page 3)

3 Sierra Club Meetings Central Ohio Group (COG) Executive Committee First Wednesdays: May 4 and June 1 at 6:45 pm Meets the first Wed. of most months at Consider Biking, 4041 N. High St., Suite 201. Contact David Donofrio at , daviddonofrio1(at)gmail.com for more information or if you have an agenda item. PLEASE NOTE: Consider Biking will be the site for these dates and future ExCom meetings. COG Conservation Committee Third Wednesdays: May 18 and June 15 at 7 pm Conservation activists, interested members, and others meet on the third Wed. of most months at the downtown Sierra Club office, 131 N. High St. Press the intercom and someone will let you in. Contact Ohio Sierra Club Conservation Program Coordinator Matt Trokan at x311, matt.trokan(at)sierraclub.org for more information or if you have an agenda item. COG Political Committee Committee members interview Central Ohio candidates and make recommendations for endorsements. The committee also meets with elected officials to keep them informed of the Group s position on local issues. There are often speakers at these meetings. Contact PolCom Interim Chair Thomas Lee at lee.3112(at)buckey .osu.edu for location, information, or to be put on the list. Ohio Chapter Conservation and Executive Committees Sunday, May 15: 10 am ConsCom, 1 pm ExCom Held every other month at the Ohio Sierra Club office, 131 N. High St. in downtown Columbus. Lunch will be served at no charge. Open to all Sierra Club members. Contact Chapter Chair Bob Shields at sierrabob(at)oh.rr.com for more information or if you have a subject for the agenda. GASLAND Continued from page 2 for drilling, he embarks on a cross-country odyssey uncovering a trail of secrets, lies and contamination. A recently drilled nearby Pennsylvania town reports that residents are able to light their drinking water on fire. This is just one of the many absurd and astonishing revelations of a new country called GASLAND. The movie is part verité travelogue, part exposé, part mystery, part bluegrass banjo meltdown, part showdown. If you haven t seen GASLAND, please do. If you have, see it again; people find more each time they see it. The movie is co-sponsored by the Columbus International Film Festival and the Free Press. Chair s Corner By David Donofrio Page 3 Spring has certainly sprung for the Central Ohio Group. Along with the natural changes around us come many fantastic changes to the Central Ohio Group. Make it your springtime resolution to get more involved. There has never been a better time! We have been reaching out to various new constituencies and begun building meaningful partnerships with colleges and universities. The COG recently sponsored 30 students from central Ohio to attend Power- Shift, a conference in Washington DC where thousands of young people from across the country learn about environmental activism. This program is literally known to change lives, and will hopefully build toward the next generation of Sierrans. We are discussing everything from revamping our Political Committee to getting tough on entities that pollute our area's water, and we have sent out a questionnaire within the Chapter's appeal so we can hear your interests and get you more involved. The survey is also available online. I hope you will take a minute to fill it out today at sierracog.homestead.com/. This is YOUR club; we need to hear from YOU! I encourage everyone to come to our Annual Picnic on Sunday, June 19 at Battelle- Darby Creek Metro Park. (See notice on p 5.) Meet fellow members and hear about the great things our Club has done in the past 12 months and what is coming in the next 12. Make a day of this if possible. Battelle Darby Creek is the most expansive Metro Park in central Ohio and is now home to freeroaming bison! As this is Father's Day, please bring your family for a day at the park with us. Cheers, David Donofrio Chair, Sierra Club Central Ohio Group

4 Page 4 Conservation Warnings and Alerts Dispatches From the Conservation Committee Franklin County Sewer Overflows: Need Hotline, Posted Warning Signs The Sierra Club met with Franklin County Administrator Don Brown and officials from the Franklin County Engineer s office and Franklin County Public Health on February 24. We discussed with them the vast number of hot spots throughout the unincorporated areas of the county where raw sewage is pouring into streams from stormwater outlets. The Sierra Club is asking the county to post warning notices at major hot spots, to set up a hotline where people can call one number and report sewage in streams, yards, or elsewhere, and to devise a plan for remediation. This difficult and drastic situation has been caused by lack of county engineering action in years past, by lack of enforcement by Ohio EPA and Franklin County Public Health, and problems with the organizational setup between Franklin County and the City of Columbus. Take Action Against Drilling for Oil and Gas in Ohio s State Parks: The Sierra Club has been fighting against bills that would allow drilling in Ohio s state parks, with members testifying at the Statehouse on two evenings in March and April. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking is a new technique for extracting natural gas that turns areas where it happens into contaminated industrial zones. For more information on this disastrous legislation, see the recent issues of this newsletter and The Ohio Sierran. Witness the consequences of fracking by watching the award-winning documentary GASLAND. (See article on p 1.) Go to ohiosierraclub.org and click on Legislative Program to follow online what is happening legislatively and to send messages to decision makers from the Ohio Chapter website. To get involved in stopping the wholesale giveaway of our parks to the gas industry, also contact Ben Wickizer at ben.wickizer(at)sierraclub.org, x 316. Meet Our Newest Conservation Coordinator Restore human legs as a means of travel. Pedestrians rely on food for fuel and need no special parking facilities. Lewis Mumford By Ben Wickizer, Ohio Sierra Club Conservation Coordinator My name is Ben Wickizer and I am the club s newest Conservation Program Coordinator. Matt Troikan has handed over the reins to me, and I am pleased to have this opportunity to reach out to you to communicate important news about what I am working on: green transportation issues statewide and clean water issues in Central Ohio. I graduated from SUNY Geneseo in 2010 with a bachelor s degree in history and environmental studies. Before coming to Sierra Club, I worked for the Environmental Law and Policy Center in Columbus, where I dealt with transportation issues and coordinated university outreach. I am originally from Seattle, which explains my affinity for both mountains and water and my love of wild places. I enjoy photography, travel, and all forms of outdoor recreation and I am excited about experiencing more of Ohio s rich and diverse natural areas. I am thrilled about the prospect of improving and protecting the health of Ohio s waterways, as well as advancing its transportation system by increasing its sustainability, improving its efficiency, and reducing its environmental footprint. I am also proud to be a part of an organization with such a storied and significant environmental legacy. I am eager to speak with more of you about your specific concerns regarding Central Ohio s water and transportation systems and look forward to working with all of you on these vital issues. I welcome opportunities to meet and interact with our Central Ohio members. Anyone who has questions or concerns can feel free to contact me and I will be attending the next Central Ohio ExCom meeting. I do have a request for Central Ohio Group members. I am planning on creating a video highlighting alternative transportation in Ohio and the need to diversify Ohio s transportation system. I would like video interviews from Central Ohio residents discussing their experiences using alternative transportation, why alternative transportation is desirable to them, and how Ohio s transportation system could be improved. It would be great if you all would keep this project in mind and consider participating. For those eager to meet me, we certainly have a lot of events coming up that we would love to see Central Ohio members attend. In particular we are organizing three opportunities this spring to commune with like-minded friends to help clean some of our favorite area waterways. Refer to the article on p5 for the list of river clean-up opportunities. Again, I look forward to meeting and working with all in the Central Ohio group. Enjoy the spring weather! Contact Ben Wickizer at ext. 316, ben.wickizer (at)sierraclub.org about your personal experiences with alternative transportation or about getting involved in issues regarding transportation or water.

5 River and Wetland Spring Clean-up Events Help restore our watershed area at these Sierra Club-sponsored events this spring. Make friends and bring friends. Thanks! Olentangy River Clean-up Saturday, May 21, 10 am to 1 pm Olentangy Wetlands Research Park, 352 W. Dodridge St., Columbus. Share fun and free refreshments with other Sierrans, as well as the general public. We would like to have a lot of members there to recruit and tell non-members what the Sierra Club is all about. Come in light rain or shine. Please wear closed-toe shoes and sturdy pants. RSVP on the Sierra Club s website or Facebook page. Direct any questions to Jeff Cox at excel_enviro(at)yahoo.com. Alum Creek River Clean-up Sunday, May 22, 1 to 5 pm Jewish Community Center, 1175 College Ave., Columbus The Sierra Club is partnering with the Friends of Alum Creek and Tributaries (FACT) to host a river clean-up. We will remove invasive honeysuckle and pick up trash. Wear work clothes and closed-toe shoes. Gloves, trash bags, beverages, and some snacks will be provided. If you have one and are properly trained, bring a chainsaw or long-handled loppers. Meet at the pavilion shelter (near the furthest baseball field) Central Ohio Group Annual Picnic! Father s Day, Sun., June 19, 5-7 p.m. Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park, Shagbark Shelter 1775 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway, OH Join us in June where the bison now roam for the Central Ohio Sierra Club Annual Picnic. We ll gather on Father s Day at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park in southwest Franklin County. The largest Metro Park in Ohio, with more than 7,000 acres of prairies, fields and forests, and more than 20 miles of riparian forest along the Big and Little Darby Creeks, the park is also now home to six female bison that have made the park their free-range home since February. The picnic at the reserved Shagbark Shelter begins at 5 pm. This will allow plenty of time for folks to see the bison, enjoy the park and celebrate Father s Day too. However, with over 16 miles of trails and a natural play area where kids and adults can go-off trail and interact with nature, consider exploring the park for the better part of the day before we meet at the shelter. Play along the river. The new trail on land acquired from the Darby Dan Farm is excellent for families with younger bikers. Explore the other diverse sections of this park on foot, too, because the trails throughout Battelle Darby Creek are superb for hiking and running. It s the perfect spot for a family outing. Please bring a potluck style dish to share. Meet your fellow Sierra Club members, enjoy a fantastic meal and hear updates from group leaders and staff. Hear about the progress we've made recently and what we hope to accomplish next. We will provide lots of ways for people to get involved and want to connect with you, our members. More information on Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park is available at From I-270 take the West Broad Street (U.S. 40) exit west. Go about five miles on Broad Street to Darby Creek Dr. Turn left onto Darby Creek Dr. and proceed three miles. The main park entrance (Cedar Ridge picnic area) will be on the right after a bend in the road. Shagbark Shelter is the picnic area furthest from the entrance. Page 5 behind the Jewish Community Center. Contact Ben Wickizer of the Ohio Sierra Club at ben.wickizer (at)sierraclub.org or ext BYOB Alum Creek River Clean-up Saturday, June 18, 9 am. St. Mary of the Springs/Dominican Sisters of Peace, 2320 Airport Dr., Columbus The Sierra Club is partnering with Friends of Alum Creek and Tributaries (FACT) to hold a recreational canoe float/sweep for trash and debris on the Alum Creek River. It will begin at 9 am and continue for a leisurely 2.5 river-miles. Be prepared to get wet and dirty; wear sturdy water shoes (no flip-flops) or work boots and wear appropriate clothing. BYOB means bring-your-own-boat (i.e., canoe or kayak). A limited number of canoes will be available for free usage, with advanced reservations, by contacting FACT at or canoe(at)friendsofalumcreek.org. FACT members receive priority seating on loaner canoes. Meet at the St. Mary of the Springs/Dominican Sisters of Peace lower parking lot. We will disembark at Nelson Park, 430 N. Nelson Rd. Contact Ben Wickizer of the Ohio Sierra Club at ben.wickizer (at)sierraclub.org or ext. 316.

6 Page 6 Outings: May/June Outings are open to all; you do not have to be a member of the Sierra Club to participate. In fact, if you are interested in joining the Sierra club, we encourage you to go on an outing and get to know some Sierrans. We think you re likely to come back! To aid you in selecting outings that fit your experience and fitness levels, please see our Outings Rating System. - The general policy of Sierra Club is that dogs not be taken on hikes unless the write-up mentions that they may be included. - In order to participate in one of the Sierra Club s outings, you will need to sign a liability waiver. - Outings are free of charge unless otherwise noted. - We support energy conservation and carpooling wherever possible and appropriate. Participants may voluntarily contribute gas money to the driver. Outings Rating System Each outing is rated twice. Both scales are one to five; the E scale indicates the required experience level and the S scale shows the physical activity level anticipated. E Scale 1 Novice - no experience required. 2 A little experience is required. 3 Moderate experience required. 4 Considerable experience required. 5 For the very experienced only. S Scale 1 Not strenuous. 2 Could be strenuous. 3 Somewhat strenuous. 4 Strenuous. 5 Very strenuous. If you are interested in an outing but are unsure if you can manage it or if you wish to meet the group at the trailhead instead of the assembly point, call the leader and discuss the trip in greater detail. Be advised that many day hikes are 10 miles or longer and require proper equipment. Here s a list of what you should bring: 1. Sturdy hiking boots or shoes. Make sure your footwear is broken in before you attempt a 10-mile hike. 2. Clothing appropriate to the season. Layering works best in cold weather to prevent overheating. Raingear is essential for comfort as hikes may proceed rain or shine. 3. A small first aid kit with band-aids or moleskin for blisters. 4. At least one liter of water (two liters in warm weather). Note that water is usually not available on the trail. 5. Snacks or lunch if mentioned in the hike description. Hike leaders reserve the right to deny participation to anyone deemed to be inadequately prepared. Sunday, May 1, 1 pm: Highbanks Metro Park Day Hike, Ratings: E/S 2/2 Highbanks is named for its massive shale bluffs that tower over the Olentangy State Scenic River. The park is rich in Native American history as it contains two Adena Indian burial mounds and a prehistoric earthwork. We will hike 5 to 6 miles that include some small but steep hills. Sturdy footwear is needed for possible wet or muddy conditions. Meet at the Nature Center at 1 pm. Leader: Dave Dorsky, , valordave(at)hotmail.com. Wednesday, May 4, 6:30 pm: Franklin Park Evening Walk, Ratings: E/S 1/1 Enjoy the variety of plantings to be found in this park that was the original fairground. Meet at the East entry by the picnic tables at 6:30 for an hour-long walk at an easy pace. The Conservatory (1777 E. Broad St.) is open to explore at your leisure. Lightning will cancel the walk in park. Leader: Chris Tisdale, Friday, May 6, 7:00 pm: Friday Night Hike I, Glacier Ridge Metro Park, Ratings: E/S 1/1 The flat to gently-rolling trails through woodlands, prairies, and fields make this one of our easiest parks to walk. We'll be hiking on both the unpaved nature trails and the paved multi-use trail. Shortcuts are available for those who would prefer a shorter walk. Meet at 7 pm near the restrooms and flagpole at the far end of the main entrance road. Directions: From the NW corner of I-270 take U.S. 33 west to the SR 161/Post Road exit. Turn right on Post Road, then take the next left onto Hyland Croy Road and drive PAST the Honda Wetlands entrance for about 3 miles total until you see the main park entrance on your left. Leader: Dave Dorsky, , valordave(at)hotmail.com. Friday, May 6, 7:00 pm: Friday Night Hike II, Grandview Heights, Ratings: E/S 1/1 We will hike on one of our favorite neighborhood walks through Grandview. Meet promptly at 7 pm in the parking lot of the Grandview library on First Ave, two blocks west of Grandview Ave. After the hike, we will have dinner in one of the Grandview restaurants. Hike leaders: Barbara Daniel and George Huntley. Call for further information. Sunday, May 8, 11:00 am: Chestnut Ridge Metro Park Backpack Hike, Ratings: E/S 2/3 If you ve thought about doing some of our great Sunday hikes, this is a good entrée hike to prepare yourself and to check your abilities. This small park is popular with trail runners and high school running teams for its challenging trails on gravel or mulched surfaces. Take full advantage of this conditioning hike by packing as you would for a full day adventure (10 to 15 lbs.) and hike as far as you care, or just come to enjoy the wonderful views as we hike about 5 miles at a slow to moderate pace. Hiking boots are recommended and dress appropriate for the weather. Bring water and a snack. Directions: from I-270 or 70 take U.S.33E toward Lancaster. Go about 11 miles and turn right on Winchester Road (Carroll, OH) at the traffic light. The entrance is about 3 miles on the left. Leader: Chris Tisdale, Friday, May 13, 7:00 pm: Friday Night Hike, Blendon Woods Metro Park, Ratings: E/S 2/3 Meet at 7 pm in the parking lot near the nature center. We will walk for about 3 miles in the woods with and rolling hills. There is an optional dinner after the hike. Directions: I-270 to route 161 East, (Continued on page 7)

7 Friday Night Hikes Friday Night Hikes are a great way to unwind from a hectic week, a respite from the hurry, and a transition to a more relaxed weekend. There are usually 3 to 4 miles of brisk walking with an optional stop afterward for refreshments and conversation. When days are long, most of our Friday Night Hikes are in area Metro Parks. When days are short, we hike in lovely area neighborhoods. But wherever they are, Friday night Hikes are always wonderful. So, have some fun, make some friends, and meet some new people--come on a Friday Night Hike! Please note, however, that heavy weather generally cancels a Friday Night Hike. If it looks questionable, check with the leader for that particular hike. (Outings, Continued from page 6) following the (brown) signs to the park, and bear left to reach the nature center parking lot. Leader: Line Martineau, linenmartineau(at)gmail.com, Saturday, May 14, 9:30 am: Early Bloomers Nature Walk. Rating 1/1 This walk is intended as a groupinstructional and discovery event of some 2 miles. We will stop continuously as we move about and give ourselves the time to explore, identify and appreciate the flora growing in this rich habitat. This scenic area of the Little Miami River / Clifton Gorge was the first in OH designated as a State as well as a National Scenic River. Bring water, snacks, field manual, appropriate attire and boots. Meet at 9:30 am behind Bob Evans Restaurant at Westland Shopping Center (just east of I-270 and West Broad St.). Contact leader Jose Cabral for further information, Sunday, May 15, 9:00 am: Hocking Hills Day Hike, Ratings: E/S 3/4 This is a dog-friendly hike. The scenery in and around Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, Rose Lake, and Ash Cave is unequaled for its beauty and serenity. You will see and learn about the gritty, reddish stone, called Blackhand Sandstone, and how it was left behind more than 200 million years ago when Ohio s ancient ocean drained from the land. We will be hiking 12 miles at a brisk pace and tackling some challenging hills, so please be aware of your hiking abilities and limitations. Bring lunch, water and hiking boots and meet at 9 am behind McDonald s at Route 33 and Gender Rd. Leader: Jim Halverson, , jimhalvey(at) aol.com. Friday, May 20, 7:00 pm: Friday Night Hike, Highbanks Metro Park, Ratings: E/S 2/2 Meet at 7 pm outside the Nature Center. Be prepared for some hills as we hike up and down the scenic ravines. Highbanks is located just west of US 23 about 3.5 miles north of I-270. The Nature Center is the first driveway on the right after you enter the park.. Leader: Dave Dorsky, , valordave(at)hotmail.com. Sunday, May 22, 9:00 am: Airplanes, Balances and Waterfalls Day Hike, Ratings: E/S 4/3 What do all of these have in common? Come and join us on this mystery hike in the Hocking Hill region. We will trek about 9 miles in a different area featuring picturesque areas of hemlocks, sandstone, limestone, and shale carved by erosion of the Appalachian Plateau. Bring water, lunch, suitable attire for muddy trails and meet at 9 AM behind McDonald s at Winchester Square Shopping Center, near US 33 and Gender Road. Leader: Jose Cabral, Friday, May 27, 7:00 pm: Friday Night Hike, Old Beechwold, Ratings: E/S 2/2 Meet at 7 pm at the Kroger parking lot in Graceland Shopping Center. Please gather to the west of the Kroger store so that we don t get in the way of shoppers. We will hike about 3 miles in the Old Beechwold area. The hike will end with an optional dinner at a local restaurant. Please wear sturdy footwear as we may encounter some wet and muddy areas. For further information, contact leader Linda Halverson at , lmat1010 (at)aol.com. Page 7 Sunday, May 29, 10:00 am: Granville Day Hike, Ratings: E/S 3/4 This is a dog-friendly hike. The town of Granville offers all the beauty and charm of a New England community. We have a great place for a Sunday hike, with the Denison University campus at the edge of the town. We will be walking about 6 miles throughout the town and campus and an additional 4 miles in the Denison University Biological Reserve. The pace will be brisk and the hills challenging, so be prepared for a vigorous day. Bring water, snack, and hiking boots (recommended for the trails in the Reserve). Meet at 10 am behind Tim Hortons on Cleveland Ave., just north of SR 161. Leader: Linda Halverson, , lmat1010(at)aol.com. Wednesday, June 1, 6:30 pm: Franklin Park Evening Walk, Ratings: E/S 1/1 Enjoy the variety of plantings to be found in this park that was the original fairground. Meet at the East entry by the picnic tables at 6:30 for an hour long walk at an easy pace. The Conservatory (1777 E.Broad St.) is open to explore at your leisure. Lightning will cancel the walk in park. Leader: Chris Tisdale Friday, June 3, 7:00 pm: Friday Night Hike, Sharon Woods Metro Park, Ratings: E/S 2/2 Meet in the Apple Ridge parking lot at 7 pm. We'll hike through woods, meadows, and around Schrock Lake. Although much of the terrain is flat, be prepared to navigate a few small and possibly muddy hills. Sharon Woods is located north of I-270 at 6911 Cleveland Avenue in Westerville. The Apple Ridge area is the first right from the main park road. Leaders: John and Marilyn Fiske. Contact John (jrob48(at) aol.com) or Marilyn (mjean49(at) aol.com) at for further information. Sunday, June 5, 9:00 am: Clear Creek Metro Park Day Hike: E/S 3/4 We ll start at the Creekside Meadows picnic area and hike the Hemlock and Chestnut trails to the west end of the park. We ll return via the Chestnut trail and then walk the Cemetery Ridge trail. The total distance is approximately 10 (Continued on page 8)

8 Page 8 Outings Continued from page 7 miles. The terrain at Clear Creek is hilly and the trails are often uneven, so good hiking shoes or boots are a must. Bring plenty of water and a lunch and meet at 9 am behind the McDonald s at Winchester Square, at the intersection of U.S. Rte 33 and Gender Rd. Leader: John Fiske. Contact John at , jrob48(at)aol.com for further information. Friday, June 10, 7:00 pm, Friday Night Hike, Clintonville, Rating: E/S 2/2 Meet at the Whetstone Library parking lot in Clintonville, just West of High Street by the entrance to the Park of Roses. We will walk through Clintonville and then enjoy an optional dinner in a nearby restaurant afterward. Contact hike leader Tom Ruf at for further information. Sunday, June 12, 9:00 am: Burr Oak State Park Day Hike, Ratings: E/S 4/5 This hike of 9-11 miles will take us through some trails at Burr Oak, a valley area typical of the southeast wilderness of Ohio. Carved by erosion of the Appalachian Mountain foothills, it is replete with ridges, rock formations, lakes, and a variety of flora and wildlife. Historically, the area s development stemmed from nearby water transportation hubs, mining industries, and settlements by Civil War veterans who accepted land in payment for services. Bring water, lunch, boots, suitable attire and meet at 9:00 am behind McDonald's at Winchester Square Shopping Center, near US 33 and Gender Rd. Leader: Jose Cabral, Friday, June 17, 7:00 pm: Friday Night Hike, Highbanks Metro Park, Ratings: E/S 2/2 Meet at 7 pm outside the Nature Center. Be prepared for some hills as we hike up and down the scenic ravines. There may be warm weather, so please bring some water for the hike. Highbanks is located just west of US 23 about 3.5 miles north of I-270. The Nature Center is the first driveway on the right after you enter the park. Contact Jim and Ellen McDonald, , jmcdonald121(at)aol.com or ejonvacation(at)yahoo.com for more information. Friday, June 24, 7:00 pm: Friday Night Hike, German Village, Ratings: 1/1 Join us for a walk through historic German Village. We will walk around the German Village neighborhoods and visit Fetch Park. Meet at Schiller Park (Deshler and Jaeger) at 7 pm. We will be walking about 3 miles and will stop for an optional dinner at a local area restaurant. Wear sturdy footwear appropriate for uneven walking surfaces. Contact leader George Huntley at for further information. Sunday, June 26, 9:00 am: John Bryan State Park, Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Yellow Springs Day Hike, Ratings: E/S 3/4 This is a dogfriendly hike. We will hike through John Bryan State Park to Glen Helen Nature Preserve to visit the Raptor Center. The hike continues to the Yellow Springs and we will hike on an old stagecoach road that offers some great scenery. This is a brisk-paced hike of 11 miles, so please be aware of your hiking abilities and limitations. Bring lunch, water, and hiking boots and meet behind Bob Evans Restaurant at Westland Shopping Center (just east of I-270 and West Broad St.) We will leave there promptly at 9 am. Leader: Jim Halverson, jimhalvey(at)aol.com, Friday, July 15, 7:00 pm: Friday Night Hike, Scioto Audubon Metro Park, Ratings: E/S 1/1 Join us for a walk starting from the Grange Insurance Audubon Center at the Scioto Audubon Metro Park. We will look for birds on the Whittier Peninsula, followed by a hike through the park and the Brewery District. Meet at the Audubon Center parking lot at 7 pm. Wear sturdy shoes for uneven walkways. The Audubon Center is located at 505 West Whittier Street in downtown Columbus. We will be walking about 3.5 miles, followed by an optional dinner after the hike. Leaders: Avalon and David Espinoza, avespinoza(at)hotmail.com. MORPC Seeks Public Input All are welcome to attend these public meetings hosted by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). Call Brandi Whetstone at or bwhetstone(at)morpc.org for more information or to RSVP. Balanced Growth Planning Meetings in Planning Efforts in Central Ohio Go to UpperSciotoRiver.aspx for more information about Balanced Growth Planning. Public meetings by planning area: Upper Scioto Watershed Thu., May 5 from 6:00 7:30 p.m. MORPC, 111 Liberty St., #100 Columbus, OH Big Walnut Watershed Thu., May 26 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Sunbury Town Hall 51 E. Cherry St., Sunbury, OH Our Scioto River Basin: Sewer Planning and Known Water Pollution Sources MORPC is gathering and presenting information about sewer service areas and water quality in the Scioto River Basin, which may be utilized by the Ohio EPA to update the state's Water Quality Management Plan (208 Plan). Public meetings by county: Delaware County Public Meeting Wed., May 11 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. The Willis Building 2079 US 23 N, Delaware, OH Fairfield County Public Meeting Thu., May 12, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Pickerington City Hall 100 Lockville Rd., Pickerington, OH Union County Public Meeting Wed., June 1 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Union County Service Center 940 London Ave. Marysville, OH Franklin County Public Meeting Thu., June 9 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. MORPC, 111 Liberty St., #100 Columbus, OH 43215

9 Green Ideas and Tips for Your Home Garden By Pat Marida Rid Your Yard and Garden of Invasive Plants! These nasties crowd out native plants and don t feed our native wildlife. For a list of the top problem invasives in Ohio, with pictures, and to learn more about invasive plants and how to identify and remove them, visit the website of the Ohio Invasive Plants Council, Butterfly Gardens Check out this great Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet on how to create butterfly habitat. Only a small amount of space is needed to provide butterfly habitat. You can create butterfly-friendly habitat by providing food (nectar plants), cover, water, and larval plants. Before you start, plan ahead. Map your yard and determine what environmental conditions you have (i.e., soil type and amount of sun). Locate gardens near areas that are sheltered from wind. Select areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Plant flowers in large diverse groups. Choose plants that vary in color, season of bloom, and height to provide different foraging opportunities and maximum year-round habitat for butterflies. Choose flowers with different structures. Butterflies have different length proboscises (tongues) that determine which flowers they can feed from. Provide cover and shelter such as broad-leaved trees, shrubs, and log piles. Provide several landing pads or sunbathing perches in open and sunny areas throughout the garden. Butterflies rely to a large degree on thermal heating and sunbathe in these open spots. Provide a water source or puddle for butterflies. Bury a bucket or shallow lid in the ground and fill it with equal ratios of sand and soil, then periodically saturate the sand/ soil mixture with water. Provide access to the water puddle by placing a few large rocks around the bucket or lid. Create a Rain Garden! Rain gardens consist of rainloving plants grown in low-lying areas that fill with rainwater but drain within 48 hours. They can be natural areas or created ones. Most urban rain gardens are created by disconnecting a downspout from the storm sewer and directing the water into a low area. Rain gardens prevent excess waste water from roofs from entering our streams, recharge the water table, and filter out pollutants. For tips on constructing and planting rain gardens, visit the Central Ohio Rain Garden Initiative s website, They have people who are willing to give you advice and often will come to your home. Plant Junipers to Feed the Birds Eastern red cedar Despite its common name, this tree Page 9 is a juniper. The most widespread conifer in eastern and midwestern North America, it is native to 37 states. Dozens of species of birds feast on the berries, including cedar waxwings, which get their name from their fondness for this tree. Many selections and varieties of this species are available, including a popular female cultivar called "Canaertii." Common juniper Found across the northern United States and southern Canada, this shrub is also native to Europe and Asia. For backyard wildlife gardeners, this small juniper can be an excellent plant, attracting catbirds, thrashers and woodpeckers, among others. Organic Lawn Care Say goodbye to pesticides and chemical fertilizers! They cause harm to the environment throughout their life cycles. Chemical fertilizers cause problems from exploitive mining operations for phosphorus and potash in the US and across the ocean to the use of natural gas to make ammonia for the nitrogen content. Phosphate deposits can contain significant amounts of naturally occurring heavy metals. Mining operations processing phosphate rock can leave tailings piles containing elevated levels of cadmium, lead, nickel copper, chromium, and uranium. Unless carefully managed, these waste products can leach heavy metals into groundwater or nearby estuaries. Uptake of these substances by plants and marine life can lead to concentration of toxic heavy metals in food products. Nitrogen and phosphorus also leach into our rivers and lakes, causing toxic algal blooms. Chemical fertilizers don t have all the nutrients of natural fertilizers, which consist of aged animal manure. Care still must be taken when applying any manure product to lessen the possibility of nutrient runoff. Pesticides are deadly to butterflies and birds. Each phase of their manufacture from petroleum is a toxic process. We all know the nasty smell of these products in the garden stores. An Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet contains a wealth of information on switching to and maintaining organic lawn care and can be found at Natural fertilizers can be obtained locally from Watershed Organic Lawn Care (614) or Earth Matters (614) A superb soil can be made by composting your yard waste. Find a source of animal manure, such as the Otterbein Equine Center at 600 N. Spring Road in Westerville. Best of all, replace some of your lawn with native Ohio plants! They don t need the fertilizer that cultivars do. Local spots to purchase native plants (for informational purposes only, not an endorsement): Wild Birds Unlimited, 5400 Riverside Dr. in Columbus. Scioto Gardens, 3351 State Route 37, west of Delaware, OH

10 Page 10 Mosquito Fogging in Columbus: Ask to Have Your Home Exempted By Pat Marida The Columbus Health Department continues to spray malathion as the primary insecticide for adult mosquito control. Fogging can start in June and continue through the middle of September. The Columbus Health Department has contracted with several suburbs to spray malathion there as well. Fogging occurs between 4 am and sunrise on weekdays. Malathion, an organophosphate, is a nerve poison. It has been shown in animal testing and clinical experience to affect the immune system, adrenal glands, liver and blood, in addition to the central nervous system. It is known to be mutagenic (causing genetic damage) in humans and animals. It has been implicated in birth defects in domestic and laboratory animals. It has also been linked to the deaths of honeybees, fish, and birds. In humans, it has been demonstrated to cause allergic reactions, problems with vision, and suppression of the immune system, as well as neurological symptoms like dizziness, muscle twitching, and excessive salivation and urination. Wildlife is particularly vulnerable to spraying. (Visit for more details.) Of course, municipalities claim that they spray such toxic substances in low enough doses that they are safe to humans and large animals. But the fact is, we don t really know what constitutes a safe dose. At greatest risk are children, whose smaller, still-developing bodies are especially susceptible to toxins and mutagens. After spraying, malathion stays in the environment for at least 24 hours and up to 6 days. It lasts longer when humidity is high (like central Ohio in the summer) or when in water. When the city sprays, it is wise to cover children s wading pools, or any outdoor water sources pets or children have contact with, and to close windows and keep pets indoors. The health department says that the dates and locations of adult mosquito spraying are regularly updated and posted online at Municipalities also claim mosquito fogging is justified to control diseases spread by mosquitoes. The reality is that the incidences of West Nile and other arboviruses transmitted from mosquitoes to humans is small. Most persons infected with St. Louis encephalitis have no apparent illness, according to the Center for Disease Control. Incidence of serious illness or death from mosquito-borne diseases is extremely rare. It would appear that the likely reason for fogging is the nuisance factor with associated public complaints. It is ironic that malathion is likely to cause more harm than mosquito-borne disease, yet many cities like Columbus continue to use spraying as a regular technique even when there are alternatives. Columbus, to its credit, has used some of these alternatives. A program which uses a variety of techniques for mosquito control, along with public education, is known as Integrated Pest Management, or IPM. If IPM techniques are carefully put into place, there should be no large numbers of adult mosquitoes. (If there are numerous adult mosquitoes, a mosquito control program can be considered a failure, with or without the incidence of disease.) Importantly, fogging for adult mosquitoes has not been proven to significantly reduce numbers of adult mosquitoes nor reduce the incidence of disease in humans. Got Mosquitoes? Are mosquitoes biting near your home? They don t fly far, so chances are they are breeding in your yard! The solution is to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds basically water that stands over 72 hours.. That s the average time fit takes for eggs to hatch and larvae to mature. Make sure your gutters are aligned so that water completely drains. Change water in pet bowls and bird baths every 72 hours. Remove outside trash. Risk of mosquito bites can be reduced by avoiding use of perfumes and scented hygiene products; by wearing light-colored clothing with long sleeves, long pants and a hat; and by staying indoors during peak mosquito biting times such as dawn and dusk. Contact the Columbus Health Department. Reduce your exposure to malathion, and raise the city s awareness of public concern. Send a signed letter with your name, address and phone number clearly printed, requesting exemption from mosquito fogging. Mail to: Columbus Public Health, , 240 Parsons Ave., Columbus, OH Support the Sierra Club in Style at the Aveda Institute Columbus Earth Jam Benefit :00 p.m., Tues. May 17 Lifestyle Communities Pavilion With your help, over $30,000 was raised last year to support the Sierra Club Ohio Clean Water Campaign.

11 The following activities are not sponsored nor administered by the Sierra Club. The Sierra Club has no information about the planning of these activities and makes no representations or warranties about the quality, safety, supervision or management of such activities. They are published because they may be of interest to our readers. These events are all open to the public. They are free unless otherwise noted. Sat., May 2 Ohio Native Prairie Plant Sale from 10 am - 1 pm at the OSU Marion Prairie Nature Center, 1465 Mt. Vernon Ave. east of Marion. This is on Route 95 just west of US 23. If you have not been to the center, this is an excellent time to visit. Your purchase will help fund the Center, and there will be people there to answer questions and give advice. Non-Sierra Club Community Events Page 11 looking for spring ephemerals on the Dripping Rock Trail. We may go off-trail so wear appropriate footwear. After our walk, you may want to hike out to the overlook to see the bald eagle nest. From I-270 in Worthington, take U.S. 23 north about 3 miles. The entrance is on the left, just before Powell Road. The nature center will be on your right soon after entering the park. Thurs.-Sat., May 5-7 OSU Chadwick Arboretum Plant Sale This is a huge and fun sale. The arboretum has an amazing assortment of plants trees, heirloom vegetables, perennials, annuals, tropicals, herbs, unusual and dwarf conifers, native plants, hanging baskets, rain garden plants, bog plants, roses in time for Mother s Day! Besides what is grown at OSU there are displays by local plant retailers, master gardeners and plant societies, food, garden sculptures and art, rain barrels and accessories, and plant experts to give you advice. Bring your tools for sharpening. Thursday is Members Night for Friends of the Arboretum from 6-9 p.m. Pre-sale reception, plant auction, get first pick of plants. Become a member at the door! Friday hours 7am-7pm, Sat. 8am-3pm. Tree and shrub auction Friday & Saturday at 11am! Located just east of 315 on the OSU campus at Lane Avenue and Fred Taylor Drive Friday., May 6 MORPC s 7th Annual Clean Air Fair, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Battelle Plaza in the Arena District at the corner of Front St. and Nationwide Blvd. Each year Mid- Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) plans the Clean Air Fair with the goal of familiarizing downtown employees with information on respiratory health, green technologies and fuels, healthy lifestyles, and transportation choices. The goal is raising awareness of voluntary actions they can take to reduce pollution. Stop by the event and enjoy free ice cream and music from CD101, enter a raffle to win great prizes provided by local businesses and restaurants, including a new bike from Cyclist Connection. If your office is not within walking distance, we encourage you to celebrate the theme of the Clean Air Fair by taking the bus, riding your bike or sharing a ride to the event. Sat., May 7 Worthington Plant Fest Celebrate Worthington s return of the gardening season by stocking up on flowers, vegetables, herbs and decorative plants to enhance local landscapes. Heritage plants saved through seeds or starts from earlier gardens will be highlighted among the annuals, perennials and decorative plants available for purchase. Location: Historic Downtown Olde Worthington Business District, Intersection of Routes 161 and 23. Sat., May 14 Wild Ones Wildflower Walk, 10AM at Highbanks Metro Park. Meet at the Nature Center. We will have a naturalist-led wildflower walk, Sat., May 21 Plant Sale & Garden Fair at Dawes Arboretum on Ohio Rt. 13, five miles south of Newark and 3 miles north of I-70, Exit 132. From 9 am-4 pm. Purchase from many gems grown in our nursery several are rare and hard to find. A variety of annuals, perennials, herbs and garden vegetables will be available. Professionals will offer wares and services in all areas of gardening and landscaping, and there will be a food court! Sat., Jun 11 Wild Ones Field Trip Meet at 10AM at Scioto Gardens Nursery, 3351 S.R. 37, 3 miles west of Grady Hospital in Delaware. Scioto Gardens offers a wide variety of container grown perennials, shrubs, and trees. Ohio and US native plants are emphasized but a number of non-invasive exotics are also grown. The tour will focus on native plants for shade. They have 14 species of ferns native to Ohio and an assortment of perennials, grasses, and shrubs that do well in shade. The nursery sits beneath big trees surrounded by meadows. Birds and butterflies are abundant thanks to the many native plants. You may purchase plants for 20% off during this visit! Audubon Afternoons from 1-3 pm every other Sat. & Sun. April 30-May 1, May and May Bring family and friends to the Grange Insurance Audubon Center, 505 W. Whittier St., for a fun-filled afternoon of nature exploration. Hike with an educator throughout the Scioto-Audubon Metro Park, participate in activities inside and outside the Center and just have fun! No registration required. For more information, call (614) Visit us at COMFEST! Fri-Sun., June Don t miss this free party with a purpose outdoor festival at Goodale Park, just west of High St. in Columbus Short North. Enjoy live music and entertainment on 6 stages throughout the 3-day event! Attend workshops at the solar stage! Festival hours are 1-11 pm Friday, and 10 am-11 pm Saturday and Sunday. Many community organizations will have booths there, including the Ohio Sierra Club. Please stop by to see our table.

12 Sierra Club Central Ohio Group 131 North High Street, Suite 605 Columbus, OH NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT # 787 COLUMBUS, OHIO Printed on 100% recycled paper. Sierra Club Central Ohio Group Directory For addresses, see the Directory on the Central Ohio Group website at Chair David Donofrio* Vice-Chair and Treasurer Kathy O'Keeffe* Secretary Thomas Lee* Political Committee Chair (Interim) Thomas Lee* Conservation Committee Chair Alicia Wooten-Cherry* Membership Chair Dave Roseman* Outings Chair Jose Cabral Programs Coordinator David Ditmars* Publicity Chair Yang Xing* Representative to the Ohio Chapter Mark Converse* Alternate Rep. to Ohio Chapter Dave Roseman* Rep. to Chapter Forest Committee Bob Kyle At-Large ExCom Members Bob Braithwaite* Page 12 Melanie Braithwaite* Salle Cleveland* Yang Ying* Newsletter Layout Editor Madeline Shaw Webmasters Bob Snider Matthew Baker *Denotes member of the Executive Committee for Sierra Club Columbus Office Main Number Teresa McHugh National Field Staff... Ext. 302 MacKenzie Bailey National Field Staff... Ext. 305 Nachy Kanfer National Coal Campaign... Ext. 308 Jen Miller (Energy & Transportation) Ohio Chapter Staff... Ext. 304 Matt Trokan (Clean Water, Nat. Res.) Ohio Chapter Staff... Ext. 311 Ben Wickizer (Alt. Trans., Clean Water) Ohio Chapter Staff... Ext. 316 The Central Ohio Sierran...is published once every two months by the Central Ohio Group of the Sierra Club. Printing: approximately 4,200. To submit articles, please contact the newsletter copy editors. Newsletter Copy Editors Susan Belair, belairjm(at)columbus.rr.com Maryann Kafer, marishka98(at)aol.com All contributions to the newsletter will be considered, especially those of interest to central Ohio residents. Articles published in the newsletter also appear on the Central Ohio Group website. Visit our website at Send address changes to: Sierra Club Member Services P.O. Box Palm Coast, FL or address.changes(at)sierraclub.org