The Central Ohio. Sierran. September Energy Rally at the OSU Student Union

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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: Chair s Corner Calendar Sale Christmas Bird Count... 2 Dispatches from the Stream... 3 Bike to the Future... 3 Happy and Green Holidays... 4 CSA: Carnivore Edition... 5 Outings... 6 Sierra Club Meetings Friends of the Ravines Art Contest... 8 COG Candidates and Ballot... 9 Community Events Olentangy River Wetlands Honeysuckle Removal (below) Sierra Club volunteers, joined by over 70 OSU freshmen, work on honeysuckle removal at the Olentangy River Wetlands in September. November-December 2011 Volume 40, Number 6 Sierra Club Program, 7-9 pm, Wed., Nov. 9 Mount Hood to Crater Lake Slide Show and Talk by Tom Logsden Northwood-High Building, 2231 North High St. Room 100 Tom is a long distance hiker who has carried a pack over 5000 miles of back country trails in the last ten years, including the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine and the Long Trail over the Green Mountains of Vermont to Canada. For the last three years he has been section hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), which extends from the Mexican border with California to the Canadian border. Tom will talk about his adventure packing the section of the PCT from Mount Hood in Oregon to Crater Lake. His experience, along with many great photos, makes his presentations fun and educational. Sierra Club Program, 7-9 pm, Wed., Dec. 7 COG Holiday Party Come One, Come All! Northwood-High Building, 2231 North High St. Room 100 Join the COG Executive Committee and fellow Central Ohio Sierrans for a Holiday Celebration. Bring a holiday treat to share and your holiday cheer. We will review our activities in 2011, celebrate our successes and energize for the year ahead. Ballots will also be counted for the 2011 ExCom election, and results will be announced. September Energy Rally at the OSU Student Union On Sep. 21, while Ohio Governor John Kasich hosted a Summit on Energy and the Economy at the OSU Student Union, the Sierra Club partnered with No-Frack Ohio and the Buckeye Forest Council to host the Rally for Ohio s Energy Future outside the Student Union. The groups organized the event to promote renewables, energy efficiency and green jobs for Ohio and to educate the public about the dangers of fracking (hydraulic fracturing), a controversial mining procedure being touted by gas and oil industry panelists at the Summit. (See picture on right.) Tuesday, Nov. 8 is ELECTION DAY. Please remember to vote!

2 Page 2 Chair s Corner Dear Central Ohio Sierrans, It is truly hard to believe that I am already writing the final Chair s Corner of Has a year nearly passed since I became Chair? This year has been incredibly rewarding. We have held fantastic events, reignited our Conservation Committee, built new partnerships, taken bold steps to protect our water in Central Ohio, and conducted a survey which has reconnected us with many dozens of members who now are going to be more active in Sierra Club! It is truly our 2011 theme of Engaging Our Membership which has made the experience so wonderful. If only I could relay the many phone calls, s and other forms of communication I have received from among the 4000 knowledgeable, experienced, and passionate Central Ohio members. I could fill ten newsletters sharing their stories! One of my greatest experiences of 2011 was rediscovering the value of the Sierra Club, and that value comes from its people. The one thought I d like to share as we reflect upon the year and prepare for the next is: what defines success? In the Sierra Club, our passion for the environment leads us to wish that we could move mountains. It is easy to become discouraged when even an earthquake shifts the mountain but a few inches. But let us never forget that those few inches are monumental. Think of the square footage altered when a mountain moves by even that small amount! So what s the point? I hope we realize that what we regard as small victories may be larger than they appear. Changing a millennia-old world may not happen with just one speech, one new member or one cleanup but it certainly cannot happen without these. As a Club and as individuals, may we take the time once in a while to stop and look back at how far we ve come. I promise you, it is much farther than you think. Regards, David Donofrio Chair, Sierra Club Central Ohio Group Please remember to vote in our 2011 Executive Committee elections your ballot is included! Columbus Audubon's 2011 Christmas Bird Count The 112th Christmas Bird Count (CBC) will run from Wednesday, December 14, 2011, through Wednesday, January 4, Counts are held throughout central Ohio, centering on five places: Delaware Reservoir, Hoover Reservoir, O'Shaughnessy Reservoir, Fifth Ave. and Steltzer Rd. in SE Columbus, and Kingston in Ross County. Take part in one of the longestrunning volunteer bio-monitoring projects in the world. Go to production/ and select Citizen Science, then Christmas bird count Sierra Club Calendars at a 15% Discount Printed on recycled paper and still the best, these calendars are welcome in any household or office. As always, Sierra Club calendars make great gifts. Your gift is also a gift to the Sierra Club: by buying Sierra Club Calendars from the Central Ohio Group, you are helping COG support its conservation and outreach goals. Detach this form and mail with payment enclosed to: Orders must be accompanied by check or money order payable to the Central Ohio Sierra Club Yang Xing 6410 Busch Blvd. Apt 487 Columbus, OH Name (please print clearly) Address Yes, I want to order: Wilderness Wall $11.00 ea. including tax Engagement $12.00 ea. including tax I will pick up my order at the Nov. 9 Dec. 7 monthly program. (See page 1 for locations.) Please mail my order. Enclosed is payment for calendars $ Shipping and Handling Please add $3.00 for each additional calendar sent to a different address. $ Shipping and Handling Any one calendar $

3 Dispatches from the Stream By Ben Wickizer Ohio Sierra Club Conservation Program Coordinator Since the Sierra Club s creation, it has fought to protect natural areas of significance and distinction, beginning with efforts to prevent a dam from being placed in the Hetch-Hetchy Valley in Yosemite and contining into the 21st century. Pipeline under Olentangy Wetlands Presently, we are facing a struggle to protect an environmentally significant area here Columbus. Columbia Gas plans to place a high-pressure gas line under the Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park at The Ohio State University. This is concerning because of the potential for environmental disruption from installation of the pipe and damage from leakage or catastrophic failure. These wetlands are a unique and productive ecosystem, and serve as temporary and permanent habitat for many migrating and local species. They have been designated one of only 30 Ramsar sites in the U.S., signifying an area of international importance due to valuable and unique ecology and natural features. The Sierra Club has been heavily involved with maintaining the wetlands and the Greenways trail that travels through them. We have organized hundreds of volunteers, who have logged Page 3 thousands of hours helping to protect and maintain this precious area. These wetlands provide a rare opportunity to observe and enjoy the natural world in an urban area. Ohio State is also a leader in wetland research, primarily because it has spent decades establishing and building this facility. The research conducted and data generated there will be jeopardized if a gas line is placed there. Many of the studies performed at the institute measure minute chemical and biological phenomena. Any exogenous factors, such as a leaking gas line, could affect the results of these studies and call into question their credibility. TAKE ACTION: We are not asking Ohio State or Columbia Gas to terminate the pipeline; we simply want them to alter the location so that it does not affect these fragile and valuable wetlands. Please contact The Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee, and ask him to move the gas line outside of the wetlands. President Gee can be contacted by at gordon.gee(at)osu.edu or by phone at (614) For more information, contact Ben at ben.wickizer(at) sierraclub.org. Franklin County Sewer Overflow Remediation Franklin County Public Health has collected public comments on its Draft Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Plan. This is directly related to the Sierra Club s concerns about sewage contamination from home sewage treatment systems in Franklin County s waterways. We encourage our members and friends to check out the document which can be found at Bike to the Future: Columbus Community Joins with Thousands Worldwide Calling for Green Energy By Rashay Layman, Sierra Club National Field Staff Hundreds of Columbus residents attended a bicycle ride and festival at Franklin Park Bike to the Future that was part of a larger group of events called Moving Planet. Nearly 700 US cities and 180 countries participated in this day of action, calling for transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. It s critical that Ohio, and the Country, begins making policy changes that foster clean energy and hasten our transition away from fossil fuels, stated Ohio Sierra Club staff member, Ben Wickizer. Our health, environment, and economy are suffering under the weight of our fossil fuel addiction. The festival provided a chance to learn what local groups and organizations are doing to move Ohio toward a clean energy future and how to get involved. Opportunities for personal action range from commuting by bus or bike to weatherizing your home or communicating with political leaders on policy issues. Ohio has the potential to be at the forefront of the clean energy (Continued on page 8)

4 Page 4 HAPPY and GREEN HOLIDAYS The greenest (although priciest) option is a balled, live tree By The Susan following Belair activities are not sponsored nor administered by that the Sierra you can Club. plant The after Sierra the Club holidays. has no The information ideal location about is the on planning of these activities and makes no representations or warranties about the quality, safety, supervision or management of The fall and winter holidays are times of celebration, giving, the north or northwest side of your property, where it will add such activities. They are published because they may be of interest to our readers. These events are all open to the public. They and reflection. What better time to thank Mother Earth than color and be a windbreak during winter. In summer, it will are free unless otherwise noted. by making greener choices? shelter and feed wildlife. If you don't want to or can't plant it, try donating it to a neighbor, a local landscape architect, or a nearby park. Feasting Holidays usually bring goodies and special meals. Remember that organic and/or locally grown food is not only good for the planet, it usually tastes better. (See the article on CSAs on page 6.) If you plan to have turkey for the holidays, consider buying a Heritage turkey. You'll help to preserve a species near extinction, according to The Nibble magazine. Birds should be raised in a natural and sustainable way to be designated Heritage. Alternatively, a USDA certified Organic turkey assures you that no pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics were given to the bird directly or through its environment. According to the USDA standards for certification, the birds are supposed to be treated humanely. Or, for great flavor and probably the most humane living conditions, buy a free-range turkey. For local sources for alternative turkeys and other meats, try: Eat Local Columbus Local Harvest: The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association s Good Earth Guide: In the Columbus area, try these stores: North Market Poultry and Game, , in the North Market, 59 Spruce St., Columbus OH Weiland's Gourmet Market and Catering, , 3600 Indianola Ave., Columbus OH Let these organic bakeries do your holiday baking for you: Pattycake Bakery, , 3009 N. High St., Columbus, OH Whole World Natural Restaurant, , 3269 N. High St, Columbus OH Expressly Market Bakery and Bistro, , in the North Market, 59 Spruce St., Columbus OH Toasting the New Year Ohio vineyards offers many organic wines. Check your local grocery or liquor store, or try these sources: Superior Beverage Group, , 871 Michigan Ave., Columbus, OH 4321 To Tree or Not to Tree If you must have a tree for the holidays, use a real one. A cut tree can be recycled in various ways, as wildlife habitat or in the compost pile. But before you buy, consider if you really need a tree? What about a large deciduous branch stuck in a pot of river rocks? Paint it gold and use glittery ornaments for a beautiful decoration. Unpainted, it can also be chopped up and added to a compost pile or habitat shelter after the holidays. Giving When the holiday spirit hits, consider making a donation to the Sierra Club in someone's honor, or giving a gift membership. The Ohio Wildlife Center, Columbus Audubon, The Wilds, Shepherd's Corner and Stratford Ecological Center are a few of the other non-profit environmentally-conscious organizations in central Ohio that would appreciate donations. Gifting Sierra Club calendars make excellent, useful presents that help promote awareness and love of our wild places. (See the order form on page 3.) A few of the central Ohio stores that offer free-trade, locally produced, and/or organic products include: 2EcoChics (apparel): Better Earth (green general store, selling everything from green cleaners to handmade crafts): in the North Market Maramor chocolates : Pure Goods Natural Soap & Bath Products: Wholly Craft, , 3169 N. High St., Columbus OH (locally made) Enter your zip code at the Organic Consumers Association's web site for a listing of green stores near you: Wrapping It Up Be creative with your packaging. Gift bags can be reused if they are treated gently. Create wrapping paper or gift containers using magazines, newspapers, packaging, and old jewelry, buttons, or used ribbon. Cut up old cards to use as gift tags. Trim the crumpled edges off of used wrapping paper and use it again. Get Moving In between the preparations, the feasts, and the gifts, get out and visit a Metro Park, go sledding, or take a bike ride. Having fun enjoying the fall and winter outdoors is the best way to celebrate the holidays.

5 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Carnivore Edition Page 5 By Maryann Kafer By now, many of us are familiar with, and have subscribed to, the notion of CSAs (community supported agriculture). We have come to count on fruit and vegetable deliveries through the growing seasons, enjoying the anticipation of weekly share pickups, the fun of finding new recipes for less familiar crops, the pleasure of making meals from locally-sourced ingredients. But did you know that you can also participate in CSA-like plans involving meat, poultry, dairy and milk? Some options, are closely modeled after standard produce CSAs. Others allow participants to tailor plans to specific budgets and needs. Here s a look at how three Ohio producers have adapted the CSA approach. Bluescreek Farm The North Market 59 Spruce Street Columbus, OH (614) bluescreekfarmmeats(at)yahoo.com Fans of Bluescreek Farm Meats in the North Market have embraced the operation s Meat CSA plan. Jamie Smith, daughter of Bluescreek founders Cheryl and Dave Smith, says It has given us the opportunity to help better educate people. Most CSA participants are trying new things they wouldn t otherwise try and loving them. Bluescreek offers three types of CSAs: Lamb CSA, Small Beef CSA, and a Special CSA. Each bundle contains meat that has been raised with no growth hormones or antibiotics. With the lamb CSA, customers get an entire lamb spread over four months. Two Small Beef CSAs rotate; each has slightly different cuts allowing customers to experience more variety. Three special CSAs also rotate; these have Beef, Lamb, Pork, and Goat. The Bluescreek website offers a detailed breakdown allowing share buyers to see exactly what to expect in a given CSA. Customers may sign up online or at the North Market store (at least one week before your first pickup date). The deadline for the next round of signups is November 11 or possibly November 18, depending on demand. Pickups are scheduled at the North Market based on the CSA purchased is ready for harvest, the fee is paid in full including processing and delivery cost. This option deals with bulk quantities and is customized to fit each family s particular budget and lifestyle needs. Products include pork, beef, and pastured poultry. The Automatic Freezer Fill option deals with a set amount of product delivered to a pre-established drop off point in central Ohio on a regular schedule (example: a 20 lb. box of pork every 3 months). Products include pork and beef. The Buyer's Club is a way for customers to purchase smaller quantities of meat that is delivered to a drop off point in central Ohio usually every two weeks. Products include pork and beef. Spring Hill Farms also offers Farm Gate Sales. Customers can purchase boxes of meat, sides of beef, whole hogs etc. subject to availability. They can schedule an appointment for pickup from the farm or set up delivery into the Columbus metro area. Products include pork and beef and eggs. Eggs can be purchased at the farm or delivered into the Columbus metro area with other orders. Starting in November, Spring Hill Farms will be offering holiday hams, hickory smoked in a 101 year old smokehouse. Folks can also sign up online to win a free 20 lb. box of pork. Jubilee Meadow Farms 5867 Township Rd. 97 Mount Gilead, OH (419) stevofarms(at)redbird.net Jubilee Meadow Farms, located about 45 minutes north of Columbus in Morrow County, offers a Herdshare Program in which participants buy shares in the farm s dairy herd. As coowners of the herd, they may legally obtain raw milk from the herds' production. Based on average herd production, one share entitles the owner to one gallon of milk per week. Participants may purchase multiple shares. The farm is a Grade A, certified organic, 100% grass-fed dairy. The herd is predominantly made up of Dutch Belted, Ayrshire, and Jersey breeds. The Dutch Belted cows have the smallest fat particle size of any dairy breed, making the milk easy to digest. Jubilee Meadow also raises and sells grass-fed beef, pork, chicken and eggs. Spring Hill Farms Spring Hill Rd. Newark, OH (740) Spring Hill Farms is a family farm located in Newark, Ohio offering pastured pork, grass-fed beef, pastured poultry and eggs. It offers a variety of options for purchase. Pay as They Grow (TM) simply means you can pay for your product while it grows. Customers agree to a payment plan; when the product Cows at Jubilee Meadow Farms

6 Page 6 Outings: November/December 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. Wed., Nov. 2, 6:30 pm: Franklin Park Evening Walk, Ratings: E/S 1/1 This will be the last Franklin Park walk of the season. Find out if the bees will still be stocking the hives at the apiary with what is still growing in the Community Garden. We will meet at the east entrance to the Conservatory at 1777 E. Broad St. Leader: Chris Tisdale Fri., Nov. 4, 7 pm: Ohio State University Night Hike Main Campus, Ratings: E/S 1/2 Change is a constant theme on OSU s main campus, so come and check out the latest. Meet at 7 pm at the Tuttle Park Recreation Center at the end of W. Oakland Ave. west of Neil Ave. We ll walk south along the Olentangy River before turning into the main campus. Our route will include old favorites such as Mirror Lake and the Oval. We ll also walk by the new Ohio Union, the Wexner Center and the recently refurbished Thompson Library. We ll find a restaurant in the area for an optional dinner afterwards. Reflective clothing is recommended. Leaders: John and Marilyn Fiske. Contact John at jrob48(at)aol.com or Marilyn at mjean49 (at)aol.com, Sun., Nov. 6, 10 am: Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Day Hike, Ratings: E/S 2/2 We will hike approximately 5-7 miles through Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. The hike will cover a variety of terrain, including forest and open meadows. If we're lucky we'll get a good look at the bison. Be prepared for possible wet and muddy conditions and bring water and a lunch or snack. Meet at 10 am near the restrooms at the Cedar Ridge picnic area. The Cedar Ridge picnic area is accessed via the main (north) entrance to the park, which is on Darby Creek Rd. about 3 miles south of Broad St. (US 40). Leader: Dave Dorsky, , valordave(at)hotmail.com. Fri., Nov. 11, 7 pm: Worthington Night Hike, Ratings: E/S 2/2 Join us for a 3-mile hike starting in downtown Worthington and taking in some of the nearby neighborhoods and areas of interest. There will be an optional dinner at a Worthington area restaurant after the hike. Meet at 7 pm at the parking lot behind the Dairy Queen at the corner of High St. and North St., which is located 2 blocks north of Route 161, on the east side of High St. Please wear appropriate footwear, as we may encounter wet or muddy areas. A flashlight and reflective clothing are recommended. Leader: Tom Ruf, Sun., Nov. 13, 9 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 year 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, Note: this hike will be canceled in case of bad weather. Call the leader prior to driving to the meeting point if the weather is questionable. (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) Fri., Nov. 18, 7 pm: Bexley Night Hike, Ratings: E/S 2/2 Join us for a 3- mile hike through historic Bexley and a portion of Wolfe Park. Reflective clothing and sturdy footwear for uneven walkways are recommended. We will meet at 7 pm at the parking lot of the Bexley Public Library, 2411 East Main St. From Columbus, take 70E to the Bexley exit. Follow to Main St., turn right, and continue for about 3/4 of a mile. The library is on the right. Optional dinner afterwards. Leaders: Avalon and David Espinoza, , avespinoza(at)hotmail.com. Sun., Nov. 20, 11 am and 1 pm, Blendon Woods Metro Park Day Hike, Ratings: E/S 1/2 This Metro Park has trails of crushed gravel and a few hills to challenge you. Join us for a leisurely hike of 3 or 6 miles, depending if you do one or both sessions of about 3 miles each. Meet at the Nature Center (4265 E.Dublin-Granville Rd.). Bring a snack or lunch if hiking both sessions. Leader: Chris Tisdale Fri., Nov. 25, 7 pm: Old Westerville Night Hike, Ratings: E/S 2/2 Join us for a 3+ mile hike in Old Westerville. We will be walking through some of Old Westerville s quaint neighborhoods and around the charming Otterbein College campus. Our hike will end with an optional dinner at a popular area restaurant. Meet at 7 pm in the parking lot located behind Graeter s Ice Cream Parlor at the corner of State St. and College Ave. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy footwear as we may encounter some wet and muddy areas. Reflective clothing is recommended. Leader: Linda Halverson, , lmat1010(at)aol.com. Sun., Nov. 27, 9 am: Tar Hollow State Park Day Hike, Ratings: E/S 4/4 Tar Hollow is an area of many ridges and valleys carved by erosion of the western portion of the Appalachian Plateau. This 11+ mile hike will take us through the North Loop of the Logan Trail that stretches throughout the park and forest. The area s deep ravines, valleys, ridge-tops and recent logging may pose hiking challenges. Bring water, lunch, suitable attire and meet at 9 am behind Tim Hortons in the Great Southern Shopping Center on U.S. 23 just north of I-270. Leader: Jose Cabral, , cabral.1(at)osu.edu. Fri., Dec. 2, 7 pm: Grandview Heights Night Hike, Ratings: 1/1 We will take a neighborhood walk 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 a Grandview restaurant. Reflective clothing is recommended. Hike leaders: Barbara Daniel and George Huntley. Contact George at for further information. Sun., Dec. 4, 10 am: Slate Run Metro Park Day Hike: E/S 2/2 We ll hike approximately 6 miles through Slate Run Metro Park. The hike will cover a variety of terrain including forest, meadows and wetlands. We ll also stop at the Slate Run Living Historical Farm for a quick visit. Bring water and lunch or a snack, and be prepared for whatever weather Dec. may bring. Meet at 10 am at the Shady Grove picnic area. Directions: From I- 270 take U.S. 33 east toward Lancaster to the Canal Winchester/S.R. 674 exit. Turn right onto Gender Rd./S.R. 674 and go about 2 miles until it dead-ends into Page 7 Lithopolis Rd. Turn left and go about 1/2 mile to S.R Turn right and go about 4 miles to the entrance on the right. Once inside the park, take the first left past the ranger station and park in the picnic area at the end of the road. Leaders: John and Marilyn Fiske. Contact John jrob48(at)aol.com or Marilyn mjean49(at)aol.com, Fri., Dec. 9, 7 pm: Fri. Night Hike, Victorian Village, Ratings: E/S 1/1 Meet at the Dennison Avenue parking lot of Goodale Park at 7 pm. We will walk about 3 miles through Victorian Village and the south OSU campus area. Enjoy an optional dinner in the area afterwards. Reflective clothing is recommended. Leaders: Jim and Ellen McDonald, , jmcdonald121(at)aol.com. Sun., Dec. 11, 11 am: Highbanks Metro Park Day Hike, Ratings: E/S 3/3 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. Today s hike offers three hiking options. The first leg of the hike is approximately 3 miles. The second leg is another 3 miles. For those looking for a little more challenge, we will continue the hike for an additional 4 miles. Hiking boots are recommended for the hills and sometimes muddy or snowy conditions. Bring water and a snack and meet at the nature center at 11 am. We will stop for a quick snack midway through the hike. Leader: Linda Halverson, , lmat1010(at)aol.com. Fri., Dec. 16, 7 pm: Worthington Holiday Lights Night Hike, Ratings: E/S 2/2 We will be walking 3+ miles to view the holiday lights in downtown Worthington, the Rush Creek area and the Village of Riverlea. Wear reflective clothing. Meet at 7 pm in front of the Villa Nova restaurant on High St. one mile north of Morse Rd. There is ample parking on the side streets close to Villa Nova, where we will have an optional dinner after the hike. Leader: Jim Halverson, , jimhalvey(at) aol.com. (Continued on page 8)

8 Page 8 Outings Continued from page 7 Sun., Dec. 18, 9 am: Great Seal State Park Day Hike, Ratings: E/S 4/5 This is one of our youngest state parks and takes its name from the emblem of Ohio which it helped to inspire. Great Seal is situated on the western edge of the Appalachian Plateau and offers views of the Scioto Valley to the west and south. This 9+ mile hike spans the southern region, the hilly Bunker Hill and Mt Ives Trails, and then extends northward to Rocky Knob. It is a strenuous hike on steep hills and ridgetops. Bring water, lunch, suitable attire and meet at 9 am behind Tim Hortons in the Great Southern Shopping Center on U.S 23 just north of I-270. Leader: Jose Cabral, , cabral.1(at)osu.edu. Fri., Dec. 23, 7 pm: Franklin Park/ North Bexley Night Hike, Ratings: E/S 1/2 We will venture through several parks that buffer the west side of Bexley and flank the banks of Alum Creek. If conditions are dry, we will hike the nature trail by the creek at an easy pace for about 3 miles. Meet at Franklin Park, 1777 E. Broad St. at the east parking lot entrance by the conservatory. Wear sturdy shoes. Reflective clothing is recommended. Leader: Chris Tisdale, Sun., Dec. 25, 11 am and 1 pm, Blendon Woods Metro Park Day Hike, Ratings: E/S 1/2 This Metro Park has trails of crushed gravel and a few hills to challenge you. Join us for a leisurely hike of 3 or 6 miles, depending if you do one or both sessions of about 3 miles each. Meet at the Nature Center (4265 E.Dublin-Granville Rd.). Bring a snack or lunch if hiking both sessions. Leader: Chris Tisdale Fri., Dec. 30, 7 pm: Upper Arlington Night Hike: E/S 1/2 We ll meet at 7 pm at the main branch of the Upper Arlington Public Library on Tremont Rd., a few blocks south of Kingsdale. From there we ll walk south on Coventry Rd. to the Miller Park roundabout. We ll return via Arlington Ave. and S. Parkway Blvd. The walk will take us through the heart of Old Arlington, past many fine examples of south of Lane style. Comfortable shoes, a flashlight and reflective clothing are recommended. We ll have an optional dinner afterwards somewhere in the neighborhood. Leaders: John and Marilyn Fiske. Contact John jrob48(at) aol.com or Marilyn mjean49(at)aol.com, Friends of the Ravines Art Contest Open to All Franklin County K-12 Students! Entry deadline: Jan. 6, 2012 Info: Friends of the Ravines is sponsoring a Ravine Art Contest for K-12 students of Franklin County. Students and schools can win prizes for entries of ravine-related photography, 2D visual art, haiku style poetry, and rain barrel decoration. There is no fee to enter, and official rules and entry forms are posted on the Friends of the Ravines website. Contest winners will be featured in an exhibit at the Northwood ARTSpace during February The contest is funded in part through a grant from the Greater Columbus Arts Council Neighborhood Arts Program. Bike to the Future Continued from page 3 economy. The manufacturing infrastructure and skilled labor force already exist in the state to produce clean energy materials, such as wind turbines and solar panels. One of the event s speakers, Lee Geisse, of the United Steel Workers Local 1046 and representative of the Blue Green Alliance, a partnership between unions and environmental groups, is intimately familiar with Ohio s clean energy potential. We know that retaining and creating jobs and putting middle class Americans to work building a 21st century economy in the United States will fix the American economy, protect the environment, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and position America to lead in the global economy, said Geisse. Sierra Club Meetings Central Ohio Group (COG) Executive Committee First Wednesdays: Nov. 2 and Dec. 7 at 6:45 pm Nov. meeting location: Consider Biking, 4041 N. High St., Suite 201. Dec. meeting location: Northwood High Building, 2231 N. High St. Room 100 Contact David Donofrio at , daviddonofrio1(at)gmail.com for more information or if you have an agenda item. COG Conservation Committee Third Wednesdays: Nov. 16 and Dec. 21 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 ConsCom Chair Alicia Wooten-Cherry at mukkie145(at)yahoo.com for more information or if you have an agenda item. COG Political Committee Members needed! 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 Melanie Braithwaite , melbraithwaite(at)aol.com for more information about meetings. Ohio Chapter Conservation and Executive Committees Sunday, Nov. 20: 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.

9 SIERRA CLUB CENTRAL OHIO GROUP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES AND BALLOT AMBER BELLAMY, Columbus I am currently a graduate student at Ohio State in the Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology. My research focuses on biogeochemical cycles and sources of carbon in aquatic food webs. Prior to entering graduate school, I worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA with a small watershed group called Friends of the Russell Fork, located in southwest Virginia. During my time in Virginia, I observed that environmental degradation and poverty are all too often co-occurring. I also learned the ropes when it comes to establishing/running a non-profit, as well as how to get indifferent community members involved. I have a strong desire to get citizens involved in science and to help them gain a better understanding of how the world we live in works, and how human activity alters natural processes. I m still relatively new to the area, so I m excited to learn more about issues that affect central Ohio and to explore some of the area s natural spaces. I have done just about everything when it comes to getting communities involved and promoting education and can use my knowledge from past experiences as a member of the executive committee. MELANIE BRAITHWAITE, Columbus I am an attorney who has represented clients in zoning and environmental cases, most notably closing a coal mine early in my career which was a public nuisance and polluting the Muskingum River. I have been a member of the Sierra Club for many years, participating frequently in the Outings Program at one time. I was chair of the Central Ohio Group s Political Committee for four years and have served on the Central Ohio Group Executive Committee for the last four and one-half years. I was a Sierra Club delegate to the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in I have been active politically in the community for over 30 years and bring that experience to the Sierra Club. Sierra has had considerable influence over environmental and public health issues, and my goal would be to increase club membership, diversity, effectiveness, and leadership, and build on its past successes. KALEN CAP, Columbus While my activism often has been in the animal protection corner of environmental concerns, I've participated in the Sierra Club Activist Network and recently worked with the planning committee of the fracking meeting held in Yellow Springs, Ohio this September. To me, volunteering is fulfilling - whether for formal projects such as developing the first membership packet for Ohio Interfaith Power & Light, or informally walking shelter dogs. Beyond my college degree, I completed the nonprofit management sequence at Columbus State so I could better help nonprofits in various ways, such as writing articles for The League of Humane Voters of Ohio (an example is at On a personal level, I enjoy hikes in parks, and am vegan, driving my concerns about CAFO's and agricultural runoff issues. If elected to ExCom, one focus I ll have is improving SCCOG s use of social media. Based on my experiences with social media and nonprofits, I believe SCCOG can improve its strategies with social media to support effective involvement of this decade s tech savvy and eco-conscious members. Networked together, we can better realize Sierra Club s goals, accomplishing priorities efficiently, so all members have more time for exploring and enjoying nature.. SARAH CERCONE, Columbus Although I do not yet have the years of membership and experience to my name, I do have the much needed enthusiasm and energy to elicit change in our community and world. As a teacher for special needs children, and an avid animal rights activist, I am no stranger to advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves. My goal, if elected, would be to help advocate for yet another who cannot do for itself, our environment. My love for the outdoors drives me to protect our Earth, and while one of my main concerns is the diminishing wildlife population, I am eager to use my talents wherever needed. I hope you allow me to bring my passion and excitement to our cause! ALICIA WOOTEN-CHERRY, Reynoldsburg My name is Alicia Wooten-Cherry. I am a graduate student pursuing a master s degree in environmental management and the owner of a decorative painting business which specializes in using non-toxic and water-based products to create home décor items. In my spare time, I am a board member of Heart of Ohio Tole (HOOT), a trail volunteer at Pickerington Ponds Metro Parks, and vice president of the Groveport Madison Junior High Athletic Boosters Club. Most importantly, I am a devoted mother to 2 wonderful children, several neighborhood children, and wife to a wonderful man for 24 years. If elected, I would continue to serve as the Sierra Club Central Ohio Group s Conservation Committee liaison to the Executive Committee which would allow me to utilize my communication, research, and analytical skills in the protection of Ohio s waterways.

10 [This page contained the Executive Committee ballot in the printed version of the newsletter. Members will be receiving mailed newsletters by Nov. 1. Ballots may be torn from the newsletter, folded and mailed.]

11 Non-Sierra Club Community Events Page 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. Fri., Nov. 4 The Olentangy Watershed Forum will be held at the headquarters of Delco Water at 6658 Olentangy River Road (Old State Route 315), Delaware. Join FLOW for a day of presentations by local experts on issues related to the Olentangy watershed. The event is free with a $5 box lunch available, and there will be an optional water-plant tour courtesy of Delco Water following the program. Registration (required for box lunch only) and more information are available at act_events.html. Sat., Nov. 5, 8 am Dabblers and Divers at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Darby Creek Dr., Galloway.. Discover migrating waterfowl at the wetlands on a 2-mile hike. Meet at the Naturalist's Office. Through Nov. 6 Hungry Planet: Local Food, Global View, at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 177 E. Broad St.. In large-scale photographs from the book Hungry Planet: What the World Eats, photographer Peter Menzel and author-journalist Faith D'Alusio chronicle visits to 30 families in 24 countries. Their portraits feature each family with a week's worth of food purchases; accompanying text indicates weekly foodintake lists with costs noted. Local and global food culture are explored through displays, children s activities, and photographs of local families showing a week s worth of their own groceries. American diets are also reflected through a juried art show of works by local artists. For more information on the Hungry Planet exhibit, visit hungryplanet.htm#about. Wed., November 9, 7 pm -- Photo Basics: Filtration, at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, 1775 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway. Learn how to avoid the "blues" in your snow pictures. Meet at Cedar Ridge Lodge. Sat., Nov. 12, 2 pm Off-Trail Exploration at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, 2705 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway. Explore remote areas of the park on a 6-mile hike. Bring water and a snack. Meet at the Indian Ridge Bulletin Board. Mon., Nov. 14, 7:30 pm Lake Erie and the Great Lakes, presented by Marleen Kromer of the Nature Conservancy at the Columbus Natural History Society monthly meeting, Museum of Biological Diversity at OSU, 1315 Kinnear Rd., Columbus, Site/Events.html Sat., Nov. 19, 9 am -- PHOTO PROWL at Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Westerville. Join other photographers in search of photogenic subjects on the trails. Meet at the Nature Center. Sun., Nov. 20, 9 am Audubon Bird Hike at Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Westerville. Search for birds on a 2-mile hike. Meet at the Nature Center. Sat., Nov. 26, 1 4 pm Backyard Birding at Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Westerville. Learn how to attract birds to your yard and watch them through the nature center windows. Meet at the Nature Center. Sat., Dec. 3, 10:30 a.m. 12:30 pm Starting a Community or School Garden, Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus OH Learn how to gather community support, choose a garden design, find and acquire land, and solve water and soil issues. Visit programcommunity.htm for registration or call Cost $20. Holiday Spirits By Susan Belair Looking for special spirits for this holiday season? Check out Middle West Spirits and Brothers Drake Meadery located just north of the Short North Arts District in Columbus. Brothers Drake Meadery The Brothers Drake motto is "buy, make & sell, local." Their exotic meads (alcoholic beverages made from honey) are made in Columbus using raw local wildflower honey and all-natural ingredients sourced as organically as possible. Honey is naturally antiseptic and antibiotic and requires no sulfites. Brothers Drake does not distribute outside of Columbus as a matter of philosophy. But you can buy Brothers Drake mead at the Clintonville Community Market, Gentile's, The Winery Bistro, Blacklick Wine and Spirits, and many suburban locations. Or, take a tour with tastings Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 10 pm, Fridays from 4 pm to 1 am or Saturdays from 1 pm to 1 am. The Meadery is located at 26 E. 5th Ave. in Weinland Park, a University District neighborhood. Call or visit brothersdrake.com/wordpress/ for more information. Middle West Spirits Just down the street from the Meadery at 1230 Courtland Ave. is Middle West Spirits, Central Ohio s first micro-distillery. Their signature product is OYO vodka, named after the original word for the Ohio River Valley ( O-Why- O ). Although they do not claim to be organic, Middle West is committed to local buying and production. OYO is distilled from Ohio-grown red winter wheat. OYO vodka is served at fine restaurants in central Ohio, including The Refectory and L'Antibes. It is also sold at Kroger and various state liquor stores. Middle West Spirits also offers weekly public tours that kick off at 6 pm every Wednesday, most Fridays, and Gallery Hop Saturdays. Tours last about 90 minutes and cost $10 per person with a tasting included. Contact Middle West Spirits at or visit for more information.

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. 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 Sierra Club Central Ohio Group Directory For addresses, see the Directory on the Central Ohio Group website at Melanie Braithwaite* Yang Xing* Newsletter Layout Editor Madeline Shaw Webmasters Bob Snider Matthew Baker *Denotes member of the Executive Committee for Sierra Club Columbus Office Main Number Natalie Fox (Energy) Ohio Chapter Staff... Ext. 301 Nachy Kanfer National Beyond Coal Campaign.. Ext. 308 Rashay Layman Organizer, National Field Staff... Ext. 307 Teresa McHugh Manager, National Field Staff... Ext. 301 Jen Miller National Beyond Coal Campaign.. Ext. 304 Matt Trokan (Clean Water, Nat. Res.) Ohio Chapter Staff... Ext. 311 Ben Wickizer (Alt. Trans., Clean Water) Ohio Chapter Staff... Ext. 315 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