A Reef in the Desert
by Nancy Hennessy, Dana Huck and Bev Iverson

Some people go to Australia or the Caribbean to enjoy a reef but three local Sierrans found a reef in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas. Bev Iverson, Nancy Hennessy and Dana Huck traveled to Guadalupe Mountains National Park to participate in the Top of Texas service project sponsored by the Sierra Club. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is one of the most remote and least visited of our National Parks. The Guadalupes are the result of the formation of a limestone reef created 260-270 million years ago when a vast tropical ocean covered portions of Texas and New Mexico. The mountains dramatically thrust up 8,749 feet from the dessert floor. Their deep, sheer-sided canyons shelter an impressive diversity of plants and animals and precious spring water nurtures unexpected green oasis.

On Saturday after arriving in El Paso, the Wisconsin trio rendezvoused with the rest of the crew at the Nickel Creek Café and caravanned to quarters at the Ship on the Desert. "The Ship" is the former home of Wallace Pratt, a geologist and oil explorer who cared about the environment. His donation of his property, the area known as McKittrick Canyon, one of the most beautiful areas of the park, set in motion the establishment of Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

The trip was lead by James Moody, a liberal Texan living deep in conservative territory. Despite having had his car keyed and his tires slashed on more than one occasion, James' car sports several liberal bumper stickers! James has lead the service trip in the Guadalupes for nine years and leads a similar trip in the spring at Big Bend National Park. Assistant leader and chief cook, Mike Garr hailed from Michigan. The rest of the group came from Virginia (3), Colorado (1), Indiana (1), Massachusetts (2), Oregon (2), Maine (1), New York (1) and Texas (5). Of the total group of 21 volunteers, 12 had previously participated in this trip before -- a testament to James' leadership and his passion to care for the park.

Saturday night the wind howled and gusted up to 50 miles per hour. Such high winds are not uncommon in the Guadalupes and can make it difficult or impossible to be on the trail. Fortunately they abated the next day. Sunday was spent getting acquainted with the diverse group of individuals and included a hike into McKittrick Canyon, and a ride to the Williams Ranch over a road restricted to 4-wheel drive vehicle traffic. The car in which Dana was riding couldn't make the steep, rocky climb up a hill in the last 100 yards, so the ride ended in a short hike to the ranch house.

The real work began on Monday morning -- breakfast at 7:00 a.m., pack a lunch and ride to the park maintenance facility to pick up tools and safety equipment. The first project was cutting brush on the Permian Reef Trail, one of the most challenging in the park, as well as one of the most geologically interesting. The Wisconsin group quickly leaned to tell the difference between cat's claw and mesquite, how to give a soltol (a succulent with long arching leaves) a good haircut and not to pick up pieces of prickly pear with anything but the loppers. Lunch on a rocky ledge with a great view of the dessert below was followed by more "brushing" until it was time to head back to the Ship. Time for a Lone Star beer, a shower and dinner. The evening ended with a sing-along lead by the Dog Canyon Stray Dogs (5 Texans +2): James, Ken and Dennis on guitar, Rick on washtub bass, Dick on ukulele, Pete on harmonica and Janice as lead vocalist.

Tuesday saw the Wisconsin contingent and that day's kitchen crew at the Frijole Ranch, removing weeds and grass from the cracks in the paved handicapped access trail to Manzanita Spring. The potential monotony of the task was lightened by Ken's creativity in leading the entire group in a line chant improvised to the tune of "Working on the chain gang". After a short hike through the dessert, we arrived at Smith Spring, a cool green shady glen fringed with delicate ferns, where we ate lunch.

A free day on Wednesday was spent on a day hike to the Devil's Hall. It was necessary to clamber over some big rocks on this unimproved trail that followed a wash and was marked by cairns. But the high canyon walls that form the Devils Hall and beautiful day combined to make the experience unforgettable.

On Thursday and Friday we worked patching the cracks in the Manzanita Spring handicapped access trail. We didn't quite finish the job. Maybe some other volunteers will fill those last cracks. Or, maybe they will still be there waiting for next years Sierra Club volunteers to finish the job. The work done by volunteers in the National Parks is extremely important to the health of the park system. Some estimates put the percent of work done by volunteers as high as 80%. Whatever the number, it is clear that our National Parks could not survive without volunteers who work to maintain trails and facilities or provide interpreters for historic sites. Our Friday workday ended with words of thanks from the Park Service and the presentation of T-shirts or caps, patches, certificates and a cake with frosting mountains.

Friday night's music was particularly lively and included another Ken original composition, the Williams Ranch Road Blues (he was driving the car that didn't make it all the way). On Saturday, after breakfast, clean up and hugs all around, the group disbanded.

The Sierra Club provides numerous opportunities for its members to make a contribution of time and effort in support of the parks, along with the opportunity to meet wonderful, interesting, friendly people who share a passion for the Parks. Watch the "Sierra" magazine for an opportunity that interests you and give it a try.

Photo Caption: Left to right: Nancy Hennessy, Dana Huck and Bev Iverson
 

Calendar:

December 6: Conservation Committee meeting at Berges’ house, 1529 Crabapple Drive, Racine, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Contact John at (262) 633-8455 with any questions, items for the agenda, etc. We will be setting goals for 2008 and recommending a budget.

December 13: The Executive Committee will meet at Dunn Bros. coffee shop at 245 Main St. in Racine at 7:00 p.m.

December 15: Instead of a Third Saturday Hike in questionable weather, the Conservation Committee has suggested a trip to the Milwaukee Public Museum to see "The Climate Change Show", an interactive, traveling exhibition put together by Canada's Science North. This should be a program that will also be enjoyed by youngsters, so bring them along. Call John Berge at (262) 633-8455 to sign-up and arrange for carpools.

December 20: Our regular monthly meeting will be our annual potluck Christmas party. We will meet downstairs in Fellowship Hall at Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church, 1700 S. Green Bay Road, Racine, at 5:00 p.m. Please bring a dish to share with appropriate serving utensils, your own plate, cup and eating utensils.

January 1: "Southeast Sierran" Deadline. Send articles, etc., electronically by using the information on the back page, or send by mail to: Gary Zumach, 2548 Pinehurst Ave., Racine, WI 53403.

January 3: Conservation Committee meeting at Berges’ house, 1529 Crabapple Drive, Racine, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Contact John at (262) 633-8455 with any questions, items for the agenda, etc.

January 5: Annual Planning Retreat. We will meet at the Olympia Brown Church Annex at 419 6th St. in Racine. The meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. and will adjourn by 2:00 p.m. A light lunch will be served. Come and help us brainstorm ideas for our 2008 programs and activities. If you are a new member, this meeting is a great way to get involved in the group and find ways to participate.

January 10: The Executive Committee will meet at Dunn Bros. Coffee Shop at 245 Main St. in Racine at 7:00 p.m.

January 17: Community Supported Agriculture. David Kozlowski of Pinehold Gardens will tell us about this new trend in farming. This program will be at the Kenosha Northside Library, 1500 27th Ave. at 7:00 p.m. More information may be found below.

January 30: Conservation Lobby Day: Join other conservationists for this worthwhile day in Madison. Find out more and sign up at www.conservationvotersinstitute.org

Congratulations From the EPA

At the Group's 25th Anniversary Dinner, John Berge read a letter addressed to the Southeast Gateway Chapter (sic) from Mary A. Gade, Regional Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago. The letter read:

"On behalf of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, I would like to congratulate the Southeast Gateway chapter (sic) of the Sierra Club on 25 years of environmental stewardship.

Your contributions to conservation, native landscaping, invasive species, transit advocacy and litter removal have helped to make our planet a better place."

She, like many others, may not have known the difference between a Group and a Chapter, but somehow she knew what our Group has been doing. We appreciate being appreciated.

From the Chair: The Wisconsin Safe Climate Act
By Nancy Hennessy

Carbon capping legislation, modeled closely on California's landmark greenhouse gas reduction law, has been introduced into the Wisconsin State legislature by Representative Spencer Black and Senator Mark Miller. The Wisconsin Safe Climate Act (AB 157 and SB 81) requires the state to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020. (Since 1990 our states global warming pollution has increased 25%, much more than the national average.) Under this act, sources that emit greenhouse gases will be required to report annual emissions to the DNR. Carbon dioxide emissions would be capped at current levels. The state would then be required to reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 in a way that minimizes cost and maximizes benefit.

While reducing our dependence on foreign oil and protecting our citizens and environment, this act would have the additional effect of creating jobs in Wisconsin. By working for energy efficiency and investing in renewable energy such as solar, wind and bio-fuels we can invigorate our economy and create good, new jobs.

We must substantially reduce the amount of global warming pollution we emit. Our most effective first step is to reduce our current use of fossil fuels. Taking action now will benefit our climate, health, economy and quality of life. Please let your legislators know that you support the Wisconsin Safe Climate Act and that you want them to vote for its passage.

You can learn more about the bill and follow its progress on Sierra Club's legislative tracker at http://wisconsin.sierraclub.org/tracker

EnAct
by Melissa Taylor, EnAct Local Coordinator

EnAct is a free local sustainable living program that is helping residents in the greater Racine area take simple steps to greener living. Community members in neighborhoods, congregations, and workplaces join teams that meet regularly for a period of several months. They support each other in taking steps to choose healthy food and transportation options, improve water quality, reduce the use of toxic products, reduce waste, and conserve energy. Through this process, they learn that their actions can save them money and improve their families' health, and that their community network is made stronger.

The program calculates the positive environmental impact of all EnAct teams in order to demonstrate the results of collective action. Community-based environmental education and action like this is crucial as Racine grows and urbanizes. The EnAct program, which can help ease our ever-increasing impact on precious natural resources, is taking off thanks to the collaborative efforts of many businesses and organizations, they share a common goal: protecting our environment for future generations.

To learn more about EnAct, you can contact Melissa Taylor, the local EnAct coordinator, at (262) 989-1199 or look over the participant materials and local resources at EnActRacine AT enactwi DOT org

Madison Environmental Group, an innovative and results-driven consulting firm in Madison, developed and implemented the EnAct program. Visit www.enactwi.org.  Also visit www.environmental.com.

Community Supported Agriculture

Pinehold Gardens' David Kozlowski will tell us about this new trend in farming. Did you know that when you buy locally grown food you are fighting global warming? Huge costs are associated with the CO2 that is pumped into the air while transporting our fruit and veggies across the nation and around the world. This program will be at the Kenosha Northside Library, 1500 27th Ave. at 7:00 p.m. January 17. Join us for dinner before the meeting at 5:00 p.m. at the Gateway Cafe, 3619 30th Ave., Kenosha.

Donna Peterson to be Honored

For twenty-five years, Donna Peterson has been leading the Environmental Education program in the Southeast Gateway Group. Now, as she steps down from leading that Committee, the Group will take a few minutes at the December general meeting, the Annual Christmas Potluck, to honor and thank her for all that work. A more complete article on Donna’s leadership will follow in the next issue of the "Southeast Sierran".

Barry Thomas, who heads Environmental Education now assures us we will continue to have an Environmental Education program.

DNR Citizen Monitoring Conference
by Melissa Warner

You could be forgiven if you thought that Citizen Monitoring referred to a new wiretap proposal under the 'Patriot' Act. But it really refers to the many folk who help the DNR and other groups keep track of the environmental treasures here in the Badger State.

At the recent Citizen-Based Monitoring Conference, which I attended as a representative of the Southeast Gateway Group, we learned more about the important work that citizen monitors do. The annual Crane Count, the Water Action Volunteers and Adopt-A-Beach are well-known, but there are many others. For instance, Milwaukee's Urban Ecology Center is conducting a research study on the value of small woodland oases for birds. They are comparing eight sites with three variables -- near and far from the lake, low and high urban disturbance, and riparian vs. upland habitat. Citizens catch the birds in mist nets, where a blood sample is drawn for evidence of recent feeding. While these spots may not be suitable for breeding, they have found that they are essential for sustenance during migration.

I was impressed by the range of programs; there's something that makes use of anyone's interest and talent. The UW Madison Department of Wildlife Ecology monitors the large mammals -- wolf, elk, deer, moose and bear. The Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative is piloting programs for night birds --the nightjars, whip-poor-wills and owls -- and the secretive marsh birds -- rails and bitterns. Aquatic invasives, small mammals, amphibians and reptiles -- all have their devotees and monitoring programs.

Closer to home, your Southeast Gateway Group plans to join the invasive plant species network. We've been removing them from Colonial Park for some time, but we need to follow a protocol so that our data will be comparable with data from around the state. Bat monitoring is a new effort that uses a PDA/GPS (Global Positioning System equipped Personal Digital Assistant (Palm type device)) combination to receive bat calls, translate them to a sonogram on screen so they can be identified, and then records the precise location and species of each bat. The objective is to census the seven species of bats known to live in Wisconsin, and then to follow population trends over time. The Root River Environmental Education Community Center and the St. Catherine's High School Environmental Club plan to bring bat monitoring to Racine.

There is more to know and learn than can possibly be accomplished by paid university and/or DNR staff. The participation of volunteer citizens is critical to maintaining Wisconsin's environmental heritage. Lloyd Eagan, Regional Director of the South Central region of the DNR expressed his thanks and stated, "This work would simply not get done without you."

Recycling Plastic Bottles
by John Berge

Would you believe that there is a shortage of plastic bottles being recycled? That is what is being reported by the plastic recyclers. And it isn't too hard to believe when one picks up after the people who throw them out along the stretch of Highway 38 that the Southeast Gateway Group cleans up three times a year.

According to a recent article in "Chemical & Engineering News" more than 99% of the plastic bottles recycled in the U.S. in 2005 were either "plastic 1" (polyethylene terephthalate, PET) or "plastic 2" (high-density polyethylene, HDPE). It is estimated that approximately 1.2 billion pounds of PET bottles were collected for recycling in the U.S. in 2005, but that was only 23.1% of the bottles available on store shelves in this country.  922 million pounds of HDPE were recycled in that year, representing 27.1% of HDPE sold into the blow molding market. That means that three out of four plastic bottles were not being recycled.
Much of this recycled plastic comes from municipal recycling programs which reduce the amount of waste buried in our landfills, reducing costs for those municipalities. New York City recycles (diverts) about 18% of its trash, but half of the recyclables are not separated and so are thrown out with the trash. They could be recycling 36%. San Francisco is a model city for recycling in the U.S. with a diversion rate of 69% in 2005 and hopes to divert 75% of its waste by 2010 to recycling and composting. These figures include commercial materials like paper from office buildings and construction and demolition waste. Only 5% of their diversion rate is plastics, and that figure is sure to drop when they restrict the sale of bottled water.
San Francisco has a "pay-as-you-throw" system which is a strong incentive for people to reduce the amount of trash and increase the amount of recycling. They pay $23.58/month for weekly pickup of a 32-gallon trash container. If they can get by with a 20-gallon container, they save $5.90/month. Out east in communities which are signed up for RecycleBank, people actually receive vouchers good at many stores and businesses based on the amount they recycle. Racine's Mayor Gary Becker and the Public Works Director Rick Jones have been looking into the possibility of such a program in Racine.
The "Chemical & Engineering News" writer answers the question at the top of this article in the affirmative. "Once collected and separated, plastic containers are eagerly sought as cheap raw material by a multitude of companies. Indeed, many recyclers say that they are starved for raw materials and could easily buy more."

Bringing Racine Back to its Root
by Melissa Warner

What do you value most about the Root River -- especially the urban part downstream from the Horlick Dam? Biking or canoeing in the summer, or bird watching in all seasons. Or walking quietly in a green oasis in the heart of the city. The Root River Council, working with the River Alliance of Wisconsin’s Urban Rivers Initiative is seeking to find out what Racinians love about the meandering stream that is the city’s namesake.
Through a series of neighborhood meetings in November and early December, the Council will gather input on what we value most, and then prepare recommendations for Racine’s City Council on how to preserve those aspects while allowing for economic growth. We want to plan for the future so developers know what the people want and value.
While the initial meetings will have been completed by the time you read this newsletter, planning meetings will continue, so input from everyone who cares about the river is still important and useful. Contact Allison Werner, awerner @wisconsinrivers.org, or Melissa Warner, mhwarner@execpc.com, or visit www.backtotheroot.org. This work is funded by grants from the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, the Racine Community Foundation, and C.S.Mott Foundation.

Environmental Education
By Donna Peterson

From time to time I receive interesting information from reliable sources that I feel are worth repeating as they are written. Here is one of seven questions that I will submit over the coming months to our newsletter.

The following is from the Timber Wolf Alliance at The Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute:

How large are gray wolves in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan? Gray wolves vary in size across the world. The gray wolf is the largest member of the canine family, standing about two and a half feet tall. Males are usually larger than females. In the Upper Great Lakes region, adult males weigh between 60-100 pounds, averaging 75 pounds. The adults females weigh between 50-70 pounds, averaging 60 pounds. Wolves vary from four and a half to six feet long. The largest wolf live-trapped in Wisconsin was a 107 pound adult male.