REDWOOD NEEDLES

Presented by the Sierra Club Redwood Chapter Newsletter, The REDWOOD NEEDLES

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From the Outings Chair

By Carol Vellutini, Redwood Chapter Outings Chair

I was saddened by the death of David Brower. I admire individuals who have his level of vision and inspiration. His generation produced many great leaders. Do we have individuals of that stature in the ranks today? I last saw David at the May 2000 Wilderness Conference. Not letting his health hinder him, he presented a workshop on saving the Hetch Hetchy. Probably no issue symbolizes the environmental movement's historical role in protecting the Earth's natural wonders as this effort. (www.hetchhetchy.org)

Also, David wanted to witness the demolition of the Glen Canyon dam before he died. He autographed his book "Let the Mountains Talk, Let the Rivers Run" for me. The signature included one word-&emdash;"Persevere". David truly was steadfast in his mission under circumstances that would overwhelm us. It is now up to us to carry the torch for his cause.

One way to carry the torch is to support the California Wild Heritage Campaign. (See article in this issue.) All of Redwood Chapter's focus will be in the North and Mendo/Lake Groups' area. We need to participate and give them strength. Lynn Ryan has been coordinating outings. Yea Lynn! Watch for more in the spring. Needed are Sonoma and Napa leaders to help coordinate with our groups. Any volunteers?

Professor Susan Harrison, UC Davis, gave Redwood Chapter a marvelous tour of McLaughlin Preserve by Knoxville. Students from Davis joined us. Some were visiting from Israel. I plan to do another outing in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. If you like serpentine habitats, this will be for you. The tour of the geothermal plant in Bear Canyon at the geysers was informative. Calpine will have the Middletown visitor center open this spring. Going on a tour is a way to understand what is happening today with the steam fields. Sierra Club was the first group to tour the Van Alstyne Grove (ancient redwoods saved for the public ) after the property cleared escrow. Everyone on the walk contributed to a poem. Great walk!

Outings wish list: North and Napa Groups need more leaders; Mendo-Lake and Solano Groups need an outings coordinator; Coastal Clean-Up Day needs more committee members. All it takes is a phone call. We will help you get started. Is it true that only the already busy people take on yet more responsibility? We need your help.

Happy Holidays.

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