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The Central Ohio
Sierran
News of the Central Ohio Group March-April 2012 Volume 41, Number 2
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
All programs, meetings, events and out-
Sierra Club Program, 7-9 pm, Wed., Mar. 14
ings in this newsletter are free and open Hiking the Big Trail
to the public unless otherwise noted. Northwood-High Building, 2231 North High St. Room 100
Articles appearing in The Central Ohio
Stretching over 14 states and 2,181 miles, the Appalachian Trail is the
Sierran are the opinions of the authors
and do not necessarily reflect policy of most hiked and most famous wilderness trail on earth. Every year hundreds
the Sierra Club. of hikers start off on a journey that will take them from the Blue Ridge
mountains of Georgia to mount Katahdin in central Maine. This trek is
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VIA MAIL OR EMAIL
considered one third of the long-distance hiking triple crown and is the
basis for many popular books including Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the
Please refer to the Chair’s letter on page 2 Woods". Central Ohio Group Sierran Thomas Lee recently completed a
regarding how members may choose to
southbound hike of the AT, as the trail is known to hikers, and will be dis-
receive the newsletter.
cussing his journey for our winter program.
In This Issue: 10 am-Noon, Sat., Mar. 31 & Apr 21
Chair’s Corner........................... 2
Sierra Club Meetings ................. 2 Join Our Saturday Wetlands Cleanups
Join the Conversation on Our New Olentangy River Wetlands Research Park, 352 Dodridge St., Columbus
Google+ Page ...................... 3 Wow! It’s hard to believe that winter will soon be giving way to spring.
Aveda Comes Through for Clean This means that our monthly Olentangy River cleanups will be starting
Water ................................... 4 again. The dates for upcoming cleanups are March 31 and April 21 from
Support Clean Water This Spring 10am-noon. We’ll meet at the Olentangy River Wetlands Research Park lo-
With Aveda ........................... 4 cated at 352 Dodridge St., Columbus. Refreshments for the volunteers will
be provided. If you are looking to do something special for Earth Day, April
Victory: Columbia Gas Pipeline 21 will be our Earth Day cleanup. So, dress for the weather, wear close-
Diverted................................ 5 toed shoes, and join us to help protect and maintain this special area. For
Support Ohio’s Nature Preserves more information, contact Ben Wickizer Ohio Sierra Club Conservation Pro-
On Your Tax Return............... 6 gram Coordinator at 614-461-0734 ext. 316, ben.wickizer(at)sierraclub.org.
Outings .................................... 7
Create Your Sustainable Dream
Yard .................................... 9
The Greening of Weinland Park 10
Community Events .................. 11
Directory ................................ 12 Central Ohio’s ‘Root Down’ Earth Day Event
Aims to be World’s Largest
Green Columbus is teaming up with lead sponsor The Nature Conser-
vancy to plan a special Earth Day event in Columbus’s Bicentennial year.
‘Root Down’, this year’s event, will combine a large-scale volunteer service
effort, planned for the weekend of April 14 & 15, with a citywide celebration
on Saturday, April 21. This will be the 6th annual Earth Day event organized
by Green Columbus. Last year’s event, titled ‘Lighten Up’, brought out over
3,000 volunteers to 137 worksites around the city, where they put in more
than 8,000 hours of work. The volunteer turnout in Central Ohio was the
Jan. 31 award ceremony at the Aveda Institute. (Continued on page 2)
Page 2
Chair’s Corner Sierra Club Meetings
Our new Executive Committee has hit the ground running, and we have a Central Ohio Group (COG)
wide array of fantastic things planned for this year! I have space to talk about Executive Committee
just two – a question for our members, and an invitation to a program. First Wednesdays: Mar. 7 and Apr. 4
Newsletter Delivery at 6:45pm
First, we would like to hear from you regarding your preference on news- Meets the first Wednesday of most
months at Consider Biking, 4041 N.
letters being printed or remaining largely electronic. As you may know, we High St., Suite 201. Contact COG Chair
have recently switched to printing two newsletters a year to send to all mem- David Donofrio at 614-327-6310,
bers, and the other four being sent only via e-mail, with an “opt-in” choice for SierraCOG(at)gmail.com for more
you to still receive all newsletters in printed form via mail. While doing this information or if you have an agenda
has saved us a great deal of money and paper, it has also considerably item.
dropped our readership, and the majority of members have not submitted to us
COG Conservation Committee
e-mail addresses, therefore they do not receive the newsletter but twice a year.
Third Wednesdays: Mar. 21 and Apr. 18
As we budget for this and coming years, would you like to see us move back at 7 pm
to all paper newsletters? Additionally, what changes would you like to see in Conservation activists,
the newsletter? All of these questions are under open consideration at this interested members, and others meet on
time, so please feel free to give us a call at 614-327-6310 or e-mail Sierra- the third Wed. of most months at
COG(at)gmail.com, and let us know your thoughts. Also, use this e-mail to the downtown Sierra Club office, 131 N.
add your e-mail address to our records, if you have not already. Thanks! High St. Press the intercom and someone
March Program will let you in. Contact COG ConsCom
Chair Alicia Wooten-Cherry at
Second, I would like to highlight our upcoming March program, and en- mukkie145(at)yahoo.com for more
courage you to all attend. One of our ExCom members, Thomas Lee, spent information or if you have an agenda
the last almost half of 2011 hiking the Appalachian Trail, from Maine all the item.
way to Georgia! On March 14 at the Northwood-High Building (see cover
page for details), he will be sharing photos and stories regarding his experi- COG Political Committee
ence on the Trail, which he even hiked all alone for some portions. If there Members needed!
was ever a Sierra story to share in the spirit of our founder John Muir, this Fourth Tuesdays: Mar. 27 and Apr. 24
would be it! Make plans now to attend. at 7 pm
Meets the fourth Tuesday of most
Stay warm – spring is right around the corner! And as always, keep it months at Travonna Coffee House, 1195
green! N. High Street in Columbus. Committee
Regards, David Donofrio members interview Central Ohio
Chair, Sierra Club Central Ohio Group candidates and make recommendations
for endorsements. The committee also
meets with elected officials to keep them
informed of the Group’s position on local
‘Root Down’ Earth Day Event issues. There are often speakers at these
Continued from page 1
meetings. Contact Thomas Lee 404-245-
largest anywhere for Earth Day. The goals for Earth Day 2012 include en- 5506, tlee4040(at)gmail.com for more
couraging the participation of 5,000 volunteers to put in more than 10,000 information.
hours of sweat equity during the service weekend of April 14 & 15. These
volunteers will be beautifying local communities by planting trees, cleaning Ohio Chapter Conservation and
alongside river banks, creating and maintaining gardens, and generally mak- Executive Committees
ing Central Ohio cleaner and greener, along with a range of volunteer oppor- Sunday, Mar. 18: 10 am
tunities including some less physical tasks. Worksite registration is open ConsCom, 1 pm ExCom
through April 1. Details are available at www.earthdaycolumbus.org or by Held every other month at the Ohio
emailing Green Columbus at worksites(at)greencbus.org. Sierra Club office, 131 N. High St. in
On Saturday, April 21, a celebration to commemorate Earth Day will be downtown Columbus. Lunch will be
served at no charge. Open to all Sierra
held for the first-time ever at Columbus Commons, in the heart of the city.
Club members. Contact Chapter
The celebration will feature live bands, a sustainable art show, delicious Chair Bob Shields at sierrabob(at)
food, kids’ activities, information booths, and much more. Visit oh.rr.com for more information or if you
www.earthdaycolumbus.org to find out more. have a subject for the agenda.
Page 3
Join the Conversation on Our New Google+ Page
By Kalen Cap, Chair of the Communications Outreach
Committee
Sierra Club’s Central Ohio Group (COG) has a new
venue for communication among members and the inter-
ested public: our own Google+ page. Introduced along-
side COG Executive Committee’s (ExCom's) new Com-
munications Outreach Committee, the Google+ page’s
initial main emphasis is engaging members better at the
local and/or county level. County representatives have
begun posting about local news, events, and concerns.
This will help us better cover the range of the COG’s
area.
One thing our Google+ page adds is an opportunity to
manageably increase our breadth of coverage and depth
of social interaction with members, particularly where
time sensitive responses are needed. Also, it gives us ac-
cess to Google+ features such as ripples (see Figure 1)
for our posts (see Figure 2). We can use these features to
track our effectiveness.
Figure 2: Google+'s Ripple feature for the posting “A Circumhori-
zontal Arc Over Ohio”.
The Google+ page isn’t the only initiative the Com-
munications Outreach Committee plans to explore in
2012. Whether it is connecting with the extended commu-
nity via SCAN (Sierra Club Activist Network), looking at
a more established video presence via YouTube, archiv-
ing community-accessible photos through sites such as
Picasa or Flickr, examining our mobile access perform-
ance, or adding enhancements for existing venues
through third-party client applications, there are many
opportunities available to better connect all of us in our
community in support of Sierra Club goals.
Figure 1: COG's Google+ post that rip- So, what can members do to help COG’s community
ple-references; it was shared from an-
other page and one of our followers better explore, enjoy, and protect the planet? Join the
shared it with his followers. conversation! Here are a few suggestions on how to do
just that:
Further, as search engine Google rolls out increased 1. Check out the page at (https://plus.google.com/
integration with Google+, such as the recent “Search Plus u/0/109619268081740493091) or (http://gplus.to/
your World” feature, SC COG’s Google+ page will keep SierraClubCentralOhioGrp).
us in the forefront for our members as they search the 2. Put our SC COG’s Google+ in your circles on your
web. Finally, Google+ adds a more conversational outlet Google+ profile.
to COG’s communication mix. The discussion-conducive
format will allow for interactive explorations that a more 3. Volunteer and take part in the Communications Out-
traditional format, such as the newsletter, cannot. reach Committee.
(Continued on page 5)
Page 4
Aveda Comes Through for Clean Water
The Aveda Institute Columbus, a renowned and earth- ties through awareness, action, and administrative advo-
friendly cosmetology training school, has been a great cacy. Although the Clean Water Campaign is a state-level
friend to the Sierra Club. With a simple ceremony held initiative, all of the money will fund clean water initia-
January 31st at the Institute's OSU Campus Gateway loca- tives in central Ohio, like the Franklin County sewer and
tion, Aveda presented national, state and local representa- wetlands gas pipeline initiatives.
tives of the Sierra Club with a check for $31,251.67! The The Institute, located in OSU's Campus Gateway,
Institute's salon collected that sum during 2011 for the raises money and awareness through its “Tip for a Cause”
Sierra Club's Clean Water Campaign. program. In lieu of a tip, clients of the Institute's salon can
The goal of the Clean Water Campaign is to improve donate to the cause of the month. The Sierra Club is the
water quality, producing healthier, more active communi- recipient of tips for the month of April - Earth Month.
Aveda also raises funds for the Sierra Club through their
annual Earth Jam Fashion Benefit.
Aveda's website states “Our mission at Aveda is to
care for the world we live in, from the products we make
to the ways in which we give back to society. At Aveda, we
strive to set an example for environmental leadership and
responsibility, not just in the world of beauty, but around
the world.”
The Aveda Institute's salon is staffed by supervised
cosmetology students. Visit their website for a complete
list of services.
Aveda Institute Columbus
http://www.avedacolumbus.com
Left to right: Patrick Thompson, presenting Aveda’s dona- 1581 North High St.
tion to the Sierra Club’s Clean Water Campaign to Matt Columbus, OH 43201
Trokan and Ben Wickizer. Phone: 614.291.2421
Support Clean Water This Spring With Aveda!
For the last five years, the Sierra Club and Aveda • Nurtur’s Beauty for the Earth at Nurtur Salon on
have partnered together on the Clean Water Campaign to West Lane Ave: April 17
protect our water at the source. From sustainably sourcing Complimentary haircuts, makeup applications, express
ingredients to ensuring that those ingredients are environ- facials, polish changes and stress relieving treatments;
mentally benign, Aveda sets an example of environ- all day event.
mental leadership and responsibility by striving to create
products that do not damage our environment. Visit an • Cocktails for a Cause in the Short North: April 28
Aveda salon this April and make a donation to the Sierra A fun night out while doing something beneficial for
Club Foundation. our environment!
Join us at these fun, local events! All proceeds will
go to the Sierra Club Foundation to support our clean wa- • Aveda Earth Jam at the LC Pavilion: May 8, 7:00-
ter work in central Ohio. 10:00 pm
A fashion show and auction with runways, prizes, and
• Beauty for the Earth at Downtown Aveda Institute fun!
(1581 N. High): April 4
Complimentary haircuts, makeup applications, ex- Together, we can make our water beautiful again.
press facials, polish changes and stress relieving Please contact cleanwatersierraclub(at)gmail.com with
treatments; all day event. questions. Hope to see you there!
Page 5
VICTORY: Columbia Gas Pipeline Diverted
—Dispatches from the Stream
From Under Olentangy Wetlands!
By Ben Wickizer, Ohio Sierra Club Conservation Pro- the timeline for when the pipeline needed to be installed
gram Coordinator and operational precluded them from doing this. Through
Over the past four months, our staff and members hard work and a little fortuitous luck, we were able to
have worked to stop Columbia Gas from placing a high- keep the Wetlands Park protected.
pressure natural gas pipeline beneath the Olentangy River Although many individuals deserve recognition in
Wetlands Research Park. All that work has paid off. helping to protect the Wetlands Park, our attorney, Rick
Columbia Gas recently agreed to a settlement at the Ohio Sahli, is chief among them. His grit and encyclopedic
Power Siting Board that would divert the pipeline away knowledge, coupled with his profound concern for the
from the Wetlands Park. environment, were critical in winning this battle. Rick
The effort to stop this pipeline was the epitome of a deserves a resounding thanks for waging another fight on
successful grassroots campaign, and it is truly amazing our behalf, and Ohio is lucky to have him as an environ-
what you can do when you harness collective energy. mental crusader.
This campaign also fulfills the legacy of the Sierra Coincidentally, the Olentangy Greenways Trail,
Club and John Muir – protecting places that are desig- which transects the Wetlands Park, is now being desig-
nated as environmentally significant and valuable. The nated as the Sierra Club’s adopted area through Keep Co-
Wetlands Park is a designated Ramsar Wetlands of Inter- lumbus Beautiful’s “Adopt-an-Area” program. Consider-
national Importance, the only one in Ohio, signifying its ing all our work protecting the wetlands, it is a very ap-
unique value and importance. The ramifications of this propriate time for us to receive this designation. Last year
decision, however, have implications beyond Ohio, as we accumulated nearly 1,000 volunteer hours maintaining
locating a pipeline through a Ramsar site would set a trou- the area, with the help of the Wetlands Research facility,
bling precedent. Friends of the Lower Olentangy, and a number of Ohio
State student groups, including Terra Aqua, Students for
Ohio State University also deserves praise for deny-
Recycling, and Mount Hope Leadership Society.
ing Columbia Gas’s request for an easement through the
Wetlands Park. Sierra Club urged the university not to Unfortunately, Ohio is poised to see an explosion in
allow the pipeline to be placed there, submitting over 700 not only hydraulic fracturing activity, but also the pipeline
letters to the administration and Ohio State’s president, infrastructure to transport extracted gas. There will un-
Gordon Gee. If OSU had provided this easement, things doubtedly be more fragile ecological areas that are imper-
would probably be very bleak right now. Even without iled by new pipelines, but hopefully our experience in
the easement, Columbia Gas had the opportunity to in- protecting the Wetlands Park will serve us well in similar
voke eminent domain to obtain the easement; however, future campaigns.
Our New Google Page 7. Simply visit COG’s Google+ page to stay informed.
Continued from page 3 After all, group members who listen are an important part
4. Send your experiences, links to local items to note, as of any group conversation. If you prefer just catching up
well as your concerns to the Communications Outreach on things at your convenience via our Google+ page,
Committee. that’s great too.
5. Volunteer as a County Representative for your All of our communication venues are geared to help-
county within our Google+ page team. If interested, ing you enjoy the experiences and activities that drew you
to Sierra Club membership. Our content is there for your
please contact me at sierracog(at)gmail.com.
viewing and reading pleasure as you see fit.
6. On Google+, share, comment on, or +1 our posts. We look forward to connecting with you on Sierra
This is truly how our Google+ page will be an interactive Club Central Ohio Group’s Google+ page. And remem-
part of what we do. You can also +1 our page in general, ber, while we hope you’ll circle us on Google+, there are
as you can do with the website page and other Sierra Club many ways within SC COG to join the conversation.
sites on the web.
Page 6
Support Ohio’s Nature Preserves On Your Tax Return
By Maryann Kafer Anyone eligible to receive a state income tax re-
Ohio is home to dozens of designated natural fund can easily contribute by using the checkoff
areas and preserves, lands that have been recog- option on Line 25 of the Ohio income tax return
nized for their biodiversity, their rare plant spe- form. For more information on the state’s natural
cies, their singular features. Included among the preserve systems, the tax checkoff and other ways
preserves are critical wetlands and remnant prai- to support DNAP, visit the DNAP area of the
ries, areas of geological and historic importance Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ web site
and natural beauty. Some, like Smith Cemetery at http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Home/Home/
in Madison County, are a mere acre or two; others may tabid/867/Default.aspx. If that’s too long to type,
cover thousands of acres and are well known to Ohio hik- go to the Department of Natural Resources at http://
ers, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. One special pre- www.dnr.state.oh.us/, choose “Nature Preserves” under
serve, Blackhand Gorge in Licking County, even boasts “Select A Program”, and then select “Tax Checkoff” un-
more than four miles of bike trails - the only bike trail in der “Information” in the left column.
Ohio's state nature preserve system.
Since 1983, Ohioans have supported the Ohio Divi-
sion of Natural Areas and Preserves (DNAP) via a tax How to Donate to Support Ohio
checkoff option on their Ohio state income tax returns. In Natural Areas & Preserves
that time, DNAP has received over two million donations
amounting to almost $16 million. These funds have A. Directly on your Ohio IT 1040, if you are eli-
helped to improve the quality of nature protection in gible to receive a state income tax refund.
Ohio, and over the years have become critical as funding Use the checkoff option on Line 25 of the Ohio
reductions have reduced land management ability in the income tax return form. All four categories of do-
state’s designated preserves and natural areas. Checkoff nation areas are commendable. However, a dona-
donations now represent about one-fourth of all monies tion to “Natural areas” is the one to select for sup-
available for work in the preserves. porting Ohio’s nature preserves, as shown in the
figure below.
How Donations Are Used
Checkoff donations mean that DNAP can provide
protection to Ohio’s most vulnerable preserves until the
state’s economy improves and support is restored to pre-
vious levels. Previous donations have been used in the
following ways:
• Land protection -- Acquiring new nature preserves
and adding critical additions to existing preserves
B. By mail directly to the Division of Natural Areas
• Public Use Facility Development – Providing public Ohioans who wish to help Ohio's natural areas but
access so the public can enjoy the preserves either cannot use the checkoff or don’t want to do
• Endangered species and natural community research this on their IT 1040 may make a direct contribu-
– Providing good science to preserve management tion to the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves
at 2045 Morse Road, Bldg. C-3, Columbus, OH
• Special Projects – Activities that benefit good pre- 43229. Please indicate Fund 5220 on your donation.
serve management and identification of new areas.
Page 7
General Outings Policies
- Outings are free of charge unless noted.
Outings: March/April
- In order to participate in one of these out- Outings are open to all; you do not have to be a member of the Sierra Club to participate. In
ings, you will need to sign a liability waiver. fact, if you are interested in joining the Sierra club, we encourage you to go on an outing and get
- Dogs must not be taken on hikes unless the to know some Sierrans. To aid you in selecting outings that fit your experience and fitness levels,
write-up mentions that they may be included. please see our Outings Rating System.
- We encourage carpooling and voluntary Fri, Mar 2, 7 pm: New Albany Sun, Mar 18, 11 am: Green
contributions of gas money to the driver.
Night Hike, Ratings: 2/2, Leader: Lawn Cemetery, Scioto
Outings Rating System Line Martineau. New Albany Golf Audubon Metro Park and
Each outing is rated twice. Both scales are Club and vicinity. Meet at 200 Market Scioto Mile Day Hike, Ratings: E/S
one to five; the E scale indicates the required St., New Albany. Park on the northeast 2/3, Leader: Linda Halverson. This is
experience level and the S scale shows the corner of the library parking lot (the far an 8+ mile dog-friendly hike in two
physical activity level anticipated. right corner as you face the library). parts. Meet in the parking lot by the
E Scale [reflective wear] cemetery office to hike the historic
1 Novice - no experience required. Green Lawn Cemetery. Afterward, we
2 A little experience is required. Sun, Mar 4, 11 am and 1 pm:
Inniswood Metro Park Day Hike, will commute to Scioto Audubon Metro
3 Moderate experience required.
4 Considerable experience required. Ratings: E/S 1/1, Leader: Chris Park to hike the redeveloped Whittier
5 For the very experienced only. Tisdale. Two 3-mile hikes starting at the Peninsula and the Scioto Mile.
S Scale sheltered entry by the parking lot. Meet Directions: Take the Greenlawn exit
1 Not strenuous. at 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville. from I-71 and go west to the parking lot.
2 Could be strenuous. Bring a snack or lunch if walking both Please call the leader prior to driving to
3 Somewhat strenuous. sessions. the meeting point if the weather is
4 Strenuous. questionable. [boots/water/snack]
5 Very strenuous. Wed, Mar 7, 6:30 pm: Franklin
Park Evening Walk, Ratings: E/S 1/1, Fri, Mar 23, 7 pm: Upper Arlington
If you are interested in an outing but are
Leader: Chris Tisdale. Hour-long Night Hike, Ratings: E/S 1/1, Leaders:
unsure if you can manage it or if you wish to
meet the group at the trailhead instead of the leisurely walk through scenic Franklin John & Marilyn Fiske. Old Arlington
assembly point, call the leader to discuss the Park near downtown Columbus. The with many fine examples of “south of
trip. Be advised that longer day hikes re- Conservatory at 1777 E. Broad St. is Lane” style. Meet at the main branch of
quire proper equipment. Hike leaders re- open from 5-8 pm and free during the Upper Arlington Public Library on
serve the right to deny participation to any- Community Night. Meet inside the east Tremont Rd., a few blocks south of
one deemed to be inadequately prepared. entrance on the lower level, left of doors. Kingsdale. [reflective wear]
What to Bring ( ): Fri, Mar 9, 7 pm: German Village Sun, Mar 25, 9 am: John Bryan
1. Sturdy hiking boots or shoes. Make sure Night Hike, Ratings: E/S 2/2, Leader: State Park, Glen Helen Nature
your footwear is broken in before you at- George Huntley. 3-mile walk through Preserve, Yellow Springs Day
tempt a 10-mile hike. the historic German Village Hike, Ratings: E/S 3/4, Leader: Jim
2. Clothing appropriate to the season. Lay- neighborhoods and Fetch Park. Meet at Halverson. This dog-friendly hike
ering works best in cold weather to prevent takes us through John Bryan State Park
Schiller Park near Deshler and Jaeger.
overheating. Raingear is essential for com-
fort as hikes may proceed rain or shine. [sturdy shoes/reflective wear] to Glen Helen Nature Preserve to visit
the Raptor Center. We will continue to
3. A small first aid kit with band-aids or Sun, Mar 11, 11 am, **EDT
the “Yellow Springs” and hike on an old
moleskin for blisters. BEGINS**: Highbanks Metro Park
stagecoach road that offers some great
4. At least one liter of water (two liters in Day Hike, Ratings: E/S 2/2, Leader:
scenery. This is a brisk-paced hike of 11
warm weather). Water is usually unavailable Dave Dorsky. Highbanks is named for
on the trail.
miles, so please be aware of your hiking
its massive shale bluffs that tower over
abilities and limitations. Meet promptly
5. Snacks or lunch if mentioned in the hike the Olentangy State Scenic River. The
description. behind Bob Evans Restaurant at
park is rich in Native American history
Westland Shopping Center (just east of I-
Friday Night Hikes as it contains two Adena Indian burial
270 and West Broad St.) Please contact
Friday Night Hikes are a great way to end mounds and a prehistoric earthwork. A
the leader prior to the meeting time if the
a week. These are usually 3 to 4 miles with hike of 5-6 miles with some small, steep
weather looks questionable. [boots/
an optional stop afterward for refreshments hills. Meet at the Nature Center.
water/lunch]
and conversation. So, have some fun and join [lunch/snack/boots]
us on a Friday Night Hike! Note: heavy
Fri, Mar 16, 7 pm: Clintonville Fri, Mar 30, 7 pm: Scioto Audubon
weather generally cancels a Friday Night Metro Park Night Hike, Ratings: E/S
Hike. If it looks questionable, check with the Night Hike, Ratings: E/S 1/1, Leaders:
Jim & Ellen McDonald. 3.5 mile hike 1/1, Leaders: Avalon & David
leader for that particular hike. Please wear Espinoza. 3.5-mile walk on the Whittier
reflective clothing to all urban night hikes, through North Clintonville and possibly
Overbrook Ravine. Meet at the Peninsula, from the Grange Insurance
especially during EST months. (Continued on page 8)
Whetstone Library parking lot.
Page 8
(Outings, Continued from page 7)
Outings Hike Leaders Bunker Hill and Mt Ives Trails, and
Audubon Center at Scioto Audubon Please contact them for more information about their hikes. then extends northward to Rocky
Metro Park to Genoa Park and along Cabral, Jose cabral.1(at)osu.edu Knob. It is a strenuous hike on steep
portions of the Scioto Mile. We’ll Dorsky, Dave 614-848-7879, valordave(at)hotmail.com hills and ridge tops. Meet promptly
look for birds before hiking. This hike Espinoza, Avalon 614-403-7849, avespinoza20(at)gmail.com behind Tim Hortons in the Great
Fiske, John 614-457-3699, jrob48(at)aol.com
nicely blends nature and city. Meet at Fiske, Marilyn 614-457-3699, mjean49(at)aol.com
Southern Shopping Center on U.S 23
the parking lot of the Audubon Center Halverson, Jim 614-325-6415, jimhalvey(at)aol.com just north of I-270. [boots/water/
at 505 West Whittier St. in downtown Halverson, Linda 614-325-6415, lmat1010(at)aol.com lunch]
Columbus. [flashlight/reflective Huntley, George 614-444-1970
Martineau, Line 614-749-1447, linenmartineau(at)gmail.com Fri, Apr 27, 7 pm: Sharon Woods
wear/sturdy shoes] McDonald, Jim 614-262-2666, jmcdonald121(at)aol.com Metro Park Night Hike: Ratings: E/
Sun, Apr 1, 9 am: Clear Creek Ruf ,Tom 614-406-5336 S 2/2, Leader: Dave Dorsky. Meet
Tisdale, Chris 614-260-2109
Metro Park Day Hike: E/S 3/4, in the Apple Ridge parking lot. Hike
Leader: John Fiske. 10-mile hike from includes Schrock Lake, woods,
the Creekside Meadows picnic area to the left. [boots/water/snack]
meadows, and a few small and possibly
the west end of the park via the Hemlock Fri, Apr 13, 7 pm: Worthington muddy hills.
and Chestnut trails and returning via the Night Hike, Ratings: E/S 1/1, Leader:
Sun, Apr 29, 10 am: Hargus Lake
Chestnut and Cemetery Ridge trails. The Tom Ruf. 3-mile hike in Olde
Day Hike: Ratings: E/S 2/2, Leader:
terrain at Clear Creek is hilly and the Worthington. Meet in the parking lot
Dave Dorsky. 5-6 mile hike around
trails can be uneven. Meet promptly behind Dairy Queen, two blocks north of
scenic Hargus Lake in A.W. Marion
behind the McDonald’s at Winchester Route 161 on the east side of High St.
State Park with one or two brief snack
Square, at the intersection of U.S. Rte 33 [sturdy shoes/reflective wear]
stops during the hike and lunch in the
and Gender Rd. [boots/water/lunch] Sun, Apr 15, 9 am: Hocking park afterward. 2-3 more miles after
Wed, Apr 4, 6:30 pm: Franklin Hills Day Hike, Ratings: E/S lunch at nearby Stage’s Pond if the
Park Evening Walk, Ratings: E/S 1/1, 3/4, Leader: Jim Halverson. weather is nice. Wooded and, at times,
Leader: Chris Tisdale. Hour-long The scenery around Old Man's Cave, uneven and muddy terrain. Meet behind
leisurely walk through scenic Franklin Cedar Falls, Rose Lake, and Ash Cave is Tim Hortons at the Great Southern
Park near downtown Columbus. The unequaled for its beauty and serenity. Shopping Center, located on the west
Conservatory at 1777 E. Broad St. is See and learn about the gritty, reddish side of South High St. (US RT 23), just
open from 5-8 pm and free during stone, called Blackhand Sandstone, and north of I-270. [boots/water/lunch]
Community Night. Meet inside the east how it was left behind more than 200
Wed, May 2, 6:30 pm: Franklin
entrance on the lower level (left of million year ago when Ohio’s ancient
Park Evening Walk, Ratings: E/S 1/1,
doors). ocean drained from the land. We will be
Leader: Chris Tisdale. Hour-long
Fri, Apr 6. 7 pm: Blendon Woods hiking 12 miles at a brisk pace and
leisurely walk through scenic Franklin
Metro Park Night Hike, Ratings: E/S tackling some challenging hills, so please
Park near downtown Columbus. The
2/3, Leader: Line Martineau. 3-mile be aware of your hiking abilities and
Conservatory at 1777 E. Broad St. is
hike in woods with some rolling hills. limitations. Meet promptly behind
open from 5-8pm and free during
Meet in the parking lot near the nature McDonald’s at Route 33 and Gender Rd.
Community Night. Meet inside the east
center. Directions: I-270 to Route 161 Note: Call the leader prior to driving to
entrance on the lower level (left of
East, follow the signs to the park and the meeting point if the weather is
doors).
bear left to reach the nature center. questionable. [boots/water/lunch]
Sun, May 6, 9 am: Scioto Trails
Sun, Apr 8, 11 am and 1 pm: Fri, Apr 20, 7 pm: Grandview Night State Park Hike. Ratings: E/S 4/5.
Chestnut Ridge Metro Park Day Hike, Hike, Ratings: E/S 1/1, Leader: Leader: Jose Cabral. 11-mile hike
Ratings: E/S 2/3, Leader: Chris George Huntley. Neighborhood walk through wooded, hilly, and rugged
Tisdale. Two 3-mile hikes at an easy through Grandview. Meet promptly in terrain. The forest and park are nestled in
pace at this small park popular for the parking lot of the Grandview library the high ground of the Appalachian
wonderful views and hilly trail running on First Ave, two blocks west of foothills rising above the Scioto River
on crushed gravel and mulched Grandview Ave. [reflective wear] Valley and offering expansive views of
surfaces. Hike as far as you like. We Sun, Apr 22, 9 am: Great Seal State the area. This historic area was home of
will hike, break for a snack at our Park Day Hike, Ratings: E/S 4/5, the Shawnees as late as the 1700’s and
starting point, then hike in the opposite Leader: Jose Cabral. This is one of our saw the arrival of early American
direction at 1pm for the late youngest state parks and takes its name explorers who traveled up the Scioto
starters. Meet in the last parking lot by from the emblem of Ohio which it helped River. This is strenuous hike and may
the amphitheater. Directions: from I-270 to inspire. Great Seal is situated on the have additional weather related
or 70 take U.S.33E toward Lancaster. Go western edge of the Appalachian Plateau challenges. Meet behind Tim Hortons in
about 11 miles and turn right on and offers views of the Scioto Valley to the Great Southern Shopping Center on
Winchester Rd. (Carroll, OH) at the the west and south. This 9+ mile hike U.S. 23 just north of I-270. [boots/
light. The entrance is about 3 miles on spans the southern region, the hilly water/lunch]
Page 9
Create Your Sustainable Dream Yard
By Toni Stahl, Habitat Ambassador, National Wildlife on the “How Do I Do This” tab at
Federation www.backyardhabitat.info. Feel free to download and
A sustainable dream yard is not only a delight to the eyes, share all the fliers on my website.
it supports everything from native butterflies and hum- Pest Control
mingbirds to songbirds with the plants they need to sur- Native insects are a critical food source. They are rich in
vive--down to the tiny, beneficial nematodes in my soil. I protein for wildlife, especially for native songbirds and
have created my dream yard -- a healthy yard for wildlife, hummingbirds.
me, and my community -- and so can you.
Stop chemical use and keep insects alive and well. Even
What does your dream yard look like? some organic insecticides are toxic to bees. (See the table
Start planning what is needed to create your dream yard. on page 2 at www.xerces.org/wp-content/
First, choose a style (English garden, Country garden, uploads/2009/12/xerces-organic-approved-pesticides-
etc.). You will want to create an organized look for “curb factsheet.pdf.) It's best to rely on predatory insects to eat
appeal.” To please the eye of the general public, place other insects which may cause visible damage to plants.
lower, flowering plants in full view. Start small so it’s Lawn Maintenance
easy to manage. Keep plants out of the way of overhead
lines and utility boxes, plant wet-footed plants in low ar- Apply corn gluten mid-March to mid-April and mid-
eas, and place your garden where you too can see and August to mid-September for pre-emergent, broad-leaf
enjoy it. Gather the proper tools (trowels, weed digger, weed control, as a safe organic insecticide, and a natural
shovels, gloves, etc.) before you dig into your planting fertilizer. Overseeding also helps squeeze out weeds.
project. Follow the tips on the “Environmentally Friendly Lawn
Go Native and Garden Care” flier on the “How Do I Do This” tab on
my Ohio-specific website www.backyardhabitat.info.
Add plants native to your region to provide natural wild- Consider signing up for the monthly Nature Scoop email
life food, including nuts, berries, and plant-dependent with timely Ohio tips for your yard and garden by send-
insects. Avoid invasive plants by checking the list at the ing an email with “Subscribe” in the subject line to me at
bottom of www.oipc.info/specieslist.html. marc-a(at)columbus.rr.com, or contact me there with
Everyone seems to have a different explanation about questions. Let’s work together to help sustain our planet,
what is native. I buy non-invasive plants found in nearby one yard at a time.
natural areas that have soil conditions similar to my gar-
den. (After gradually cutting back for three years, I was
able to stop watering the garden because native plants
grow deep tap roots. Most native plants placed in the
right location go dormant rather than dying from our
Ohio droughts.)
The native trees that best help our environment are those
that support the largest number of caterpillar species. Red
or White Oak (Quercus) supports 534 species (you can
start an Oak by planting an acorn), Cherry/Plum (Prunus)
and Willow (Salix) each support 456 species, and Birch
(Betula) supports 413 species. This and more helpful in-
formation is in Douglas Tallamy’s book called Bringing
Nature Home (Updated and Expanded), published by
Timber Press.
You also need flowers to support insects that in turn pol-
linate the plants, so I choose those which native butter-
flies and moths use to lay their eggs, drink nectar, and for Toni Stahl’s dream yard, with a growing arch. Go to
shelter. For lists of appropriate flowers, see “Attract But- www.backyardhabitat.info to see videos of the yard .
terflies to your Ohio Yard” and “Butterfly Quick Start”
Page 10
The Greening of Weinland Park
By Susan Belair water their gardens. In addition to cutting water bills, the use of
Between OSU's campus and the Short North neighborhood rain barrels reduces demand on the city's water supply and cuts
of Columbus lies Weinland Park. Long neglected and economi- down on the peak flow going through the sewer system, which
cally depressed, over the last ten-plus years the neighborhood helps prevent storm sewer discharge into the watershed. The
has been receiving some welcome attention from the city, the training also encouraged residents to create rain gardens, which
federal government, and many local groups working to improve reduce runoff to storm sewers, and low-maintenance lawns,
the neighborhood. Thanks to Campus Partners, Local Matters, which use less water.
the Civic Association, and other organizations with vision, Now there are over 40 back- and front-yard gardens in
Weinland Park is also becoming cleaner, greener, and more Weinland Park, and four (soon to be five) community gardens.
sustainable.
Community Gardens
Several programs are working to reduce energy consump-
The Godman Guild started the Weinland Park Community
tion in the neighborhood. MORPC's low-income home weath- Garden in 2004. Plots in the garden are free to community
erization program has been very active in the community, mak- members who volunteer two hours per month during the grow-
ing the century-old homes more energy efficient. The city of
ing season. The garden is also part of a Godman Guild program
Columbus' Mobility Plan for the neighborhood, in the process that works with local teenagers to encourage them to appreciate
of being implemented, will improve pedestrian and bicycle
nature and support conservation.
safety and access—and hopefully further reduce fuel consump-
tion and vehicle emissions. Local Matters invested a lot of time researching and plan-
ning the other community gardens in Weinland Park so that
The Weinland Park Civic Association (WPCA) has organ- they could be used as models and replicated around the city.
ized many volunteer projects to clean up litter that would other- Their research was based on projects in other cities, including
wise find its way into soil and watershed. Brownfield cleanups
Portland and Cleveland.
have been conducted at the sites of the former 3M/Auld, Tim-
ken, and Columbus Coated Fabrics plants. Those former indus- The community garden, called 4th Street Farms, has be-
trial sites, which posed health and environmental risks, can and come a neighborhood initiative intended not only to feed but to
will be used now for housing, recreation, and green space. educate and employ residents. OSU's Schoenbaum Family
Center in Weinland Park has a community garden. The Sixth
Local Matters Avenue Bird Sanctuary has been planted in berries and fruit
The changes that have affected the greatest number of resi- trees to provide food as well as wildlife habitat.
dents involve gardening. Local Matters, a central Ohio organi- Urban Agriculture
zation that works to create local food systems, has been heavily
involved in Weinland Park. The boldest vision in the revitalization process is the crea-
tion of a food production, processing and distribution center on
Local Matters was first asked to teach their elementary
the former 3M/Auld factory site on Fifth Avenue.
school curriculum, Food Matters, which teaches healthy eating
of locally grown food, to the Head Start program at OSU's The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC)
Schoenbaum Family Center. They were then asked to bring received a Community Challenge grant from the U.S Depart-
their Veggie Van into the neighborhood to sell fresh, locally- ment of Housing and Urban Development to develop a plan for
grown produce at a reasonable price. Soon a grant from the an urban agricultural system for the neighborhood. A team as-
Columbus Foundation allowed them to bring their Growing sembled by MORPC, including OSU's Knowlton School of
Matters program into the community. Architecture, Local Matters, OSU's Extension Service, and
others, is curently working with the WPCA on the early stages
Growing Matters' goal is to provide support and resources
of planning.
to communities to enable them to grow their own food through
urban farms, community gardens, and front- and backyard gar- In addition to recreational areas, the renovated site may
dens. Many Weinland Park residents were already trying to include gardens, greenhouses, farmers' markets, restaurants, and
supplement their families' food by gardening. What they didn't food processing factories.
necessarily have was the knowledge or resources to deal with Training residents to participate in all aspects of the food
soil testing (essential in urban gardening, where the soil is often system is also part of the grant. The local food system will pro-
contaminated with lead or other pollutants), expert gardening vide jobs--and increase regional food security.
techniques, or safe food preserving procedures. The Growing Coming Up
Matters program provided consultations and classes in all
phases of urban gardening, from planning to composting to can- Local Matters will be offering Growing Matters again in
ning. Local Matters even provided free seeds, plants, and a the neighborhood, but the classes are open to anyone (see our
gardening tool “library” for residents. Community Events section). This will soon be followed by
Cooking Matters, a Local Matters cooking curriculum that will
They also brought in Rain Brothers, who gave residents
free rain barrels or cisterns and taught them how to use them to (Continued on page 11)
Page 11
Non-Sierra Club Community Events
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.
Through April 8: Orchids! Vibrant grams, and hands-on activities. Visit Partnership, this annual workshop is
Victoriana, Franklin Park Conservatory, http://www.fpconservatory.org for more open to the public. Vernal pools are
1777 E. Broad St., Columbus. Horticul- information. unique, seasonal wetlands that are home
ture presentations, work by glass artist Mon, Mar 12, 7:30 pm: Coyote: Un- to a diverse collection of amphibians,
Debora Moore and family programs.. covering Truths & Debunking Myths insects, and crustaceans. At the Work-
Guided tours at 11:00. Orchid talks at of the Ghost Dog, Museum of Biologi- shop, enjoy a guided trip to a vernal pool,
1:00 pm. Sundays 1-4 pm. Visit http:// cal Diversity, 1315 Kinnear Rd, Colum- learn the threats facing these pools, iden-
www.fpconservatory.org for more infor- bus. Free program with Stanley Gehrt, tify salamanders and frog calls, learn
mation. OSU Professor, School of Environmental about the invertebrates and plants that
Sat, Mar 3 and Sat. Mar 10, 10 am- & Natural Resources, presented by the call vernal pools home, and learn how
12pm: Maple Sugaring Tours, Strat- Columbus Natural History Society. Re- and why to collect vernal pool data. Cost
ford Ecological Center, 3083 Liberty freshments and socializing at 7 pm. is $20, lunch included. Early registration
Rd., Delaware. One-hour guided hikes of is strongly encouraged! Register online
Sat, Mar 17, 8 am—12 pm: Pancake at www.theoec.org.
the Stratford Sugar Bush start every half
Breakfast & Maple Sugaring Guided
hour. $3 per person; pay when you make Mar 31 & Apr 1, 10am – 5pm: Central
Tours, Stratford Ecological Center, 3083
your reservation: 740-363-2548. Ohio Orchid Society Show and Sale,
Liberty Road, Delaware. Pancakes with
Sat, Mar 3 and Sat, Mar 10, 10 am–4 pure Ohio Maple Syrup, Stratford’s own Franklin park Conservatory, 1777 E.
pm: Maple Syrup Madness, the Dawes sausage, and a guided hike of the Strat- Broad St., Columbus. Visit http://
Arboretum. Discover how sap is col- ford Sugar Bush. $10/adults, $7/children www.fpconservatory.org for more infor-
lected and processed to make maple (2-12 years old). Reservations required: mation.
syrup as you walk the self-guided trail 740-363-2548. Sat, Apr 21, 10 am—12 pm: Mush-
and get a sample of syrup. Or meet at the rooms, the Godman Guild, 303 East
Sat, Mar 24, 9 am-1 pm: Fruits and
Main Shelter House at 2 pm to take a Sixth Ave, Columbus. Local Matters is
Berries, the Godman Guild, 303 East
guided hike of the maple trail and learn sponsoring this workshop by the owners
Sixth Ave, Columbus. Local Matters is
the history of maple syrup production. of Green Edge Gardens to learn how to
sponsoring a workshop by OSU Exten-
Free, but call 740-323-2355 or 800-44- grow your own mushrooms. Reserva-
sion Service staff on the basics of fruit
DAWES to register. The Dawes Arbore- tions required: cwardell(at)local-
tree growing. Participants will also learn
tum is located on Ohio Rt. 13, 5 miles matters.org or 614-263-5662.
how to include berries in meals, where to
south of Newark and 3 miles north of
purchase fruit trees and berries in Ohio, Tue, Apr 24, 7:30--9:00 pm: Eat This
Interstate 70, Exit 132.
and get to taste local fruit. Reservations Not That: Edible and Not So Edible
Mar 10--Sep 3: Blooms & Butterflies, required: cwardell(at)local-matters.org or Wild Plants, Grange Insurance Audubon
Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. 614-263-5662. Center, 505 W. Whittier St., Columbus.
Broad St., Columbus. Experience the The Columbus Audubon Society presents
Sun, Mar 25, 1—3 pm: Nature Jour-
emergence of hundreds of exotic butter- Dr. David Brandenburg, author of Na-
naling, Franklin Park Conservatory,
flies and watch their. Take part in daily tional Wildlife Federation Field Guide to
1777 E. Broad St., Columbus. Gain a
educational presentations, family pro- Wildflowers of North America, and bota-
deeper connection to nature and your
surroundings. Use the Conservatory as nist at Dawes Arboretum in Newark.
The Greening of Weinland Park David will share an exhibit of dried
Continued from page 10) inspiration with guided and open-ended
activities. Bring a blank journal or pur- pressed plants from The Dawes Arbore-
be taught by local chefs. Next winter,
chase one at Botanica. Taught by artist tum collection and sign copies of his
they will begin year-round growing using
Brooke Hunter-Lombardi. $25 Non- book, which will be available for sale in
greenhouses at Weinland Park's Commu-
members. To register call 614.645.5923 the GIAC Nature Store.
nity Garden. The Chinese symbol for
chaos also means opportunity: where there or download a registration form: http:// Sat, Apr 28, 11am—3:30pm: Earth
are problems, there is also possibility www.fpconservatory.org. Day: Exploring Water, COSI. Water
Weinland Park is moving from a state of Sat, Mar 31, 10 am—4:30 pm: Central equals life. Meet the researchers and in-
neglect to become a neighborhood for the Ohio Vernal Pool Workshop, Stratford novators who are helping to ensure that
21st century. Its future looks bright green! Ecological Center, 3083 Liberty Road, our water supply is clean, safe, and reli-
Delaware. Presented by the Ohio Envi- able. Visit http://www.cosi.org or call
ronmental Council and Ohio Vernal Pool 614-228-2674 for more information.
Sierra Club Central Ohio Group NON-PROFIT ORG.
131 North High Street, Suite 605 U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Columbus, OH 43215-3026 PERMIT # 787
COLUMBUS, OHIO
Printed on 100% recycled paper.
Sierra Club Central Ohio Group Directory The Central Ohio Sierran
...is published once every two months by
For E-mail addresses, see the Directory on the Central Ohio Group website at
the Central Ohio Group of the Sierra Club.
www.ohio.sierraclub.org/central
Printing: full circulation twice a year to the
Chair Newsletter Copy Editors membership, as well as regular distribution
David Donofrio* Susan Belair to public locations and on our website to
Vice-Chair Maryann Kafer reach over 6,000 members and supporters.
Melanie Braithwaite* Webmasters Articles published in the newsletter also
Treasurer Bob Snider
Kathy O'Keeffe* Matthew Baker appear on the Central Ohio Group website.
Secretary & Communication Outreach Social Networking Visit our website at
Kalen Cap* Diana Huang
Political Committee Chair www.ohio.sierraclub.org/central
*Denotes member of the Executive Committee for
Thomas Lee* 2012. Join the conversation on
Conservation Committee Chair our Google+ page. Go to:
Alicia Wooten-Cherry*
Membership Chair Sierra Club Columbus Office http://gplus.to/SierraClubCentralOhioGrp
Dave Roseman* Main Number.................. 614-461-0734 We are on Facebook
Outings Co-Chairs Natalie Fox (Energy) as the Sierra Club
Marilyn Fiske Ohio Chapter Staff...................... Ext. 301
Linda Halverson Central Ohio Group.
Nachy Kanfer
Line Martineau National Beyond Coal Campaign .. Ext. 308 Follow us on Twitter:
Programs Coordinator http://twitter.com/Sierra_Club_COG
Rashay Layman
Yang Xing*
Organizer, National Field Staff..... Ext. 307 Our club email: sierracog(at)gmail.com
Publicity Chair
Amber Bellamy* Teresa McHugh
Representative to the Ohio Chapter Manager, National Field Staff ...... Ext. 301
Sarah Cercone* Jen Miller Send address changes to:
Alternate Rep. to Ohio Chapter National Beyond Coal Campaign .. Ext. 304 Sierra Club Member Services
Dave Roseman* Matt Trokan (Clean Water, Nat. Res.)
P.O. Box 421041
At-Large ExCom Members Ohio Chapter Staff...................... Ext. 311
Ben Wickizer (Alt. Trans., Clean Water) Palm Coast, FL 32142-1041
Bob Braithwaite*
Ohio Chapter Staff...................... Ext. 316 or Email:
address.changes(at)sierraclub.org
Page 12
