You can now view past issues of "Alabama Hiker", the official newsletter of the AHTS online by clicking here.
Discovering Alabama to Premier New Show on Delta at 5 Rivers (06/29/2008)
As you all know, Dr. Doug Phillips has been hosting the Alabama Public Television Emmy nominated series “Discovering Alabama” for over 20 years now, showcasing the beauty that nature has to offer in Alabama and documenting it for generations to come. Dr. Phillips will premier his brand new show on the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta July 1st at 7pm at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort, AL.
The Delta is the 2nd largest delta in the country. Much of it has been purchased by Forever Wild and preserved just as it looked in the 1700’s when Botantist to the Queen William Bartram explored it. If you are coming to our Conference in March at 5 Rivers, check this show out to see some of the areas we will be exploring during our activities!
The event is being hosted by the Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club and is free and open to everyone.
Conference 2009 is Heading for L.A.! (04/24/2008)
Break out the swimsuit and sun tan lotion, the 7th Annual AHTS Conference is heading to the Gulf!
AHTS is excited to announce that Conference 2009 will be held at the new 5 Rivers facility in Spanish Fort, AL, along the banks of the second largest river delta in the country, the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, March 6-8, 2009.
This conference will feature more family oriented activities, plus some VERY special classes and presentations.
We also have some great activities in the works including a hike deep in the Delta. Plus there will be canoeing and so much more.
Full details and registration forms will be available soon and in our next issue of Alabama Hiker, the AHTS newsletter!
Forever Wild and AHTS to Partner on Trails in Baldwin County (04/24/2008)
Alabama's Forever Wild program and the Alabama Hiking Trail Society have agreed to partner to help build and maintain hiking trails on two of the agency's properties the Perdido River tract in Baldwin County on the Alabama Gulf Coast and at the Coosa Wildlife Management Area. The two projects will prove to be huge strides in creating the Alabama Trail and moving the ECT an GET into the woods and off its current roadwalk
More details will be posted soon.
History of the CCC in Alabama Set to Hit Bookstores (04/05/2008)
The much anticipated book by USFS Archeologist Bob Pasquill, “The Civilian Conservation Corps in Alabama, 1933-1942: A Great and Lasting Good” will hit the book shelves this summer. Bob has been researching this book for sometime and if you have attended past AHTS conferences, you’ve heard his fascinating work in person. The book traces the New Deal program in the state, a program that employed over 20,000 men and created 13 state forests and 7 state parks in Alabama alone. Just majestic structures as the stone fire towers atop Cheaha and Flagg Mountain and ornate buildings such as Bald Rock Lodge and the tavern at Monte Sano State Park are remenants of the dedication and master craftsmanship of these young men. The book is being published by the University of Alabama Press and will be available at all book stores in the state.
Website Changes on the Way (04/05/2008)
Big changes are on the way at www.hikealabama.org! Coming in the next few weeks, our Trailhead section will come alive with information on favorite hikes from around the state from hikers like you! Also on the way a brand new Forums page - no politics, no bashing, just straight hiking talk for hikers. And the big news is that AHTS is proud to have been asked to host a special page for the US Forest Service and Forever Wild! Now you'll be able to get the latest info on trail re-routes, prescribed burn schedules, trailhead closures, new trails on Forever Wild tracts and information direct from the USFS and Forever Wild FAST! All of this and more is coming soon to ww.hikealabama.org.
AHTS Office Phone Number Change (04/05/2008)
We are currently changing phone services and the AHTS office phone number will be out of service temporarily. If you need to contact us, please drop us an email or visit our contact page for Board members to contact. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Candidates Wanted for AHTS Board of Directors (02/10/2008)
It's election time again, not only for US President but also for key positions on the AHTS Board of Directors. Positions coming open this year include:
VP of Trails, VP of Administration, and Treasurer.
If you would like to join the AHTS Board of Directors and help us continue our mission by running for one of these positions, please contact our office by Email at ahts@hikealabama.org or by phone at 334-239-3210. On Saturday evening, March 16th during the conference, candidates will have a chance to tell gathered members their qualifications and what they will bring to the position and then the general membership will vote on the positions.
Pinhoti / A.T. Link in ATC Journey Magazine (12/27/2007)
Read about the Pinhoti / A.T. connection in the latest issue of ATC Journey Magazine by clicking here.
Rebecca Mountain Update (12/27/2007)
It's time for all of us to write to Senator Shelby and thank him for his support of the proposed purchase of lands along Rebecca Mountain. As you know, the mountain is not only important to creating a southerly extension of the Pinhoti Trail, but also to create a "greenway" corridor for wildlife and to protect this beautiful land. Senator Shelby recently supported the passing of the Interior Appropriations Bill which included $750,000 for this purpose. His support made all the difference. Please drop him a line at senator @ shelby. senate.gov or by mail at Senator Richard Shelby, 110 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC, 20510.
Campfire Closure at Talladega Lifted (11/30/2007)
Lesley Hodge with the USDA Forest Service at Talladega National Forest announced this week that the closure order on campfires in the forest has been lifted by the Forest Supervisor. She goes on to say that you may "now roast your
marshmallows, brew your coffee and stay warm!!!!"
Forever Wild to Expand Monte Sano State Park (Courtesy Bama Enivornmental News - 10/24/2007)
Forever Wild to Expand Monte Sano State Park - According to the Huntsville Times, Forever Wild, Alabama's highly successful land acquisition conservation program, has agreed to purchase 154 acres adjacent to Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville. The expansion is the largest for the park in nearly a decade.
Located off Bankhead Parkway, the expansion will also connect a corner of Monte Sano State Park to the Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama's Monte Sano Preserve. Along with Forever Wild's commitment to purchase the property, the Land Trust has also helped raise $75,000, with $50,000 coming from the city of Huntsville and the rest of the monies from a number of local supporters with contributions ranging from $10 to $1000.
This is the third time Monte Sano State Park has grown with Forever Wild's help. Previous Forever Wild purchases included the 197 acre Big Cats Creek tract and the 40 acre Periwinkle Spring tract. The park now includes 2,340 acres according to the Times.
Rebecca Mountain Update (09/07/2007)
Thanks go out to all of you who took the time to write to our Senators and Congressmen urging them to support the $1,000,000 funding for land acquisition along Rebecca Mountain and the Pinhoti Trail. Now that Congress is back in session, we encourage you to drop Senator Shelby a note thanking him for supporting the funding.
The work isn't quite done yet. Please contact Congressman Bud Cramer (from North Alabama) and encourage him to work with the House Appropriations Committee to see that the $1,000,000 in land acquisition funding remains a part of the final Interior Appropriations Bill. Remember, if this funding goes through, a private donor has offered to provide an additional $550,000 for this acquisition and this important piece of property will be protected for generations to come. You can contact the Congressman by email at:
Thank you again for your support in protecting Rebecca Mountain!
A view of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta through the Spanish moss of Blakeley State Park. (Photo by Emily Campbell)
Blakeley Historic State Park Trail Survey Begins (08/15/2007)
Marion and Emily Campbell of Mobile, Joe Cuhaj of Daphne, and Erik Douglas of Brewton, traveled to Blakeley Historic State Park in Spanish Fort to begin surveying the trails that have been damaged since the last big hurricane season. On this hot and muggy August morning, the crew traveled the four of the 15-miles of trail in the park and presented park directory JoAnn Flirt their preliminary findings.
Overall, the trails could basically use a good grooming. Low canopies and overgrowth have socked in the trails in many areas requiring some bushwhacking, several blowdowns will need to be cleared, and wooden walkways and bridges across bottoms and wetlands will need repairing. The crew also suggested blazing the many different trails to keep hikers on the correct path and prevent them from getting lost and also volunteered, when clearing work is completed, to GPS the trails and create new maps for the park.
As you may know, Blakeley was the site of the last major battle of the Civil War. Walking the breastworks and redoubts was an amazing experience and AHTS can't wait to clear the trails so that the public can easily access them.
Another survey trip will be taken in early fall. We will post the date on the website and in the next issue of "Alabama Hiker". We invite you to join us for this new and exciting chapter in AHTS history!
Alabama State Forest Service Hopes to Lease Little River State Forest (07/24/2007)
Read this story from the Mobile Press-Register and the hopes that Escambia County can lease the park by clicking here...
Geneva State Forest / NTD Featured in Anniston Star (07/01/2007)
AHTS to Help Clear and Map Blakeley Trails (07/30/2007)
AHTS will be joining forces with the staff at Blakeley Historic State Park in Spanish Fort, AL, to help clear existing trails and create maps for the public.
Blakeley is significant in many ways. The park is located on the banks of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. The trail's take visitors not only to the second largest river delta in the country, but beautiful wetlands and of course history. Blakeley was once a thriving port city that rivaled its cross-bay rival Mobile. It is mostly famous for its role in the Civil War. It is here that the last major battle of the war was fought.
After the barrage of hurricanes that hit the Gulf Coast over the past few years, the small staff at Blakeley has been unable to get the trails back in shape. Many are overgrown and are hard to find.
AHTS contacted the director of the park, JoAnn Flirt, and volunteered to help get the trails back into operation for the public to enjoy. On August 5th, Gulf Coast members will hike the trails and report back to JoAnn about their condition and what will be needed to get the trails back in shape. After that, several work days will be scheduled to clear the trails and create GPS maps.
We hope that you will consider joining us over the next few months as we give back to this extraordinary park and bring the trails back for the public to enjoy. We will be posting work days soon.
If you would like to know more, contact Joe Cuhaj at 251-533-1812 or by email at jcuhaj@bellsouth.net.
Conference '08 Dates Set (06/29/2007)
Mark it down on your calendar now - March 14-15, 2008, Bald Rock Lodge, Cheaha State Park. Those are the dates for the 6th Annual AHTS Conference. If you were in attendance last year, you know that this event is getting bigger all the time and is now one of the largest hiking conferences in the region! This year we've raised the bar with more speakers, more entertainment, and more activities. We plan on starting the weekend early on March 14th with a series of day hikes for early arrivals. So pencil in the dates. More details will be coming soon.
Backpacking 101 (06/29/2007)
Over the years many people have told us they want to backpack but don't know where to get started, what gear to buy, where to go, and how to do it inexpensively. AHTS will answer your questions in our "Backpacking 101" Workshop. The event is tentatively set for September 22nd and will be hosted by our Gulf Coast and Three Notch Chapters. Location and times will be announced in the next few days. For more info, contact workshop organizer Joe Cuhaj at (251) 533-1812 or by email at jcuhaj@bellsouth.net.
GET Hiker Calls it a Day by Tom Johnson (American Hiking Society -06/04/2007)
Our first thru-hiker, Sue Turner (AKA Hammockhanger) has given up her quest for this year. The road walking down south, the heat, and the lack of water have all conspired against her. I don't know where she is right now, but suspect that she was somewhere on the Allegheny Trail when she quit.
The weather and road walking down south were deterents, but she was hoping to make it through that stretch before she gave out. It didn't happen. Even when she got further north, where the trail is more continuous and the weather would hopefully be more cooperative, the remoteness of the trail presents serious resupply issues. The Great Eastern Trail is not like the AT, and there is a chance that it never will be. That is the downside, but it is also the upside. Eventually we hope that the scenic beauty of these more remote locales will make the GET what the AT once was - a pathway through the wilderness.
I want to thank all of you who helped her through your respective stretches of trail, or were preparing to do so. I know that it required
a great deal of planning and effort on the part of many people. She encountered true southern hospitality. Would that she could have enjoyed our northern friendliness as well.
Tom Johnson
AHTS Proud to Partner with Alabama River Alliance Water Agenda (05/27/2007)
If you were with us for our 2007 Conference, you heard a wonderful presentation by Adam Snyder and Cindy Lowry of the Alabama River Alliance and their Water Agenda. The Water Agenda is a proactive, citizen driven campaign aimed at improving water quality throughout the state and protecting water resources. AHTS is proud to endorse the Water Agenda and we hope you will, too! Find out more by visiting the Alabama River Alliance website,
Your Opinion Needed on Forest Management Practices (05/22/2007)
The US Forest Service has asked Clemson University to collect opinions from recreationists and conservationists interested in forests in the Southern Appalachians.The link below will take you to an on-line survey about different forest management practices being developed by forest scientists.Your responses to the survey will help them in making future decisions about whether to use some, all, or none of these experimental practices. Forest management is difficult. Because of this, the survey is not short but you should not find it complicated. You should expect to spend 20 minutes working on it.If you have a dial-up connection or prefer a paper survey please contact Chris Starker (starker@clemson.edu).
A new chapter in the Pinhoti Trail history was set into motion at the AHTS conference as representatives from the
maintaining clubs in Alabama along with our friends of the Georgia Pinhoti Trail Association came together to form the Pinhoti
Trail Alliance.
The mission of the alliance is to represent and market the Pinhoti Trail not as individual sections in Alabama and Georgia, but instead as one continuous trail running through both states. A meeting was held on Friday night March 31st after our conference open ceremonies. Present were members of the US Forestry Service (USFS), Alabama Hiking Trail Society (AHTS), Alabama Trails Association (ATA), Appalachian Trail Club of Alabama (ATCA), Anniston Outdoor Association (AOA), Vulcan Trail Association (VTA), Horn Mt. Trail Club (HMTC), Eastern Trail Association (ETA) and the Georgia Pinhoti Trail Association (GPTA).
The original concept for the Pinhoti Trail was to build it as a single trail running from Flagg Mt. in central Alabama and
terminating at the Benton MacKaye Trail in north Georgia. This overlooked and long forgotten plan was round tabled among the
representatives in attendance. After discussion, a motion was presented stating the need for and benefits of all interested
parties coming together to form a group speaking and working in unity for the advancement of the PinhotiTrail. All were in favor, and after a brief discussion of a name that would be appropriate, the Pinhoti Trail Alliance (PTA) was agreed upon. May the 12th was chosen as the date for the first official meeting and Cheaha SP was voted the venue. A Saturday meeting was proposed in order to accommodate some late arriving conference attendees.
On Saturday Michael Leonard, longtime Pinhoti advocate and ATA founding member, along with the US Forest Service
joined us and were brought up to speed on the decisions reached the previous night. They all agreed that the Alliance was a positive step forward and applauded the decision. Michael then announced that private funds had been pledged to cover 25% of the purchase of private in holdings along Rebecca Mt. if the USFS would commit to the acquisition.
AHTS welcomes the formation of the PTA. We have believed for a long time that the management of the Pinhoti Trail would be enhanced if such an organization was formed. By pooling our resources together as one but also being ever mindful of protecting the rights and autonomy of the individual founding organizations, the PTA will be a win-win situation for the trail, the organizations and the users of the Pinhoti Trail.
AHTS Officers Elected (04/01/2007)
During the AHTS General Membership Meeting, several key positions on the Board of Directors came up for a vote. By unanimous vote of the membership in attendance, the following officers were elected to retain their positions:
President - Mike Kennedy, Secretary - Marie Arnott, VP Publicity - Joe Cuhaj, and taking over the position of VP of Trails - Johnny Brewer.
Sue Turner puts the first name in the GET trailhead register.
And She's Off! Sue Turner Hits the GET! (04/03/2007)
Sue "Hammock Hanger" Turner has starter her adventure to be the first person to thru-hike the Great Eastern Trail.
After spending the weekend with AHTS at our conference atop Cheaha Mountain, past AHTS president Erik Douglas drove Sue to the Alabama-Florida state line and the AHTS kiosk the marks the beginning of a trip that will take her over 1,700-miles to northern New York. Sue made MANY new friends during the conference, each willing to lend a hand as she makes her way northward through the state. She was even kind enough to join Wendi Merritt for an impromptu backpacking 101 workshop where Wendi (who just completed the Pinhoti in Alabama) and Sue demonstrated what they carry on a long-distance hike.
We all wish Sue the very best on her journey. We'll be with her every step of the way! Read an article about the start of Sue's journey from the Brewton Standard.
Sue joins Wendi Merritt for an impromptu Backpacking 101 session with conference attendees.
Congratulations to the Southern Trails Gift Certificate Winner, Janet Smith!(04/03/2007)
Congratulations to Janet Smith, the winner of the $500 gift certificate drawing from Southern Trails! Janet's name was drawn during the AHTS Conference March 31st. AHTS would like to thank Southern Trails for their generous contribution. Proceeds from the drawing helps AHTS continue our mission throughout the year. Visit Southern Trails in Montgomery, Auburn, or online at www.southerntrailsinc.com.
AHTS Secretary Marie Arnott (left) presents Janet Smith with the $500 Southern Trails gift certificate.
Wild South Needs Volunteers in the Sipsey (04/03/2007)
Wild South needs volunteers to help on several projects in the Bankhead National Forest.All of the projects will require some able-bodied people, but we can also use a few “weaklings” (supervisors).The projects are to mark and prepare short hiking trails into canyons, place signs, pick up large pieces of trash, control invasive species of plants on land adjacent to the Bankhead, and clearing woody materials from rare glades. We promise not to work you to death, will try to make the projects fun.You will learn something while contributing to the Forest.Please notify Janice Barrett if you are interested in helping out on any or all of these projects.We are not looking for commitments to show up at a certain place at this time, but are building a list of people who would like to help.We will send out notices to those on the list when plans are laid, and tell them where to meet and what to bring.
We have been asked to help out on clearing a glade of woody debris on April 10 (Tuesday), so please get back to Janice soon if you want to help on April 10. Contact Janice by email at janice@wildsouth.org or by phone 256-974-6166.
2nd Annual AHTS Photo Contest Winners Announced (04/03/2007)
"The winners of our 2nd annual "Give Us Your Best Shot" photo contest were selected at the annual conference March 31st. First place winners will be published in an upcoming issue of "Alabama Living" magazine. 2nd place finishers received a $30 Alabama State Park gift card, and 3rd place will receive a copy of the 3rd edition of "Hike Alabama" by Joe Cuhaj which is set to be released in the fall of this year. We will post all of the winning entries after the publication in "Alabama Living".
Get those photos ready because we have big prizes lined up for next year's contest! Details are coming soon.
And the winners are:
Fun with the Family: Sidney Hiking by Cody McCandless
Landscapes: 1st Place Falls by Wendi Merritt 2nd Place Moonrise over Lake Wilson by Mason Matthews 3rd Place Days Gone By by Mike Kennedy
Life on the Trail: 1st Place Pastor in the Pulpit by Billie Thrash
2nd Place Self-Portrait by Cody McCandless
3rd Place Life on the Trail by Wendi Merritt
Plant Life: 1st Place Flowers by Mason Matthews
2nd Place Wild Violets by Wendi Merritt
3rd Place Yellow Flowers by Cody McCandless
Wildlife: 1st Place Great Blue Herons by Mason Matthews
2nd Place Deer in the Mist by Wendi Merritt
3rd Place Squirrel by Cody McCandless
"Discovering Alabama" Producer Roger Reid Talks About his new book, "Longleaf" (04/03/2007)
"Discovering Alabama" producer Roger Reid has written a fascinating children's novel based in one of our favorite spots, Conecuh National Forest. The novel is called Longleaf and it chronicles the adventures of a 14-year-old boy who goes on a camping trip with his scientist parents in the Conecuh National Forest. Amidst the beauty and diversity of the Alabama woodland, the young genius witnesses a crime involving a case of "native" poachers, lawmen and residents. WBHM radio recently conducted an interview with Roger that you can hear by clicking here. "Longleaf" is available in all book stores.
Win a $500 Gift Certificate from Southern Trails (01/02/2007)
Southern Trails, Inc, has generously donated a $500 gift certificate for our spring Donation Giveaway! The certificate is good for gear and more at their store located at 5143 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL, or online at www.southerntrailsinc.com. Members will receive tickets in the mail shortly to sell (and purchase for yourself.) We will also have tickets available at the 2007 Conference. Southern Trails has been equipping outdoor enthusiasts since 1973 and AHTS can not thank Lonnie Carden enough for the generous donation!
First Great Eastern Trail Thru-Hiker Ready to Hit the Trail (01/01/2007)
The Great Eastern Trail is about to have its first thru-hiker. She is Sue Turner (her hiking moniker is Hammock Hanger.)
Sue will begin her trip on the Alabama-Florida state line in early April and tackle the new trail that stretches from Alabama to northern New York. Sue plans on attending the AHTS conference the end of March and several AHTS members along with members of AHS will join Sue on the trail as she makes her way along the Selma-to-Montgomery Trail. (Look for details of the hike and how you can join us at our website and in the next issue of “Alabama Hiker”.)
You can follow Sue on her journey online at trailjournals.com/hammockhangerget06 We wish Sue the best of luck and can’t wait to meet up with her on her adventure!
January is Eagle Awareness Month in Alabama (01/01/2007)
January has been set aside as Eagle Awareness Month throughout the state. State officials and birding groups ask residents to keep their eyes peeled for American bald eagles and their nesting sites and report them to appropriate officials. In addition, several organized events are planned across the state for people to learn not only about the eagles and their habitat but to also go on treks to continue the eagle count. Two of note include weekends at Lake Guntersville State Park (256-571-5444) and Joe Wheeler State Park (256-247-5466). You can also learn more about eagles in Alabama by visiting the North Alabama Birding Trail website at http://www.northalabamabirdingtrail.com/index.aspx.
National Park Service Wants Your Input on Little River Canyon (11/29/2006)
The National Park Service would like your input on the future of Little River Canyon Preserve in Fort Payne, AL. The canyon is the largest east of the Mississippi and is under the supervision of NPS. NPS will be holding three open houses December 5, 6, and 7, to hear your opinion of the direction the preserve should take over the next 15 to 20 years in terms of preservation and outdoor recreation. Click here to find dates, times, and locations and read more about the open house.
Congratulations to our 2006 Raffle Winners: Emily Campbell and Sam Wright! (11/29/2006)
Our 2006 raffle was a huge success and we can't thank you enough for participating! We'd like to congratulate this year's winners: Emily Campbell of Saraland was the winner of a beautiful Coleman Quest Kayak and Sam Wright of Sylacagua is now the proud owner of a Coleman Road Trip Grill! Congratulations!!!
Alabama Living to Sponsor 2nd Annual AHTS Photo Contest (11/02/2006)
Do you have a shoebox full of photos from your many hiking and camping adventures? Then dig them out and dust off the box because it's time for the 2nd Annual AHTS "Give Us Your Best Shot" Photo Contest! First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded in 6 categories:
Fun with the Family (Shots of your family on the trail or camping)
Alabama Landscapes
Alabama Plant Life
Alabama Wildlife
On the Trail in Alabama
Youth (for entrants under 18)
AHTS is proud to announce that "Alabama Living" magazine is joining us as a sponsor of the contest this year. "Alabama Living" is a publication of the Alabama Electric Cooperative. Each issue is filled with fascinating stories on the people, events, and lifestyles of Alabama.
AHTS is thrilled to announce that first place winners in each category will be published in an issue of "Alabama Living" in 2007!
Entries must be received no later than March 16, 2007. We CAN NOT accept entries after that date. Photos will be displayed during the 5th Annual AHTS Conference March 30-April 1, 2007, at Cheaha State Park and will be voted on by conference attendees. The winners will be announced during the big Saturday night program March 31st.
A complete list of prizes, rules, and entry forms are available online by November 30th at www.hikealabama.org/photocontest.html.
AHTS Wants You! (11/02/2006)
Just when you thought your were through heaing talk of elections, we bring up the subject once more! The annual conference is now a little more than five months away and at that time we select officers to serve for a two year term. As prescribed in the AHTS By-Laws, only half the officers are up for election or re-election in any one year. In 2007, the positions slated for consideration are: President, Membership Vice President, Public Relations Vice President, and Secretary. All officers have specified duties and powers described in the By-Laws. Together, the officers conduct the business of the organization.
If any member wishes to run for one of the above mentioned office, please forward a brief personal biography and letter to Erik Douglas at the address below. These letters will be published in the next issue of "Alabama Hiker". The responsibilities of the officers are vital to the mission of the Alabama Hiking Trail Society and the future of recreational hiking in Alabama and the region.
Any officer will also tell you that they are part of a unique family and share a special bond that comes with such a mission. We invite you to step into one of the roles and give of your talents. Please send your letter to: J.Erik Douglas, 719 Belleville Ave., Brewton, AL 36426 or by email to edouglas@hikealabama.org.
Presentation on Conecuh's 40-million year old manatee fossil Sept 10 (08/21/2006)
You may recall hearing or reading about some 5,000,000 year old manatee fossil recently discovered in Conecuh National Forest. Two herpatologists, Jimmy and Sierra Stiles, from Auburn University found the ancient fossil while on Yellow River on the East side of the Forest. Both Jimmy and Sierra will be guest speakers of the Conecuh/Sepulga Watershed Alliance at Solon/Dixon Forestry Education Center September 10th, 2006. The Center is located on US Highway 29 at the Conecuh County/Covington County line Conecuh National Forest. The presentation will start at 2:00 pm. Some of the members of Conecuh/Sepulga Watershed Alliance are also members of AHTS. The meetings and presentations are always informal and relaxed. Join our friends at the Center and enjoy meeting these two fortunate people. For more information on the program or directions to the Center contact J. Erik Douglas at 251-363-0539 or 251-867-7608 or email edouglas@hikealabama.org
A 40-Million year old manatee fossil found in Conecuh National Forest (06/30/2006)
Scientists and federal officials are recovering the fossils of a manatee believed to be 40-million years old in Conecuh National Forest (Andalusia, AL). Read the latest report from AL.COM.
The Great Eastern Trail (GET) Gets National Exposure (06/30/2006)
The newest proposed long path, the Great Eastern Trail, which will stretch from the Alabama-Florida border to New York, received national exposure recently by the Associated Press. Read the story here.
The Year of Alabama Outdoors Photography Exhibit Hits the Road (05/15/2006)
A traveling photography exhibit showcasing the natural beauty of Alabama will make its way across the state during the year. The exhibit entitled, "Natural Wonders of Alabama", will display images of the landscapes, animals, and flora of Alabama. Photos from Alabama photographers Tes Jolly, Marsha Perry, Robert Schuffert, Charles Siefried, and Beth Maynor Young will allow people to see and enjoy the beauty of nature in Alabama and will be on display at the following locations:
Mobile - Fort Conde May 3-30
Huntsville - Huntsville Botanical Gardens June 2-July 5
Birmingham - Central Location of the Birmingham Library July 8-August
The American Black Bear Named Official State Mammal (05/15/2006)
Thanks to the efforts of the Alabama Black Bear Alliance, the Black Bear has been designated as the official state mammal. While not an endangered species, black bears are extremely rare in the state. Estimates put the numbers at only a few hundred living in southwest Alabama. American black bears are generally home bodies. The female rarely leaves an area it calls home where there is an abundance of berries to eat. The male does venture out but not far. The Alliance says their main concern for the continued maintenance of the bear population in Alabama isn’t hunting but instead encroachment by development which takes away the bear’s habitat. Baldwin County and the Mobile-Tensaw Delta region, prime bear country, is currently listed as one of the fastest growing regions in the country. Efforts by such groups as the Nature Conservancy and Forever Wild to purchase large tracts and corridors of land helps ensure that the bear population thrives in regions such as this. The Alliance and the Alabama Wildlife Federation ask that you report any bear sightings by calling the Federation at 800-822-9453.
The Escambia County Commission Makes a Big Donation to AHTS (03/20/2006)
AHTS would like to thank the Escambia County Commission - David Stokes, Todd Williamson, Larry White, William Brown, and Wiley Tait, County Administrator Tony Sanks, and AHTS members Erik Douglas and Johnny Miller for their help in acquiring funds to purchase much needed items on our wish list. Several months ago, Erik and Johnny approached the Commissioners with a proposal to purchase equipment that would facilitate trail building and maintenance in the county. County Administrator Tony Sanks acted as liason and coordinator for the proposal. The plan was to use money that is acquired by the county through the timber sales at Conecuh National Forest. The Commissioners approved the proposal and recently donated the money to AHTS to purchase the equipment. Erik and Johnny used the funds to purchase two new chainsaws, safety equipment such as helmets, ear protection, first aid kit, and logging chaps, a hip chain for distance measurements, two inclinometers to measure grades, a DR Mower and a utility trailer to store and transport the equipment in. The equipment has already been turned around and used to benefit the public. On Saturday, March 18th, Erik and Johnny along with Gulf Coast member Joe Cuhaj broke the equipment in right as they used it to complete work on the Gazebo Trail at Little River State Forest making the hurricane ravaged trail once again open for public use. You can see photos of the equipment in use in our Photo Gallery. All members of AHTS would like to thank the Commissioners and Tony Sanks for their donation and to Erik Douglas and Johnny Miller for their hard work and dedication in making this possible.
Little River State Forest Trails Open for Business! (03/20/2006)
The Gulf Coast and Three Notch Chapters teamed up a few months ago to help repair the trails at Little River State Forest just north of Atmore. The forest was once the home of Claude D Kelley State Park. That was until Hurricane Ivan paid a visit. The storm ravaged the forest's two trails, the Gazebo and Bell / CCC. The weekend of March 18, Erik Douglas, Johnny Miller, and Joe Cuhaj headed back up to the Gazebo Trail armed with new equipment purchased with a donation from the Escambia County Commision. Over the two days the crew completed clearing downed trees and dead limbs, mowed the trail, and painted AHTS yellow blazes completing the work and reopening the path for safe hikng by the public. Future plans for the forest include a new kiosk at the ranger station (a possible Eagle Scout project), creating a loop out of the Gazebo Trail instead of its current out-and-back route, and doing clean up and blazing on the CCC/Bell Trail. We will also begin investigating expanding the trails in the forest and looking for routes to link it to the Conecuh National Forest and Alabama River.
Trail Crew Shirts and AHTS Patches Now Available (02/14/2006)
Many have asked for them and now it's official! AHTS now has its first two Trail Crew shirts and patches! When you volunteer to maintain either the Pinhoti Trail or Flagg Mountain Trail with AHTS, you will receive one of these shirts free as a thank you for your hard work and donation of your time. Shirts will be available soon for the other AHTS maintained trails.
Hikers love their patches and AHTS now has our own! You can purchase either the 2.5" diamond or the 3" round AHTS Logo patches for $3 each and get one of our Trail Work patches free when you perform 10 hours or 100 hours of volunteer work. To purchase the logo patches, please send a letter with a check or money order for the number of patches you want plus $1 sh to Rick Guhse', 41 School St., Keene, NH 03431. All these items plus many more will be available soon from our website's online store which is currently under development.
Trail Crew Shirts
AHTS Patches
Work to Resume at Geneva State Forest (01/10/2006)
For those of you wondering when work will begin again at Geneva State Forest, your wait is over. Johnny Brewer and Mark Nichols from the Three Notch Chapter have volunteered to lead the effort in the forest! Johnny and Mark will do an excellent job planning and creating the trails through the forest, but they need your help. They are tentatively scheduling their first work day in April. Keep checking the Activity Calendar for exact dates, times, and contact information. Cliff Hardin (trailname Cliffhanger) from the Dothan area has already joined in team and we hope you will consider volunteering your time as well.
Melissa Parrish Nominated to VP of Membership Position (01/10/2006)
At the January AHTS Board of Directors' meeting, the Board unanimously voted Melissa Parrish to the recently vacated position of Vice President of Membership. As per AHTS by-laws, Melissa will complete the current term. Melissa comes to us direct from interning with the American Hiking Society where she helped plan the SEFTC conference last year in South Carolina and where she first met the AHTS. Her love of the outdoors has been building for years having grown up in the shadow of Ruffner Mountain and doing trailwork with AmeriCorps not only in the US but overseas as well. Melissa is a valuable addition to the AHTS Board. Please join us in welcoming her to the AHTS family!
Meet the Brewers - Jackson Graham & Ashlyn Regan and their mom Nann.
Posted January 8, 2006
Congratulations to AHTS's Johnny and Nann Brewer on the birth of their new baby boy and girl! The twins were born January 7th at 6:31 and 6:33pm. Jackson Graham was 8 pounds-10 ounces and Ashlyn Reagan 6 pounds-6 ounces. Mom and babies are doing well, their son Grant is excited to have a new brother and sister and can't wait for them to come home, and JB is trying to figure out the logistics of getting his hiking gear and his expanded family into the Navigator. Congratulations!
Posted November 25, 2005
It’s official. The GulfCoast and Three Notch Chapters of the AHTS will begin work at Little River State Forest in January!
Not long ago, Little River State Forest was the home of ClaudeDKelleyState Park. Severe damage from Hurricane Ivan forced the state to place control of the park with the state forest and the park no longer exists, however the amenities it once provided such as camping areas, swimming and fishing in Little River Lake, bath houses, etc., are still in operation.
The park’s two trails, the Gazebo and Bell, were obliterated by the storms. The plan is for the AHTS to reestablish the two trails so that visitors to the forest can once again explore this beautiful region. While this work is going on, the AHTS and officials with Little River and the state forest service will discuss expanding the trails in the 2,000-acre forest to take hikers to some of its unique landscapes including one of the only rock outcroppings in south Alabama. Little River will also play a key role in the establishment of the Alabama Trail.
You’re invited to join us for the trail work ahead. Dates will be posted shortly in our Activity Calendar.
Alabama Hiking Trail Society, PO Box 231164, Montgomery, AL 36123
