January-March 2014 Volume 43, Number 1 News of the Central Ohio Group

The Central Ohio

Sierran

2014 Ohio Chapter Annual Retreat Sat Feb 1 Mohican State Park Lodge, Perrysville

In This Issue: Chair’s Corner Winter 2014 .......... 2

Sierra Club Meetings ................... 2

Meet Your Executive Committee ... 2

Columbus' Sewer and Water

Advisory Board Update ............ 4

Columbus Sewer & Water Capital

Improvements ........................ 4

Dispatches from the Stream ........ 5

Radioactivity Threatens Local

Watershed .............................. 6

Radioactive Waste Alert .............. 6

Boyer Nature Preserve ................ 7

Warranty-Backed Home Solar ...... 8

Explore Local Nature Preserves .... 8

Outings ..................................... 9

Community Events.................... 10

2014 Good Jobs/Green Jobs

Conference ........................... 11

Directory ................................. 12

FREE AND OPEN TO THE

PUBLIC All programs, meetings,

outings, and events in this newsletter are

free and open to the public unless

otherwise noted. Articles appearing in

The Central Ohio Sierran are the opinions

of the authors and do not necessarily

reflect policy of the Sierra Club.

GET OUR NEWSLETTER VIA

EMAIL. ALSO STAY IN TOUCH!

We can notify you when the newsletter is

available online and let you know about

other updates if we have your email

address on file. To provide or change

your email address, contact Sierra Club

Member Services at P.O. Box 421041,

Palm Coast, FL 32142-1041 or email address.changes@sierraclub.org.

Central Ohio Group Program

Hiking in the Four Corners Wed Feb 12, 7 pm OSU Family Practice Northwood-High Bldg.

2231 N. High St. Room 100, Columbus

Don't miss this opportunity to catch up on the Ohio Sierra Club and

environmental issues in Ohio and enjoy the Lodge's amenities and the

park's trails along the Clearfork-Mohican River.

The annual Chapter Retreat is open to all Sierra Club members. This

year the retreat will start with breakfast 8:30 am Saturday and finish

Sunday at 3 pm.

Please check the chapter website at ohiosierraclub.org for an updated

agenda. There will be great sessions on energy, transportation, water,

fracking, forests, coal and nuclear issues, plus a hike Saturday after-

noon. Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided

for current Sierra Club members on Saturday.

Make a reservation for a room in the Lodge by January 15 to get the

special rate of $61 plus tax per night. Call 800-282-7275 and say you

are attending the Sierra Club Ohio Chapter retreat.

Please register for the retreat by January 22 so we have an accurate

count for meals. Register on the Ohio chapter website, ohiosierra-

club.org.

Ben Wickizer shares his late-spring adventure

in the Four Corners region. His road/

backpacking trip took him to Great Sand

Dunes NP & Reserve, Maroon Bells, and

Mount Sneffels in Colorado; Arches NP,

Capital Reef NP, and Bryce Canyon NP in

Utah; and Page/Antelope Canyon in Arizona.

Ben will show us his photographs (he's an ex-

cellent photographer) and talk about his ex-

periences, as well as provide general back-

ground on the region. Come join us! This pro-

gram is free and open to the public. Ben Wickizer

Chair’s Corner Winter 2014 Fellow Central Ohio Sierrans,

With a heavy heart I inform you that this will be my last Chair's col-

umn. Unfortunately, due to moving across the country, I will no longer

be a part of the Central Ohio Sierra Club group. However, I am excited

to announce our new Executive Committee here in Central Ohio. We

have three new members, two returning members who ran for re-election,

and four members who will continue their two-year terms. I have great

confidence in this crew to continue and expand our efforts.

Thank you to everyone who helped me this last year. I had a lot of sup-

port from Sierra leaders across the state, but no one was more helpful

than my vice-chair Dave Roseman. He is so knowledgeable and passion-

ate, and I am glad the Executive Committee will continue to benefit from

his expertise.

I also encourage everyone who was not yet submitted their email ad-

dresses to Sierra Club national to please do so. As we continue our ef-

forts to protect this planet, we are continuing to eliminate the use of pa-

per, and having your email address will help us keep you informed.

I'll close by thanking those Sierrans who have volunteered in all our areas

of need. Please keep in mind we are always looking for help in a variety

of ways and involvement levels. There's something for everyone, so

don't hesitate to reach out!

Always keep exploring, enjoying, and protecting our planet!

Sarah Cercone

Chair, Sierra Club Central Ohio Group

614-314-7161

sarahcercone.2(at)gmail.com

Central Ohio Group (COG)

Executive Committee

First Wednesdays at 6:45pm

Jan 8, Feb 5, Mar 5

Jan and Mar meetings will be held at

the Clintonville Panera, 4519 N. High

St. Feb meeting will be held at the

Sierra Club office, 131 N. High St.,

Columbus. Press the intercom and

someone will let you in. Contact David

Roseman at SierraCOG(at)gmail.com

for information or if you have an

agenda item.

COG Conservation Committee Third Wednesdays at 6:30 pm

Jan 15, Feb 19, Mar 19

Check the COG Facebook page for the

meeting location. Contact COG

ConsCom Chair Amber Bellamy at

bellamy.41(at)buckeyemail.osu.edu for

more information or if you have an

agenda item.

Needed!

New COG Committee Members

For 2014 we’re looking for Sierra

members and other Central Ohio

environmental activists to become

involved with var ious Group

committees, including Conservation

(water, air, transportation, and other

issues), Educational Programs,

Newsletter, Political, Membership,

Publicity, and Outings. Contact us at

SierraCOG(at)gmail.com for more

information about your area of interest.

Ohio Chapter Conservation and

Executive Committees Mar 16

10 am ConsCom; 1 pm ExCom

Held at the Ohio Sierra Club office,

131 N. High St., Columbus. Lunch

will be served at no charge. Open to

all Sierra Club members. Contact

Chapter Chair Bob Shields at sierrabob

(at)oh.rr.com for more information or

if you have a subject for the agenda.

Sierra Club Meetings

Page 2

Meet Your Executive Committee By Kathy O'Keeffe

In December, two Executive Committee (ExCom) members—

Amber Bellamy and Melanie Braithwaite—were re-elected and

three new members—Emma Beasley, Susan Belair and Natasha

Ghica—were elected. In this issue, the Central Ohio Sierran asked

three of them to introduce themselves by responding to some ques-

tions. In future issues we will focus on other members of ExCom.

One of Sierra Club's mandates is to "explore" nature. Describe

a memorable engagement with nature and how it affected your

environmental awareness.

(Continued on page 3)

Page 3

SUSAN: I grew up in the country and spent a lot of

time exploring our pond, fields and woods. My family

taught me an attitude of conservation. Nature was

really a spiritual experience for me. I have continued

to have that sense of fascination and care for nature.

AMBER: In college, I went on a two-week long excur-

sion with a class to explore the geology and ecology of

the Southwest US. We visited state and national parks

across Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Ari-

zona. Because we were camping, showers were few

and far between, but one night in Arizona we stayed at

a campground with a nice secluded lake. I snuck away

to swim/take a bath and noticed that the sun was going

down on one side while the moon was coming up on

the other. It was a cool moment and confirmed for me

that natural places are good for the soul and should be

preserved and protected.

NATASHA: I spend most of my free time in nature

and so I have experienced many memorable moments.

One of the most recent ones was when I hiked through

the Carpathian Mountains this summer. One day, after

hiking for a few hours, I came upon a beautiful clear-

ing in the woods where a group of deer were gathered

eating leaves. I stayed and watched them for a bit be-

fore continuing on my way but I appreciated the sight.

It’s simple experiences like these that make me appre-

ciate nature so much more.

With so many pressing issues facing us it is difficult

to know where to focus one's energy. Is there one

issue that you feel particularly passionate about?

SUSAN: Climate change and nuclear power are the

issues with the greatest level of potential destruction.

Water quality and biodiversity/conservation are near

and dear to my heart.

AMBER: Climate change is an issue that could have

consequences that will sneak up on us. There are still

many climate change deniers out there and it’s impor-

tant that someone reach out to them with the facts. At

this point, I think that there’s nothing that we can do to

stop climate change so we have to learn to adapt and

save what we can. Climate change will affect so many

other things like water, biodiversity, and public health.

NATASHA: I believe that all of the issues we face are

equally important in order to have a functioning envi-

ronment. Land, water, and forests are a connected

community that must be preserved and cherished.

However, climate change is a pressing issue in our

society which is why fracking, tar sands, coal, and oil

must be phased out. I believe that we must focus on

clean energy today if we want a future tomorrow. I

consider myself to be passionate about all environ-

mental issues but I also believe that we live in a time

where we must make decisions as a society and that

climate change should be our top priority when mak-

ing these decisions.

What would you like the ExCom to accomplish in

2014? What skills and perspectives do you bring to

the ExCom that will help us reach those goals?

SUSAN: It will be important to join in the fight

against radioactive waste disposal in central Ohio and

to continue to monitor the sewers and water quality in

central Ohio. I would like to increase membership and

member involvement, especially outside of Franklin

County. I will use my communication skills and biol-

ogy education to understand and inform others about

the issues. My perspectives as a parent, a biologist

and a communicator inform everything that I do.

AMBER: I would really like to see ExCom re-

engaging Sierra Club members and reaching out to

new folks as well. We need help from our members to

point out issues that we should be working on, and I

hope that I can assist with getting those interested

plugged in to areas where they can help out.

NATASHA: I hope that ExCom will continue to work

on many local issues in Ohio in 2014. I am looking

forward to being part of a team and incorporating my

own skills and ideas within the group.

What is your favorite central Ohio park, trail or

preserve?

SUSAN: My family loves to camp and go creeking at

Mohican!

AMBER: I really like Clear Creek Metro Park.

They’ve got some nice hikes.

NATASHA: Highbanks Metro Park is a large beauti-

ful park in Delaware County that I enjoy often. It is a

great area for hiking and also offers some unique

sights. The park is home to two Indian burial mounds

and a prehistoric earthwork. It is a must see for nature

enthusiasts!

Meet Your Executive Committee (Continued from page 2)

Page 4

Columbus' Sewer and Water Advisory Board (SWAB) Update

by Kalen Cap and Susan Belair

In the past few months, Sierra Club Central Ohio Group

(COG) representatives met with representatives of Frank-

lin County, including a county commissioner, for an up-

date on the local sewer situation. COG's Executive Com-

mittee was pleased with the progress being made.

Although the county has only hired one additional inspec-

tor to deal with the fallout from the decree, the county is

actually ahead of the decree's timetable for inspections.

Furthermore, the inspections seem to be substantial since

the county has issued several notices of violations.

The county has also introduced a new program to inspect

aerators which is outside the scope of the decree. Under

this program environmental inspectors will inspect every

aerator in the unincorporated area of Franklin County. If

there are violations that need to be addressed additional

inspections have to be undertaken by Sanitarians.

Central Ohio Group's Executive Committee would be will-

ing to amend the decree to allow additional inspections to

be conducted by a third environmental inspector rather

than a state sanitarian. That change would make it easier

for the county to add needed staff and proceed with in-

spections and notices of violations.

Franklin County will be issuing a report on compliance

with the decree in May.

Columbus Sewer & Water Capital Improvements

The following information was taken from a public presen-

tation on current Capital Projects given by the City of Co-

lumbus' Department of Public Utilities, Division of Sewer-

age and Draining, in June of 2013.

Part I: Collection System Enhancements

The Sewer and Water Advisory Board (SWAB) is plan-

ning a number of enhancements to the Columbus area sew-

age collection system.

• A Blacklick sanitary sewer extension scheduled to be bid

in 2014 will provide service to northeast Columbus and

the New Albany area at a projected cost of $78 million.

• The Olentangy-Scioto Intercepting Sewer (OSIS) and

Olentangy Augmentation & Relief Sewer (OARS) will

be a deep tunnel from the Jackson Pike Plant to the Arena

District. Construction cost will be over $260 million. A

pump station and tunnel shafts will be added later, with a

cost of almost $70 million. The city claims that this pro-

ject will “virtually eliminate overflows from the com-

bined sewer regulators along the downtown riverfront.”

• In 2015 or later, a Big Walnut and Rickenbacker sani-

tary sewer interceptor will provide service to the former

Air National Guard Base, the Intermodal Transportation

Facility, and the Village of Lockbourne. Its projected

cost is almost $70 million.

• SWAB will also re-line some collection system pipe that

is showing signs of deterioration. Re-lining instead of

replacing the pipe will save money. The department of

public utilities claims that relined pipe should last for 50

or more years. The estimated cost of this is $5 million.

• STEP, the Septic Tank Elimination Program, will

work to eliminate some of the more than 1700 Household

Sewage Treatment Systems (HSTS) in the city of Colum-

bus by providing loans and the extension of new sanitary

lines to Columbus residents. The first phase of this pro-

gram is under construction on Skyline Drive for a cost of

$900,000. In 2014 the city will proceed with Petzinger

Rd. ($1M) and Portage Grove ($2M) and move on to

Merwin Hill ($2M) in 2015.

Part II: Wastewater Treatment Plants

Biosolids Management

Columbus uses multiple methods to manage biosolids be-

cause “diversity of methods provides resiliency to chang-

ing regulations and market forces.” For example, landfill

disposal is no longer a viable option for biosolids. Incin-

eration is still used but de-emphasized. The focus has

shifted to “greener and less costly methods” such as the

following.

• Land Application is the “most desirable method in use

today.” It adds nutrients to farm fields and sequesters

carbon. It also has the lowest management cost. How-

ever, land application is dependent on weather and crop

cycles. Therefore biosolids must be stored during times

when application is not possible. SWAB has proposed

construction of additional storage facilities at treatment

plants and at remote locations near farm fields.

• Investments in incineration will probably continue but

focus on meeting new EPA rules (Incinerator Air Emis-

(Continued on page 5)

Page 5

sion limits) which will take effect in March of 2016.

This final rule sets limits for 9 pollutants under section

129 of the Clean Air Act. Aging equipment must be reha-

bilitated. The incinerators at Jackson Pike need minor

upgrades that will cost about $5M. The incinerators at

Southerly need new emissions equipment and a control

system that will cost about $24M .

• No major composting facility expansions are planned.

Columbus currently composts about 43,800 wet tons per

year of biosolids.

• Several third party waste processing agreements exist.

The city has had an agreement with SWACO and the

Kurtz Bros/Quasar Facility since 2005. This digestion

facility produces methane and electricity. Beginning this

year, an agreement was formed with Ohio Mulch to use

biosolids when planting hybrid poplar trees on aban-

doned strip mine land. These fast-growing trees will be

harvested for wood chips.

Part II: Wastewater Treatment Plants

Several proposals are being analyzed by the department of

public utilities that would sell excess digester gas (meth-

ane). There should be NO cost to the city but revenue will

be generated from the sale of the gas. A further benefit is

that this process creates a green source of energy.

Chemically Enhanced Primary Treatment

SWAB plans to expand its Chemically Enhanced Primary

Treatment capacity by 110 million gallons per day (mgd)

from the current 330 mgd at Southerly WWTP to 440 mgd

peak flow capacity. They are currently evaluating options

for treatment and configuration and writing RFP(s). The

estimated cost is $85m with a completion date in 2019.

This option replaces a proposed additional tunnel. The

additional treatment capacity will achieve a more immedi-

ate reduction in overflow than the tunnel project it re-

places. It also maximizes the value of existing assets at

the Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant.

See the next issue of the newsletter for Sierra Club's per-

spective on these improvements.

Columbus Sewer & Water Capital Improve-

ments (Continued from page 4)

Dispatches from the Stream– Main Street Dam

By Ben Wickizer – Conservation Program Coordinator

It seems like yesterday when we were lauding the removal

of the Fifth Avenue Dam, which took years to come to

fruition. Now, with the initial breach of the Main Street

Dam on the Scioto River in late November of 2013, we

again have the opportunity to celebrate the restoration of

another Central Ohio waterway. The speed at which the

project has moved is amazing, and it is a good example of

what can be accomplished through public-private partner-

ships done right. The removal and restoration is slated for

completion by fall of 2015.

Although not every aspect of the removal and restoration

plan is perfect, it would be a mistake to miss the forest for

the trees and not recognize what the removal of the dam

will do and mean in the long-term. Like the Fifth Avenue

Dam removal on the Olentangy River, this project will

partially restore the Scioto’s natural flow and, hopefully,

the native ecology of the waterway. The dam entrained

sediment and pollution, blocked species from moving up

and downstream, and altered the flow regimes of the river.

It was also a barrier to recreation. The dam removal will

also add green space to the riverbanks as the river’s chan-

nel shrinks.

Not only is the project an environmental boon, it is the

type of long-term game changer that will attract more indi-

viduals and businesses to Columbus. One commonality of

many cities with strong economies is the presence of abun-

dant natural amenities. Given the choice between a loca-

tion offering recreational opportunities, a healthy environ-

ment, and plentiful green space, and the converse, the vast

majority of people, especially those who have the human

capital to work anywhere, will choose the location with

those amenities. Thus, this project even transcends the

immediate environmental impacts.

Our work is not over. As the development of the newly

created green space unfolds, we must make sure that it re-

mains green space. Any proposal to expropriate any parcel

of the property for major real estate or commercial devel-

opment should be soundly rejected.

On a personal note… It is with sadness but excitement

that I mention changes to my professional life: I have the

opportunity to do research by attending Ohio State Univer-

sity starting in January 2014. Balancing this with my cur-

rent responsibilities for the Sierra Club is not possible, and

I will therefore be leaving my position.

Working for the Sierra Club for nearly three years has

been a great experience. I appreciate all of the knowledge,

assistance, and support that members have offered me and

look forward to helping the Club as a member and watch-

ing the Chapter continue to grow and succeed.

Page 6

Radioactive Waste Alert on Unsafe Disposal in Central Ohio

By Greg Pace

Radioactive Waste Alert is spearheading an effort to en-

sure that the waste stream from shale gas & oil production

is not being disposed of in an unsafe manner in Ohio,

mainly focusing on the central region of the state.

Our main concern is that drill cuttings from horizontal

fracking wells are being disposed of in up to 39 landfills in

Ohio, beginning at Ohio Soil Recycling LLC (OSR), on

the site of the former Integrity Drive Drum Dump. This

site in Columbus lies adjacent to Alum Creek. These ma-

terials are known to be radioactive at levels higher than

background levels (sometimes grossly higher). This type

of dangerous substance is not being disposed of prop-

erly. It will result in a long-term legacy of radium leach-

ing into the environment (radium-226 has a half-life of

1600 years). The regulatory environment is not being re-

sponsible for this radioactive waste stream, therefore the

disposal process must not happen until full assurances can

be demonstrated that public safety is not put at risk.

A public forum and follow-up meeting on this issue were

held at Columbus Public Library in November and Decem-

ber. Speakers included Geologist Dr. Julie Weatherington-

Rice, Geo-microbiologist Dr. Yuri Gorby, Sierra Club pre-

senter Brian Kunkemoeller, and environmental activist

Teresa Mills. They discussed the radioactive aspect of the

toxic fracking waste stream in Ohio, as well as the delete-

rious health effects of shale drilling on citizens in West

Virginia over the past two years.

Visit Radioactive Waste Alert Online

Go to http://www.radioactivewastealert.org.

Click on “LEARN MORE” for information on issues.

Click on “GET INVOLVED” to sign petitions.

Talk to your state representatives.

Attend Radioactive Waste Alert Events

Tue, Jan 28, Gasland and Gasland II, 5:30pm &

7:30pm. Drexel Theatre, 2254 E Main St., Bexley. Ra-

dioactive Waste Alert, the Columbus Free Press and Co-

lumbus International Film & Video Festival will join to

present a free double feature screening of these award-

winning movies.

Tue Feb 4, Medical and Public Health Impacts of Ra-

dioactive Waste in our Water Supply, Columbus Public

Library Main Branch, 96 Grant Ave. (96 S. Grant

Ave.) 7:00pm to 8:30pm (doors open at 6:30pm). Radio-

active Waste Alert will offer its second public forum, Ex-

perts in the medical and Public Health professions will

discuss the impacts of the toxic, radioactive shale waste

stream in Ohio on our communities' health.

Radioactive Waste Alert is a grass roots organization based in

Columbus.

By Susan Belair

Fracking, the drilling method used to extract natural gas

from shale rock, is now affecting central Ohio. The Ohio

Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) on August 15,

2013 issued an Integrated Alternative Waste Management

Program (IAWMP) permit allowing Ohio Soil Recycling,

LLC (OSR) to process and reuse fracking sludge at their

facility in southeast Columbus. OSR is close to Alum

Creek, Alum Creek Drive, I-70, the Greenway Bike Trail,

the City of Bexley, and upstream from the confluence of

Alum Creek and the Scioto River.

When the Ohio budget bill passed in June of 2013, it

changed the way radioactive waste is classified. This al-

lowed the OEPA to describe fracking waste as “Naturally

Occurring Radioactive Materials” (NORM), which in turn

allowed them to permit disposal without testing for ra-

dioactivity. The real problem is that fracking waste is

technologically-enhanced NORM (called TENORM) with

much higher concentrations of radioactive materials than

occurring naturally due to processing.

A group of concerned citizens quickly formed to deal spe-

cifically with this issue. Radioactive Waste Alert de-

scribes themselves as an “all volunteer, grass roots organi-

zation of Columbus area residents” who are “against the

dumping of fracking waste in local municipal landfills.”

Sierra Club Central Ohio Group's Executive Committee

voted to object to OEPA's permit.

According to Radioactive Waste Alert, radium and radium

-226 are by-products of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.

These elements are radioactive. Because of the way in

which gas and oil are formed, the most prolific areas of

underground shale for gas and oil production are also the

hottest radioactively. Nearly all solid and liquid waste

from fracking contains some level of radiation, and some

levels are high enough to cause medical problems. These

(Continued on page 7)

Radioactivity Threatens Local Watershed

Page 7

health problems include low birth weight, birth defects,

liver enlargement and abnormalities, and higher rates of

cancer. Radium-226 is associated with leukemia.

There is a real potential for contaminating the watershed.

Toxic substances and radioactive elements in landfills can

leach into our rivers and streams through our ground wa-

ter. Radioactive Waste Alert's website asserts that all land-

fills leak within a few decades. Radium-226 is particularly

problematic because it is highly water soluble and will

make its way into the water supply even when "diluted"

with dirt, sawdust, or other elements to meet certain EPA

requirements.

Take Action

• Visit http://www.radioactivewastealert.org to learn more

and to sign petitions.

• Talk to your state representatives.

• Attend Radioactive Waste Alert's upcoming events. (See

related article on page 6.)

Radioactivity Threatens Local Watershed (Continued from page 6)

By Natasha Ghica – Ohio Chapter Clean Water Fellow-

ship Student

Boyer Nature Preserve is truly a special area in Wester-

ville. Boyer is no run-of-the-mill park but one of Central

Ohio’s gems: a serene and beautiful wetland tucked right

among suburban residential homes. This beautiful nature

preserve has only been open to the public for a few years

and open access has been a huge success. On October 26,

as part of Make a Difference Day, Sierra Club hosted an

invasive honeysuckle removal and tree planting there with

our partners FACT (Friends of Alum Creek & Tributaries),

Mad Scientist and Associates, and Westerville Parks and

Recreation.

It was a frigid fall morning that day, but that didn’t stop

the 50 volunteers who came out to help with the clean-up.

What is inspiring is that many of the volunteers were chil-

dren, working hard to make a difference. Girl Scouts,

young families, teenagers, and elderly individuals all

showed up to get something important done on that cold

day. The forest was truly alive as all the volunteers

worked together to dismantle the honeysuckle with hand

saws and various other tools.

After removing the honeysuckle, volunteers then planted

native trees where the honeysuckle had been. These beau-

tiful trees will grow and become a part of Boyer Nature

Preserve, discouraging honeysuckle, which can disrupt the

local ecology, from growing in those areas.

With the hard work of our volunteers, Sierra Club and its

partners were able to improve the health of Boyer Nature

Preserve and ensure that the area is optimally functioning.

Protecting areas like Boyer Nature Preserve is important to

communities because of the ecosystem functions and ser-

vices these types of areas provide.

Urban wetlands like Boyer Preserve serve an important

purpose. Wetlands act as a filter, removing pollutants and

helping keep the water that we drink and play in clean.

The vegetation that is found around wetlands helps remove

phosphates and plant nutrients from the soil which dis-

courages algae from growing on the waterway and stealing

oxygen from the plants and animals trying to survive. Wet-

lands plants absorb excess water, reduce flooding, and pro-

vide habitat for a myriad of species.

There are several reasons for removing invasive species.

Introducing an exotic species to an area disrupts the deli-

cate balance of the ecosystem by changing environmental

conditions. If native species are at a competitive disadvan-

tage compared to the invasive species, the invasive species

rapidly multiplies and takes over the new ecosystem, lead-

ing to a loss of biodiversity. Some invasive plants have

harmful effects on humans and animals through contact.

The community is now more connected with Boyer Nature

Preserve and is helping to ensure Boyer remains healthy.

The Sierra Club will keep working to protect it and other

urban wetlands across Central Ohio.

Boyer Nature Preserve and the Importance of Urban Wetlands

Above: Boyer Nature Preserve in Westerville.

Warranty-Backed Home Solar for Sierra Club Members

By Brian Kunkemoeller, Ohio Chapter

We are excited to announce our new partnership with

Dovetail Solar and Wind as part of Sierra Club’s Solar

Homes campaign! This campaign makes it possible for

members and supporters to get a superior quality, war-

ranty-backed solar system for their homes from a lead-

ing, thoroughly vetted, local solar provider.

We know many of our members and supporters are very

knowledgeable about solar and have researched renewable

energy as way to reduce reliance on dirty fossil fuels and

move forward to a clean energy economy. The

Ohio Chapter of the Sierra Club shares your vision and has

created this partnership to ease the transition to clean solar

power right here in Ohio by eliminating the need to re-

search local providers and options. In addition, for every

home that goes solar through this program, Dovetail will

make a referral payment to the Ohio Chapter to support

our important work preserving and protecting Ohio’s envi-

ronment.

Here’s how the program is a win-win-win: an average 6.1

kW made-in-the-USA solar system will save customers

more than $40,000 over the 25 year life of the system; the

Ohio Chapter will raise money for critical campaigns;

more solar will replace dirty energy as Sierra Club mem-

bers cut their carbon footprints and collectively help to

scale up clean energy and green jobs in Ohio.

“In order to end our dependence on dirty energy, we need

as many Americans as possible to switch to clean energy

like rooftop solar. This is a high priority for the Sierra

Club. We are urging all of our members and supporters in

Ohio to work with Dovetail Solar to find out if solar is

right for them. Every home that goes solar gets us one

step closer to our goal of a clean energy economy,” said

Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune.

To date, the Sierra Club’s Solar Homes program has

helped 1,070 homes go solar across the country. Over the

next 20 years, this will offset the same amount of carbon

as 1,180 cars taken off the road or 6,943 acres of trees

planted.

For a free solar quote, go to dovetailsolar.com/sierra.

Once you do, a rep from Dovetail Solar will contact you to

discuss whether solar is right for you. They can give you a

good idea about how much going solar might save you.

Page 8

Explore Your Local Nature Preserves

By Kalen Cap

We are fortunate to have some great parks and park sys-

tems within Sierra Club Central Ohio Group’s area. But

those looking for a bit more special experience can also

explore amazing natural wonders by visiting our area’s

nature preserves.

According to Britannica, a nature preserve has as its “sole

purpose the protection of nature,” unlike multi-faceted

parks, which have recreation among their key purposes. In

a nature preserve, plants or animals that are rare for the

greater region are usually within its ecosystem. For exam-

ple, Daughmer Bur Oak Prairie Savannah, a state nature

preserve in Crawford County, is among the most intact

prairie savannah ecosystems remaining in the Midwest

region. Some of the bur oaks in this preserve are over 200

years old.

Nature preserves are often open to the public, though a few

require special permits. For state nature preserves, the

ODNR website clearly designates which preserves have

ready access and which require special permits because of

the delicacies of the ecosystems involved. However, pre-

serves usually have restrictions on the type of activities

allowed. Generally, only low impact activities such as hik-

ing and bird watching are permitted.

As financial resources for the state have shifted over time,

the low profile nature preserves have not always fared well

compared to park systems in budget allocations. Recently,

at least one state nonprofit organization, ONAPA (Ohio

Natural Areas & Preserves Association) has formed to pro-

tect, improve, and promote Ohio’s state nature preserves.

For those seeking a formally scheduled field trip, ONAPA

does post a calendar of scheduled events on its website at http://www.onapa.org/

Nature preserves are not merely confined to state-overseen

sites. County park systems may oversee their own pre-

serves. For example, Hoover Nature Preserve in Galena is

monitored by Columbus Recreation & Parks Department.

Recognized as an important birding area, at 925 acres,

Hoover Nature Preserve is a significant gem protected lo-

cally and readily available for visitors’ low impact enjoy-

ment.

Check your local resources to discover other nature pre-

serves in your immediate vicinity. We have a wealth of

(Continued on page 11)

Outings are open to all; you do not have to be a member of the Sierra Club to par-

ticipate. In fact, if you are interested in joining the Sierra club, we encourage you to

go on an outing and get to know some Sierrans. To aid you in selecting outings that

fit your experience and fitness levels, please see our Outings Rating System.

Please refer to the COG web site for November/December outings, more information about the October hikes, and any

updates at www.ohio.sierraclub.org/central/GetOutdoors.asp.

Page 9

Please refer to the Hike Leader Roster

on Page 11 for contact information.

Fri Jan 10, 7 pm: German Village.

Ratings: E/S 1/1. Meet at Schiller

Park (Deshler and Jaeger) for a 3 mile

walk. (hiking boots, flashlight, reflec-

tive wear) We will have a potluck

after the walk on Front St. in German

Village. Leader: Vicki Deisner.

Sun Jan 12, 10 am:

Granville Day Hike.

Ratings: E/S 3/ 4. (dog

friendly hike) Meet behind Tim Hor-

ton's on Cleveland Ave., just north of

SR 161. We will walk about 10 miles

at a brisk pace with hills. (water,

lunch, hiking boots) Leader: Jim

Halverson.

Fri Jan 17, 7 pm: New Albany.

Ratings: E/S 2/2. Meet at 200 Mar-

ket St. in New Albany and park at the

northeast corner of the library, the far

right corner when facing the li-

brary. (flashlight, reflective clothing)

There will be an optional dinner after

the hike at a local restaurant. Leader:

Line Martineau.

Sun Jan 19, 1 pm: Highbanks

Metro Park. Ratings: E/S 2/2. Meet

at the Nature Center. We will hike 3

to 6 miles depending on weather and

trail conditions. (hiking boots)

Leader: Dave Dorsky.

Fri Jan 24, 7 pm: Grove City.

Ratings: E/S 1 /2. Meet at Grove City

Library, 3359 Park St. An optional

dinner will take place after the hike.

Leader: Eric Schaumann.

Fri Jan 31, 7 pm: Upper Arlington

North. Ratings: E/S 1/1. We’ll meet

at the Lane Road branch of the Upper

Arlington Public Library. The library

closes at 6 pm on Fridays so there are

no restrooms available. We’ll have an

optional dinner afterwards at an area

restaurant. (flashlight, reflective

clothing) Leaders: John and Marilyn

Fiske.

Sun Feb 2, 11 pm: Blendon Woods

Metro Park. Ratings: E/S 2/2. Meet

at the Nature Center at 4265 E. Dublin

-Granville Rd. Leader: Chris Tisdale.

Fri Feb 7, 7 pm: Old Beechwold.

Ratings: E/S 2/2. Meet at the Kroger

parking lot in Graceland Shopping

Center. Please park and gather to the

west of the Kroger store. We will hike

about 3 miles then have an optional

dinner at a local restaurant. (hiking

boots) Leader: Linda Halverson.

Sun Feb 9, 10 am: Clifton Gorge

and John Bryan State Park Day

Hike. Ratings: E/S 2/2. We will hike

5 to 8 miles depending on weather and

trail conditions. Meet behind Bob

Evans Restaurant at Westland

Shopping Center (just east of I-270

and W. Broad St.) (lunch, water,

hiking boots) Leader: Dave Dorsky.

Fri Feb 14, 7 to 8 pm: Franklin

Park. Ratings: E/S 1/1. Meet inside

the east entrance of the Conservatory (Continued on page 11)

COG Winter Outings Outings are open to all; you do not have to be a member of the Sierra Club to par-

ticipate. In fact, if you are interested in joining the Sierra club, we encourage you to

go on an outing and get to know some Sierrans. To aid you in selecting outings that

fit your experience and fitness levels, please see our Outings Rating System.

Please refer to the COG web site for outings to see more information

about the hikes and additions and changes to the schedule at

www.ohio.sierraclub.org/central/GetOutdoors.asp.

Note: These hikes may be cancelled if conditions are hazardous. Call

the leader if the weather seems questionable.

General Outings Policies

- Outings are free of charge unless noted.

- In order to participate in one of these out-

ings, you will need to sign a liability waiver.

- Dogs must not be taken on hikes unless the

write-up mentions that they may be included.

- We encourage carpooling and voluntary

contributions of gas money to the driver.

Outings Rating System Each outing is rated twice. Both scales are

one to five; the E scale indicates the required

experience level and the S scale shows the

physical activity level anticipated.

E Scale

1 Novice - no experience required.

2 A little experience is required.

3 Moderate experience required.

4 Considerable experience required.

5 For the very experienced only.

S Scale

1 Not strenuous.

2 Could be strenuous.

3 Somewhat strenuous.

4 Strenuous.

5 Very strenuous.

If you are interested in an outing but are

unsure if you can manage it or if you wish to

meet the group at the trailhead instead of the

assembly point, call the leader to discuss the

trip. Be advised that longer day hikes re-

quire proper equipment. Hike leaders re-

serve the right to deny participation to any-

one deemed to be inadequately prepared.

What to Bring: 1. Sturdy hiking boots or shoes. Make sure

your footwear is broken in before you at-

tempt a 10-mile hike.

2. Clothing appropriate to the season. Lay-

ering works best in cold weather to prevent

overheating. Raingear is essential for com-

fort as hikes may proceed rain or shine.

3. A small first aid kit with band-aids or

moleskin for blisters.

4. At least one liter of water (two liters in

warm weather). Water is usually unavailable

on the trail.

5. Snacks or lunch if mentioned in the hike

description.

Friday Night Hikes Friday Night Hikes are a great way to end

a week. These are usually 3 to 4 miles with

an optional stop afterward for refreshments

and conversation. So, have some fun and join

us on a Friday Night Hike! Note: heavy

weather generally cancels a Friday Night

Hike. If it looks questionable, check with the

leader for that particular hike. Please wear

reflective clothing to all urban night hikes,

especially during EST months.

General Outings Policies

- Outings are free of charge unless noted.

- In order to participate in one of these out-

ings, you will need to sign a liability waiver.

- Dogs must not be taken on hikes unless the

write-up mentions that they may be included.

- We encourage carpooling and voluntary

contributions of gas money to the driver.

Outings Rating System Each outing is rated twice. Both scales are

one to five; the E scale indicates the required

experience level and the S scale shows the

physical activity level anticipated.

E Scale

1 Novice - no experience required.

2 A little experience is required.

3 Moderate experience required.

4 Considerable experience required.

5 For the very experienced only.

S Scale

1 Not strenuous.

2 Could be strenuous.

3 Somewhat strenuous.

4 Strenuous.

5 Very strenuous.

If you are interested in an outing but are

unsure if you can manage it or if you wish to

meet the group at the trailhead instead of the

assembly point, call the leader to discuss the

trip. Be advised that longer day hikes re-

quire proper equipment. Hike leaders re-

serve the right to deny participation to any-

one deemed to be inadequately prepared.

What to Bring

1. Sturdy hiking boots or shoes. Make sure

your footwear is broken in before you at-

tempt a 10-mile hike.

2. Clothing appropriate to the season. Lay-

ering works best in cold weather to prevent

overheating. Raingear is essential for com-

fort as hikes may proceed rain or shine.

3. A small first aid kit with band-aids or

moleskin for blisters.

4. At least one liter of water (two liters in

warm weather). Water is usually unavailable

on the trail.

5. Snacks or lunch if mentioned in the hike

description.

Friday Night Hikes Friday Night Hikes are a great way to end

a week. These are usually 3 to 4 miles with

an optional stop afterward for refreshments

and conversation. So, have some fun and join

us on a Friday Night Hike! Note: heavy

weather generally cancels a Friday Night

Hike. If it looks questionable, check with the

leader for that particular hike. Please wear

reflective clothing to all urban night hikes,

especially during EST months.

Page 10

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.

Non-Sierra Club Community Events

Columbus Metro Parks has a

spectacular range of programs.

Information and registration at

http://reservations.metroparks.net/

programs/.

Sat Jan 11, 10 am: If

Your Butterflies Could

Speak. Learn about butterflies as bio-

indicators. Whetstone Library Com-

munity Room in Columbus.

Sat Jan 11, 1 to 3 pm: Big Green

Head Post-Holiday Styrofoam Re-

cycling Collection. Thomas Wor-

thington High School parking lot.

Drop off styrofoam to recycle – ex-

cept for packing peanuts, egg cartons,

food containers, or anything that has

touched food. $5 donation suggested.

Sun Jan 12, 1 to 3 pm: Big Green

Head Post-Holiday Styrofoam Re-

cycling Collection. Beth Tikvah

parking lot in Worthington. See Sun

Jan 11 entry for details.

Sat Jan 18, 9 am to 1 pm:

Winter Birds of the Urban

Scioto. Explore along the

Scioto River, around the Greenlawn

dam and open-water sites looking for

gulls, herons, and waterfowl. If time

allows, visit nearby Green Lawn

Cemetery. Meet at the Scioto Audu-

bon Park boat launch off Whittier Ave

west of Front St. Dress warmly. For

more information, contact Rob Thorn

at robthorn@earthlink.net.

Sun Jan 19, 11 am to 2 pm:

Celebrate Tu B’Shvat—

The New Year for Trees.

Create a family tree using natural tree

branches and creative items and listen

to stories celebrating trees and nature

at 11 am, 12, 1, or 2 pm. Free with

admission to the Franklin Park Con-

servatory in Columbus. Details at

www.fpconservatory.org/.

Mon Jan 27, 7 to 9 pm: Delaware

County Bird Club: Creating and

Managing a Purple Martin Colony. Learn how to encourage the start of a

purple martin colony, including pur-

ple martin biology and habits, nesting

and habitat requirements and its his-

toric relationship with man. Parking

available next to the Selby Stadium

on the east side of Henry St.

Tue Jan 28, 7 to 9 pm: The

Comeback of Barn Owls in

Ohio. Once nearly extirpated

from Ohio, the Barn Owl has staged a

remarkable comeback. Karen Norris,

Wildlife Communications Specialist

with the Ohio Division of Wildlife,

will also discuss Peregrine Falcons in

Ohio. Held at the Grange Insurance

Audubon Center in Columbus,

www.columbusaudubon.org

Sat Feb 8, 9 am to 2 pm:

Winter Birds of Hoover

Reservoir. Visit some Hoo-

ver spots looking for over-wintering

loons, grebes, cormorants, goldeneye,

mergansers, and other diving ducks,

along with gulls and raptors. Meet at

the dam parking area along Sunbury

Rd. and dress warmly. For more in-

formation contact Rob Thorn at rob-

thorn@earthlink.net.

Sun Feb 9, 12 to 4 pm: Second Sun-

days: We Love Wildlife! Visit over

50 wild animals, take a tour, and

make animal enrichment and Valen-

tine's Day crafts. Held in the Nature

Education Center of the Ohio Wildlife

Center (www.ohiowildlifecenter.org)

in Powell.

Feb 22, 8 pm: Live Performance:

American Power. Cellist and com-

poser Erik Friedlander collaborates

with photographer Mitch Epstein to

examine how we coexist with our di-

verse sources of energy and power.

Held in the Performance Space of the

Wexner Center for the Arts in Colum-

bus. Tickets are $18.

Mon Feb 24, 7 to 9 pm: Delaware

County Bird Club: Impacts of Fish-

ing Line and Lead Fishing Tackle

on Wildlife. Meetings begin with a

chance to view mystery birds from the

museum; bring your field guide for

identification. Parking is available

next to the Selby Stadium on the east

side of Henry St.

Wed Mar 5, 8:30 am to 4:00

pm: Ohio Woodland Water

& Wildlife Conference. OSU Extension Service's

Ohio Woodland Stewards program

hosts this conference, held at the Mid-

Ohio Conference Center in Mansfield.

Some of the topics this year are Man-

aging for Forest Songbirds, Under-

standing Climate Change, and Identi-

fying Plants in Ohio Wetlands. Reg-

istration will be open soon at http://

woodlandstewards.osu.edu/

workshops/2014-ohio-woodland-

water-wildlife-conference.

Sun Mar 9, 12 to 4 pm: Second Sun-

days: Spring Is Right Around the

Corner! Visit over 50 wild animals,

take a tour, and at 2 pm learn how

animal control professionals work

humanely at the Nature Education

Center of the Ohio Wildlife Center in

Powell, www.ohiowildlifecenter.org.

Sat Mar 22, 9:30 am to 5

pm: Central Ohio Vernal

Pool Monitoring Workshop. Learn the importance of vernal pools

and how to monitor one. Visit a ver-

(Continued on page 11)

these nature preserves to explore throughout

Central Ohio. Venture out and explore the

unique wonders found within nature pre-

serves. Visitors often find these sites are

more serene than public parks, allowing an

enjoyable, deeper connection to the envi-

ronment. Protecting these sites and the spe-

cial ecosystems they possess is an important

Sierra Club concern.

Explore Your Nature Preserves (Continued from page 8)

Page 11

Outings Hike Leaders Please contact them for more information about their hikes.

Cabral, Jose 740-331-1161, cabral.1(at)osu.edu

Deisner, Vicki vicki.deisner@gmail.com

Dorsky, Dave 614-848-7879, valordave(at)hotmail.com

Espinoza, David & Avalon 614-403-7849

Fiske, John 614-457-3699, jrob48(at)aol.com

Fiske, Marilyn 614-457-3699, mjean49(at)aol.com

Halverson, Jim 614-325-6415, jimhalvey(at)aol.com

Halverson, Linda 614-325-6415, lmat1010(at)aol.com

Huntley, George 614-444-1970, gh6(at)earthlink.net

Martineau, Line 614-749-1447, linenmartineau(at)gmail.com

McDonald, Jim 614-262-2666, jmcdonald121(at)aol.com

Ruf,Tom 614-406-5336, tomruf85(at)yahoo.com

Schaumann, Eric 614-270-5951, schaumann(at)copper.net

Tisdale, Chris 614-260-2109

Feb 10, 6 pm to Feb 11, 6 pm

2014 Good Jobs/Green Jobs Conference Washington Hilton Hotel, Washington DC

Keynote speakers will include Michael Brune, Executive Director of Sierra Club.

Choose from more than 40 informative workshops. Enjoy opportunities to network with people from

around the country making a difference in their communities to tackle climate change and create good

jobs. $225 registration fee. Registration and more info can be found at greenjobsconference.org.

on the lower level (left of doors). Leader: Chris Tisdale.

Fri Feb 21, 7 pm: Grove City. Ratings: E/S 1/ 2. Meet at Grove City

Library, 3359 Park St. An optional dinner will take place after the hike.

Leader: Eric Schaumann.

Sun Feb 23, 11 am: Alum Creek State Park. Ratings: E/S

3/3 . (dog-friendly hike) Meet at the west end of the Wal-

Mart parking lot in North Pointe Plaza shopping center,

which is on the east side of US 23 about 1/2 mile north of

Powell Rd. Alum Creek State Park is just a 10-minute drive from our

meeting place. This will be a 9-mile hike over a variety of terrains.

(hiking boots, water, snack/lunch) Leader: Jim Halverson.

Fri Feb 28, 7 pm: Bexley. Ratings: E/S 1/1 . Meet in the parking lot

of the Bexley Public Library, 2411 E. Main St, for a 3-mile hike.

(reflective clothing, flash light, hiking boots) There will be an optional

dinner afterwards. Leaders: David and Avalon Espinoza.

Outings

(Continued from page 9)

nal pool and see the creatures that call it

home. Participants will receive the Ohio

Environmental Council (OEC)’s field guide

to vernal pools, a CD of frog and toad calls,

monitoring forms, vernal pool fact cards

and more. Held at Stratford Ecological Cen-

ter in Delaware. Cost is $30 for non-

members, which includes a 1-year member-

ship to both OEC and Ohio Wetlands Asso-

ciation. Register by Mar 15 at http://

www.theoec.org/events/vernal-pool-

workshop-central-ohio.

Tue Mar 25, 7 to 9 pm: What's

New at the Zoo! Tom Stalf, Presi-

dent and CEO of the Columbus

Zoo, will present and introduce some live

animal friends. Columbus Audubon's an-

nual Member's Dinner will begin at 7 pm,

with the main program at 7:30 pm. Program

is free and open to the public. Grange Insur-

ance Audubon Center in Columbus. See

www.columbusaudubon.org.

Community Events (Continued from page 10)

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT # 787 COLUMBUS, OHIO

Sierra Club Central Ohio Group

131 North High Street, Suite 605

Columbus, OH 43215-3026

Printed on 100% recycled paper.

Page 12

Sierra Club Central Ohio Group Directory

For E-mail addresses, see the Directory on the Central Ohio Group website at

www.ohio.sierraclub.org/central

The Central Ohio Sierran ...is published quarterly by the Central

Ohio Group of the Sierra Club. Printing: full

circulation once a year to the membership, as

well as regular distribution to public loca-

tions and on our website to reach over 6,000

members and supporters.

Articles published in the newsletter also

appear on the Central Ohio Group website.

Visit our website at www.ohio.sierraclub.org/central

Join the conversation on

our Google+ page. Go to:

http://gplus.to/SierraClubCentralOhioGrp

We are on Facebook

as the Sierra Club

Central Ohio Group.

Follow us on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/Sierra_Club_COG

Our club email: sierracog(at)gmail.com

Send address changes to: Sierra Club Member Services

P.O. Box 421041

Palm Coast, FL 32142-1041

or Email:

address.changes@sierraclub.org

Chair David Roseman*

Vice-Chair Amber Bellamy*2

Treasurer Kathryn O'Keefe*

Secretary Emma Beasley*

Conservation Committee Co-Chairs Amber Bellamy*2 Ben Wickizer

Political Committee Chair Melanie Braithwaite*1

Programs Coordinator Natasha Ghica*

Newsletter, Communications, Outreach Susan Belair*

Publicity Chair Emma Beasley*

Membership Coordinator Christina Steiner*

Outings Chair Line Martineau*

Newsletter Copy Editor Maryann Kafer

Newsletter Layout Editor Madeline Shaw

Webmasters Bob Snider Matthew Baker

Sierra Club Ohio Chapter Staff

Matt Trokan Clean Water Conservation Manager 443-889-7222

Amanda Keith Clean Water 614-330-8547

Brian Kunkemoeller Clean Energy/Fracking 614-461-0734 x310

Samantha Allen Clean Energy/Fracking 614-461-0734 x 313

Neil Waggoner National, Organizing Rep Beyond Coal 614-484-7033

*Denotes member of the ExCom for 2014. 1 Representative to the Ohio Chapter 2 Alternate Rep. to Ohio Chapter