Redstone Federal Credit Union proudly presents the 7th Annual “Concerts at the Caves” to benefit the Land Trust of North Alabama. The smooth jazz sounds of MADOCA were enjoyed on May 12. Acclaimed saxophonist Tom Braxton will be in concert on Saturday, June 9.

The concert venue is the Land Trust’s Historic Three Caves – a former limestone quarry at the base of Monte Sano Mountain. Pre-concert tickets for Land Trust members are $15.00. Non-member pre-sold tickets are $20 each. All tickets at the door are $25. Boxed dinner selections from The Eaves Restaurant may be pre-ordered for an additional $15 from the Land Trust. Concert goers are encouraged to bring their own chairs and picnics if boxed dinners are not pre-ordered. Dress is “Cave Casual” – jeans and closed toe shoes due to gravel. No pets or small children, please.

Free parking is available at Huntsville Hospital’s lots at Lowell & Adams Streets. Shuttles will take you to the Caves beginning at 6:15 pm. The June 9 concert will start at 7:00 pm. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Land Trust at 256-534-5263.

“These Redstone Federal Credit Union events are a great way to gather with friends and relax while supporting land preservation,” said Concert Chairman Marita Durham.

California’s Tom Braxton, a featured performer on the Smooth Jazz Cruise, has been called “a treasure…one of smooth jazz’s most prolific saxophonists.” His “Endless Highway” CD has been ranked #1 in MP3 downloads in Smooth Jazz.

“Three Caves is one of the South’s most unique sites and the quarry will be lit from within by TLS, Inc. as a one-of-a-kind backdrop for these two unforgettable evenings of jazz,” stated Executive Director Cynthia Potts. “We also welcome WJAB FM as a radio sponsor this year.”

Boxed dinners from The Eaves Restaurant may be pre-ordered from the Land Trust when you order tickets.   (Please order by June 6 for the June 9 concert).

Salad Dinner:  Lemon/rosemary-marinated grilled chicken, strawberries, Gorgonzola cheese, applewood smoked bacon, baby spinach, Romaine lettuce, organic spring mix, house strawberry vinaigrette dressing, and a slice of banana bread.

Sandwich Dinner:  Muffaletta on house-baked Focaccia bread, Prosciutto, Genoa salami, smoked Provolone cheese, beefsteak tomato, basil pesto aioli, baby spring mix, Tuscan Triangles with house Tuscan wine dip, and dessert.

Vegetarian Dinner:  Mediterranean grilled vegetables and Feta cheese on flatbread, Tuscan Triangles with house Tuscan wine dip, and dessert.

For details about the concerts and Land Trust events you may also find us on Facebook: Land Trust North Alabama, or call 256.534.5263.

In order to promote and encourage the infusion of environmental education into Alabama schools and communities, the EEAA annually recognizes outstanding efforts and projects which enhance environmental quality and citizen awareness of the environment. Alabama Power Foundation sponsored this year’s awards.

“EEAA has recognized the Best Environmental Education Programs through its BEEP Awards for over 20 years,” stated Kay Stone, Outreach Program Administrator at Auburn’s Environmental Institute. “The awards committee empanels a group of judges with expertise in environmental education to review and select the outstanding educators, programs, and school projects from across Alabama. The Land Trust’s “Tuesdays on the Trail” represents the wonderful programs offered to communities bringing children and adults out to enjoy the wonders of nature in our beautiful state. We thank you for all that you do!”

Other outstanding programs recognized included Best School Project: Barrett Creek Restoration by Radney Elementary School; Best Environmental Course or Curriculum: “Skeeter’s Wild Adventure CD” produced by Project CATE Foundation; Jeffrey Scott Hughes Best Environmental Educator Award: Vicky Beckham Smith of A-Z Animals; and the EEAA Lifetime Achievement Award: the late Jeff Hughes.

Now in it’s fourth year, the TOTT program will again provide nine fun “windows into nature” to foster awareness of the unique North Alabama geology and wildlife this coming June and July. The programs are geared to encourage green conservation attitudes in the next generation – our future land stewards. Details will be available soon at www.LandTrustNAL.org and on Facebook: Land Trust North Alabama.

The Land Trust is very grateful to our hard-working education volunteers and the current Environmental Education Committee: Jocelyn Tsai/Chair, Susan and Keith Blizzard, Tim Gels, Shannon Leutzinger, Christina Turner, and Lynne Weninegar.

2012 EVENTS FOR JUNE AND JULY ARE STILL BEING FINALIZED.  Please check this website after May 3 or email questions@LandTrustNAL.org to receive more details.

Recognizing the importance of public confidence in land trusts, LTA established formal Standards and Practices in the 1980s. The Land Trust of North Alabama is a long-time proponent of these standards.

More recently, the LTA directed the Land Trust Accreditation Commission to establish a system of accreditation that recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting and caring for important natural places and working lands forever. The program has been developed to foster public confidence in land conservation and help ensure the long-term protection of land.

The Land Trust of North Alabama has chosen to participate in this voluntary accreditation program. The accreditation process includes an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the LTA.

“Since its founding 25 years ago, the Land Trust of North Alabama has pursued the highest degree of professionalism as it conserves and cares for irreplaceable lands and waters of the North Alabama region,” said Land Trust Past Chair Alice Ruf. “The rigorous accreditation process has made the Land Trust a stronger organization and we are excited for the opportunity to earn this elite seal of approval.”

A public comment period is now open. The Commission invites public input and will accept signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how the Land Trust of North Alabama complies with national quality standards that address the ethical and technical operations of the Land Trust. For a full list of standards, see http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/tips-and-tools/indicator-practices.

If you would like to comment on the Land Trust of North Alabama’s application, you may fax your comments to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission at 518-587-3183 or mail them to:
Land Trust Accreditation Commission
Attn: Public Comments
12 Spring Street, Suite 204
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

You may also submit comments online at www.landtrustaccreditation.org. Comments must be received by May 20, 2012. If you have questions about the accreditation process, please contact Cynthia Potts at 256.534.5263.

Land Trust trails were created with you in mind. We suggest that you wear long pants, comfortable shoes with good tread, and bring your camera and bottled water.  Guided hikes are free to the public. 

A big THANK YOU to our volunteer hike leaders and the many hikers who visited protected land – perhaps for the first time – this spring.  Our outdoor adventures in three counties showed a bit of the natural wonder that is North Alabama.   Hey – let’s do it again in the fall! 

Hiking Tips: wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing; bring water, trail snacks, and camera.

IN CASE OF RAIN, HIKES are CANCELLED.
CHECK THIS WEBSITE or ON FACEBOOK FOR CANCELLATION NOTICES.
Facebook: Land Trust North Alabama

~Saturday, April 14 at 9am
Monte Sano State Park’s McKay Hollow
(Difficult and Hazardous)

Directions: From I-565 take exit 17b Govenors Drive; Follow to top of mountain and turn left on Monte Sano Blvd. Drive 2.5 miles and turn right on Nolen Avenue. Park is one mile ahead.

~Saturday, May 12 at 9am
Wade Mountain Nature Preserve from Wade Mtn. Greenway Trailhead
(Moderate to Difficult)

Directions: Trailhead parking is on Pulaski Pike about 0.5 mi. south of Bob Wade and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Hwy.

Directions:
From University Drive/Hwy. 72, travel north on Jordan Lane/Hwy. 53. Proceed for 9.2 miles. Harvest Square Shopping Center will be on the right at the corner of Hwy. 53 and Jeff Road. The Preserve is east of Publix Market.

PLEASE RSVP TO 256.534.5263.

MANY THANKS to all of our sponsors, attendees, donors, and AMAZING volunteers for making this event so successful!

A sold-out crowd of 600 enjoyed dinner and dancing under the stars in the beautiful setting of the Three Caves bowl on September 17 to help preserve greenspace in North Alabama.

Photos may be found on Facebook at Land Trust North Alabama, in the next issue of Event Magazine, and on AL.com.

See you at the 13th Moon Dance on Saturday, September 15, 2012.

He wrote, “Walking along the miles of trails that wind through those protected woods, it is incredible to think that tens of thousands of people live within 10 minutes of the near-wilderness setting. In some cities, residents have to drive for hours to get to a comparable park.”

The Land Trust trail system (currently 40+ miles of public trails) has been created and is maintained by volunteers whom we call our “Trail Care Crew.” Timely maintenance helps reduce trail damage, protects the environment, and enhances visitor enjoyment.

Have you enjoyed walking or running or biking a Land Trust trail? We hope you’ll consider donating a few hours to help keep YOUR trails in top condition. Perfect for anyone age 14 and up, trail care events are fun, too! Tools, water, and instruction are all provided.

Below are dates throught the end of 2011. The TBD locations will be filled in as soon as they are decided. If you’d like more information, please email Land Manager Andy Prewett at andyp@LandTrustNAL.org.
——————-

October
Trail Care – 10/15/11 9 am to Noon
Alms House Trail from the Land Trust parking lot off Bankhead Parkway
Trail Care – 10/29/11 9 am to Noon
Meet at Three Caves to work on Wagon Trail

November
Trail Care – TBD – 11/12/11

December
Trail Care – TBD – 12/3/10
Trail Care – TBD – 12/17/10

Land Trust of North Alabama is partnering with the Huntsville Madison County Public Library for a FREE family-friendly, fun, and easy hike on the Wildflower Trail – part of our 1,106 acre Monte Sano Nature Preserve!

Join Botanist Lynne Weneinegar on Saturday, July 9, at 10 am on Wildflower Trail. Maximum of 25 attendees. Register for hike using the form at: http://hmcpl.org/events/2011-07/hike-health