Thanks Tom

Tom Counts is changing gears in 2010; he's retiring from his position as a wildlife biologist with the U. S. Forest Service. In addition to his job as a biologist, Tom is a hard working member of the Winston County Natural Resources Council. Through his involvement in the Alabama Natural Resources Council, he has helped us understand how our local council fits into the larger state-level organization. The members of the Winston County Natural Resources Council are thankful for the years of steady support that Tom has given to us and to the State Council. Even though Tom is changing his work status this year, we look forward to him continuing his role as an active council member.

Rock Creek Watershed Meeting in Addison, Alabama

Members of the Alabama Water Watch Program recently hosted a meeting about the Rock Creek Watershed. A coalition of groups including the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy, Inc., the Winston County Natural Resources Council, the Winston County Commission, private landowners, ADEM, the Cullman Soil and Water Conservation District, and Smith Lake residents, are working together to prepare a grant that could help protect and improve the Rock Creek watershed. In order to get more involvement by local residents, this meeting in Addison was held at the Cullman Electric Cooperative building. An overview of the watershed area, which includes land in both Winston and Cullman counties, was given by the Alabama Water Watch staff. Alabama Water Watch is drafting a proposal that will result in a grant application being submitted to ADEM in April. If funded, the grant will help implement a variety of practices to protect and improve water quality in Rock Creek.

The next day, a group toured various stops in the Rock Creek Watershed. More photos from the meeting and tour are here.

PLT Training

Project Learning Tree Facilitator Training

Project Learning Tree is an award-winning environmental education program designed for educators and other resource professionals working with youth from preschool through grade 12.
PLT uses the forest as a "window" on the world to increase students' understanding of our environment; stimulate students' critical and creative thinking; develop students' ability to make informed decisions on environmental issues; and instill in students the commitment to take responsible action on behalf of the environment.
We need volunteers to help implement this program in local schools. We need you!
We will hold a facilitator training program (train-the-trainer) for eligible participants who want to become involved in PLT in January at the School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences in Auburn. This two day training will give you all of the information and materials you need to conduct PLT workshops for educators and others in your area. Please consider attending.

To sign up, please complete the attached application and mail it to the address indicated on the form. For more information about Project Learning Tree, go to www.plt.org.

When: January 6-7, 2010

Where: Auburn School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences

Cost: $75—Covers hotel room, meals, and materials

Questions: Chris Erwin
555 Alabama Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 481-2133

December Council Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resources Council will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, December 17th, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. at the Bankhead National Forest Office in Double Springs.

The focus of this meeting will be the Annual Forestry Field Day to be held this spring. We hope to finalize the date, location, and discuss possible tour topics. I've contacted two TREASURE Forest owners that are willing to host this year's event on their forestland. Your input during this planning stage is very important.

Look forward to seeing you on the 17th.