Friday, March 20, 2015

The Joys of Bicycle Touring the Natchez Trace with Kevin Nee

Baton Rouge Group of the Sierra Club: Environmental Conservation/Recreation Speaker Series:

The Joys of Bicycle Touring the Natchez Trace with Kevin Nee

 

Nee will present photos and tell the story of his numerous bicycle-exclusive journeys along the Natchez Trace Parkway and elsewhere across America during his presentation at THE BACKPACKER on Jefferson Highway in BATON ROUGE, on WEDNESDAY, March 25th at 7:00 p.m.

Nee on the Natchez Trace in 2013

Nee at Perce' Rock, Land's End, Gaspe Peninsula, Canada 
In addition to his career as a teacher at Baton Rouge Magnet High School, Nee has also coached gymnastics for a solid 36 years.  His bicycle touring commenced way back in 1983 with his inaugural run from Baton Rouge to Westpoint, NY.  Nee adds that when the challenges of high-elevation rock climbing became too great with age, he found a sustained outlet for outdoor recreation by shifting that focus over to the bike and has made this an integral part of his lifestyle. Now having completed over 30 tours (15 upon the Natchez Trace,) 21 of them at least 500 miles and 9 tours over 1,000 miles under his belt, 20 of which have been solo Nee will attempt the trace again this coming summer.

Nee goes on to add that he has been married for nearly 40 years, with two children and has recently become a grandparent.  Touring continues to be a necessary aspect of his life and wellness. We can all learn from his example of safe operations of the bicycle, planning ahead, and the training necessary for a steady endurance as he looks forward to many more years of cycling to come.

Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: The Backpacker on 7656 Jefferson Highway, B.R., La. 70809
Followed by Q&A

Light refreshments will be offered.
After the meeting, join us for dinner and conversation at a nearby restaurant which will be announced at the opening of the meeting.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Wildflower Hike Rescheduled

WILDFLOWER TRIP RESCHEDULED

Due to rain predicted for the weekend, the trip is rescheduled for Sunday, March 29 at the same time.

Tunica Hills Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

CANPS Wildflower Trip


Tunica Hills Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
with Capital Area Native Plant Society
SUNDAY, MARCH 22 to the Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area in West Feliciana Parish

Leaves from  College Drive Albertsons parking lot at 8:00 am. Hike begins around 9:15am at Nature Trail Head (30.934704, -91.509770).
 IMPORTANT NOTE: You must have either a Wild Louisiana Stamp or a fishing/hunting license of some sort to enter any state Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The Wild Louisiana Stamp costs about $10 and is valid for all WMAs throughout the state for the entire year.

We will try to finish our morning hike in Tunica WMA at around 12:30 or 1 and perhaps stop in St. Francisville for a bite to eat (at the Magnolia Cafe perhaps?). Anyone needing to get back quickly can make those arrangements before we leave. The option to stick around for further exploration in the area is also available, with possible stops at the MaryAnn Brown Preserve or the Audubon State Commemorative Area. Let us know if your interested via the RSVP link above.
Be advised - this is some of the hilliest country in Louisiana, and you will be walking up and down slopes - some of them quite steep if you're feeling adventurous.

Click the above link for more information.