MLK: Volunteer at Clyde Shepherd Nature Presearve [Jan. 16]

From Nature Preserve president Chris Beck

Join us on MLK Day at the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve for a volunteer day from 9am-noon. 

Help us move mulch and save trees from English ivy. 

Please bring yard tools and a water bottle.

Flood Risk Information Open Houses [Jan, 24 & 31]

Continuing on a water theme...

CHCA has posted an announcement for information meetings with DeKalb County's floodplain manager and a representative from the Burnt Fork Watershed Alliance:

During these Open Houses, representatives from the County, GA DNR-EPD and FEMA will provide the most current information regarding the countywide flood risk, flood insurance, floodplain development regulations, floodplain mapping, and timeline for the Flood Insurance Study / the Flood Insurance Rate Maps adoption. The countywide floodplain maps will be displayed.

CHCA also links to Georgia's Flood Map website, which generates nifty maps like this one:

Partial view of the Flood Insurance Rate Map for our neighborhood.

South Fork Conservancy: two scheduled walks [Jan. 8 & 14]

From Sally Sears, South Fork Conservancy, a partner with CHCA and MANA in the volunteer work on Ira B. Melton Park:

Ira B. Melton neighbors, the South Fork Conservancy has two tours planned for later this month. Please join us if you can, to see what other sections of the creek can look like.

See additional details at the CHCA website.

Two dogs abandoned in City of Decatur need help

sent to MANA for distribution. Please help if you can.

On Jan 1, two very sweet adult pet dogs, one male and one female boxer/bird dog mixes, were abandoned in the City of Decatur with a bag of dog food dumped on the street. They were obviously pets as they were confused and were lost when they were discovered. Both are very friendly and family oriented dogs.  

Residents on that street were trying to take care of these abandoned pets. However, the dogs have now ended up at Dekalb Animal Control and are residing on Death Row there. At least they are temporarily safe from the freezing cold. However time is running out for them as eventually if no foster or permanent home is found they will have to be euthenized.

 Private donations have been pledged in exceess of $350 from residents all throughout Decatur to rescue these loving pets from euthenaztion. What is missing now is someone to either foster or take these loving animals as permanent members of their family. I won't commit to this. However I believe most vets/shelters will provide services and food at a reduced rates to foster homes.

If anyone can find a way to take one or both of these animals into their lives, either as foster or permanent homes, it would be a heartwarming experience for everyone and a great way to start 2012. 

If you can help in this rescue effort or would like more information such as a picture of these pets, please contact me offline as soon as possible at wardellcastles@hotmail.com. Time is running out for them.

Update: for photo of the doggies, see http://www.decaturmetro.com/2012/01/06/winnona-park-neighbors-to-the-doggie-rescue/

Water and sewer rate increase will benefit local creek system

The Champion reports

DeKalb County’s water and sewer rates will increase by 11 percent to help finance more than $1 billion dollars in improvements to the county’s water and sewer system. The rate will also increase in 2013 and 2014 by 11 percent, according to a plan adopted by the Board of Commissioners in December 2010.

... The system is plagued with pipe breaks and sewer spills. As of Dec. 20, there have been 187 county sewer spills, many caused by grease blockages in pipes...

... According to county officials, approximately $20 million-$30 million will be allocated to address requirements of a proposed consent decree in which the county would agree to pay a $453,000 penalty from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for excessive sewage spills. The county also agreed to implement a $600,000 stream cleanup project, focusing on debris removal from parts of the South River, South Fork Peachtree Creek and Snapfinger Creek. 

The South Fork of Peachtree Creek merrily meanders through MANA and Clairmont Heights. It is great to hear some of these taxes will help improve nearby habitats that have been repeatedly affected by spills. Because, hey, thats our creek!

Here she is, seen from the stone bridge at Mason Mill [May 2010 (left) and Feb 2011 (right)].

While on this topic, visit the  South Fork Conservancy's website, which also spells out a wonderful plan to develop connecting trails while restoring and conserving these much-neglected waterways.

Save the Date: Embrace our Green Space Run [March 24]

via CHCA...

Please mark your calendars for the Second Annual Embrace Our Green Space Race. As in the inaugural event this past March, we will again have a variety of events: 2K walk for kids and seniors, 5K run/walk, 10K run, 10K skate and 20K bike ride. There are police escorts and traffic control at major intersections on the 10K and 20K courses. All event courses wind through neighborhood streets and sidewalks with lots of turns. All events are non-competitive. On-site registration begins at 9AM on Saturday, March 24, 2012 in parking lot at Oak Grove United Methodist Church. Post race snacks donated by local restaurants. 

Online registration will be available at www.active.com. Our event will be listed in early January under 'Embrace Our Green Space Race'. Those who sign up by the week before the event will get tee shirts. This year we are also encouraging kids under 12 to participate without their parents and get some fresh air and exercise by having a special entrance fee for them of $10 (includes a tee shirt if registered a week before the event). A regular adult entry fee is $20, and a family entry fee is $50. 

Atlanta Park Pride will again collect and distribute the funds. All proceeds above the cost of the event will be divided equally among the 'friends of' groups that help maintain 4 neighborhood parks: Kittredge, Mary Scott, Clyde Shepherd and the new park on Lavista Road that sits behind the Oak Grove shopping center and Coralwood School. If you haven't visited some of these parks, check them out! 

The 2012 flyer is attached as a PDF with more information and an entry and tee shirt ordering form for those who prefer the US Postal Service. 

Thank you for your participation in our event and support for our local green spaces!
Best Regards,
Ted Daniel
Chair, Embrace Our Green Space Race
tedaniel@mindspring.com
404-315-7833

Lost Dog: Reno the Black Lab [Dec 31]

forwarded from the MANA email list...

Have you seen this dog or know where he might be? His name is Reno. Reno's home is located in the Sargent Hills Neighborhood just South of North Dekalb Mall, by the Quick Trip. Doug - his owner - is really upset about Reno.

RENO is 10yrs old. Weighs 50lbs. Primarily black in color with white on his chest, , toes, muzzle, and tip on his tail. RENO did not have his collar on, but had on a red flea collar. RENO has never wondered any further than to say hello to the neighbor.

On New Year's Eve, Doug - let him out in the fenced yard for a potty break. When Reno didn't want to come back in after his normal time, Doug looked for him and then realized the yard folks left the gate unlatched.

If you see this dog, hear of a dog with similar descriptions, or even THINK you know ANYTHING that may help reunite Doug & RENO, PLEASE CALL DOUG IMMEDIATELY. You may call ANYTIME. Day or Night at ANY hour. Doug's number is 404-839-2136.