Southeastern Outings Dayhike at Living River

Living River, a nonprofit affiliated with the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley, is developing a camp and environmental center on the Cahaba River.   On May 8 Southeastern Outings people will hike on the trails on the property for the fourth time.  Thirty-six people participated in one of our previous hikes to this area.  

The hike will be led by Kim Hall, Director of the Cahaba Environmental Center at Living River.  The approximately 3-mile hike is rated moderate.

Living River, a tree-covered point nestled in a deep bend in the Cahaba River, preserves a mix of hardwoods and older trees that were once typical of Alabama’s river bottoms but elsewhere have been logged and replaced with faster-growing pines. The site is 440 acres in size, and because of its unique location, it fronts four miles of the river.

The Cahaba River itself – the longest free-flowing river in Alabama – preserves a remarkable and fragile biodiversity, including an incredible variety of freshwater mussels, turtles, snails, and crayfish, as well as more fish species per mile than any other river in North America. The globally significant biodiversity of the Cahaba has been widely recognized by conservation groups and scientists.

In this significant and beautiful place, the Presbyterian Church organization has built Living River, a retreat where young people will continue to discover the awakening power of an outdoor camping experience and where adults, families, and children can also step away from the demands of their everyday lives.

During this hike, we will explore the variety of ecosystems on the Living River property. We will start with a trip out on the ‘thumb,’ the deep horseshoe bend of the Cahaba River, and then head out to more impacted forest ecosystems, including reclaimed mining sites. We will have the opportunity to learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. Our outing will conclude on top of a giant mine spoil where Pennsylvania period plant fossils can be found at every step.

Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age 7 and older able to walk about 3 miles without complaining are welcome on this hike.

Depart at 1:30 p.m. from McDonald’s Galleria.

Info: Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or 205-631-4680

DIRECTIONS TO MEETING PLACE

McDonald’s Galleria-1731 Montgomery Highway, Hoover, AL 35244. Parking lot behind the McDonald’s Restaurant across U.S. 31 from the main entrance to the Riverchase Galleria Shopping Mall.

DESCRIPTION OF SOUTHEASTERN OUTINGS

Do you wish you had friends who share your active lifestyle and enjoyment of outdoor activities?  Then become active with Southeastern Outings (SEO), a nonprofit organization committed and created to serve people who enjoy being active in the outdoors.  The organization plans, organizes and leads outings such as dayhikes, easy kayak and canoe trips, stream and waterfall walks, bicycle rides, lake events and other fun activities to beautiful sites in our natural environment.  From time to time we also sponsor potluck suppers and other socials.  All events and activities of the group are open to the public.  Participating in SEO activities is a splendid, simple way to make congenial new friends who enjoy the outdoors.

NO DOGS OR SMOKING ALLOWED, PLEASE, ON ANY SOUTHEASTERN OUTINGS EVENTS.

The organization currently has over 400 members.  We scheduled ninety-one events during calendar year 2015 for an average of 8 fun events per month.  We enjoy the outdoors in all seasons throughout the year.  Twenty-three people, on average, have participated in each outing since January 1, 2016.

SEO does not charge for participation in any of its outings.  You do not have to be a member to participate in one r two SEO activities.  Dues are only $10.  Please contact Dan Frederick, President, 205-631-4680, or seoutings@bellsouth.net for more information and to obtain three free monthly newsletters with membership application and a complete description of all our outdoor events.

Southeastern Outings now has a website.  Just go to seoutings.org to find announcements of all our upcoming outings scheduled plus some brief, general information about Southeastern Outings, a membership application and 1500 lovely photographs from several of our outings.

Thank you.