The Southeastern Climbers Coalition

Boat Rock Environmental Education Continues 2008

Josipa Kukucka climbs the House Crack and gives the students a show.

By Pandra Williams. Earlier this Winter, on February 16th, the National Wildlife Federation "Earth Tomorrow" program took a field day at Boat Rock Preserve. About two dozen students from five schools in the Atlanta Metro area came out to enjoy a day of activities, hiking and climbing demonstrations. After a short introduction to the SCC's history with the Boat Rock climbing area and Preserve, the students began their tour of the forest to learn about the environment and greenspace issues.

Henry Barber Interview

Henry Barber and Lee Means share a few moments.

Henry Barber has to be one of the most influential climbers in our long and diversified history. Whether it's first ascents in the northeast or cutting edge classics at Yosemite, Henry has continually set the bar high and often in traditional climbing. Jeff Mekolites and the Atlanta Climbing Club get a chance to catch up with Henry and find out whats all he is up to. Henry will be in Atlanta this thursday at High Country for a slideshow and talk.

SCC members attend Access Fund board meeting

Dave Wilson and Brad McLeod try to stay out of trouble on Pearl Street in Boulder, Colorado.

Over the past weekend, SCC Board Members, Dave Wilson and Brad McLeod traveled out to the country of Boulder, Colorado to attend the Access Fund board meeting. The two Southern boys did their best to stay out of jail, aid their way up a few climbs, represent The Southeastern Climbers Coalition at the AF meeting and share a few laughs with old friends.

Boat Rock Native Plant Tour Kicks Off

Botanist Connie Gray talks about the native plant species found at Boat Rock within the dry mesic ecosystem.

By Brad McLeod. On Sunday, April 19th, 2008 - a group of 10 climbers and botanist toured the Boat Rock Preserve with Botanist Connie Gray to learn about native plant communities. The tour was put together by climber and eco-artist Pandra Williams, a long time friend of Boat Rock and one of the original organizers to save the area.

Slingin' Sparks

Young climbers take over the world - Paige Cormany shows us how it's done at Panola Mtn.

One of the top ten profound happenings in my life (after my marriage and children) has been the time when I was a climbing coach at Atlanta Rocks. I learned alot during that time as I volunteered and served others and helped mentor young kids in both climbing and environmental stewardship (crag access). it was great to see them cruise to first place in a local climbing comp and then show up for a trail day at Rock Town the next weekend. I was pleased to see over the years, students like Greg Kottcamp, Cooper Roberts, Chris Sierzant, Chelsie Rude, Josh Fowler and Mason Baker all grow up and go on to do great things both in climbing and in life.

Laurel Falls (Dayton) Trail Day "Marathon"

Mike Bacon on Honeycomb Roof

The March 15, 2008 Dayton Trail Day went as rough as you could imagine and the work is still an ongoing process. Our goal was to install steps on a steep part of trail below honeycomb roof. Here's the latest as of April 1, 2008.

2008 Stone Fort/LRC Spring Trail Day

The Trail Day Crew.

Completely miserable weather conditions (hail, torrential downpours, and wind) ironically provided the perfect medium for the Stone Fort/LRC Trail Day on Saturday March 15. The soaked (loose) soil made for relatively easy digging conditions and landscaping updates for the climber parking area. We were also NOT tempted by good weather to knock off early for rock climbing!!

Access Threatened at Sunset (TN)

John Dorough on Invisible Touch 5.12a

Climbing at Sunset Park, one of the premier trad areas in Tennessee, is in danger of being nothing but a bittersweet memory, according to representatives of the Southeastern Climbers Coalition (SCC).

Matthew Gant, a member of the SCC board, said the National Park Service was recently on the verge of shutting down climbing at Sunset.

Moss Rock Trail Day Writeup

Lee Means enjoys some clean urban bouldering at the Moss Rock Preserve in Birmingham.

From Drew - Even with the short notice, gloomy weather, and cold temperatures, a large group of 60+ climbers and nature enthusiasts came out to support the Moss Rock Preserve area for the cleanup. The day started at 9:00 with the arrival of nearly 120 cubic feet of bagged mulch, donated by the City of Hoover, thanks to city forester Colin Conner. The Moss Rock Preserve is located within the City of Hoover in Birmingham, Alabama.

Gene Smith Interview

Gene Smith pulling down on sweet Southern sandstone. Photo by Mark Cole

When you thumb through the Dixie Craggers Atlas, a handful of names come fo the surface when you look at first ascents on Southern sandstone. Gene Smith is one name who is part of that small group -and has played a huge part in the development and standards setting in this part of the world. The SCC catches up with Gene and finds out what he has been up to these days and a little bit of history of what all went down back in the day.