Trucks bring it: Even to NASCAR

Before becoming a long-haul driver I never really thought about trucks at all. As a four-wheeler, you see them on the road everywhere and just try to stay out of their way. But after hauling everything from fresh produce and potatoes from farm fields, to auto parts and FEMA trailers, I thought I understood just how important the trucking industry is in getting everything bought and sold in this country where it needs to go.

Still it wasn’t until we arrived at our destination and discovered that it was a NASCAR race track in Talladega that I realized that even events do not happen unless the semi-trucks of supplies, food and equipment arrive to supply important events. I have to admit it was pretty exciting to be a part of the action that was going to happen on the NASCAR circuit.

If you are going to Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama here are their tips and parking recommendations. (These are for the fans but could also apply to truckers as well)

NOTE: The speed limit on Interstate 20 from the Georgia/Alabama border to Talladega Superspeedway is now 55 mph! Leave the high speeds to the drivers on the track!

The Alabama DOT is currently doing construction on two different highways throughout the state that could affect your driving time to Talladega Superspeedway.

Information on I-20 construction between Birmingham and Talladega can be found by visiting http://www.progress20.com.

• Plan your trip in advance, and check the following web sites for traffic and road construction updates before you leave home: – ALABAMA: www.dot.state.al.us
• Make sure and study the route you want to take before coming to Talladega Superspeedway. Then, if traffic is backing up, consider taking alternate routes into the facility.
• Leave as early as possible and allow extra time to get here. This is the most important component in getting everyone parked and seated in time to see the Pre-Race Ceremonies.
• Please note: Traffic flow on Friday, Saturday and Sunday is subject to change.

Directions:

If you are coming to Talladega Superspeedway from the EAST then after the race we are going WEST

Entry – The best route is to exit I-20 at Exit 173 Eastaboga and proceed west on Speedway Blvd.

Exit – Exit by proceeding east on Speedway Blvd. Once you reach I-20, enter the Interstate going west toward Birmingham.

For other directions are found at the web-site

Most people that I meet these days have a friend or someone in the family who is a truck driver and seem to know something about what life on the road is like. But I wish there was a way to make everyone aware of just how important trucking is to economy of the nation and how important transportation issues are to everything we enjoy and take for granted in our lives. Whatever stuff you have and enjoy, Trucks Bring It!

Come to think of it, there is a campaign to promote the trucking industry’s image using the “Trucks Bring It” motto that might help. Trucking companies, state associations and affiliates across the country can use the “Trucks Bring It” campaign creatively to promote the industry. Download the “How to Get Involved”  brochure here.

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Bring back the Monarchs along the highways

Monarch at rest stop in Iowa - credit Lindsay Godfree

When you drive along America’s highways do you enjoy the butterflies as much as I do? As I have been driving back and forth across the country, I have developed a feeling of affinity with the migrations of spring and fall. The flow of the animal, bird and insect populations going north and south to breeding grounds or in search of more food is a joy to watch as I drive along east and west in continuous loops.

Now I have learned that the beautiful large, orange and black Monarch butterfly is experiencing a population threat. Due in part to the clearing of land all over the United States combined with changing weather patterns, this amazing mysterious creature is facing crisis. And last year, the World Wildlife Fund included monarchs on its list of the “Top 10 to Watch” in 2010: species that are thought to be in need of close monitoring and protection.

“We have a lot of habitat in this country but we are losing it at a rapid pace. Development is consuming 6,000 acres a day, a loss of 2.2 million acres per year. Further, the overuse of herbicides along roadsides and elsewhere is turning diverse areas that support monarchs, pollinators, and other wildlife into grass-filled landscapes that support few species. … If these trends continue, monarchs are certain to decline, threatening the very existence of their magnificent migration”, said Chip Taylor, Director of Monarch Watch.

Well, roadsides are trucker territory, so it sees logical to me that this is a place where we could make a difference. Fortunately, there is a movement already in place to try to save them that we can join. “Bring Back the Monarchs” campaign is collaboration between a number of partner agencies and organizations called the Monarch Joint Venture, including the University of Kansas’s Monarch Watch program, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, the U.S. Forest Service, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, and others.

Roadside habitat - by Lindsay Godfree

To address changes and restore habitats for monarchs, pollinators, and other wildlife, Monarch Watch is initiating a nationwide landscape restoration program, “Bring Back the Monarchs.” The goals of the program is to restore 20 milkweed species, used by monarch caterpillars as food, to their native ranges throughout the United States and to encourage the planting of native flowers that support adult monarchs and other pollinators.

Additionally, leaders are also working with the Arizona Department of Transportation on plans to include milkweed in the seed mixes that are planted along roadways. Try to get your states’ department of transportation to support this venture too and to stop the mowing down of habitat.

How can else you help? The easiest way to make a tax-deductible donation is to do so via the KU Endowment Association (they manage the donation fund and provide tax receipts). Just make it clear in any communication that you want your contribution to support Monarch Watch, so 100 percent of your donation will go to Monarch Watch.

To find out more link to this US Forest Service page.

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