An update from Uplands Network, connecting Monroe and surrounding counties
June 6, 2024
Come and join us on the trail!
We are excited to be celebrating our second anniversary of the local Uplands Network, connecting Monroe and surrounding counties. Since June, 2022, we have held monthly informational meetings (mostly virtual) and regular hikes in the area. We partner with local groups to uplift social and environmental justice while working to conserve our public lands and protect the watershed. Our mission includes facilitating “Outdoors for All” while supporting other local groups working on conservation and equity.
Recently, we have been partnering with the National Forest Service to remove invasives along trails, resulting in more native plants thriving along the Hayes and Pate Hollow trails.
We are also increasing our focus on local parks (such as The Old Growth trees of Latimer Woods and the newly planted beginning of tree canopy at Crestmont Park) by partnering with Gillian Field of Urban Greenspace as we plan for the coming year.
Be sure to scroll down to read about our anniversary potluck on Monday 10 June, and all our upcoming meetings, events, and hikes!
Please help us DOUBLE THE DEAM WILDERNESS
The Hoosier Chapter and the Indiana Forest Alliance along with several organizations are working to designate 15,300 acres of Hoosier National Forest as wilderness through the passage of S. 2990, the Benjamin Harrison National Recreation Area and Wilderness Establishment Act of 2023. The Bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Indiana Congresswoman Erin Houchin. U.S. Senator Mike Braun also re-introduced the Bill in the U.S. Senate and it is now S.4402.
If passed, S.4402 would add 15,300 acres to the Charles C. Deam Wilderness, more than doubling its size and create the Benjamin Harrison National Recreation Area (NRA) on an additional 29,382 acres. This legislation will serve to protect the drinking water of Lake Monroe and add further recreational, scenic value and biodiversity to this protected land.
You can also email Senator Todd Young via young.senate.gov/contact/email-todd or call 317-226-6700 and ask him to cosponsor S.4402! You can contact your U.S. Representative to cosponsor it in the House.
Join Us to Protect our State Forests
The Indiana Division of Forestry recently denied a High Conservation Value Forest Area (HCVF) designation for the Jordan Creek Area in the Owen-Putnam State Forest and they denied the HCVF for the Yellowwood BackCountry Area. In its decision the Indiana Division of Forestry said there are no special areas worth saving for rare and endangered species both flora and fauna.
Help us protect our forests and call the forest office at 812-829-2462 or the Governor’s office at 317-232-4567. You can also submit written comments online by visiting Indiana’s Division of Forestry public comment page. Let them know, “Logging has its place, just not every place. All public recreation areas should be protected from logging that reduces Hoosiers enjoyment of our public forests”.
Read more about the RMGs on our website: Act Now to Protect Public Forests (written by Lora Kemp, Chapter ExCom Vice Chair and Uplands Network Member).
Join the Sierra Club in Opposing Duke’s Dirty Rate Case
Duke Energy Indiana (Duke) is the largest, and worst climate polluting utility in the state - generating 95% of its power with fossil fuels. On April 4, Duke requested approval from state regulators to conduct a massive rate increase, in an effort to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into doubling down on coal. If approved, average residential customers would see an increase of $42 a month by 2026 ( Citizens Action Coalition); all customers will experience varying increases including schools, cities, faith communities, and businesses.
Show up, Speak up at upcoming Public Hearings: Bloomington: Thursday, June 20, 6:00 PM (Monroe Convention Center in the Olcott Young Room) (302 South College Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47403). More information at bit.ly/takeactionwithus24.
Want to learn more about Duke's proposed rate increase? Citizens Action Coalition will be hosting an info session at Monroe County Public Library on Thursday, June 13 at 7:00 PM. More information: Dirty Duke Rate Hike Town Hall.
Upcoming events, outings, and ways to get involved!
Join Us to Celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of the Revived Local Uplands Network of Sierra Club June Meeting
6:30 PM Monday, 6/10/24: Uplands Network In Person Monthly Meeting and Potluck - Meet our Hoosier Chapter Director, Robyn Skuya-Boss!
Bringing a dish to share is optional; please bring your own drink. We have reserved Sycamore Shelter at Cascades Park in Bloomington to discuss plans for the year.
After the meeting, those who wish can enjoy a walk with us to the waterfall. The summer natives are just beginning to blossom: jewel weed, smooth hydrangea, and pale flowered leafcup.
About the Uplands Network
Our leadership team includes dedicated people who plan meetings and outings, table at events, and connect with other groups. We welcome anyone who wishes to volunteer with our network. Open volunteer positions are: vice chair, treasurer, social media coordinator, conservation committee members and outings leaders.
Shorter volunteer commitments include tabling at Get Outdoors Day (6/8/24) at Switchyard Park and tabling at local farmers’ markets. To volunteer, write Marilyn at marilynbauchat@gmail.com.
To view upcoming outings and events, check this page - Events and Outings
Join us at our upcoming events!
Sat, June 8, 2024, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Get Outdoors Day at Switchyard Park
Visit the Sierra Club table as we partner with Artists for Climate Awareness. Sara Steffy McQueen and other local artists will teach folks of all ages to assemble a simple nature journal and experience different materials to document discoveries found in nature.
Mon, Jun 17, 2024; 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Latimer Woods Weed Wrangle - Join us as we partner with Urban Greenspace to remove invasive species from an isolated but valuable forest fragment that invites visitors to travel back through Bloomington's cultural and natural history.
Wed, June 26, 2024; 6:00 PM
Hoosier Chapter Director, Robyn Skuya-Boss, will speak at Green Drinks Bloomington.
