An update from Uplands Network, connecting Monroe and surrounding counties
September 6, 2024
Come and join us on the trail!
We are excited as we enter our third year as 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.
Our next Uplands Network meeting is this coming Monday, September 9, 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM.
Please join us for this virtual showing of Crown Jewels, a documentary on mature and old growth forests. Please register here for a link: Uplands Network September Meeting.
Take action to protect old-growth forests across the country!
Did you know that old-growth forests on our federal lands are still not protected from logging even though they are loved and cherished across the country? Our National Forests -- managed by the Department of Agriculture -- are too often treated like crops to be harvested, rather than the valuable climate resources that they are. The U.S. Forest Service is taking comments (until 9/20/24) on a proposal that could protect old-growth forests from logging.
We have two opportunities to learn more about efforts to save mature and old growth by watching the documentary, together:
Monday, September 9, 2024; 6:30 PM, please join our monthly virtual meeting to watch “Crown Jewels” together and discuss it. Register here: Uplands Network September Meeting.
Saturday, September 14, 2034; 1:00 PM. We’ll show the film at the Monroe County Public Library auditorium (303 E Kirkwood, Bloomington). Register here: Crown Jewels Film Showing.
A prime opportunity to expand and preserve our public lands in Indiana
Flourishing natural areas and parks are indispensable to people’s health, prosperity, cultural traditions, and enjoyment. They also play a critical role in combating the climate and extinction crises.
Hoosiers have an important role to play in helping us achieve this goal by supporting legislation that would more than double the size of the Charles Deam Wilderness Area and establish the Benjamin Harrison National Recreation Area.
Continuing to Put Public Pressure on Duke’s Dirty Coal Plans
Thank you to all the Hoosiers across the state who are demanding Duke move away from polluting and expensive fossil fuels -- keep an eye on your emails and on Indiana Beyond Coal Facebook page for news and opportunities to take action.
Mark your calendar: Duke’s Final 20-Year Energy Plan Meeting
Duke Energy Indiana’s 2024 Integrated Resource Plan Public Engagement Session Thursday, October 3, 2024, 9:30am-3:00pm EST
Register here: 2024 Duke Energy Indiana IRP Public Stakeholder Meeting.
Please join us for the fifth in a series of engagement sessions that will inform the development of Duke Energy Indiana’s 2024 Integrated Resource Plan (“IRP”). This session will be a virtual event hosted on Microsoft Teams. You can let Sierra Club know that you’re planning to attend at bit.ly/socialaction24
One more action-
You are also invited to join the photo action in solidarity with Bloomington South High school, Youth Power.
The details and how to submit are at bit.ly/socialaction24
Upcoming events, outings, and ways to get involved!
September Uplands Network Meeting
Our next Uplands Network meeting is this coming Monday, September 9, 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM.
Please join us for this virtual showing of Crown Jewels, a documentary on mature and old growth forests. Please register here for a link: Uplands Network September Meeting.
Please join us at our partner, Artists for Climate Awareness, at the inspiring Nature Journaling Workshop led by Bailey Russell, from MC Soil and Water on Saturday, September 14, 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM, Karst Farm Park.
Marilyn Bauchat will briefly share our current Sierra Club initiatives, and part of the proceeds will go to Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter Foundation.
This all-ages workshop is perfect for anyone who loves nature and wants to learn how to observe and document the natural world through journaling and drawing. Register here: Nature Journaling with Bailey Russell.
Special thanks to our member, Bud Hoekstra. Bud wrote a powerful and educational Op-Ed in Sunday’s Herald Times, “Biden cares about unborn babies. Just look what he’s done at the EPA!” Bud explains how Biden used his regulatory authority to rein in the use of PFAS which cause reproductive harm.
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 events and at local farmers’ markets. To volunteer write Marilyn at marilynbauchat@gmail.com.
To view upcoming outings and events, check this page - Events and Outings
Gillian Field, Lily Maddy and Amy Henn care for the seedlings they planted as acorns one year ago. Urban Greenspace and Uplands Network of Sierra Club partner to increase wildlife corridors across the city.
Whether I’m pulling invasives, caring for seedlings, or taking a hike in these wondrous forests, I’m always uplifted. We’re looking forward to seeing you at our monthly meetings and on the trail.
Explore. Enjoy. Protect.
Marilyn Bauchat and the Uplands Leadership Team
