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Wrapping Up 2023. As we approach the conclusion of another momentous year, the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter is proud of the work done to make Michigan a leader in climate action, environmental protection and clean energy investment. The end of 2023 signals a moment for us to relax and recharge so we can start 2024 with renewed vigor and determination. Thank you to the many volunteers, members and supporters who made this year so impactful.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer Signs the Climate and Clean Energy package on November 28, 2023. Photo by Tim Minotas.
Clean Energy Was the Win We Needed in 2023. Perhaps the biggest victory Sierra Club had this year was shepherding in the most significant climate legislation for Michigan, making the state a leader in clean energy and climate action. Read more about the new legislation by visiting our website.
Sierra Club staff from Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin joined with other environmental partners in D.C. to advocate for the shutdown of Line 5. Photo from Sierra Club.
The Fight to Shut Down Line 5 Continues. The month of December came with two very disheartening decisions by the Michigan Public Service Commission. One of those was the decision to approve a permit for Enbridge's dangerous tunnel project to replace the Line 5 pipeline.
The battle isn't over though, and Sierra Club and its partners are stepping up the fight and urging President Biden to use his executive power to shut down Line 5 NOW. Learn more about that work here.
You're Invited to a Screening of "Troubled Water" in January. The Oil & Water Don’t Mix Coalition, along with Sierra Club Michigan and other promotional partners, will be hosting the Southeast Michigan premiere of the much-anticipated documentary "Troubled Water" at the State Theatre in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at 7 p.m.
“Troubled Water” chronicles a 36-day, 425-mile journey on stand-up paddleboard down Michigan’s west coast. As the sun set over Lake Michigan, these lifelong friends couldn’t help but wonder, “How can any Michigander stomach the risk of an oil spill on this coastline?”
Inspired to do something, they decided to create a film that would shed light on the man-made impacts on Michigan fresh water including the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline.
Photo of Cara Beld, Sierra Club's new Development Manager.
Sierra Club Welcomes New Development Manager. Cara Beld (she/her) is the new Development Manager for the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. She is responsible for managing all aspects of the Chapter’s development program, including direct mail, digital fundraising, donor events and individual donor fundraising. Prior to joining Sierra Club, Cara was the Operations & Membership Assistant for Friends of the Rouge, and she currently serves as a board trustee for Friends of Rouge Park. Cara’s passion for nature and interest in issues pertaining to the environment began as she grew up near Lake Michigan. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Cultures & Politics from Michigan State University, where she worked as a teaching assistant and at a Lansing-based lobbying firm. In her free time, Cara enjoys exploring new trails with her dog, kayaking and rock hunting.
Sharon Kosko, Kenn Joyce, Tanya Cabala, Tamara Horne, Lori Coleman and Mitch Coleman joined the walk at Dune Harbor Park in Muskegon this past summer. (l to r) Photo courtesy of Tamara Horne
Muskegon-Area Volunteer Engagement Grew in 2023. We’ve had fun and done some work, too! This past year, Sierra Club volunteers attended two walks at Muskegon parks. We also held a Community Advocates meeting in early December. Attendees are envisioning and shaping healthy, resilient communities in Muskegon County. If you’re interested in meeting up with other Muskegon-area volunteers in 2024, contact Tamara Horne at tamara.horne@sierraclub.org.
Left to Right: Clean energy activists participate in Grand Haven's Coast Guard Festival. The former JH Sims Coal Plant on Harbor Island. The Grand Haven coastline.
Advocacy in Action in Grand Haven - Wins, Losses and Moving Forward. Sierra Club's Jan O'Connell has spent the last several years advocating for a clean energy future for the city of Grand Haven. While there have been some setbacks during this time, O'Connell remains optimistic that the municipal board and local government will embrace clean energy for their community. Read more here.
The End of 2023 is the Perfect Time to Donate! You are the grassroots power that brings the Sierra Club together to fight Michigan’s most pressing climate disruptions. Your year-end support is a vital part of the collective effort to defend our home state and the people who live here.
Your gift fuels the fight in Michigan’s communities, in the courtroom and in the legislature now and into the new year. Find details using the button below to donate online, with a check or with stock from your IRA.
Thank you for fueling impact with your Year-End support and throughout the year! The Sierra Club Michigan Chapter team wishes you a Happy Holiday Season!
The North Country NST trail logo with hikers walking along. Photo courtesy the National Park Service.
Explore and Enjoy: Enjoying the North Country National Scenic Trail. With over 4,800 miles to explore, the North Country NST crosses from the northeastern part of the country and through both the lower and upper peninsula before ending in North Dakota. While the trail has been around for decades, it wasn't until this past week that the National Parks Service officially added it to the National Park system!
In 2024, take some time to hike a section or two of this historically significant and naturally beautiful trail or make a goal of hiking the entire trail, like 75 year old Joan Young did... twice! Read about her experience here.
