Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center. Photo by Louise Bullock.
Outings Committee Exceeded Expectations in 2023
We have some GREAT NEWS, the Outings Committee had 71 Outings in 2023! This includes 18 trail maintenance outings! WOW!!! Congratulations goes out to the Outings Committee for this remarkable accomplishment. At the last Outings Committee meeting on January 11, there was a loud round of applause and everyone got a hardy pat on the back for a job well done.
We would like to invite YOU to join the Outings Committee! This is a very active and exciting group within the Sierra Club. We coordinate and run all the hike, bike and canoe/kayak trips. We do trail maintenance and new trail construction at four different parks. This is a great way to get outdoors, meet new people, learn new things and get some exercise too. We have a great need for Outings Leaders. When you become an Outings Leader, you will receive FREE leader training, first aid and CPR courses. Outings Leader training is either online or in-person on Saturday, February 17, 9:00-2:00 at the Forest Park Visitor Center. Please join us. We can use YOUR help! Contact Dave Campbell, Outings Committee Co-Chair, at davecampbell9009@gmail.com or 217-553-9009.
Hiking outing at Litzsinger, photo by Dave Campbell
Second Phase of Dardenne Creek Blueway Now Open From Terrain Magazine Phase 1 of the Dardenne Creek Blueway is 3.5 miles, winding between 370 Lakeside Park in St. Peters and Riverside Landing in St. Charles, Missouri. The second phase adds another 5.2 miles, connecting 370 Lakeside Park to Lone Wolff Park. FULL STORY
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car? From zacjohnson.com Switching to an electric vehicle can be a smart financial decision and a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. But if you’re new to the electric car world, you may be wondering: how much does it cost to charge an electric car? READ MORE
Track Chair Program Launches at MO State Parks Track chairs are electronic off-road chairs that allow visitors with limited mobility the opportunity to explore designated trails throughout select state parks and historic sites. These chairs can help visitors access trails that may not be suitable for traditional wheelchairs. Missouri State Parks currently has three track chairs in place across the state. Read more and reserve HERE.
How to Start Strawberry Farming From Small Business Trends
Starting a strawberry farm can be a fulfilling and lucrative business venture. However, like any other business, it requires planning, research, and execution. Here are some simple steps to follow to get your strawberry farming business up and running successfully. READ MORE
Recycling Mystery: Headphones, Earbuds, and Chargers From Earth 911
These items have become essential accessories for many of us. Because we go through so many of these accessories, they can add up to a lot of e-waste that contains plastic, metal, rubber, magnets, wiring, and chemicals. They need to be disposed of properly or, better still, recycled. FULL STORY
Wild turkeys at Powder Valley. Photo by Louise Bullock.
Sierra Book Club - Anyone Can Join!
As you are grabbing a book, why not grab the book our Sierra Club book discussion group is undertaking, and then join us in our upcoming discussion circle? Our first two books were, “Rewilding: Meditations, Practices, and Skills for Awakening in Nature” by Micha Mortali, and, “Braiding Sweetgrass”, by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
In our discussions we have been prompted to share what stood out for us (sparkled, or caught our attention) in the book, what those things evoked in us, and how those things may change us. At each discussion we also got to contemplate how the message of the book weaves into the vision and mission of the Sierra Club, helping connect us to nature and to the vital messages we each hope Sierra Club is bringing to the world.
The next discussion group will be held on Zoom, March 7th, from 7:30-9:00. The book title will be posted on the Sierra Club website by February 5th.
February Volunteering at Don Robinson State Park - February 9
AmeriCorps will be out at Don Robinson SP working on a cedar cutting project. We will have a large team effort that day. People should be prepared for cutting down and bucking up cedar trees, dragging them to piles, and burning them (weather permitting). All should bring work gloves. We will be hiking to the work area and will need to carry any gear need. SIGN UP HERE
Awe and Wonder in Castlewood State Park - February 10
Join a presentation on the science behind awe and wonder, and why that is important for ecological conservation, followed by a 3.5-4 mile moderately difficult loop hike with panoramic scenes atop a bluff. REGISTER HERE
EMG Event: Decarbonization & Electrification Conversation with Beyond Coal’s Jenn DeRose - February 22 Join Missouri's Senior Beyond Coal Organizer Jenn DeRose for a conversation about decarbonization and electrification opportunities for Missouri residents and utilities alike. Jenn will discuss Inflation Reduction Act incentives for residents and explain key points about Ameren's long-range energy plan, including ways to push our monopoly utility to end their coal dependence and invest in renewable energy. RSVP HERE
Let There Be Night Presentation by Vayujeet Gokhale of DarkSky Missouri - March 26 Join the Sierra Club Eastern Missouri Group and the St. Louis Audubon Society for a presentation by Vayujeet Gokhale of DarkSky Missouri. LEARN MORE
Ecovillage Experience in Missouri - April 12 This is an extended tour (Friday evening through Saturday afternoon) of a working Ecovillage in northeast Missouri. The tour has been designed specifically for Sierra Club members. There will be several educational modules such as regenerative livestock management, increasing local eco-system diversity, and an overview of how this intentional eco-sustainable community was established and is run. MORE INFO
EMG Outings Welcome to All - Join Us! Sierra Club Outings are open to the public. A dollar per person donation is requested. Firearms are not allowed on outings. Participants must sign a liability release. Outings Leaders are volunteers. Outings officially start at the trailhead or river access. Carpooling is encouraged but not the responsibility of the Leader. For more information, Click Here.
Photos above provided by Jonathan Lehmann of MO Whitewater Championships.
Volunteer race judges needed for 2024 MO Whitewater Championships Each spring, the Eastern Missouri Group of the Sierra Club helps to provide volunteer race judges to the Missouri Whitewater Association's (MWA) slalom races. The 2024 whitewater slalom races for kayak, canoe and SUP (stand-up paddleboard) will be held the weekend of March 16 & 17 on the rapids of the St. Francis at the Millstream Gardens Conservation Area near Fredericktown. For more info, CLICK HERE. Contact Jonathan Lehmann at 314-791-3969 or jonathanlehmann@sbcglobal.net if you have any questions.
Join the EMG Conservation Committee! If you are ready to engage in outreach, education, research and action on the variety of conservation topics in our region contact Caroline Puffalt, Conservation Committee Chair, at cpufalt@sbcglobal.net.
Save the Date - Earth Day Festival with the Sierra Club! We need volunteers to help with the lemonade sales on both Saturday April 20th and Sunday April 21st. There are two shifts: 10 am to 2 pm and 2 to 6 pm. If interested, please contact John Feldmann (johnfeldmann70@outlook.com).
We need YOU for the Outings Committee! Join the Sierra Club, Outings Committee! This is a very active and exciting group within the Sierra Club. We coordinate and run all the hikes, bike and canoe/kayak trips. We do trail maintenance and new trail construction at different parks. This is a great way to meet new people. We have a need for Outings Leaders. When you become an Outings Leader, you will receive free leader training, first aid and CPR courses. Outings Leader training is either online or in person on Saturday, February 17, 9:00-2:00 at the Forest Park Visitor’s Center. Please join us. We can use YOUR help! Contact Dave Campbell, Outings Committee Co-Chair, at davecampbell9009@gmail.com or 217-553-9009.
Have your photography featured in this e-newsletter!
Email it to emg.missouri.sierraclub@gmail.com and we might feature you in our next newsletter. We're always looking for photos from our members! By submitting a photo, you agree to allow EMG Sierra Club to use your photo for promotional purposes only.
Volunteer Spotlight! Highlight yourself or someone that is making a difference in the Sierra Club community! This submission will be used in print and digital Sierra Club newsletters. Submissions accepted on a rolling basis. Fill out the form by clicking HERE!
Use your imagination. What do you see? Photo by Louise Bullock
