Lights Out for Migrating Birds by Stephanie Todd Every year, billions of birds migrate north in the spring and south in the fall, most of them at night, navigating with the night sky. However, birds can become disoriented by bright artificial lights and sky glow, often causing them to die from exhaustion or collide with buildings. St. Louis is the fifth deadliest city in the country during spring migration and sixth during fall migration.
You can help save birds by simply turning off your outdoor lights in May and September. If you must have lights on, shield them so they are focused down, where light is needed, not shining into the sky. Bright lights are not only bad for birds but cause safety issues. It is better for the environment overall if lights are warm colored or below 3000K. Motion detectors are a good choice for both birds and safety.
Hike Review by Deb Maurer The hike was in the beautiful Hilda J Young conservation area and was a total of about 3 miles. This was my first hike as a leader for the Sierra Eastern Missouri group. It was fairly fast paced. Lisa Dahlgren served as my hike leader and sweep. Our hike included a total of nine folks. Much fun was enjoyed by all. Lots of conversation by everyone. I shared a little information about the ecology of the area. We hiked the Taconic loop trail winding along La Barque Creek past some spring wildflowers including the beautiful blue bells, which bloom this time of the year. The hike led through a beautiful red pine forest. Which is my favorite part of the hike. All in all it was a beautiful day with temps in the 60s and sunny.
Photo by Deb Maurer, Sierra Club EMG Member
Thank you to our St. Louis Earth Day Volunteers! Thank you to all our volunteers who joined us on April 20 & April 21 as we sold our famous lemonade and gathered signatures to move Ameren towards 100% clean, renewable energy. It was a great weekend of community and action!
2024’s States Where Farms Use the Most Water From LawnStarter With 42% of annual freshwater withdrawals in the U.S. used for agriculture, where are farms irrigating the most? Missouri comes in at number 12. SEE THE LIST
Farmers market guide From KSDK The St. Louis region is home to many creators and growers, and the best way to shop from them directly is by visiting your local farmers market. DETAILS HERE
Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas From Earth 911 For all you procrastinators out there, we’re here for you. Get inspired with one of these eight ideas for the eco-friendly mamas in your life. READ MORE
Methane emissions from landfill could be turned into sustainable jet fuel in plasma chemistry leap From Science Daily Researchers have developed a chemical process using plasma that could create sustainable jet fuel from methane gas emitted from landfills, potentially creating a low-carbon aviation industry. FULL STORY
Trail Work at Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry
By Outings Leader, Lisa Dahlgren
Once again, we had a great turn-out and great success for the trail maintenance outing held in the unique and beautiful land of Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry (RPBC). More than 20 people turned out during the course of this four-day event. Loppers, clippers, saws, chainsaws and weed wackers were our best tools as we spread out in up to four work crews, completing miles of trail maintenance and clearing brush. We cleared about 15 miles of rugged backcountry trails. It was very rewarding work!
During our twice-yearly trail work time at RPBC our base is the iconic and historic Current River State Park. This gives Sierra Club members the opportunity to be a part of Missouri’s history in State Park development as well as enjoyment of the Current River and the land of this state park in an almost private manner. This spring, as occurred last fall, so many members came to assist in the trail work that housing overflow was also offered at Echo Bluff State Park. This year we were also treated to two wonderful presentations: one by Besa Schweitzer who shared her journey of hiking the entire 300 miles Ozark Trail, and one by Louise Bullock who shared a picture montage of her through-hike of the 228 miles of the John Muir Trail in California. Meals were prepared by a variety of Sierra Club members including: Paul Ohlendorf, Prem Barton and Rick Schweitzer with Annie Russell, Judith Oge and Glenn May taking on the huge task of being our kitchen coordinators. John Feldmann did a fantastic job of pulling all of this together. Thanks to everyone of you, as well as the many, many, enthusiastic people who supported this event in a variety of ways. Thanks also to everyone who clipped, sawed, moved logs, wrestled with brush, provided signage, contemplated trail routes, read maps, sweated and cheered our trail victories.
If you are interested in participating in trail maintenance, fellowship with conservation-minded individuals, and hiking in 60,000 acres of undeniably remarkable backcountry land, join us fall of 2024 as this adventure continues!
Photo by Louise Bullock at Roger Pryor Backcountry.
EMG Outings Leaders Meeting - May 9
Monthly Outing Committee Meeting for the Eastern Missouri Group that is hosted at the Sierra Club office in University City RSVP HERE
Mother's Day Hike - May 12 Hickory Canyons Natural Area and Pickle Springs Natural Area are two little known gems for hiking in southeast Missouri. Come and join us! RSVP TODAY
EMG Event: 60th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act - May 16 Celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act with us! Enjoy a talk from John Karel and Greg Iffrig about Missouri Wilderness Areas and the history of the Wilderness Act. MORE INFO
Klondike Park – Beyond Coal Educational Outing - May 23 ~2 miles of hiking with a presentation and info shared by Jenn DeRose, Senior Field Organizer for the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign. At the top of the river bluffs, there is an excellent viewing point of the Labadie Coal Plant. RSVP HERE
Evening Hike at Castlewood - May 24 We’ll hike a 3 mile combination of the Lone Wolf Trail and the River Scene Trail. The River Scene section is flat and easy; this trail provides beautiful views of the Meramec River and a great example of riparian corridor ecosystem. SIGN UP
Summer Paddling on the Meramec River - June 2 We’ll float an easy 10-mile section of the Meramec River from Campbell Bridge to Sappington Bridge. This float is suitable for all experience levels and families are welcome. MORE INFO
See what's coming up with EMG Outings 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.
Photo by Louise Bullock at Elephant Rocks State Park.
Volunteering at Don Robinson State Park - May 10 We will be working on various activities each month, such as trail maintenance, invasive species removal, social trail closing, and other projects that the superintendent deems necessary. We will aim for 3-4 hour days, but everyone can work as they see fit. SIGN UP
Join the Sierra Club, Outings Committee! This is a very active and exciting group within the Sierra Club and a great way to meet new people! When you become an Outings Leader, you will receive free leader training, first aid and CPR courses. We can use YOUR help! Contact Dave Campbell, Outings Committee Co-Chair, at davecampbell9009@gmail.com or 217-553-9009.
Volunteering at Castlewood State Park - May 24 Outings Leader, Matthew Self will lead a volunteer activity to restore and improve Castlewood State Park located in Ballwin, MO. Time frame is about 3-4 hours and we encourage any and all to join us. SIGN UP HERE
Looking to expand your photography resume?
Email your best nature photos 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 Hours Available! Are you looking for an easy way to support our group and the Missouri Chapter? We are always accepting volunteers to come into our office to have some coffee, water, or tea and support us with writing thank you notes, data entry, and welcoming new members. Reach out to Chapter Coordinator Ashton Kuehnel (ashton.kuehnel@sierraclub.org) to get involved.
Celebrating the Solar Eclipse at Ozark National Scenic Riverway's Big Spring. Photos by Louise Bullock.
