Feature Photo by Louise Bullock. Current River scenic view from Bee Bluff
Dear Friend,
Thanks for being a part of the Eastern Missouri Group (EMG) of the Missouri Sierra Club. Whether your interest is conservation, policy, trail maintenance, activism or enjoying our outings, everyone with a love for the outdoors is welcome here.
Hawn State Park Backpacking Trip Report by Matt Self We had 9 people total, only 3 of whom were Sierra Club members and only 2 were retired. For two participants, it was their first time backpacking, and they had a great time. We were fortunate with near-perfect weather and encountered zero issues on the trail. Overall, it was a tremendous outing, and I’m looking forward to offering more backpacking trips in the spring. (photo below by Matt Self)
You're invited to the EMG Holiday Party on December 2 Please join us for an evening of good tidings and holiday cheer. Please bring a favorite dish to share to feed at least 8.
WHEN: Saturday, December 2nd from 6:00pm to 9:30pm
WHERE: Kirkwood Community Center (Room 300), 111 S. Geyer Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122
To find the room, go through the doors to the right after entering the Community Center to find the elevator and stairs. To help reduce our impact, please bring your reusable cup/glass to enjoy the provided coffee and tea. If you would like to bring another beverage to share, please do! Alcohol is allowed. If you bring wine, please share.
Please RSVP by clicking the button below or call Barbara Wall at 636 529 0477 between 1 and 9 pm.
Current River Lodge from October trail maintenance, photo by George Behrens
Wild Crops of America From Missouri Botanical Garden As our natural food supply faces threats from climate change and habitat loss, crop wild relatives have been a recent research darling. FULL POST
Virtual Power Plant Technology: Enabling Users To Support The Grid From Forbes Reliable energy is the heart of our modern economy, and until recently, it has been something that many could take for granted. But as extreme weather events become more frequent, and increasing electricity demand strains aged grid infrastructure, businesses and individuals no longer have that luxury. FULL STORY
Factcheck: 21 misleading myths about electric vehicles From CarbonBrief Electric vehicles (EVs) significantly cut lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions in almost all circumstances and are the key technology for decarbonising road transport. FULL STORY
Food justice advocates didn’t set out to save the climate. Their solutions are doing it anyway. From Earth in Color
The vast urban grower community didn’t arise under the banner of climate advocacy, but those benefits are emerging. FULL STORY
What will happen to the Greenland ice sheet if we miss our global warming targets From Phys.org
It's hard to overstate how crucial Greenland, and its kilometers-thick ice layer, is to climate change. If all that ice melted, the sea would rise by about seven meters—the height of a house. FULL STORY
Echo Bluff State Park. Photo by Louise Bullock
Volunteering at Belleview Farm Park - November 11
Belleview Farm Park is a natural treasure with an incredible view of the Meramec Valley and 100 acres of woodland and meadow. We'll be working on various stewardship activities, such as invasive species removal, to prepare the park for future public use. MORE INFO
Turkey Time at Rockwoods Reservation - November 11 It is time to talk turkey! Fall is the best time to learn about and celebrate these amazing birds. What better way to get to know them than to walk in their natural habitat while we learn about and watch for them. SIGN UP
EMG Monthly Ex Com Meeting - November 14 All are welcome to join the monthly Executive Committee Meeting to hear updates and progress on all things EMG! MORE INFO
Matson HIll Hike - November 15 We will hike 5.1 miles through primarily wooded area; dirt, single-track trail, many roots and rocks. Recommend wearing sturdy trail shoes or hiking boots, dependent on your preference. SIGN UP
Vounteering at Castlewood State Park - November 17 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. SIGN UP
Honeysuckle Hack at Creve Coeur Lake Soccer Park - November 18 Join the Community Stewardship Alliance and Open Space STL as they attack the grove of honeysuckle that stands between the Soccer Park and Creve Coeur Lake. Gloves and tools will be provided. MORE INFO
EMG Holiday Party - December 2 You're invited to the EMG Holiday Party! Please join us for an evening of good tidings and holiday cheer. All are welcome! MORE INFO AND RSVP
Virtual Event: "Scenes from Our Mighty Mississippi" - December 5 Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience a magical journey of song, storytelling, and visual imagery featuring America’s greatest river, hosted by Mississippi River Network. TICKETS HERE
Hiking the Meramec State Park Natural Areas - December 9 We'll explore the two Natural Areas within Meramec State Park: Meramec Mosaic and Meramec Upland Forest. SIGN UP
Backpacking the John Muir Trail Presentation by Louise Bullock - December 13 Join us for a presentation from EMG Outings Leader Louise Bullock about her backpacking adventure on the John Muir Trail! RSVP required. Event will be held in the Grove Room at the Urban Chestnut Brewery located in St. Louis's The Grove neighborhood. Please RSVP here
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.
Big Spring at Ozark National Scenic Riverway in Van Buren, MO. Photo by Louise Bullock
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.
Get outside with the EMG Outings Committee! This is a very active and exciting group within the EMG. We coordinate and run all the hikes and canoe trips. We do trail maintenance and new trail construction at different parks. This is a great way to meet people and become more active in the Sierra Club. Please contact us. We could use YOUR help! Contact Dave Campbell, Co-coordinator for the Outings Group, at davecampbell9009@gmail.com
Send us your hiking photos! 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.
CALL FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE VOLUNTEERS:
We're seeing more EVs on the road than ever from Teslas to Nissans! Even though this is a great step forward for our green energy economy--we are lacking places to charge away from home, not only on the highway but in town, and at apartment buildings. Together, we can push for infrastructure to make Missouri EV Ready! If you own an EV — or even if you don’t but want to help — let’s make it happen. Let's start the campaign together to find the best policies for making charging more available, equitable and affordable. Contact our Energy Chair Henry Robertson to get involved: henryr874@gmail.com or 314-402-1756.
One of our newer state parks, Bryant Creek. Photo by Louise Bullock
