SierraScape Spring 2022
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BY CAROLINE PUFALT
Conservation Chair

Toni & Richard at the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by: Yuechun Wan

The history of the Sierra Club, Eastern Missouri Group, would be much poorer without the long-time participation of Toni Armstrong and Richard Spener. Toni recalls joining the Sierra Club in 1978 when members were working (successfully) to defeat the proposed Meramec Dam. The campaign meant many nights of phone banking (with dial up phones!) where Toni met other Sierrans and built lifelong friendships.

Toni and Richard specialized in outings leadership, including sharing their skills through local outings workshops. One event featured how to put up many types of tents – as demonstrated in Toni's yard! Canoeing is also a passion. With the addition of their daughter, they added more family outings to EMG's schedule. Toni is still leading EMG outings.

But their outings horizons went far beyond Missouri. Both served on the Board of the Alaskan Wilderness League and travel to the Alaskan Arctic frequently. Both provided EMG with many programs on the Alaskan Arctic based on their own travels. Toni led EMG's Alaskan Lands committee when the Club was campaigning for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Protecting the Alaska from drilling is still a Club priority.

Toni and Richard helped combine outings with a conservation perspective. EMG's outings photo share nights included frequent calls to action. Richard is an avid amateur photographer, he led many EMG photography programs, sharing his skills and inspiring all.

Many members will remember the outstanding Missouri Wilderness photo exhibit Toni and Richard produced for the 50th anniversary of the federal Wilderness Act in 2014. Their exhibit was displayed at the St Louis History Museum and later toured the state through 2015. You can still see their magnificent Wilderness banner in the local Sierra Club office.

Toni served 6 years on the EMG Executive Committee and that group still uses her calendar guide to help keep track of yearly responsibilities!

Toni is an avid defender of Creve Coeur Lake Park when, in 2017, it was threatened by a commercial hockey rink. As area residents they continue to be on the front line for EMG regarding threats to the park. Toni is a reliable witness for limited development and floodplain protection at Maryland Heights City meetings. This is an ongoing effort today.

It's hard to imagine EMG history and the present without the contributions of Toni and Richard. As the Missouri Chapter celebrates its 50th anniversary Toni and Richard stand out as volunteers who helped guide EMG over the years to truly enjoy, protect and explore!