There are many reliable things in the month of December outside of (but of course linked to) the celebrations of our gods, our cultures and our cosmos. These aren’t always good things, as the holidays amplify the stress and sadness already present in our lives. But cue the Great Waters Group, which has multiple events on our December calendar to help shake those holiday blues and spend time with other explorers of this pale blue dot.

In addition to the always joyous Holiday Party on December 8 (at the Wil O Way Recreation Center in South Milwaukee), we have two festive hikes planned.

The first is our annual Plants of Winter Solstice Celebrations hike, this year returning to Whitnall Park on Saturday, December 7, at 10 a.m. Ever wonder why we sing about the holly and the ivy, or kiss under the mistletoe, or chop down an evergreen and dress it up in colors? Then this is the hike for you. Meet in the parking lot of the Boerner Botanical Gardens (9400 Boerner Dr., Hales Corners, WI).

Our second outing will be a hike along a beautiful stretch of the Ice Age Trail on Saturday, December 14. We'll hike the Delafield segment of the Ice Age Trail into town. This is a paved trail that runs past Lake Nagawicka. In Delafield, you can stop for breakfast at the Lumber Inn or join us for an extended hike through Delafield's own war memorial, Liberty Park, and a stretch of wilderness trail. We'll cross scenic rivers and marshes and see plenty of U.S. military history. Full hike is about 3.5 miles. The Holiday Hike will meet at 9:45 for sign-in at the northwest corner of the Nagawaukee Park & Ride, off I-94 exit 287.  

We hope you can join the Sierra Club for any or all of the upcoming events this December! Please register if you’re planning to attend any of them by following the above links.