2021
Sierra Club Earth Day Cleanup - Westcott area
Saturday, April 24, 2021, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Thornden Park parking lot - Beech Street Entrance, by the pool building.
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Sierra Club is sponsoring an earth day cleanup this Saturday, April 24th at 1pm, meeting at Thornden Park in the parking lot off of Beech Street (near the pool). We will supply bags. Any help will be appreciated!
2020
Old Growth Forest Hike at Green Lakes
Saturday, March 15, 2020, 11:45 AM - 1:45 PM
Green Lakes State Park
7900 Green Lakes Rd
Fayetteville, NY
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We will be hiking the Old Growth (Orange) Trail, approximately 3.1 total miles around both lakes. This trail will take us through an area of trees estimated to be upwards of 300 years old. The trees in this area are rich in diversity, with tulip-poplar, hemlock, sugar maple, white cedar, hickory and more. Some of the tulip-poplar trees are well over 120' tall!
Our guide will be experienced hiker Tom Gillies. Tom is an avid hiker in CNY and a member of the ADK club. He has completed the Saranac 6, Fulton Chain, and Tupper Lake Triad. Tom says that winter is a great time for us to hike the Old Growth Trail and observe the growth patterns of these magnificent trees.
Please dress for the weather and trail conditions. Winter boots and ice cleats are advisable, as the trail may be icy. I expect the trail to be manageable, but there will be some hills and rough surfaces.
Plan to arrive at 11:45 am to meet and sign the waiver. Tom will lead our group promptly at noon. We may run a bit over the 2 hours posted, so please be aware if you have plans afterwards.
2018
CANCELLED - September Walk at Erie Canal Park
Sunday, September 9, 2018, 2.00 - 4:00 PM
Butternut Dr.
East Syracuse, NY 13057
Join us for a walk with a focus on the Butternut Creek Aqueduct. Built in 1856, the aqueduct is 80 feet long, has three spans, and is a popular spot for photographs. Park/meet at the first parking lot, just 500 feet north of Kinne Road, on Butternut Drive, DeWitt.
Hands Across the Sand
Saturday, May 19, 2018 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Southwick Beach State
Park (Route 3, Henderson, NY)
Help us "draw a line in the sand" as we gather to bring awareness to the local impacts of climate change. We'll join this national initiative at Southwick Beach State Park (Route 3, Henderson, NY), where we’ll work to clean the shores of Lake Ontario. Identify yourself as a Sierra Club volunteer for free admission and directions to our meeting point. Call Rich Slingerland at (315) 298-3130 for more information.
Meet Our Valley Neighbers in the Rand Tract for a Dog Friendly Walk
Saturday, March 10, 2018 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2200 Valley Drive
Syracuse, NY
Meachem Area Parks Association (MAPA) is a membership corporation that serves the interest of both Valley residents and visitors to Valley Parks. Especially the Rand Tract and Heath Park in Syracuse.
Meet at the Rand Tract trail enterence, in back of St. Paul's Church, 2200 Valley Drive. Syrause
2017
Drive and Shine! Electric Vehicle and Renewable Energy Expo
Sunday, September 10, 2017, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
251 S Clinton St
Parking lot at the corner of Washington and Clinton Streets
Syracuse, NY
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Join us at Drive and Shine, an Electic Vehicle and Renewable Energy Expo, as a part of the 2017 National Drive Electric Week.
Visit the Sierra Club table to learn more about opportunities to participate in local actions like the Bring The Bag initiative to spark a campaign to reduce the plastic bags that are destroying our environment, animals, fish, and the ocean.
Annual clean-up of Southwick Beach on Lake Ontario
Saturday, May 20, 2017, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Rte 3
Henderson, NY, 13650
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Meet at Southwick Beach at 10 am. Identify yourself as a volunteer for free admission and get directions to where we will park & meet. Trash bags will be provided. You might like to bring gloves, and a jacket, as the beach can be pretty breezy and cool. As usual we will keep a loose inventory of items. Rain date is Sunday, May 21. Questions? Rich at 315-298-3130 for updates.
2016
Camillus Forest Unique Area - a walk spanning nearly 200 years
Sunday, September 18, 2016, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Meet at the DEC parking lot on Thompson Rd. near Amboy, NY.
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From the DEC website: "The 355-acre Camillus Forest Unique Area, consisting soley of Camillus Unique Area, was established in March of 1997 with the goal of preserving the land for public enjoyment and education of present and future generations of Central New Yorkers. Collectively, the area is an exceptional and diverse open space resource that provides a multitude of passive recreational use opportunities.
The "crown jewel" of the property is a 40-acre forest located in its southwest corner. It is a magnificent old sugar maple and American beech forest that is nearly two centuries old and is one of the finest examples of a mature northern hardwood forest in Central New York. This forest is slowly developing characteristics of an old growth forest.
A portion of the forest is truly an ecologically significant and irreplaceable area deserving protection under the State Nature and Historical Preserve Trust (article 45) of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law."
Let's explore this wooded gem together!
From Syracuse take 1-690 west to NY 695 West, to NY 173-Warners exit.
Turn left on 173 through the town of Amboy, and left on Thompson to DEC Parking lot on the right.
Dogs on leash welcome. A good family hike.
All are welcome.
Tully Valley Mudboil Tour
Saturday, June 25, 2016, 9:15 AM
Space is limited, and directions will only be available to the first 15 to RSVP. PLEASE do not RSVP if you are not certain that you can attend. RSVP through the meetup event.
The origin/cause of the Tully Valley mudboils has been debated for years. Sometimes referred to as the “Jurassic Park” of geology, the mudboils destroy trees, gobble up grassland and dump tons of silt into Onondaga Creek each day. William Kappel, Hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, will bring us up-to-date on these unique phenomena and discuss their future.
Help us make a difference at our annual clean-up of Southwick Beach
Saturday, May 21, 2016, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Rte 3
Henderson, NY, 10301
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Meet at Southwick Beach at 10 am. Identify yourself as a volunteer for free admission and get directions to the meet place. All bags a truck will be furnished. You might like to bring gloves. As usual we will keep a loose inventory of items. Questions? Rain date? Call Rich at 315-298-3130 or David at 315-876-0355 for updates.
Walk the Camillus Forest Unique Area
CANCELLED
Sunday, April 3, 2016, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Thompson Rd.
Camillus, NY 13031
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Back by popular demand! Join us for a walk in this 40-acre forest dominated by magnificent old sugar maples and American beech. At nearly two centuries old, it’s one of the finest examples of a mature northern hardwood forest in Central New York.
The parking lot is on Thompson Rd., one tenth of a mile south of NYS Rte. 173.
Explore Cicero Swamp, Long Island
Sunday, March 6, 2016, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
6646 Island Rd.
Cicero, NY 13212
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Join us for a walk through this unique wetland habitat that supports a variety of wildlife, including populations of endangered species such as the short eared owl. Rubber boots are recommended.
We'll meet in the parking area on Island Rd between Northern Blvd & Fergerson Rd. From the intersection of Thompson Rd., Northern Blvd. and Island Rd., go east 1.65 miles. There is a small parking area on the right; some cars will need to park roadside.
Questions or problems? Call David Fischer at 315.876.0355 (Cell) meetup
Winter Robins at the Rand Tract
Sunday, February 7, 2016 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Rand Tract Park
Webster Pond
Valley Drive, Syracuse, NY, 13201
Join us as we explore this 97-acre natural area that includes Webster Pond and Kimber Brook, as well as wetlands and hardwood forests. If we’re lucky, we’ll spot the American Robins that stay in CNY all winter long! Led by our own David W. Fischer.
Directions: Take Valley Dr. (NYS Rte. 80) south, passing Webster's Pond and St. Paul's Church, which are both on the right. Turn right into the first cemetery entrance (not the barn entrance driveway) and drive straight back and park along the edge of the woods. Look for Sierra Club sign.
Enjoy the First Day of 2016 with a Walk at Clark Reservation
Friday, January 1, 2016, 1 PM
Meet at the large pavilion at Clark Reservation State Park in Jamesville. We will have a choice of walks from slow and easy to move it along. Meet at the nature center afterwards for hot drinks and snacks. Holiday snacks welcome.
2015
Erie Canal Park
Sunday, December 6, 2015 - 2:00 PM
Butternut Dr.
East Syracuse, NY 13057
Join us for a winter walk with a focus on the Butternut Creek Aqueduct. Built in 1856, the aqueduct is 80 feet long, has three spans, and is a popular spot for photographs. Park/meet at the first parking lot, just 500 feet north of Kinne Road, on Butternut Drive, DeWitt.
Charlie Major Nature Trail (Train Buffs Welcome)
Sunday, November 1, 2015, 2:00 PM
Charlie Major Nature Trail
Skaneateles, NY 13152
The Charlie Major Nature Trail is a natural and historic trail that runs along Skaneateles Creek. We’ll spot remnants of the Skaneateles Short Line Railroad as we take a leisurely walk down memory lane. Meet at the parking area in Mottville, at Crow Hill Road and Frost Street.
Labrador Hollow Unique Area & Tinker Falls
Sunday, October 4, 2015 - 2:00 PM
Parking area off Labrador Crossroad
Tully, NY 13159
This fascinating and beautiful landscape is full of diverse wildlife and rare plant life, but it’s the topography - formed over 10,000 years ago by massive ice sheets - that gives this hollow its character. We’ll wander the trails and work our way to Tinker Falls. Park/meet at the main parking area, just north of the pond off Labrador Crossroad. Need help finding us? Call David at 315-876-0355.
Oneida Shores Outing
Sunday, September 13, 2015, 2:00 PM
Oneida Shores Park
9400 Bartell Rd.
Brewerton, NY 13029
There’s more to Oneida Shores than water and sand. Join us for an easy walk as we explore some of the park’s nature trails. We may find a mushroom or two this time of year, and there just may be an expert along to identify them!!
JP Morgan Corporate Challenge
Tuesday, June 9, 2015, 1:00-7:00 PM
Onondaga Lake Park
Sierra Club tabie is near the Salt Museum
Liverpool, NY
Help us promote recycling at this popular Syracuse event. Contact Lisa Daly at (315) 428-1384 for more information.
Bear Swamp Hike & Picnic Lunch
Sunday, June 7, 2015 - 11:00 AM
Where Iowa Rd. meets Bear Swamp Rd.
Sempronius, NY
Pack a lunch, grab a friend and join us as we explore this beautiful area abundant in balsam fir, swamp-meadow grass and alder patches. We’ll meet at the main parking area for the Yellow Trail, located just off seasonal/dirt Bear Swamp Road (just off Iowa Road). Look for the tan Hyundai with the Sierra Club sign.
"Ending the Fossil Fuel Era"
Presentation and Book Signing at ArtRage Gallery
Monday, May 18, 2015, 7:00 PM
505 Hawley Place
Syracuse, NY
From the SUNY ESF press release:
"The beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era takes center stage in Dr. Jack Manno's latest book, Ending the Fossil Fuel Era. A book release party will be held 7 p.m., May 18 at ArtRage Gallery, 505 Hawley Ave., Syracuse. Manno, associate professor in ESF's Department of Environmental Studies, worked with his colleagues for three years gathering stories "from around the world where people have attempted and in some cases been successful keeping fossil fuels and valuable minerals in the ground." "This is part of understanding that there's plenty of fossil fuels, but the extreme effort that it takes to get them and the quality of the fossil fuels declined over time," Manno said. "So it's inevitable that we have to begin to end the fossil fuel era. It's about the beginning of the end, not 'we're going to stop using fossil fuels tomorrow.'" The book includes examples of social movements, arguments to delegitimize fossil fuels as a step toward developing alternatives and redesigning society in order to live well with less energy, he said. "
Hands Across the Sand: A Worldwide Event
Saturday, May 16, 2015, 10:00 AM
Southwick Beach
Rte 3
Henderson, NY
Please identify yourself as a volunteer when you enter, for free admission and directions to our meeting point. Call Rich @ (315) 298-3130 for more information.
Help us “draw a line in the sand”, as we gather to bring awareness to climate change, and its local impacts. This is a GLOBAL EVENT, and as we did last year, we are combining it with our annual cleanup of Southwick Beach on Lake Ontario.
Hands Across the Sands, founded in 2010, grew into an international
movement after the BP oil disaster in April of that year. People came together
to join hands, forming symbolic barriers against spilled oil and to stand
against the impacts of other forms of extreme energy. We will be part of this coalition of organizations, activists and citizens around the world bringing
the message of clean energy to local and world leaders.
We will take time for photos to be posted on the Hands Across the Sands website. Dress for wind, and bring gloves for the beach clean-up.
For additional information, please contact Rich @ (315) 298-3130
Celebrate Earth Day With Us, and Help Clean the Creekwalk
Saturday, April 25, 2015, 9:00 AM
Onondaga Creekwalk
219-223 Walton St. (next to Walt The Loch West Monster)
Syracuse, NY
We will meet at the parking at between Walton St and W Fayette St.
Our Sierra Club group is joining with the Downtown Committee of Syracuse on Saturday, April 25, to help give downtown Syracuse a much needed Spring Cleaning.
Officially Earth Day is April 22 this year, (and there is an indoor presentation that night that you won't want to miss!!) but communities everywhere will be doing their part to clean up on Saturday.
All volunteers with be provided with gloves, trash bags, a t-shirt, and lunch!
What more could you ask for?
Please RSVP by April 9, as the Downtown Committee needs to know how many will attend.
Hope to see you there!
Baltimore Woods in the Winter
Sunday, March 8, 2015 - 2:00 pm
4007 Bishop Hill Road
Marcellus, NY 13108
This beautiful 180-acre area in Marcellus has more than six miles of hiking trails we can explore, depending on our group’s whim. Please note that dogs are not allowed. Baltimore Woods is located at 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. We’ll meet in the upper parking lot.
Explore Old Fly Marsh
Sunday, February 8, 2015 - 2:00 pm
Number 5 Road West (about 1/2 mile east of Cemetary Rd)
Pompey, NY 13138
This preserve contains a 45-acre marsh and pond that are regular resting spots for migrating waterfowl. It also includes a mature forest with a wide variety of flora. Directions to Old Fly Marsh can be found at: cnylandtrust.org/preserves.html. The parking lot where we’ll meet is about 1⁄4 mile east of the intersection on the north side.
Onondaga Creekwalk
Sunday, January 4th, 2015 , 2:00 PM
Onondaga Creek Walk
Destiny Center under Hiawatha Blvd. bridge
Syracuse, NY
Let's kick off the New Year with a vigorous walk along the Onondaga Creek.The 2.6 mile trail is easy to follow and paved, but be sure to wear good hiking shoes or boots because it may be icy. Views of Armory Square and the Syracuse Inner Harbor will be part of this fun little urban outing.
Everyone is invited for coffee and cocoa afterwards (spot to be determined).
2014
Early Winter Hike at Conifer Park (James E. Heath Park)
James E. Heath Park photo by John Smith, WAER News
Sunday, December 7, 2014, 2:00 PM
Conifer Park (a.k.a. James E. Heath Park)
5559 South Salina Street
Syracuse, NY
Enjoy a bit of "forest in the city" as we explore this former ESF experimental station. The park is located at 5559 South Salina Street, but parking is available at the small pull-off on Conifer Drive.
The Service Trip Experience, Presented by Sue Savion
Photo by Sierra Club, Iroquois Group
Wednesday November 19, 2014, 7:30 PM
University United Methodist Church
1085 E. Genesee St.
Syracuse, NY
Sue is an Iroquois Group member who has gone on several service trips for the Sierra Club. Her most recent sojourn was to Santa Catalina Island, California, where she helped restore natural vegetation and maintain trails. Sue will share pictures and memories from her trip, offering insider tips for anyone considering a service trip.
Autumn Hike at Elmwood Park
Elmwood Park, photo by SUNY ESF
Sunday, November 2, 2014, 2:00 PM
Elmwood Park
Glenwood Ave
Syracuse, NY
Enjoy the peace of this varied forest area. Walk the easy trails, breathe the crisp autumn air and view the picturesque landscape, with its random stone walls and natural water features. We'll meet at the entrance to the park on Glenwood Ave., Syracuse.
Fall Foliage & More at Lime Hollow Nature Center
Lime Hollow, photo by Bob Asanoma
Sunday, October 5, 2014, 2:00 PM
Lime Hollow trailhead
3220 Gracie Road
Cortland, NY
Join us as we explore the trail at Chicago Bog Unique Natural Area. Chicago Bog is a kettle bog, a DEC Class II wetland, and one of the few intact bogs in the Finger Lakes Region. We'll park and meet at the Trailhead: 3220 Gracie Road, Cortland.