Founded by legendary conservationist John Muir in 1892, Sierra Club is the oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization.

 In 2010 the question of whether to amend the Iowa Constitution to include the Trust Fund (also known as I WiLL) was placed on the general election ballot.  A super-majority of Iowans voted to create the Fund.  Unfortunately, for the past 16 years, the Iowa Legislature and Governor have neglected to fund the Trust.  Yet the need for action has never been greater.  Join us to hear Dan Cohen, retired Executive Director for the Buchanan County Conservation Board, explain how the Trust Fund works, why it matters, and what steps can be taken to secure its promise of improved land and water for generations of Iowans.  

Central Iowa Sierra Group meetings begin at 7:00 pm and are held at the Northwest Community Center, which is located at 5110 Franklin Avenue in Des Moines.  The Center is just west of the Franklin Library.

On October 21st Iowa State University Professor Dr. Mathew O’Neal described research exploring how utility scale solar farms can be used for conservation in Iowa and beyond.  Here is a link to the website:  Alliant Energy - Alliant Energy® Customer-Hosted Renewables | Iowa State University.

Sierra Club activist Debbie Neustadt explained the types of federally protected lands, the departments responsible for their management, and the laws that created them. Debbie’s presentation highlighted efforts to upend key policies intended to ensure conservation of our resources and describe ways you can fight back.

On Tuesday, June 23rd, Dr. Richard Deming spoke to a crowd of 100 on Cancer in Iowa and the Environmental Risk Factors.  Dr. Deming is a distinguished Iowa physician and director of the MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center.  He founded Above + Beyond Cancer, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to elevating the lives of those touched by cancer.  The organization provides opportunities for nature retreats, physical activity, yoga, meditation, and art as therapy.  A silent auction was held to benefit Above + Beyond Cancer, and funds from that evening totaled $3,800.  Central Iowa Group thanks the businesses and individuals who donated gift cards, auction items, and their volunteer time to make this event a success!