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

Alarmed about Congress and the Trump administration dismantling protections for federal lands? Join us September 16th to hear dedicated Sierra Club activist Debbie Neustadt explain the types of federally protected lands, the departments responsible for their management, and the laws that created them. Debbie’s presentation will highlight efforts to upend key policies intended to ensure conservation of our resources and describe ways you can fight back.

Central Iowa Sierra Group meetings begin at 7 p.m. 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. If you have questions about the meeting place or the program, please contact Jane Clark at jrclark@radiks.net.

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!  

 

On Wednesday, May 20 Jordan Holloway with Good Neighbor Iowa outlined the impact of lawn care practices on human health, pets, pollinators, and water quality. She highlighted the hidden risks of pesticide use, including links to childhood health issues, biodiversity decline, and water contamination and provided practical eco-friendly lawn care strategies, such as using organic fertilizers, reducing pesticide use, and promoting healthy soil, to create safer outdoor spaces for families and communities.  Go to goodneighboriowa.org for more information.   

Iowa has some of the richest soils in the world, yet we import 90 percent of our food. Plus, Des Moines Water Works operates one of the biggest water filtration systems in the world, yet our drinking water contains dangerous levels of nitrates. On April 15th the group heard Adam Mason and Terri Speirs explain how a farmer-led organization, Practical Farmers of Iowa, promotes conservation measures such as wetlands, cover crops, and buffer strips. PFI's mission of farm and community resilience is good for everyone!