Shawnee Group Programs - Educational and Free!

Free and Open to all!

Upcoming Programs, Shawnee Group

NOTE: Start time at 7 PM!
Location (unless otherwise noted): 217 East Main, Carbondale, IL. Entrance is in the alley behind Consume, Buckwater Brew Works and Holt Tire, through the blue door. The front door is locked! Ample parking is accessible from the alley and from Monroe Street (between Washington and Marion).
Do also consider other Illinois Sierra groups’ virtual presentations, as well as our own, listed on www.sctrips.org.

SUMMER 2026: SHAWNEE GROUP SIERRA CLUB MEMBER PROGRAMS

SPEAKERS SERIES:  Shawnee Group is again taking a break in its speaker series during June, July, and August of this year, with the series starting up again in September (watch for announcements of the Shawnee Group fall speaker's series programs on Shawnee Group's Fall newsletter issue, Facebook page and website). Do consider other Illinois Sierra groups’ virtual presentations listed on www.sctrips.org.

 

UPCOMING WIDER COMMUNITY EVENTS

Let’s Talk Data Centers: Our Water, Our Power, Our Communities 
Shawnee Group Sierra Club, Citizens Utility Board, Faith in Place, Church of the Good Shepherd, Illinois Environmental Council, and Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship just co-hosted Prairie Rivers Network’s free public presentation on Monday evening, May 18, 2026, at the Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship. Well over 100 people attended in the large sanctuary, overflowing into the adjacent meeting room. Break-out sessions, Q&A and a survey allowed participants to share concerns about data centers, their impacts on communities, and potential solutions and protections. Several news reporters were present, including from WFCN and The Southern Illinoisan. Discussion topics were immediately useful background at the Tuesday evening meeting of the Jackson County Board, many who attended Monday’s data center event. The Board authorized $20,000 for Heyl Royster to do a comprehensive zoning assessment and proposal for establishing zoning and regulation of data centers within Jackson County. In addition to the news articles, read more about data centers and action alerts on the Prairie Rivers Network website and in this newsletter.
 

POWER Act Lobby Day: Support the POWER Act (SB4016/HB5513) – nation-leading legislation that protects Illinois from data center harms. Let’s take action together to ensure Illinois establishes nation-leading guardrails that protect our water, energy, ratepayers, and frontline communities!

What: POWER Act Lobby Day
When: Saturday, May 30, 2026
Where: Illinois State Capitol Building, 401 S. 2nd St. Springfield, IL 62756
Registration: Free and open to all! Buses to Springfield will be organized for most regions once the May 30th Lobby Day approaches.

Register to Fight for the POWER Act: To register, go to

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuFPW1T_W3b3oc9yfJHyl988c2WZmOvM2734Xi1q59S0uePw/viewform

Read about and sign the petition supporting the POWER Act.
Read the lengthy POWER Act bill on the Illinois General Assembly website: SB4016 and HB5513.
 

You are invited to Keep Carbondale Beautiful’s Second Annual Bee & Butterfly Friendly Yard & Garden Tour, Sunday, June 7, 12:30pm – 4:00pm. Come explore beautiful local yards filled with native plants, pollinator-friendly gardens, and ideas for creating healthier outdoor spaces in our community. We encourage everyone to PRE-REGISTER early to reserve your spot and be part of this special afternoon. [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPsi2dO5faWH2Kx4pf_EMerRpqW8b0boJtwIgf0f4ep5V7MA/viewform]

Giant City State Park is seeking input regarding the possible reestablishment of their former backcountry airstrip and its impact on other outdoor recreational users. Give them your opinions:
Community Feedback Survey: Airstrip at Giant City State Park 

Meet Fellow Shawnee Group Members for Dinner! CANCELED ~COVID-19

The Shawnee Group meets at a local restaurant before each monthly meeting for an hour of socializing and relaxation. New faces are most welcome and we would love to have you join us at any time! Call (618) 549-4673 for more information about group dinners.