July update from Uplands Network, connecting Monroe and surrounding counties
July 8, 2025
Join us outside this summer!
Recently during the monthly national Climate Forests Coalition call to discuss current issues threatening our forests, we got word that Sec. Rollins of the USDA was announcing plans to rescind the Roadless Rule. The proposed rollback of the 2001 Roadless Rule jeopardizes nearly 58 million acres of undeveloped backcountry forestland managed by the U.S. Forest Service, comprising around a third of the territory in our national forest system. These forests have only remained intact because of the Forest Service’s nearly 25-year-old commitment not to build roads in these areas for harmful activities like major logging operations or oil-and-gas drilling.
Apart from the Fix Our Forests Act, the last Executive Order, and the Reconciliation Bill, we need to do everything we can to publicize this action. Please call your Representative and both Senators to oppose and condemn this latest attack on public lands and to co-sponsor the Roadless Area Conservation Act (which would codify the roadless rule). Here are many talking points.
Yes, the barrage of horrible decisions is coming at us fast, and it feels chaotic. We are all public landowners and have the right to preserve our forests and therefore our future. Thank you for taking action.
Todd Young - 202-224-5623 Jim Banks - 202-224-4814 Erin Houchin - 202-224-3121
Protect Our Progress Toward Renewable Energy
The Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter and the Indiana Beyond Coal staff had a great time on our most recent outing in Newburgh, IN! We discussed the work the Sierra Club is doing to help stop Mercury pollution in the Ohio River and witnessed both the smokestacks at the F.B. Culley (CenterPoint) and Alcoa Aluminum smelting coal plants.
There is still time to contact Senators Young and Banks to ask them to oppose FOFA, the Fix Our Forests Act. Call and tell them to oppose FOFA. Submit a comment on their website, or call their staff (especially the ones in-district). Even though our senators are Republican, many are still working to improve the bill before they are expected to vote for it.
Why should they oppose FOFA? It undercuts bedrock environmental laws like NEPA, it drastically hinders the ability to litigate, and it paves a path for Trump's logging Executive Order. Moreover, there are far better solutions to protecting communities from fire. More talking points can be found in this toolkit from Climate Forests Coalition.
Senator Todd Young: 202–224–5623 Senator Jim Banks: 202–224–4814
We send a huge thank you to our outings committee, especially Mary Reardon, who has planned seven new invasive removal service hikes with our partner, MC-IRIS, and Laurie Elliott, who has launched an exploration of Rail-to-Trail pathways. These Rail-to-Trails are mostly paved, accessible, and intended to include people who prefer an even terrain/paved walking surface. Strollers, wheel chairs, mobility devices are welcome. The walking pace will be moderate. Coming in September and October: B-Line Trail (two parts), Karst Farm Greenway (three parts).
Sun, Jul 27, 2025; 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Art in Nature Family Hike
Kids and adults take photos as we explore the Griffy Lake Nature Trail. All are invited to a drawing workshop in August at the Waldron Arts Center where they can learn to draw. All art supplies are provided. Please join the Uplands Network of SIerra Club and the Artists for Environmental Restoration for this annual event.
Previous Art and Nature Hike.
Tue, Jul 29, 2025; 5:30- 7:30 PM Summer Book Club Discussion- The Intersectional Environmentalist by Leah Thomas
Wed, July 30, 2025; 9:00 AM - 12:00 Rail-Trail Series: Clear Creek Trail
Looking for more theater this summer? This one addresses climate chaos!
Off Night Productions presents Hurricane Diane August 3-12 at the Waldron Auditorium
A hilarious story about four women, their relationships, and the process of shifting how they are thinking about the world and their choices (past and present). Four Housewives, One Greek God, and a Backyard Bacchanal.
We Are Guardians — an award-winning documentary about the fight to save the Amazon — screens at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater on July 13 at 7 PM.
“A powerful story of hope, resistance, and the human cost of environmental crisis.”
Ocean with David Attenborough — an awe-inspiring dive into the beauty, urgency, and hope of our planet’s oceans — screens at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater on July 24 at 7 PM.
Luna Moth at Wayne Cave Preserve. Photo: Marilyn Bauchat
Enjoying the party while tabling at Juneteenth are Greg Grant, Marilyn Bauchat, Lauri Elliott, Rosa-Lynn Householder, and Robyn Skuya-Boss.
Please join our August meeting virtually at 6:30PM, Monday, August 11, 2025.
Michele Pollock will present “The Fascinating World of Moths.”
While butterflies tend to get most of the attention, moths are incredibly diverse, ecologically important, and surprisingly beautiful. In this presentation, we’ll explore the world of moths and delve into mothing, a growing hobby that combines citizen science and nature appreciation. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or just curious about one of the nocturnal wonders in your backyard, this journey into the world of moths promises to open your eyes to a hidden side of nature. Michele is a visual artist, poet, amateur naturalist and moth enthusiast.
Our leadership team includes dedicated people who plan meetings and outings, table at events, and connect with other groups. We welcome anyone who wishes to volunteer with our network.
Open volunteer positions are: co-chair, treasurer, social media coordinator, conservation committee members and outings leaders.
Shorter volunteer commitments include tabling at events and at local farmers’ markets. To volunteer write Marilyn at marilynbauchat@gmail.com.
Suggested reading:
The Intersectional Environmentalist by Leah Thomas Sea of Grass by Dave Hage & Josephine Marcotty Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
