Focus on Volunteerism at the Hoosier Chapter Sierra Club and Winding Waters Group
Dear Friend,
In 2025 the Winding Waters Group celebrated 25 years since its establishment in 2000! We couldn't have made it this far without all of our supporters and volunteers. As the year winds down, I would like to reflect on what a great year the Winding Waters Group had. Most of the 2025 events will be continued in 2026, and we hope you will join us! See links for more information or to sign up in 2026!
Hello. My name is Mary Beth Wert. I have lived in Columbus since 1981, and appreciate the community for its philanthropic push to get residents involved. I feel Columbus has a strong sense of social responsibility, which is reflected in the Winding Waters Group, too. I am an original member of the Group, and joined for the opportunity to participate in organized hikes exploring South Central Indiana. I liked the group so much that I became treasurer in 2004, a position I still hold 21 years later, and have also been the Hoosier Chapter treasurer since 2005.
Volunteers like myself work behind the scenes so that new volunteers like you can enjoy Sierra Club activities and volunteer opportunities. Please come join us for our many programs and hikes in 2026!
Volunteerism at the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter and Winding Waters Group
Many of these actions are supported daily by our members and volunteers, but some are in need of new folks to add to our volunteer corps. Are you interested in supporting our Equity or Protecting Indiana’s Waters initiatives? Please connect with Winding Waters Chair Julie Lowe at j_lowe66@yahoo.com to learn more on how to volunteer!
Please also see our Uplands Network newsletter for updates on Sierra Club actions in the Bloomington/Monroe County area.
Please also follow our many blogs about hot environmental issues in Indiana right now, particularly data centers coming to Indiana.
It's time to vote!
Our Executive Committee elections are now live! If you are a current member, you will have received (or will soon receive) an invite to vote either by postcard or by email.
Voting takes place in MyAccount. This is also where you can control all your email preferences.
Looking for something different? Below please find ways to get involved and support environmental conservation on your own at home. All of these opportunities would work in tandem with the Winding Waters’ initiatives.
Monarch Tagging Program
Are butterflies more your thing? Monarch Tagging with Monarch Watch is a fun way to get involved in monarch conservation, and supports Winding Waters wildflower garden work.
Indiana Backyard Observers
Indiana Backyard Observers is an Indiana Phenology project where volunteers learn more about the seasonal cycles of plants and animals in Indiana, collect data, and then send observation data back to Indiana Phenology. This work supports Winding Waters invasive species remediation work. Also learn about the Phenology Trail at Touch the Earth Natural Area in Bartholomew County.
iNaturalist
iNaturalist offers a volunteer program similar to Indiana Backyard Observers, but on a national scale. A simple free app on your phone is all you need to educate yourself on the natural world around you, while sharing your critical observations to the nation-wide database.
Thank you for all you do as we enjoy, explore, and protect the planet.
