March update from Uplands Network, connecting Monroe and surrounding counties
March 4, 2026
Join us this month!
Dear Olivia,
Now that the Indiana state legislative session has concluded, we are happy to focus on other pressing issues. But first, we should take a moment to celebrate the staff and volunteers of our state (Hoosier) Chapter who worked relentlessly to lobby at the Statehouse.
Chapter staff members and volunteers from the Legislative, Executive, Conservation and Energy committees communicated tirelessly internally and with our allies to share our voices at the Statehouse.
On Conservation Day at the Statehouse, Hoosier Chapter volunteers expressed our thanks to Senator Shelli Yoder and Representative Matt Pierce for their dedication to a healthy environment. We also shared our appreciation for their presentation of the Circle of Corydon to forest defender, Andy Mahler, at the celebration of his life in October. This award is for those who have made remarkable contributions to better Indiana, and who are exemplified by the state’s greatest citizens. Only members of the General Assembly may nominate a person for this award.
Chapter volunteers express appreciation to local members of the legislature. Photo: Greg Grant.
Events and Outings
Hikers on the Bluebird Trail. Photo: Robyn Skuya-Boss.
To celebrate the first day of March, we had a marvelous hike on the Bluebird Trail in Paynetown! Robyn challenged the group to fit in the space between two trees that fell over. These create small ephemeral pools in the depressions left by the root system, creating a micro-habitat for breeding insects, amphibians and some rare plants.
Come join us for a 5 mile out and back moderate walk into the historic Lick Creek African American Settlement in the Hoosier National Forest. The area is rich in history and one of the earliest historical settlements for free African Americans in the state.
Our hike will take us to the cemetery and town site along the pioneer road and back. Access and parking is available, but spaces are limited. Attendees are encouraged to carpool.
Mystery tree photo-- Outings Leader for our Paynetown Trail hike, Laurie, challenged us to identify this winged elm, which may have been easier during this leafless period than when it leafs out. Photo: Marilyn Bauchat.
Help Us Keep Moving Toward Clean Energy in Indiana
We are still accepting signatures on the petition to Governor Braun and AG Rokita. Tell them to change course and challenge Trump's illegal orders to help protect Hoosiers from the added costs and pollution from keeping these plants online!
Nearly half of Indiana’s power is going towards data centers. As we continue to fight these energy hog industrial projects, it’s important to share the impact this is having on our energy grid, environment, and climate. Follow Indiana Beyond Coal on Facebook to be kept up to date.
Save Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM on your calendar. We are planning a Forest Forum at the downtown library that will include film and actions we can all take to uphold the Roadless Rule, expand the Deam Wilderness, and protect our wild areas.
State Forests
Our state forests continue to be timbered at an alarming rate, affecting watersheds, hiking and horse trails, and of course, all the native wildlife.
One of our members recently reported evidence of tree species removal at Brown County State Park. Another member investigated and found that this was under “salvage harvest” due to the tornado, but it should have been posted for a comment period from the public and was not. This lack of transparency is problematic. Please photograph and report such actions.
National Forests
The National Climate Forests Coalition continues to partner with the Sierra Club to fight the “Fix Our Forests” Bill in Washington. Watch for actions in March. A logging bill masquerading as wildfire protection.
We continue to be well represented at invasives removal events with Urban Greenspace. Six of the ten volunteers last week were Sierra Club volunteers. Join us for what we call "forest yoga."
Invasive species removal volunteers. Photo: Marilyn Bauchat.
Opportunities for Learning at Indiana University
O’Neill School Environmental Policy Seminar Series All seminars are on Thursdays 1-2pm at SPEA A225.
March 5 - It’s a Zoo Beneath our Feet!
Soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in a changing planet Andre Franco, O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University Bloomington
Your Invite to Get Involved!
Our next Uplands Network Meeting will be at 6:30 PM, Monday, March 9, 2026.
Please join us to share a webinar, Follow the Flock, to learn more about the musical creatures flying overhead right now. Each year, Sandhill Cranes and endangered Whooping Cranes undertake remarkable migrations across North America, traveling thousands of miles between breeding and wintering grounds. Join Anne Lacy, the International Crane Foundation’s Director of Eastern Flyway Programs - North America, for an engaging webinar that explores where North America’s cranes are right now, how and why they migrate, and the critical habitats they depend on along the way.
Looking ahead, our April 13 meeting will be in person at the library. We’ll have our annual “Share a Book” meeting, so plan to share your recommendations.
Suggested reading:
Intertwined: Women, Nature, and Climate Justice by Rebecca Kormos
When Trees Testify by Beronda L. Montgomery (I highly recommend this book from February book group)
About the Uplands Network
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, Beyond Coal liaison, conservation committee members and outings leaders.
Shorter volunteer opportunities include tabling at events and at local farmers’ markets. If you know of an event that includes tabling, please let us know- marilynbauchat@gmail.com
We hope you’re finding community and purpose in the Uplands Network and Hoosier Chapter.
If you have time to volunteer this year, we can use your help to create a lasting and sustainable network.
Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter Director Robyn Skuya-Boss, and Uplands Network and Winding Waters Group members Marilyn Bauchat, Greg Grant, Jennifer Ehara, Eric Riddle, and Dave Wildemann hold up a thank you poster with signatures from RED attendees for State Senator Walker who authored pro renewable energy legislation this session at the Indiana Statehouse. Photo: Colleen Curtin.
"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
