April update from Uplands Network, connecting Monroe and surrounding counties
April 2, 2026
Join us this month!
Earth Day is coming soon, and we are kicking off the month on April 4 at 1:00 PM!
Please join the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter, Uplands Network, and Winding Waters Group for a Grassroots Forest Forum discussing the Roadless Rule and sharing testimonials for keeping National Forest Wilderness Areas Roadless. At the forum we'll screen "Crown Jewels-America's Old Growth Forests" and hear from Jeff Stant about how rescinding the Roadless Rule will impact the Deam Wilderness here in Indiana. We'll also hear from Steven Higgs about our collective efforts to secure an expansion of the Deam Wilderness.
Join us for an afternoon of snacks, film, and community conversations. Don't miss out on the Buffalo Strings Band!
You’re invited!
A Meet and Greet with Indiana Forest Alliance Executive Director, Jason Flickner will follow the Grassroots Forum at Cascades Inn beginning at 5:30 PM (2601 N Walnut St, Bloomington)
Sierra Club volunteers on the trail in our beloved forests!
Events and Outings
Fri. 4/3/26 1:00 PM - Selmier State Forest Hike
Sat. 4/4/26 1:00 PM - Forest Forum at MCPL
Tue. 4/7/26; 8:15 AM - 11:30 AM Service Hike Hayes Trail
Sun. 4/12/26 12:00 PM - Wildflower Hike Brown County
Fri. 4/17/26 10:00 AM - Wildflower Hike Green's Bluff
Sat. 4/18/26 12- 3:30 PM - Find Uplands Network with Partners, Artists for Environmental Restoration, at Bloomington’s Earth Day Celebration at Switchyard Park. Relax and create some art with us.
Sun. 4/19/26 4-7:00 PM - Electrify America invites us all to Earth Connections Meet & Greet
Thu, Apr 23, 2026; 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM Hayes Trail Spring Wildflower Hike
Sat, Apr 25, 2026; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Family Art and Nature Hike
Help Us Keep Moving Toward Clean Energy in Indiana
Washington, D.C. — Sierra Club and partners filed a challenge in the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to overturn Trump’s illegal “emergency” orders issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), forcing two coal-fired power plants in Indiana to continue operating past their scheduled retirement dates. Press Release.
A great way to protect our urban forests is to remove invasive species on your own property.
Earth Connections Meet & Greet Sunday, April 19th, 4 to 7 PM
Uplands Network is invited to celebrate Earth Day with Electrify America at a 1960’s net zero home - all electric, solar-powered - in the company of other environmental activists.
Good food, good company and a pretty setting. Register to receive the location in your confirmation email.
Your Invite to Get Involved!
Our next Uplands Network Meeting will be at 6:30 PM, Monday, April 13.
Please join us virtually to share updates on outings and actions we can all share during Earth Month. Bring your ideas for future events and your concerns to share.
Suggested reading:
Human Nature - Nine Ways to Feel about our Changing Planet, by Kate Marvel
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 (Facebook Page), 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
Greg and I recently returned from an incredible birding trip to Puerto Rico where we were thrilled to view 18 of 19 birds endemic to the island. David Rupp of Indigo Birding Nature Tours provides amazing experiences that help us locate and identify species both here and abroad.
