Contact us for more information on an event, to report on an event, or to ask us to share an event.
Phone/text: 712.986.6210 or email: nwiasierragroup@gmail.com
October 2018
Saturday, October 6, 8:30 AM-12 PM: Broken Toe Run 2018, Stone State Park, Sioux City, Iowa. Sponsored by Friends Of Stone Park. Registration starts at 8:30 with the Run/Walk starting at 10 AM. Online registration is live and open at the following link: https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=129423
Tuesday, October 23 6:30 PM, "4th Tuesdays" program/discussion: "The case for a factory farm moratorium. What got us here, and how we get out of this mess"- Jess Mazour, Lead Farm & Environment Organizer for Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement. 2508 Jackson St. Sioux City IA, 51104. Hosted by Northwest Iowa Group, Sierra Club. 712.986.6210 (see the Clean Water tab for more details)
Looking for other regional events and family fun? See what's going on in your area by clicking on any of the following links:
http://www.iowaprairienetwork.org/http://iowanativeplants.org/index.phphttp://www.mycountyparks.com/default.aspx https://www.facebook.com/LoessHillsWildOnes/http://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks-Rec-Areashttp://www.outdoornebraska.gov/ponca http://www.southeastsouthdakota.com/outdoor-adventure/trails-and-more/north-sioux-city/adams-homestead-and-nature-preserve/ Past EventsSeptember 2018
Monday, September 3: Stop by our Rise to "Climate, Jobs and Justice' booth during the all city Labor Day Picnic at Riverside Park, Sioux City Iowa.
On Saturday, September 8, from 11 AM-1PM, the Northwest Iowa Group of Sierra Club hosted "Family Fun with Green Energy" celebrating the nationwide event Rise for Climate, Jobs, and Justice, on the green space of the Sioux City Public Museum.
The event featured kid-friendly solar and wind energy crafts, face-painting, educational tables, an electric car display, a solar energy array, a wind turbine display model, and tasty food samples!
Update:
What a day! Thanks to everyone who participated in today's "Family Fun with Green Energy" event celebrating Rise for Climate Jobs, and Justice.
Sioux City Public Museum kindly provided the all-important greenspace so we could enjoy all fun.
Valerie Flanagan, our super creative face painter, also posted a really nice message and pics on her page.
Mark, Mark, and Sam, and the friendly lighting bug, happily represented MidAmerican Energy Company.
Our local Brightside Cafe and Deli periodically dropped over to make sure everyone was supplied with tasty sub sandwiches. Mmm!
Dolf Ivener, Hog Power Energy, was on hand to engage in conversation about solar energy and battery storage with all interested visitors.
We also want to thank Pete Iversen for demonstrating his electric car!
Fallen Friar Phil gave us all happy feet as he sang. He also wanted to remind us all that Riverssance 2018 is just around the corner.
Click here to watch two videos and more pictures: Facebook
Saturday, September 8, 12-8 PM: The Living River Group and Greening Vermillion will have a table at Ribs and Rods event. LR Group will hand out information about the Skip the Straw campaign and general info about LR Group and Sierra Club. Greening Vermillion will be conducting a survey about recycling in Vermillion.
Monday, September 10, 6:45 PM. Meet at the Northeast corner of the Sioux City Praire to join others for "A little Reading on the Prairie" in celebration of Iowa Prairie Heritage. Hosted by the Center Prairie Studies, Briar Cliff Universtiy. More details: Center for Prairie Studies
Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m.: Monarch Tagging at Sioux City Prairie (near Briar Cliff University). Search for migrating monarchs and tag them on their journey back to Mexico. Wear sturdy walking shoes and meet at the Talbot Road entrance to the Sioux City Prairie. The prairie is located about a half mile north of the Military Road & Talbot Road intersection in Sioux City at 5001 Talbot Road. Questions? Call 712.258.0838 Co-sponsored by Region One Iowa Prairie Network and Woodbury County Conservation - Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center.
Saturday, September 22, 12-2 PM: from noon to 2:00 PM, is the National Public Lands Day volunteer brush-cutting. Meet at the Stone State Park ranger station, and bring gloves and clippers (if you have them). Equipment will be available.
Saturday, September 22, 10 AM: Friends of Stone Park are hosting the Fall First Day Hike. Meet at the parking lot across from the Ranger Station at 10:00 AM. Ranger Jason Dykstra will lead the hike.
Saturday, September 22, 6-10 PM: Fundraiser-Nature Calls! Hosted by Dorothy Pecasut Nature Center. Sioux City Convention Center, 8014th Street, Sioux City, Iowa. Phone 712-258-0838 (DPNC).
Tuesday, September 25, 6:40 PM: The Progress and Promise of Briar Cliff’s Center for Prairie Studies –Brian T. Hazlett, Professor of Biology, Briar Cliff University.
Description: In 2009, Briar Cliff University inaugurated its Center for Prairie Studies with the assistance of the Gilchrist Foundation, the Loess Hills Alliance, and the Woodbury County Conservation Foundation. After nearly ten years, how has the Center fulfilled its goals to 1) promote a sense of place and 2) function as a catalyst for prairie preservation? What else is planned to enhance the prairie identity of BCU? Hear those answers and more at the next 4th Tuesdays meeting. Venue: 2508 Jackson St. Sioux City, IA. This free event s hosted by Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club. 712-986-6210.
Thursday, Sept. 27 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Seed n’ Feed at Bill & Dotty Zales, 15384 North Ridge Road, Westfield, IA. Seed collecting party will start at 2 p.m., with a light dinner for the seed harvesters at 5:30 p.m. Bring clippers, garden gloves and water. RSVP to 712.540.0952. RAIN DATE: Friday, September 28 - Please call to confirm if in doubt about whether the rain date will be needed.
August 2018
On Sunday, August 19, the Northwest Iowa Group hosted a public screening of the Sierra Club film, "Reinventing Power: America's Renewable Energy Boom", followed by a discussion led by our Chairperson, Carrie Radloff.
This 50-minute film takes us across the country to hear directly from people who make a clean energy future achievable. These individuals work to rebuild what's broken, rethink what's possible, and revitalize communities. These stories prove that we need not choose between keeping the lights on and protecting our communities. Reinventing Power underscores the idea that a clean environment and jobs go hand in hand. Supporting a clean energy future means a better, more prosperous future for everyone. You will meet people in eight states whose lives were changed by the renewable energy industry and will explore various aspects of the clean energy industry from innovation to installation.
Braving a sudden downpour of rain, local area residents arrived soaked but ready to participate! During the discussion period, many commented on being surprised that the stories presented in the film offered such hope. As people lingered in conversation afterward, the 'buzz" in the room was all about building on this message, understanding that each of us is empowered to get out there and positively impact our planet!
Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet.
Star Party
A Night Sky program will be held at Spirit Mound Historic Prairie Saturday, August 11, 2018 beginning at 9:00 p.m. Once the light fades, the event kicks off with a tour of the night sky, followed by star and planet viewing through several telescopes, and watching meteors from the Perseid meteor shower. The Perseids is one of the most popular meteor showers of the year with a potential rate between 100 to 200 meteors an hour. This program sponsored by the National Park Service along with volunteers Meet in the parking lot at Spirit Mound, about 7 miles north of Vermillion on Highway 19. Dress for the weather and prepare for mosquitos. Program may be canceled due to overcast or other weather conditions. For further information call 665-0209.
Environmental Discussion.
The regular third Tuesday of the month meeting of the Sierra Club will be an open discussion of environmental issues. What concerns do you have? Are there things that we can work on as a group? One topic of discussion will be an update on the “Skip the Straw Vermillion” campaign. Spearheaded by Susanne Skrym the Living River Group is trying to reduce plastic waste in our city. We are starting by asking local restaurants, cafes and bars to not offer straws with drinks unless requested. This simple step will help to eliminate much of the non-bio-degradable waste that can pollute our landscapes and our waterways. Some local restaurants have already taken it upon themselves to not offer straws unless asked and to use biodegradable take-out ware, without even being asked! We will meet at 7:00pmAugust 21, in the Kozak Room of the Vermillion Public Library.
August 28 "4th Tuesdays" program/discussion
Celebrating Creation with Plant Nations of Yankton Sioux Tribe
Our guest, Michael Wanbdi Gdeski (Spotted Eagle) O’Connor, is a Tribal member of the Ihanktonwan Nakota (Yankton Sioux ).
Plants are a part of the Native American culture. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the outdoor discussion to learn the deep connection with plant relatives.
Held at 2508 Jackson St, Sioux City, IA. Come as early as 5:15 PM to enjoy a potluck and conversation in the First Unitarian Church basement.
In the case of inclement weather, the program will move inside.
Call 712.986.6210 or email nwiasierragroup@gmail.com if you have more questions.
Spirit Mound Prairie is Beautiful. Any Time!
I would encourage everyone to take a drive out to and all the way around the Spirit Mound Prairie. In May a large strip on the west side of the Mound and all the way from east to west across on the north side of the prairie was burned. The burn did not go up on the actual Mound.
The growth of grasses and forbs is remarkable. There are bunches of Big Bluestem 7-8 feet tall along the gravel road on the west side of the mound. Huge Compass Plant, Cup Plant, Ox Eye and other flowering plants are obvious. Quite spectacular. - Living River Group Sierra Club Chair, Clarence Pederson.
July 2018
If you were in the area of Peters Park near Rodney you were treated to a very special outdoor 4th of July program all about insects, presented by Monona County Conservation Board Naturalist, Andrea Porter. She is also our group's Outings Chair.
Andrea's interactive presentation brought everyone up to level on the differences between insects and "imposters", butterflies and moths, and how millipedes and centipedes find a place in all this apparent chaos.Then, we went aquatic! With feet soaked and nets in hand dipping and dragging the water edges, we managed to discover some interesting specimens.
Here's a list of some of our finds:
Yellow Sulfur butterflies
Lightning bugs
Wasps
Mayflies
Ants
House Flies
Mayfly larvae
Scud larvae
Stonefly larvae
Midgefly larvae
and a portion of a crayfish (crustacean not insect)
Saturday, July 7: Loess Hills Wild Ones Native plants road trip to Auleria Iowa and Spencer IA! Find details on Facebook.
Sunday, July 8, 10 AM: Northwest Iowa Group of Sierra Club member, Chuck Hopp, will lead a discussion "Nature Awareness" during the First Unitarian Church weekly summer forum sessions. All are welcome to attend. 2508 Jackson St Sioux City, IA. Call 712.986.6210 for more details.
Thursday, July 12, 4 PM: Sioux City Environmental Advisory Board monthly meeting. Public welcome. 4th Floor Clock Tower Room, City Hall building, Sioux City, IA. Find EAB on Facebook or on the City of Sioux City website.
Thursday, July 12, 5:30 PM: Friends of Stone Park monthly meeting. Dorothy Pecut Nature Center, Sioux City, IA. Find FOSB on Facebook.
Sunday, July 15, 10 AM: Michelle Bakke will lead a discussion "Agape Community Garden" during the First Unitarian Church weekly summer forum sessions. All are welcome to attend. 2508 Jackson St Sioux City, IA. Call 712.986.6210 for more details.
July 17, 7 PM: The Living River Group of the Sierra Club invites the public to attend their monthly meeting held at the Vermilion Public Library in Vermilion South Dakota. Carpooling from Sioux City is an option. More details: 712.986.6210.
Wednesday, July 18 and July 25, 1-4 PM: Northwest Iowa Group of Sierra Club Urban Family Outreach team will present a two-part "Why Clean Water" interactive educational program at girls, inc. in Sioux City. Call 712.986.6210 for more information.
Friday, July 20, 10:30 AM-12 PM: Northwest Iowa Group of Sierra Club Urban Family Outreach team will present a "Why Clean Water" interactive educational program at the Boys and Girls Club of Sioux City. Call 712.986.6210 for more information.
Friday, July 20, The July Program of the Living River Group will be held at a special time, Friday, July 20, at 6:00 pm in the Vermillion Public Library.
Jennifer will be sharing slides and stories, answering questions, and reading excerpts from her new book The Pursuit of Endurance. She will also be selling and signing books after the program.
This program is sponsored by the Vermillion Public Library along with the South Dakota Sierra Club.
Sunday, July 29, 10 AM: Northwest Iowa Group of Sierra Club member, Janice Kooiker, will lead a discussion around the book "40 Chances" during the First Unitarian Church weekly summer forum sessions. All are welcome to attend. 2508 Jackson St. Sioux City, IA. Call 712.986.6210 for more details.
Hi friends,
Tuesday, July 24 "4th Tuesdays" program/discussion: Wild Edible Plants, presented by Dawn Snyder
Dawn Snyder will share information about wild edible plants and foraging. She will provide some examples of common plants in the region that are easily identifiable and edible. Learn about foraging basics including plant identification, how to prepare the plant, safety, conservation and more. Snyder is the Education Program Director of the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center in Sioux City and wild berries are some of her favorite edible plants.
Friday, July 27, 10 AM: Northwest Iowa Group of Sierra Club Urban Family Outreach team will present "Animals of the Loess Hills" interactive educational program at the Boys and Girls Club of Sioux City. Call 712.986.6210 for more information.
June 2018
River Honoring and Community Potluck on Sunday June 10th from 5-8pm at Clay County Park on the banks of the beautiful Missouri River.
The potluck starts at 5pm and continues throughout the evening. Please bring a dish to share (if you come to the potluck) and your own refreshments and chairs.
This is a chance for all of you river-lovers to share your appreciation of the river and the community it fosters. And if you’re not familiar with the river, this is a great chance to get acquainted!
At ~6pm, the Oyate Drum will start their honoring songs, and the community is welcome to gather around the Drum. At ~7pm, the band East of Westreville will begin their Bluegrass/Americana tunes. The band appears as part of a grant from the South Dakota Arts Council.
For details, see River Honoring and Community Potluck on Facebook.
PLEASE COME! EVERYBODY’S WELCOME!
Learn more about our parks at: http://woodburyparks.org/parks/
Public Meeting: Brown's Lake Shoreline Improvements
June 14 at 6:00 p.m.
A Sustainable Future for Agriculture: Iowa Chapter Annual Meeting and Tour of the Paul Willis Farm in Thornton, Iowa
June 23, 2018
Paul Willis Farm, 3319 140th St, Thornton, Iowa
Admission is only $15. Send check to Sierra Club Iowa Chapter, 3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280, Des Moines, Iowa 50310. RSVP by June 16
Reinforcing collaborative community efforts, members of the Sioux City Naacp and local Sierra Club members enjoyed themselves while walking the River-Cade Parade route together.
Let's do it again next year!
May 2018
Thursday, May 1-5May 1-5: Courthouse Centennial Celebration- Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Woodbury County Courthouse. Find events at WoodburyCountyIowa.gov/100
Sunday, March 11, 2 PM: Loess Hills Wild Ones program at the Sioux City Public Library. Pollinator Gardening with Native Plants and 2018 Plant Sale information. https://www.facebook.com/events/171676463455989/
Saturday, March 17, 1 PM: Gardening with Native Flower Varieties at O’Brien County Conservation’s Prairie Heritage Center, 4931 Yellow Avenue, Peterson, IA.
Sunday, March 18, 3 PM: Northwest Iowa Group’s Executive Committee meeting, First Unitarian Church, 2508 Jackson St, Sioux City, IA.
Tuesday, March 20, at 7 PM: "Underwater World." Susanne Skyrm combines her passions for scuba diving and photography and has traveled throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and to the Philippines to experience the world below the surface of the sea and make photos of its weird and wonderful denizens. She will present a slide show of her photos for the Living River Sierra Club group at the Vermillion Public Library. The public is welcome to attend this free event.
Wednesday, March 21, 7 PM: The Briar Cliff University Professional Development Committee cordially invites you to a presentation by Dr. Paul Weber and Dr. Daniel Jung on the work they have done with a plant found in the Loess Hills prairie bordering Briar Cliff. Entitled The Prairie Turnip: The Next Natural Antibiotic?, they will talk about the research they have recently conducted. It will be held in the St. Francis Center and refreshments will be served.
Wednesdays, March 21 and 28, 6-7:30 PM: Why New Orleans Matters-presented Linda Santi. WITCC Lifelong learning membership required. Call Mara Hall at: 712.274.8733 Ext:1864
Saturday, March 24, 10:30 AM: Friends of Stone Park host a quarterly "1st Day Hike", this time celebrating the first quarter moon and the first day of Spring! Meet in the parking lot across from the ranger's office near the east entrance of the park.
March 27: Help us welcome LtCol Neil Stockfelth to our March "4th Tuesdays" program. He will share an overview of elements of the Environmental Program at the 185th ARW. Topics will include: Hazardous materials and hazardous waste, reporting and compliance programs, pollution prevention and restoration projects, and their recycling program.
February 2018
Thursday, February 1, 7:30 PM: Loess Hills Audubon program – Pictures taken by members Rex Rundquist and Brian Hazlett on their recent trip to Galapagos. Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, Sioux City Iowa.
Sunday, February 4, 11:30 AM: Rich Pope, Loess Hills Alliance, “Our Loess Hills.” First Unitarian Church, 2508 Jackson St, Sioux City, IA.
Thursday, February 8, 4 PM: Sioux City Environmental Advisory Board meeting. Fourth floor clocktower meeting room at City Hall.
Sunday, February 11, 2 PM: Loess Hills Wild Ones program. Sioux City Public Library.
Monday, February 12, 9 AM: Roadtrip from Sioux City to Des Moines for IWILL Capitol Day. If you're interested in riding with TNC program manager Graham McGaffin and Sierra Club members and friends, call 712-986-6210.
Tuesday, February 13, 5:30 PM: Friends of Stone Park is hosting DNR District Manager, presently in charge of Stone Park, and DNR employees for an opportunity to discuss the status of Stone Park. The group meets at Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center.
Sunday, February 18, 11:30 AM: Marisa Miakonda Cummings, “The Spiritual and Cultural Significance of the Missouri River to the Omaha People.” First Unitarian Church, 2508 Jackson St, Sioux City, IA.
Tuesday, February 20, 7 PM: The Living River Group of Sierra Club will feature a short film, Iowa Nitrates in Drinking Water, the Unintended Consequences. This film focuses on how runoff from agricultural land has caused problems for the Des Moines Water Treatment plant. Vermillion Public Library. We will also discuss co-hosting a bike ride on Earth Day to explore the proposed bike routes in Vermillion. Questions? Email Clarence Pederson: clarence.pederson@gmail.com
Sunday, February 25, 11:30 AM: Bill Zales, “Ecosystem Earth.” We live on a biological planet - we need to follow the example of ecosystems that have functioned sustainably for millions of years - it can be done.
Sunday, February 25, 2 PM: “The Missouri River: Past 50 Years.” Learn about the recent history of the Missouri River from retired Iowa DNR Conservation Officer Steve Jauron. This program is free, open to all, and is part of the Annual Meeting of the Woodbury County Conservation Foundation. Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, 4500 Sioux River Rd, Sioux City, IA.
Tuesday, February 27, 6:30 PM: Gubernatorial Forum: Candidates Environmental Vision for Iowa. Confirmed attendees: Cathy Glasson, Andy McGuire, Jon Neiderbach, John Norris. First Unitarian Church, 2508 Jackson St, Sioux City, IA. Join your community in learning the environmental conservation views of Iowa gubernatorial candidates. Sierra Club members will moderate the forum.
January 2018
Brrr...! First Day Hikes were Canceled Due to Frigid Temperatures: Monday, January 1, 10:30 AM: First Day Hike (most state parks) - Meet across from the office just inside the east entrance of Stone State Park, Sioux City, IA. The low impact hike will last about one hour and will be led by the Friends of Stone Park.
Thursday, January 11, 4 PM: The Sioux City Environmental Advisory Board meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Long Lines Family Rec Center, Sioux City, IA.
Thursday, January 11, 5:30-8 PM: Sioux City Neighborhood Network Family Night Out. This is a good place to get to know fellow Sioux City residents and area services. NW Iowa Group will greet you at our children's table. Environmental Advisory Board will also be there to quiz children of all ages on recycling. Long Lines Family Rec Center, Sioux City, IA. (Check out some photos at the "Youth and Diversity" tab.)
Sunday, January 14, 2 PM: "Making Landscapes Work for Life" hosted by Loess Hills Wild Ones at ISU Extension and Outreach-Woodbury County. After a short introduction to Extension resources and the local Master Gardener program, we watched the webinar and shared other resources on native landscaping. 4728 Southern Hills Drive, Sioux City.
Thursday, January 11, at 7 PM: People unable to attend the Living River Group meeting just before Christmas expressed interest in hearing about the aerial spray damage that was done to the organic farm operated by Glenn Pulse and Angela Jackson. Vermillion Public Library. As a result of this chemical trespass incident, they met with the Clay County Commission, the Vermillion City Council, and State of South Dakota officials and started a discussion to improve rules and regulations governing aerial spraying and protecting organic farms. They shared their experience, research, and plans for legislation. For more information see the website: http://www.righttofarmorganic.org . Angela and Glenn’s farm, Prairie Sun Organics, is located just north of Vermillion. They raise poultry for meat and eggs, hogs, row crops, hay, and vegetables.
Tuesday, January 16, 7 PM: Living Rivers Group, Sierra Club will plan for 2018. Please come with ideas for programs and outings, community projects, conservation, political, and social issues we should address. Information is available about upcoming bills in the legislature that the SD Sierra Club is following. Vermillion Public Library. Questions? Email Clarence Peterson: clarence.pederson@gmail.com .
January 23, 6:30 PM: (We took the hint from Mother Nature and RESCHEDULED the following program to January 30, same time, same venue.) Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club “4th Tuesdays” all community program “Say goodbye to 2017 - Looking forward to 2018.” Special attraction: TNC Loess Hills Project Manager Graham McGaffin showed us a drone-produced aerial video of the Broken Kettle Grassland Preserve!
Thursday, December 7, 7:30 PM: Loess Hills Audubon Club Christmas potluck. Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, 4500 Sioux River Road, Sioux City IA.
Sunday, November 12, 2 PM: Loess Hills Wild Ones at the Sioux City Public Library. We will view a presentation of Doug Tallamy speaking on “Creating Healthy, Biodiverse Neighborhood Corridors.” This talk was recorded at the 2014 Wild Ones national meeting and is excerpted from a DVD entitled "The Vital New Role of the Suburban/Urban Garden." The first half of the video, highlighting the value of having native plants in our yards, was shared at the May 2017 Loess Hills Wild Ones program. Doug Tallamy is currently professor and chair of the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has taught behavioral ecology among other subjects. His research goal is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how these interactions determine the diversity of animal communities. Tallamy won the Silver Medal from the Garden Writer's Association for his book Bringing Nature Home. He also authored The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity with Rick Darke. “Our natural areas are too small and isolated to sustain the plants and animals that run our ecosystems. By using native plants in our neighborhood and corporate landscapes we can restore vital ecosystem functions where we live and work. We can all play a role in stitching the natural world together again, creating networks for life.” – Doug Tallamy
November 14, 7 PM: All Campus lecture: "Climate Change, Agriculture, and Religion” - Mark Seeley, University of Minnesota Climatologist. In conjunction with our Science and Religion course, Jim Stroh and I bring Mark Seeley to our campus for a public lecture and hope you will join us. Mark Seeley represents an interesting combination of interests. He is Minnesota’s best-known climatologist, with weekly segments on statewide Minnesota Public Radio, documentaries, books, and innumerable speaking events. He has earned great credibility in rural Minnesota due to his responsibilities with county extension, speaking regularly to farmers about the impact of climate change, and receiving significant awards from agricultural organizations. In addition, he recently co-chaired a session on “Faith-based Responses to Climate Change” at the National Adaptation Forum held in May, bringing Jewish, Christian, and Muslim representatives together with climatologists and meteorologists. His talk will combine these various interests and, by the way, will include some data specific to Iowa. UPS Auditorium, Lincoln Center, Morningside College, Sioux City, IA.
Tuesday, November 28, 6:30 PM: Please bring your kids along to share in a special “4th Tuesdays” talking circle. “Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet” What does this phrase mean for you? As we reflect on the celebration of Thanksgiving, let's share our thoughts and stories of nature. Come as early as 5:30 PM for potluck and conversation. 2508 Jackson St, Sioux City, IA.
Tuesday, November 28th from 4-6pm: The public is encouraged to attend the upcoming Middle Cedar Watershed Open House Event at the Kirkwood Community College's Benton County Center in Vinton, Iowa. This open house is one of two that will take place in the coming months aimed at gathering feedback from watershed residents about their experiences with flooding, water quality, river recreation, and land use. The planning process for the Middle Cedar River, as part of the Iowa Watershed Approach, is being led by Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. together with many project partners including The Iowa Flood Center, University of Iowa IIHR, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and the Iowa Soybean Association. The open house will take place at the Kirkwood Community College’s Benton County Center at 111 West 3rd Street, Vinton, Iowa 52349. Questions about the event should be directed to Project Coordinator Adam Rodenberg at ARodenberg@co.benton.ia.us or at 319-365-9941 ext.126. More about the watershed and the current planning process can be found online at www.middlecedarwma.com
October 2017
September 2017
September 2, 10 AM-1 PM : ArtSplash: Visit the “Milkweed Bomb”make-and-take booth, co-hosted by Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center and Loess Hills Wild Ones.
September 3, 10 AM-1 PM: ArtSplash: Visit the “What Pollinators Want” make-and-take booth, hosted by Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club.
September 7, 7:30 PM: Loess Hills Audubon Society monthly program. Kevin Pape, “The Challenge of a Changing Landscape.”
September 8, 6 PM: Monarch Butterfly Tagging in the Prairie. We will search for any migrating monarchs and hope to tag them on their journey to Mexico! Wear sturdy walking shoes and meet at the Talbot Road entrance to the Sioux City Prairie. The prairie is located approximately ½ mile north of Military Road and Talbot Road intersection in Sioux City. Hosted by The Nature Conservancy in Iowa and the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center.
September 9 & 10: 41st Annual Grand Meadow Heritage Festival. This is a 2-day Festival. Admission is free. Food is available on the grounds. Check out the one-year-old prairie strip addition. Find more details on Grand Meadow Heritage Center Facebook page. The address is 6306 D Avenue, Washta, IA.
September 9, 9AM-12 PM: Keep Northeast Nebraska Beautiful is organizing a riverfront cleanup along the Nebraska and Iowa sides of the Missouri River in Sioux City, IA.
September 9 &10: Harvest Festival, Onawa.
September 10, 2 PM: Sioux City Prairie Walk in honor of Iowa Prairie Heritage Week. Join other prairie and wildflower enthusiasts to see late-summer wildflowers and late-season prairie grasses. Dress appropriately for walking the trails. Sponsored by Loess Hills Wild Ones, Iowa Prairie Network (region 1) and Iowa Native Plant Society. Contact Dianne Blankenship: dianne.blankenship@gmail.com
September 11, 6:45-8 PM: A Little Reading on the Prairie. Celebrate Iowa Prairie Heritage week on the Sioux City Prairie. Bring your favorite passage of prairie literature or a piece of original writing with a prairie focus. Meet at the Northeast corner of the Sioux City Prairie (Just off of the Briar Cliff Parking lot). Hosted by Briar Cliff Center for Prairie Studies.
September 15, 10 AM-2 PM: Parking Day! Your participation in this globally recognized event is the key to a creative, interactive experience with our community. You have the opportunity to change the way people see an 8x16 foot parking stall because it will be designed by you! Hosted by Downtown Partners, Sioux City.
September 16, 10-11 AM: “First Day” Hike. Meet at the east entrance of Stone State Park, Sioux City, to join other to explore the first signs of fall in the park.
September 17, 12-4 PM: Clean Water Festival in Central Park, Mason City, Iowa. Everyone's welcome to attend a micro-festival celebrating the role of clean water in our society. All are welcome to enjoy free games and prizes, food and drinks, live music, speakers, and info booths. Speakers are soon to be announced.
September 18, 7 PM: An Inconvenient Sequel-Truth to Power hosted by Living River Group, Sierra Club. See details above. Contact Jim Redmond to discuss carpool possibilities from Sioux City: 712-389-0841.
September 23 9:30 AM-4 PM: We are in the process of rescheduling the announced road trip and tour of Good Earth/Blood Run. Look for a new date and details on the October calendar or call Jim: 712-389-0841.
September 23, 6 PM: 14th Annual “Nature Calls”-A beer tasting of craft brews and select wines! There will also be fantastic nature art vendors, cash raffles, and a charity auction benefiting the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Held at the Sioux City Convention Center. Ticketing info: www.woodburyparks.org
September 23, 5:30-7:30 PM: Sunset and Dinner on the Bluff Five Ridge Prairie, Plymouth County, Celebrating Loess Hills and Heritage Week. Join Conservation staff at the hike-in cabin for a short program about the Loess Hills, followed by a picnic style dinner and then enjoy your front row seat for a breathtaking sunset! For more information or to register, please call 712-947-4270 or go to the events calendar at www.iowaprairienetwork.org
September 25, 7 PM: “Lessons from China's Loess Plateau” presented by John Liu, film-maker, environmentalist, and educator, and hosted by the Center for Prairie Studies at the Saint Frances Center on Briar Cliff University campus in Sioux City, IA. For more information, find Center for Prairie Studies on Facebook.
September 26, 5:30-7PM: “4th Tuesdays”- Join Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club members and friends for a guided visit to Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve. The Nature Conservancy's Assistant Western Iowa Land Steward, Dan Smith, and TNC's Loess Hills Project Director, Graham McGaffin, will lead the mobile tour, possibly incorporating a few short hikes to view bison and other featured areas. Meet at Broken Kettle Grassland's TNC office, 24764 Highway 12, at 5:30 PM or call Jim Redmond at 712-389-0841 to explore carpooling to Broken Kettle. Dress for the weather and possible short hikes. Co-hosted by Loess Hills and Heritage Week.
September 28, 2-7 PM: INP Region 1 “Seed n Feed”, Prairie Hills, Plymouth County. Bill and Dotty Zales are hosting their annual seed collecting party. The seed collection party will be followed by a light dinner for the seed harvesters at 5:30 PM. Address is 15384 North Ridge Road, Westfield. Rain date is the next day. Please RSVP by phone or email: Dotty Zales: 712-540-0952 or zales66@hotmail.com.
September 30, 10AM-12 PM: National Public Lands Day. This is a nationwide event to encourage citizens to volunteer in their parks, forests, and preserves. Stone Park is participating and would like your help in spreading the word. You can help park staf, by cutting or pulling honeysuckle Bring work Gloves and Drinking water. All tools will be provided. If you have a favorite saw, please bring it. Meet in the parking lot across from the office. https://www.neefusa.org/resource/national-public-lands-day-faq
August 2017
"4th Tuesdays" August 22: "Deep Creek Water Quality Initiative Project"- Kristi Silverthorn NRCS, Le Mars, IA. Deep Creek WQI Project, located in Northeast Plymouth County and parts of Sioux, Cherokee and O’Brien Counties, continues to follow the comprehensive approach allows producers to adopt conservation practices that fit their unique needs, lands and budgets. The overall goal is to promote and demonstrate conservation outlined in the Nutrient Reduction Strategy to reduce nutrient and sediment loss from the Deep Creek Watershed in Plymouth County; on a voluntary basis. Through this project, Plymouth County Soil and Water Conservation District is trying to better the water quality not only for human consumption, but for wildlife and all other users of water.
Tuesday, August 1: National Neighborhood Night Out in Sioux City. Sierra Club will be volunteering at Lief Ericson Park. For info on events in your area, google National Night Out followed by your city's name.
Wednesday, August 2, 2 PM: Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club will present a pollinator education program for 3-5 grade kids at the Boys and Girls Club of Sioux City.
Are you running this year?? The BISON STAMPEDE 5-K TRAIL RUN is coming up! The event takes place on Saturday, August 12th at 7:30 a.m. Visit our website at prairieheritagecenter.org to download the registration form and race map, or call 712-295-7200 for more information! You won't want to miss this chance to enjoy the beautiful trails surrounding the Prairie Heritage Center - all proceeds from the race will be used for the MAMMOTH statue and display being added to the center this fall!
Saturday, August 19, 12 PM: Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club is hosting a potluck lunch honoring Ed Fallon. All are invited, but RSVP is suggested. 2508 Jackson St, Sioux City, IA.
July 2017
"4th Tuesdays" July 25: "Life and Times in the Loess Hills of Iowa" - Rich Pope will discuss just how special this land we live in is, and will talk a bit about the flora, fauna, and culture of our hills." 
On display at the Sioux City Public Museum through August 13: The Hidden Works of Jay N. “Ding” Darling
Thursday, July 20, 12:05 PM: Sioux City Public Museum History at High Noon: “The Life & Career of Sioux City's Darling” Matt Anderson, Curator of History, presents a photographic overview of Darling’s life as featured in the exhibit.
Friday-Saturday, July 14-15 Golden Hills RC&D Loess Hills Prairie Conference. Council Bluffs IA.
Sunday, July 16, 2 PM: Join Dotty & Bill Zales for short walks on their prairies to view Lead Plant, Compass Plant, Purple & White Prairie Clover & other native wildflowers BLOOMING IN ABUNDANCE! Meet at their mailbox@ 15384 North Ridge Road, Westfield on Sunday, July 16th @ 2:00 PM. Dress appropriately & bring water. Beverages & snacks will be available following the tour. For additional information call or text Dotty at 712-540-0952.
Wednesday, July 16, 7:30 PM: Stop to say "Hi" to Kevin, Jeanne and Eric during the Ice Cream Social directly after the Sioux City Rivercade Parade. Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club members and friends will be hanging around to talk and enjoy some cool treats. Look for the Sierra Club banner.
Tuesday, July 25, 2 PM: Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club will present a fun-filled water education program at the Boys and Girls Club, Sioux City.
July 28, 10 AM: Crazy for Aquatic Critters - Story Hour - Sponsored by Monona County Conservation. What are those critters swimming in the water? Learn about what critters live in lakes, streams, and ponds. Kids can make a critter craft to take home. Whiting Library, 407 Whittier St (Corner) and Main St.
July 29, 6 PM: Pollinators for Prairies - Sponsored by Monona County Conservation. Why are pollinators on the decline? Join Naturalist, Andrea Porter in learning what you can do to support pollinator species in your community and backyard. Peter's Park, 10740 Oak Ave, Rodney, IA.
June 2017
June 2-4 - 41st Annual Loess Hills Prairie Seminar
https://www.loesshillsprairieseminar.com/
June 2 evening-June 4 noon: Loess Hills Prairie Seminar: https://www.loesshillsprairieseminar.com/
Wednesday, June 7, 6 PM: "Growing in Faith: Learning from trees" - a special presentation - will be shared by Rev. Jeff Swanson at St. Mark Lutheran Church ELCA, 5200 Glenn Avenue. Rev. Swanson serves as pastor of St. John Lutheran ELCA in Sioux City and also has extensive experience in forestry management and environmental concerns. All are invited to attend!
Saturday, June 10: Show and Go road trip to Spirit Mound, SD. Sioux City residents will leave at 10 AM. Please call 712-389-0841 for meeting place and more details.
Friday, June 16, 7 PM: Nature movie night hosted by Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club: "Great Plains-America's Lingering Wild", by Michael Forsberg. This is a very casual free event. Bring your own snacks and beverage. We'll supply popcorn. 2508 Jackson St, Sioux City, IA. 712-389-0841
Sunday, June 18, 5:30 PM: Join Northwest Iowa Sierra Club members and friends for a short evening hike on the Sioux City Prairie led by Dianne Blankenship. Meet at the Talbot Road entrance. Hike time may change. Call 712-587-1562 for details.
Tuesdays, June 20 8:30-9:30 PM: 1st Day of Summer Kickoff Campfire at the Arboretum in Onawa, IA. Enjoy Smores and conversation about what summer meant to you. Bring a camp chair. Free and open to the public. Hosted by Monona County Conservation Board.
Saturday: June 24: 10:00am-11:00am Arboretum, Onawa, IA.: Batty For Bats. Learn about the types of bats that can be found all over the world and which ones are most common here in Iowa. Kids get to participate in a batty make and take craft. Bring a camp chair. free and open to the public. Hosted by Monona County Conservation Board.
Friday, June 23, 2 PM: Show and go roadtrip to explore the blooms at Bill and Dotty Zales' prairie. Directions, carpooling and more info: 712-389-0841
Saturday, June 24, 10:30 AM: First Day Hike, Stone State Park, Sioux City, IA. Meet in the east parking lot near the corner of Talbot Rd and Memorial Drive. Celebrate the beginning of summer with the Friends of Stone Park.
Sunday, June 26, 2 PM: Loess Hills Wild Ones hosts "Butterflies in the Garden" presented by Dawn Snyder, Education Programs Director, Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. The program will be held at the nature center, 4500 Sioux River Road, Sioux City, IA. Learn about the life cycles and habits of butterflies in our area and gardening hints to attract and support these butterflies. The program will also include a visit to the nature center's pollinators garden. This event is free and open to the public.
Tuesday, June 27, 6:30 PM:"4th Tuesdays" program: Sierra Club Summer School-sharpen your internet communication skills. 2508 Jackson St, Sioux City IA. Potluck and conversation 5:30 PM.
Tuesday, June 27, 6:30-7:30 PM: Hike Riverside Bluffs. Join the Woodbury County Conservation Foundation board members on this hike through this native prairie. Meet at the last parking lot on top of the hill in Kirk Hansen Park along West 19th Street in Sioux City, Iowa. 712-258-0838
May 2017
May 23 "4th Tuesdays": Have you ever heard of ButterBike? No? Then, here's your chance to check it out! Sara Dykman is dedicated to following the monarch butterfly migration round trip from Mexico to Canada and will be making a stop in Sioux City on Tuesday, May 23.Everyone's invited to Sara's 6-7 PM presentation at the First Unitarian Church, 2508 Jackson St, followed by a casual hike at the nearby Sioux City Prairie. Come see her gear and learn how biking 10,000 miles with butterflies is possible! As always, the event is free. In consideration of clean up time, we're not having a potluck, but doors will be open by 5:15 PM and if you'd like to bring a brown bag supper, including your own silverware and drink, we can still eat and chat before her program. Follow Sara's travels: www.beyondabook.org
April 2017
April 1-April 23: Join Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club and friends in reading The Human Age- the World Shaped by Us by Diane Ackerman. Ackerman is optimistic about the future of the planet and gives us hope that innovators around the world are making a difference, providing solutions today and in the future concerning the environment. "A dazzling achievement" New York Times Book Review and Winner of the 2015 PEN New England Henry Thoreau Prize. Several copies are available at the Sioux City Public Library. On Sunday, April 23, at the Unitarian Church, 2508 Jackson St, Sioux City, IA, from 3-4 PM there will be a book discussion as one of Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club's Earth Day celebration events.
April 2, 12-4 PM: Faces of Siouxland Multicultural Fair at the Sioux City Convention Center. Stop by the Sierra Club and Strong Women of the Four Directions table.
April 2, 4-6 PM: Sioux City Catwalk for Clean Water, hosted by Audubon Society and Aveda. This event is more than just a fashion show, it represents how we can reduce reuse and restore the environment and still have fun! $15 in advance or at the door. Held at the Marina Inn, South Sioux City, IA.
April 6, 7:30 PM: South Georgia Island, Nature's Paradise - Ty Smith, noted wildlife photographer. All are welcome to attend this Loess Hills Audubon Society program held at Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, Sioux City, IA 712-258-0838
April 8, 9:30-11 AM: Master Matrix Community Meeting at the Le Mars Public Library, 46 1st St SW, Le Mars, IA. Your voice needs to be heard. Join Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement to brainstorm ways to strengthen this tool and protect your community from factory farms. 515-282-0484
April 8, 10 AM-12 PM: Join Americorps member Josh Block to help with his service project to repair water diversions on the Mt Lucia Trail at Stone State Park, Sioux city, IA. Tools will be provided, but bring your work gloves. Weather dependent. Call park office: 712-255-4698
April 9, 2-4 PM: League of Women Voters Sioux City presents the movie DIRT , followed by a discussion led by Donna Buell (Sierra Club) and Liz Garst, small farm owners who will also share how they incorporate soil-saving techniques on their farms. Sioux City Public Museum.
April 10, 7 PM: A Sugar Creek Chronicle: Communicating Climate Change, Composing Hope. Connie Mutel will discuss effective communication about science and environment and deliver a ‘hope message’ regarding opportunities for climate action in addition to talking about her new book. The public is invited Location: Weikert Auditorium in the Buhler-Rolfs building on Morningside College campus, Sioux City, IA. Call Dianne Blankenship for more details: 712-253-5805.
April 11: Show your support for Iowa Natural Resources during the Fund the Trust Day at the Iowa State Capitol Doors open at 8:30 AM and speakers/events fo until 2 PM. To register/RSVP, go to: www.iowaswaterandlandlegacy.org/take-action Join fellow conservationistson a road trip from Sioux City. Call Graham McGaffin :712-898-7165 or call Dawn Snyder: 712-258-0838 or send her an email: dsnyder@woodburycountyiowa.gov If you re unable to attend, please let your state legislators know that you support IWILL through the WISE Solution of funding the trust: www.iowaswaterandlandlegacy.org/wise-solution
April 11, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM: Iowa Ideas Symposium will host on the topics of Energy & Environment and Agriculture. Participants of this symposium series will be encouraged to review current research and case studies, hear from topical experts and build on ideas. The results from this day will be documented along with other community discussions and interactions, leading up to a Septemeber conference. Venue: Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, Sioux City, IA. Registration is required. Reserve your seat at: www.iowideas.com
April 11, 7 PM: A visit with Connie Mutel - the importance of native plants and natural areas. Connie Mutel, author or editor of several books, including ones about Iowa's natural history, the Loess Hills, Iowa's floods, and restoration of tallgrass prairie, will share her extensive knowledge of ecology. Her most recent book is A Sugar Creek Chronicle: Observing Climate Change from a Midwestern Woodland. This visit is sponsored by Loess Hills Wild Ones, a new organization in Sioux City that encourages landowners to plant native wildflowers and other native plants in their yards. Location: First Unitarian Church, 2508 Jackson St, Sioux City, IA. The public is welcome to attend this informal program which will provide a unique opportunity to visit with Connie. Loess Hills Wild Ones native plant oreders are also due at this meeting. For more information about the program or about the plant orders, contact Dianne Blankenship : bennaid@hotmail.com
April 12, 7 PM: A sugar Creek Chronicle reading by Connie Mutel. Location: the Meis Auditorium at Briar cliff University, 3303 Rebecca St, Sioux City, IA. Hosted by Briar Cliff University's Prairie Studies and Modern Languages departments, along with Loess Hills Audubon. The public is invited.
April 21, 12 PM: Sioux City Litter Dash, an all city litter clean up: (Strong Women of the Four Directions and Sierra Club are cleaning Perry Creek Path from 6th to 11th St., please join us) If you'd like to participate as a different group, you can go to the Facebook event page or email litterdash@sioux-city.org
See what is happening in Vermillion from Earth Day until April 29: http://www.greeningvermillion.org/EarthDays2017
April 22, 10AM-12 PM: Friends of Stone Park invite you to help with their annual cleanup along Hwy 12. Meet at Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center hwy 12 entrance. Weather dependent. Call Stone Park park office if in doubt: 712-255-4698
April 22, 9 AM-2 PM: Sioux City Environmental Advisory Board will hold their semi annual Re-Event at the Long Lines Family Recreation Center, 401 Gordon Dr, Sioux City, IA. This recycling event collects materials that can be recycled or reused. Sorry, we cannot accept household hazardous materials. More info on recycling or disposing of various items can be found at www.sioux-city.org/solid-waste Fees collected help help pay the cost of recycling and proper disposal. Please contact the Environmental Services Department at 712-279-6222 with questions.
April 22, 10 AM-2 PM: Resist-Renew,-Rebuild, a Siouxland Community Coalition Earth Day event at Cook Park in Sioux City, IA. Find out how you can make a difference in the 2108 election to rebuild Iowa. Stop by the Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club table! One of our members will also speak about local and regional conservation needs.
April 23, 3-4 PM Book discussion: The Human Age-The World Shaped by Us written by Diane Ackerman. Hosted by Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club as part of our Earth Day month events focusing on Climate Change. Venue: First Unitarian Church, 2508 Jackson St, Sioux City, IA. Contact Madonna with questions: 712-274-2446
April 25, 5-7 PM: Neighborhood Nature Fair. Pollinator insect focused crafts, storytelling, an interpretive garden, and make-and-take veggie and flower seed packs are all in store for the kids. Adults will have opportunities to enjoy casual conversation on various conservation topics. Simple fare will be served. This fun event is in lieu our “4th Tuesdays” monthly program. Hosted by Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club
April, 29, 10 AM-12 PM: Cover Crops class taught by Gary Lesoing, UNL Extension Educator. Gary's focus is local food producers, beginning farmers & sustainable agricultural issues. Venue: South Sioux City Library meeting room, 2121 Dakota Ave, South Sioux City, NE. Sponsored by South Sioux City and Nebraska Extension in Dakota County
April 30: Two chances to meet Jordan Flaherty, www.jordanflaherty.org, award-winning journalist, producer, and author. Both are free and open to the public: 11 AM: First Unitarian Church - guest speaker during regular service, followed by book signing and conversation during 12 PM coffee hour, 2508 Jackson St Sioux City, IA. 4 PM: Blue Cafe, Conversation and book signing, 1301 Pierce St. 712-574-1751
April 30, 1-3 PM Kick off Iowa Wildflower Month (May) one day early. Wildflower enthusiast Rich Pope will lead this walk to find early prairie bloomers. Wear sturdy walking shoes and dress for the weather. Meet at the Sioux City Prairie east entrance adjacent to Briar Cliff University's western-most student parking lot on top of the hill. Sponsored by the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. For more information, call 712-258-0838.
April 30, 3 PM: Maka Kin Awanhdakapi- Taking Care of the Earth. Join Mike O'Connor and friends for a War Eagle Park litter pick up and social.3 PM: Welcoming, 3:30 PM: Litter Clean-up (garbage bags will be provided), 5 PM: Potluck picnic. Meat will be provided. Please bring what you can. However, if you are unable to its OK, just bring yourself. Sierra Club members will join our friends at this event. If you have questions, please call Michael: 605-491-0200.
March 2017
"Local to Global: Connecting the Dots in the Era of Climate Change"
March 2, 7:30 PM: Loess Hills Audubon Society monthly program-"Bird Friendly Iowa" -Doug Harr, LHAS Director.
March 9, 4 PM: Sioux City Environmental Advisory Board board meeting- Fourth floor Clocktower conference room. Community is welcome.
March 10: Young Women Investigating Science and Mathematics, or "WINGS" Conference. Morningside College, Sioux City.
March 17-19: Citizens Climate Lobby Regional Conference-Lakeside Labs, Okoboji, IA. www.citizensclimatelobby.orgor call Mindy at: 952-920-1547
March 17-19: Annual Sand Hills Crane Festival in Kearney, NE. http://ne.audubon.org/birds/crane-festival
March 18, 10:30 AM: First Day of Spring Hike! Join the Friends of Stone Park and Park Ranger, Kevin Pape, on a 1.5 hr hike to look for signs of Spring. Meet at the Trail Head Parking Lot near the corner of Talbot Rd and Memorial Dr. This is an all weather conditions hike.
March 19, 2 PM: Loess Hills Wild Ones meeting at Wilbar Aalfs Public Library, Sioux City, IA. Dianne Blankenship: bennaid@hotmail.com
March 20, 6:30 PM: "Local to Global, Connecting the Dots in the Era of Climate Change" David Thoreson (see program info above)
March 24, 10-8 PM-March 25, 10 AM-6 PM: 2017 Siouxland Garden Show at the Sioux City Convention Center, 801 4th St. http://www.siouxlandgardenshow.org/
March 25, 10-11:30 AM: League of Women Voters Legislative Townhall. Sioux City Public Museum.
March 26, 11 AM: “Praise Be To You - Encyclical Letter of Francis I: Pope Francis preaches Ecological Conversion” -Jim Redmond, Chair, Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club. Held at 11 AM, First Unitarian Church, 2508 Jackson St, Sioux City, IA.
March 28, 6:30 PM: "4th Tuesdays" program: "The Physics and Chemistry of our Atmosphere's Thermostat"- Doug Vandervoort For years, Global Warming has been in the news, resulting in a varying degree of public understanding. With some help from information published by Professor Michael Wysession of Washington University in St. Louis, Doug VanDerVoort will take the mystery out of how the earth's atmosphere is heated and how it is cooled.
Click for January 2017 eventsFebruary 2017
Loess Hills Wild Ones will screen “Urban and Suburban Meadows” created by award-winning documentary filmmaker Catherine Zimmerman at the Sioux City Public Library's Gleeson Room at 2 p.m. on February 19, 2017. The public is invited; there is no charge to attend.A meadow garden is an area, large or small, that invites birds and pollinators to enjoy a parade of wildflowers and grasses. This low-maintenance approach creates beauty using native plants while supporting wildlife. Each attendee will also learn what wildflowers can be ordered for their own butterfly or meadow garden. Orders will be delivered in May. For more information about the Loess Hills Wild Ones, contact Dianne Blankenship at bennaid@hotmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/
"4th Tuesdays" February 28 - PBS Documentary, The Sagebrush Sea: Sagebrush Sea: It’s been called The Big Empty – an immense sea of sagebrush that once stretched 500,000 square miles across North America. Yet it’s far from empty, as those who look closely will discover. In this ecosystem anchored by the sage, eagles, and antelope, badgers and lizards, rabbits, wrens, owls, prairie dogs, songbirds, hawks, and migrating birds of all description make their homes.
November 2016
November 3, 7:30 PM: Birds of Summer, 2016: Good Habitat is Key-Presented by Joe Jungers and Lee Schoenewe. “Summer is often considered the slow season for bird watching but given the right habitat, the birds will be there.” Hosted by Loess Hills Audubon Society Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, Sioux City, IA.
April 17 - League of Women Voters hosts: ”Incredible Wetlands” movie and discussion led by Jacqueline Comito, writer and director and Matt Helmers. Sioux City Public Museum
April 23 - Sioux City Environmental Advisory Board: electronics recycling Re-Event. Details: http://siouxcityrecycles.org/
April 23 - Htanipi Owas volunteer group hosts: Earth Day Spring Clean-up at War Eagle Park. Details: Htanipi Owas on Facebook
April 23 - Sioux City Art Center hosts: Artist reception “River Wings and Sky” mosaic and companion poetry.
April 29-30 - Schleswig, IA. Visit our table during the Izaak Walton League Convention featuring the Loess Hills. (Call Eileen for details: 712-253-3887)
March 2016
January 2016
Previous "4th Tuesdays" 2016
Every Fourth Tuesday of the month, we host a presentation and discussion from 6:30 to 7:45 at 2508 Jackson St, Sioux City. It is always free and we encourage all members of the community to participate!
December 27-"Stone-the Park in Our Backyard". People often travel the country to see new sites, but may overlook what is in their own backyard. Park Ranger, Kevin Pape, has worked at the park for 25 years. In his presentation, he featured the natural resources, cultural resources and recreational opportunities that many may not know.November 22, families shared in a special “4th Tuesdays” talking circle. “Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet”-What does this phrase mean for you? As we prepare for Thanksgiving, let's share our thoughts and stories of nature. October 25, 2016- “I am a Climate Voter!”-This year the planet is on the ballot. Discussion followed the screening of “Do the + Math”, by Kelly Nyks and Jared P Scott, which featured Bill McKibbons, 350.org. Michael Brune, Sierra Club, and other activists.
September 27, 2016-"Celebrating Ugly Food!" Gerald (Jerry) Iversen described a month-long project he recently coordinated which explored the intersection of faith, food and water in a time of drought in which he included speakers, film, music, worship and fun, culminating in an "ugly food" banquet.
August 23, 2016 - David Zahrt - "Ruminations on The Great March for Climate Action." The Great March for climate action took place in 2014 and was the longest march in US history, beginning in Los Angeles and ending in Washington DC.
June 28, 2016: Healthy Minds, Healthy Planet: Exploring Eco and Other Resources @ Your Library - "On loan" from the Sioux City Public Library, Adrienne Jansen led us on a virtual tour of library resources during the recent "4th Tuesdays" program. She featured eco-focused children's books for the kids in the audience. Thanks, Adrienne, for presenting in a way that was interesting and fun! 
May 24, 2016: Speaking of Mother Earth and Sacred Water - Elrae Mazakahomni
April 26, 2016: EARTH MONTH CELEBRATION TREKKING THE WILDERNESS: Hiking the John Muir Trail - Leslie Goss Erickson - WITCC English instructor and avid hiker, Leslie Erickson, spent a month of her summer backpacking and hiking the John Muir Trail. This well-known trail, named for one of the most instrumental individuals in preserving our western wilderness, is 220 miles long and runs through the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States. Leslie discussed the trail and its namesake in general, and her experience hiking it specifically.
March 22, 2016: What Can We Say About Rachael Carson? How About "Luminary", for One? One definition of the word "luminary": "One who enlightens men or makes clear any subject." Inspired by a visit to Rachael Carson's stomping grounds, Jane Hey shared her experience and remind us of this luminary's contribution to the environmental movement.
February 23, 2016: I Heart Water - Iowa's Clean Water Activism and You! - Iowa consisted of approximately 99% more native prairie and vastly cleaner waterways than exist today. What happened and how can we fix it? Weigh in on the discussion following a presentation by Jess Mazour, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement.
January 26, 2016: Highlights from 2015 and Plans for 2016 - Jim Redmond
Previous "4th Tuesdays" 2015
December 22, 2015: Closer to God While Staying Close to the Ground - Carter Smith. An exploration of how we can look to align our religious views with goals of to help curb global climate change.
November 24, 2015: “Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet” - What does this phrase mean for you? As we prepare for Thanksgiving, let's share our thoughts and stories.
October 27, 2015: “Opening your mouth gets you in trouble”, says Ed Sibley, referring to his chance involvement in two local urban prairie restoration projects. Listening to Ed's unlikely adventure just might inspire you to open your mouth on a subject dear to you!
Click to see other Fourth Tuesday topics and speakers we've had!