Whether your interest is conservation, policy, trail maintenance, activism or enjoying our outings, everyone with a love for the outdoors is welcome here. We appreciate you being a part of the Eastern Missouri Group (EMG) of the Missouri Sierra Club.
By Matt Self
Despite the summer heat and humidity, we got there early and spent several hours on some moderate routes. While Illinois has more renowned rock climbing, many groups and volunteers have put it in significant work for decades to develop and expand access in National Forests, State Parks, and Conservation Areas. This is another often overlooked example of how rich Missouri is with natural resources.
By Louise Bullock
Mineral Fork Creek is a crystal clear stream which flows into the Big River near Washington State Park. This view is from the 58.5 acre Kingston Access, on Dugout Road, Cadet, Missouri and is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. The site has been improved with a gravel parking lot and there is a short footpath for walk-in access to the water for fishing and canoe/kayak launching.
More Mosquito Disease Days in 95% of Major U.S. Cities
From Climate Central
Warming temperatures can help mosquitoes spread diseases.Mosquitoes are bothersome pests. But they’re also the world’s deadliest animal because of the diseases they spread to people. READ MORE
Relief from energy bills unlikely as utilities request billions in rate hikes
From Missouri Independent
Consumers are unlikely to see any relief in gas and electric bills as utilities proposed more than $18 billion in rate hikes across the country over the first half of the year. READ MORE
Plug-In Solar Panels Are Starting to Sprout in U.S. Backyards
From New York Times
Ten U.S. states have legalized systems that can be plugged into standard wall outlets. The technology typically does not require permits or electricians. READ HERE
How to reduce your exposure to “forever chemicals”
From Environmental Defense Fund
Strong federal safeguards are the best way to ensure that everyone is protected. When government protections are weakened, families are left to figure out which products contain these chemicals on their own. READ MORE
By Rick Armstrong
I have always enjoyed spotting a dragonfly now and then on my hikes. I never imagined seeing 10 species in one morning. On Sunday morning, July 12, Jack Hambene and Yvonne Homeyer led us on a beautiful excursion to the ponds at the August Busch Conservation Area. As instructed, we all had binoculars -- the ONLY way to see the details. One picture below shows a mated pair of Halloween Pennants. Yvonne also spotted three species of damselflies including the Bluet, below. [Damselflies are very similar to but smaller than dragonflies.] Then Yvonne identified a species extremely rare in St. Charles County. A bonus when we parked was an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and a Giant Swallowtail feasting on the nectar of the monarda or bee balm plant.
This outing is for you if you want to combine your love of hiking with your desire to create art! Castlewood State Park is iconic for its vistas of the Meramec River. MORE INFO
Perseid Meteor Shower at Babler State Park - August 8
Come see a large number of meteors fall from the sky! It’s quite a memorable sight. It is an outing coordinated with Babler State Park and the St. Louis Astronomical Society. There will be telescopes available and astronomy society members will be available to answer questions. MORE INFO
Join the Eastern Missouri Group Executive Committee Meeting and hear updates and voice your thoughts on how EMG is impacting the region. MORE INFO
Outing Leaders Meeting - August 13
Join our monthly meeting with Outing Leaders to discuss upcoming hikes! MORE INFO
Dump the Dumpster Day - August 15
The earthday365 event will feature multiple vendors accepting donations such as electronics, latex paint, batteries, and sports equipment. View the tabs below to see what is accepted and what to avoid. We hope you can join! MORE INFO
GO Green Justice Team Monthly Meeting - August 19
Join us on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7:00pm as we fight for clean, affordable, renewable energy for our communities. MORE INFO
2026 Gateway Outdoor Summit - August 20
Shaping the future through ideas, leadership, and expanding access to outdoor recreation in St. Louis and beyond. The Gateway Outdoor Summit is a one-day event that brings together changemakers from across St. Louis and the Midwest — industry professionals, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates. MORE INFO
MO Sierra Space | MOSS - August 26
Join the Sierra Club Missouri Chapter new & returning members, supporters, volunteers, allies, and staff to intentionally connect from across the state to: 1) build community amongst ourselves as teammates in Sierra Club’s mission, vision, values, and norms; 2) share updates on campaigns, victories, or other goings on in the state; 3) provide actionable steps to support grassroots organizing efforts for MO communities and environment. RSVP HERE
On June 29, Rick Armstrong led 6 cyclists on a ride from Tower Grove Park to the Chuck Berry statue on Delmar. We had covered about 18 miles when we returned to Tower Grove. We appreciated the slight breeze. Rick demonstrated his safe route consisting of about 80% bike trails [Tower Grove Park, Tower Grove Connector, Forest Park, and Wash U campus] and 20% relatively safe streets. A highlight was riding the newly completed portion of the Tower Grove Connector next to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Note the dedicated bike lanes and the 'green bicycle' traffic signal. Our next ride will probably be in August on Madison County's paved bike trails near Edwardsville.
Great Rivers Greenway has completed about 140 miles of bike trails in St. Louis City and County. Their Brickline Greenway which will run from the Arch to Forest Park is about one-third complete. When both are constructed, the Tower Grove Connector will connect Tower Grove Park to the Brickline.
O'Fallon Park-Tree Watering - August 7
After the 2025 tornado, O’Fallon Park was left with less than 15% of its original tree canopy. In Spring 2026, Forest ReLeaf partnered with GRG, STL City Forestry and other community groups to replant over 350 trees for shade, beauty, and storm water management. In order for these trees to grow into their full potential, the Sierra Club is looking for help watering these saplings in preparation for their first year of growth. This activity will require volunteers to walk short distances while carrying heavy buckets of water. We will provide all tools and gloves necessary to weed, water and mulch. We really need your help! SIGN UP HERE
Ron Coleman Kickoff Cleanup for Operation Clean Stream - August 11
In advance of the main event on August 22nd, we invite you to participate in a special kickoff cleanup on August 11. This early effort is made possible with the support of Open Space STL, Sierra Club, The Alpine Shop, and Missouri Stream Team. SIGN UP HERE
Tower Grove South Tree Care - August 22
Make a lasting impact, meet great people, and learn about tree care with STL Neighborhood Foresters. All are welcome to attend! Trees are critical to human wellbeing, but city street trees need routine care to be good neighbors. They will prune trees to help them live long, healthy lives, shading our city. MORE INFO
Lemonade Stand at St. Charles Festival of the Little Hills - August 21, 22, 23
On August 21, 22, and 23, the Sierra Club will be back at The Festival of the Little Hills! The Downtown St. Charles Festival is one of the largest in the area, drawing artists and crafters from across the Midwest. We are excited to sell our famous fresh-squeezed lemonade to support our Eastern Missouri Group (EMG)! This will be a great and fun opportunity to connect with EMG volunteers in person and the greater St. Louis Metro community! SIGN UP TODAY
By Deb Maurer
With a cooler cloudy day, 11 volunteers led by Stephanie Todd and I helped to pick up trash stretched from Olive Boulevard to Shaw Park in Clayton. Half of the group went north towards Olive boulevard with the other half going south towards Shaw Park. Trash was moderate this time which made the work a little easier. Our next trash pick up on October 24 will be in conjunction with Open Space STL’s River Des Peres Trash Bash.
