View of the Current River taken from kayak inside Cave Spring. Photo by Louise Bullock
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.
Love spending time in Missouri's parks, forests, rivers, and trails? By Marisa Frazier
Summer is full of opportunities to experience the incredible landscapes that make Missouri's state parks so special. This year, we're rolling out the Love Our Parks Summer Series, designed to bring people outdoors to connect with nature, build community, discover the beauty of Missouri's state parks, and learn how to protect them.
Through this summer's Love Our Parks series, dozens of participants have already hiked scenic trails, paddled beautiful waterways, camped under the stars, participated in habitat restoration and aquatic species research, and built lasting connections with one another and the outdoors.
Castlewood State Park was full of energy at a recent Sierra Club Outing. We talked about the upcoming vote on Amendment 1 and heard from a volunteer with Missouri State Parks Association about the importance of raising awareness for the vote. During our hike, we observed the different habitats on the Lone Wolf Trail—from river bottom to upland forest—and discussed ongoing stewardship work that Sierra Club leads with park staff.
Photos by Matt Self
Missouri parks tax won every county in 2016. Backers worry about crowded primary this year From Missouri Independent The renewal has long been a safe bet, but supporters fear anti-sales-tax messaging around Amendment 5 could spill over. READ MORE
As tornado demolitions begin in St. Louis, dust and health concerns swirl From STLPR City, state and federal contractors are slated to demolish hundreds of homes damaged or destroyed by the tornado in the coming months. Some were owned by residents; others were vacant buildings. But no matter who is paying for the demolitions, residents are in for a dusty summer, and experts say neighbors should take precautions. READ MORE
As Forest Park turns 150, take a look at a day in the life of St. Louis’ crown jewel From STL Magazine Experience the rhythms of the park from dawn to dusk. Forest Park opened a century and a half ago, in the summer of 1876. READ HERE
Team Trump uses tax dollars to scuttle renewable energy project (yet again) From MS NOW As the war with Iran moves toward a possible end, one of the many takeaways of the conflict is that it’s clearly in Americans’ interest to embrace renewable energy, not just because it’s cleaner and cheaper, but also because it helps shield U.S. consumers from international turmoil. READ HERE
Hiking on the Hickory Canyon Trail during Lisa Hosey’s Mother’s Day outing. Photo by unknown passerby
Energy Burden Community Listening Session - July 8 Join us at the Child and Family Empowerment Center in North City to discuss the impacts of persistent energy burden - rising energy bills - in St. Louis. Dinner provided, vegan options available. MORE INFO
Green Living Festival - July 11 Help your family, friends, and coworkers live green! The Missouri Botanical Garden’s annual Green Living Festival is back refreshed and ready to provide you with sustainable solutions. Join experts at the Garden for a full day of active learning, exploring and engaging in ideas for taking action in your everyday life. Hosted by Missouri Botanical Garden’s EarthWays Center. MORE INFO
Make Art on the Trail at Castlewood State Park - July 11 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
Dragonfly Walk at Busch Conservation Area with Yvonne Homeyer - July 12
Dragonflies and damselflies are often called birdwatchers’ insects. Large, brightly colored, active in the daytime, and displaying complex and interesting behaviors, they have existed since the days of the dinosaurs, and they continue to flourish. Join us to learn about these fascinating insects from one of our area’s experts. MORE INFO
O'Fallon Park Recreation Complex Trash Pick Up - July 13
This will be a summer camp experience for kids from River City Outdoors. There will be approximately 20 to 30 kids. This is their event and we will be assisting. There will be several Outings Leaders from River City Outdoors to assist in supervision and to make it a fun experience for the kids. MORE INFO
EMG ExCom Meeting - July 14
Join the Eastern Missouri Group Executive Committee Meeting and hear updates and voice your thoughts on how EMG is impacting the region. MORE INFO
GO Green Justice Team Monthly Meeting - July 15
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
Sierra Club Happy Hour at Llywelyn's Pub in Webster Groves - July 16 The FIRST Happy Hour was a HUGE success, so we're doing it again. Come join us at Llywelyn's Pub in Webster Groves. This will be FUN!! We'll have some drinks and you have the option of staying for dinner. Look forward to seeing YOU there! RSVP HERE
Summer of Action: Letter to the Editor Training - July 20 The Sierra Club, Missouri Chapter is ready for a Summer of Action! Join us as we lead a training to teach attendees how to use Letter to the Editors (LTEs) as a tool in advocating for Missouri's environment & communities. Please RSVP to receive the Zoom link for this virtual training. MORE INFO
MO Sierra Space | MOSS - July 29 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
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
Exploring the Rockwoods Reservation Rock Quarry Trail By Nancy Newcomer On June 5, Sierra Club participants enjoyed a morning hike on the Rock Quarry Trail at Rockwoods Reservation. This 2.2-mile loop provided an opportunity to experience one of the St. Louis region's most diverse natural areas while learning about the ecology and history of the site.
Along the trail, hikers stopped at several points to discuss the unique geology of the reservation, native plant communities, and the role of stewardship in protecting these special places. Participants observed the transition between forest habitats, examined native wildflowers and trees, and discussed the importance of invasive species management in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, We look forward to seeing both familiar and new faces on future Eastern Missouri Group outings.
Photos submitted by Nancy Newcomer
Conservation Committee Meeting - July 8 The Missouri Chapter Conservation Committee holds its regular meeting each month to review ongoing conservation initiatives, discuss habitat protection and wildlife management issues affecting the state, and coordinate volunteer and advocacy efforts. SIGN UP
Centennial Greenway Trash Pick Up - July 11 EMG has volunteered to adopt a 2-mile section of the Centennial Greenway for trash pick-up. We will meet in the parking lot near Half Price Books on the northeast corner of Delmar and McKnight in University City which is the mid-point of our 2-mile section. Our section of the Greenway extends from Olive Blvd to Shaw Park and we will break into two groups. One group will walk 1-mile north to Olive Blvd and the other will walk 1-mile south to Shaw Park. You will find that you’ll have fun being social with other trash haters during this event. SIGN UP HERE
Looking for IT help As an organization managed by volunteers, so is our website! Are you interested in helping us update and manage our website? After completing a 1 hour online training, you can help build our group's digital prescence! Reach out to Chapter Coordinator Ashton Rowling (ashton.rowling@sierraclub.org) to get involved.
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
Volunteer at this year's St. Charles Festival of the Little Hills!
