Photo by Louise Bullock. Lower Rock Creek leading upstream to Cathedral Canyon, Madison County, MO.
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.
Sierra Club Statement on Trump Administration’s Elimination of the EPA’s Endangerment Finding Lee Zeldin and Donald Trump plan to toss out the endangerment finding on blatantly specious legal grounds, attempting to wish away the Supreme Court’s landmark 2007 holding in Massachusetts v. EPA that the Clean Air Act does cover greenhouse gas pollution. While this rule specifically concerns greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, EPA has made clear that it will do the same for other major sources of climate pollution like power plants.
Castlewood Service Project By Laura Self At Castlewood State Park, we removed an old wooden retaining wall. Then, we filled in an uneven area of a trail so that a motorized adaptive wheelchair can travel safely on the surface. The park staff brought in four ton of boulders with a dump truck. Then there were three loads of progressively small rock to fill in. This was not our typical work day at Castlewood. The staff was thrilled that we finished the project in just three hours. We had a great group.
Photos by Laura Self.
US Government Is Accelerating Coral Reef Collapse, Scientists Warn From Inside Climate News Proposed Endangered Species Act rollbacks and military expansions are leaving the Pacific’s most diverse coral reefs legally defenseless. READ HERE
This City Turned Its Rooftops into a Climate Shield From Reasons to Be Cheerful As cities struggle with heat, Zürich offers a masterclass in using vegetation to cool streets, manage stormwater and restore biodiversity. READ MORE
Open Space STL Welcomes Laumeier Sculpture Park into Community Stewardship Alliance Program Through the CSA program, Open Space STL and the St. Louis County Department of Parks & Recreation partner to restore and actively manage Laumeier’s native oak woodlands—some of which are more than 100 years old. While often overlooked amid Laumeier’s nationally significant sculpture collection, these woodlands are vital ecological assets now threatened by invasive species, particularly bush honeysuckle. READ MORE
Appeals court questions shifting reasons for Trump’s EPA killing clean energy contracts From Associated Press A federal appeals court grilled both the Trump administration and the nonprofits picked to run a $20 billion “green bank” program over the termination of their contacts, questioning whether federal officials made up reasons to block the program and whether the nonprofits were demanding access to money that wasn’t technically theirs to control. READ MORE
Outings Report By Rick Armstrong On February 17, sixteen of us hiked the 3.2-mile White Bison trail in Lone Elk County Park. Along the way, Rick related the history of the area from the St. Louis Ordnance Plant in the 1940s and 1950s (storage and testing of ammunition and TNT) to the development of Lone Elk Park and Washington University Research Center. On the hike, we saw a few members of the elk herd. We were in awe that we could safely hike so close to these elegant animals. Driving out, we viewed a few of their bison herd. Up close (from inside the car!), their massive size was impressive.
Then eight of us crossed the road for a guided tour of the World Bird Sanctuary. Our guide, Sam, loved telling us about the history, role, and personalities of each of their birds. They treat and release many birds but those with wing or eye injuries and those that have been 'imprinted' on humans become part of their menagerie for educational excursions and visitors like us. In addition, they cooperate with other bird sanctuaries in breeding programs for endangered species. An unexpected treat was facetime with McGwire, a sociable and vocal adult bald eagle.
World Bird Sanctuary and Lone Elk Park Outing. Photo by Rick Armstrong.
St. Louis County FUSRAP - March 5 The Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) is an environmental remediation program. This is a virtual meeting where the St. Louis FURSAP team will give updates on remediation efforts, current and future operations, and will be followed by a Q/A portion at the end. MORE INFO HERE
Thrifty Trails Gear swap-Eco Park - March 7 Have any unused gear you want to save from the landfill? Join us Saturday for a gear and clothing swap and sustainability talk. A flat ground 2.5 mile walk around Eco park and Katy trail in downtown St.Charles. Please bring any pre-loved gear or clothing and take what you need! All unclaimed gear will be donated to BSA Troop 351 and 975. We accept gear and clothing for any and everything outdoorsy! MORE INFO
Grand Bluffs Conservation Area & KATY Trail Hike/Walk/Eat - March 7 This 236-acre area features a stretch of dolomite bluffs overlooking the Missouri River. They are a portion of a spectacular and scenic two-mile stretch of 300-foot bluffs along the river. These steep bluffs were formed by the river, which is now one-half mile south. Steep hike that is rewarded with an awesome view of the Missouri River bottoms, Katy Trail & Highway 94 and a Lewis and Clark historical marker. Bring binoculars! MORE INFO
St. Louis ICO Committee Meeting - March 8 The ICO is "Inspiring Connections Outdoors"- a part of Sierra Club Outings in general, but specific for creating partnerships with agencies, families, and individuals who do not have access to green spaces and outings activities in general. In other words, the ICO contributes to the creation of outdoor equity by connecting youth with limited access to the outdoors through outings that promote wellness, connection, & leadership. SIGN UP HERE
EMG ExCom Meeting - March 10 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 - March 12
Join our monthly meeting with Outing Leaders to discuss upcoming hikes! MORE INFO
Beginner Bird Walk in Kennedy Forest - March 15
Join us for a leisurely walk through Forest Park’s Kennedy Forest with the goal of spotting and identifying birds. No birding experience is necessary, but please bring binoculars if you want to enjoy the birding part of the outing! MORE INFO
GO Green Justice Team Monthly Meeting - March 18
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
Trivia Night benefiting SC - March 21
Join the SLU MSW Alumni & Student Association's 16th Annual Trivia Night benefiting the Sierra Club and Peter & Paul Community Services! Bring a group or just yourself! Join us for a fun-filled evening including, cash prizes, attendance prizes and more! MORE INFO
Visions for Flood Mitigation - March 24
Flooding is an issue throughout the metro St. Louis area. In response to flooding, the University City Flood Task Force is sponsoring a presentation and discussion on solutions to reduce at the University City High School library. The main speaker will be Kirkland Preston, a stormwater specialist and engineer, presenting a successful innovative flood mitigation project in Springfield, MO. Also presenting will be an SLU Professor, Jason Knouft, and the head of University City's Stormwater Commission.The event is free. REGISTER HERE
MO Sierra Space | MOSS - March 25 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
Saint Francois State Park Day Hike - March 28
Swimming Deer trail is famous for its bluebells and other wildflowers as well as great bluff views. At first, this will be a leisurely stroll taking our time viewing the bluebells and other spring flowers. Then finishing the rest of the trail with a hike. MORE INFO
Bluebells and Daffodils at Shaw - March 31
If mother nature cooperates, on our way to the Maritz Trail House we will drive past the annual display of daffodils, planted when the Nature Reserve was intended to replace the Botanical Garden due to excessive coal pollution in the 1920s. After a short briefing on the mission of Shaw Nature Reserve from a senior Ecological Staff member, we will hike the 2 1/2-mile Rus Goddard River Trail loop to the Meramec River. MORE INFO
Data Centers in our Communities: What We Know, What's at Stake, and What We Can Do - April 8
The Sierra Club and the Audubon Society will host Sally Burgess and Henry Robertson from the Sierra Club for a presentation about data centers and what communities can do to slow down the onslaught of proposed data centers pushing into all areas of the Midwest. Learn what you can do. MORE INFO
Wild and Scenic Film Festival - April 12
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is making its return to Columbia, MO on Sunday, April 12, celebrating over two decades of activism through film and art! MORE INFO
Outings Report By Diana Miller We hiked approximately three miles around the perimeter of Ft. Bellefontaine; Coldwater Creek being on the west side and the Missouri on the north side. We talked about the history of the Fort and a little of what was going on with Coldwater Creek and its contamination. We walked to the confluence of the two, which was not on the trail, but at the suggestion of one of the participants, we did. There was snow on the ground and it was a great day for a hike. We ended up seeing two eagles but unfortunately no pictures of them! But attached are pictures of the group, the confluence of the creek and the river and a couple of other structures that were built by the WPA.
Photo by Diana Miller.
Castlewood Service Project - March 6 The specifics of our tasks depend on what they determine is the parks greatest need at the time. Some of these tasks are maintaining and repairing trails, closing social trails, and picking up trash. MORE INFO
Belleview Farm Work Party - March 14 West of Castlewood State Park, Belleview Farm Park is a natural treasure with an incredible view of the Meramec Valley and 100 acres of woodland and meadow. Friends of Belleview is working in partnership with Wildwood parks and recreation to restore the park and open it to the public. MORE INFO
Trail Work at Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry - March 18 Twice a year Sierra Club does a multi-day trail maintenance stewardship in the amazing backcountry of Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry. In addition to making sure that trails are passable and adequately as well as accurately blazed, participants get a chance to hike and work in a back country that is beautiful and unique. MORE INFO
Volunteer Slalom Race Judges Needed for 2026 Missouri Whitewater Championships - March 28-29 Members of the Eastern Missouri Group of the Sierra Club have always helped as volunteer slalom race judges at the Missouri Whitewater Association’s annual whitewater races, now in its 59th year! This year’s slalom races will be held on the rapids of the St. Francis River for paddlers in kayak, canoe and SUP (stand-up paddleboard) at Millstream Gardens Conservation Area near Fredericktown—one of the most spectacular outdoor venues in Missouri. Both first timers and experienced volunteers who have judged in past are welcome and needed. We teach you everything at our race judge training sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings of the race. Everyone who volunteers for a full day of judging, or other work assignment gets a free race T-shirt. SIGN UP
EMG Sponsored Trash Pick-Up - April 11 Come out on Saturday, April 11, and help pick-up trash along a two mile section of the Centennial Great Rivers Greenway Trail. We meet at 9:00 in the parking lot located at the northeast corner of Delmar and McKnight in University City. We split into two groups; one group goes to Olive Blvd and the other group goes to Shaw Park. Each section is two miles round-trip. EMG adopted this section of the trail and we do trash pick-ups quarterly. MORE INFO
Photos submitted by Stephanie Todd.
Photo by HD Key. From a hike at Indian Camp Creek.
