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.
Operation Clean Stream Kick-off with the Sierra Club: Pacific Palisades to Allenton Access By Ed Bayham On August 12th, the Sierra Club revived a long tradition of Meramec River cleanup with Operation Clean Stream. This was the 58th Annual Operation Clean Stream event. In advance of the main event on August 23rd, Sierra Club members joined with Open Space STL, The Alpine Shop, and the Missouri Department of Conservation Stream Team to remove debris from this 7-mile stretch of the Meramec River. We were joined by KTVI’s Tim Ezell at 6:45 am to film a promotional broadcast. Pictured here is Co-Leader HD Key preparing for an on-water interview.
Photos by Ed Bayham.
Trash Pick-ups Sponsored by EMG EMG sponsored a trash pick-up along two miles of the Centennial Greenway on Saturday, Sept. 20. We had a total of eight people and picked up four large bags of trash. Join us for the next trash pick-up on Saturday, November 1, starting at 9:00. We meet at the northeast corner of the Delmar and McKnight intersection, in the parking lot for Half Priced Books. This is the half-way point and we split into two groups; each group going a total of two miles, out and back. Gloves, trash bags, and vests are provided. Please bring water and sunscreen. You can sign-up under Outings on the EMG website: Events & Outings | Sierra Club. Many hands make light work!
Photos by Debra Maurer and Stephanie Todd
Opposing Development in University City By Stephanie Todd EMG is opposing a proposed development in University City called The Enclaves at Canton, that will increase flooding in the area. The development would consist of 106 townhouses on an 11.3 acre section of an unused forested area of the United Hebrew Cemetery. This section has been untouched for over 100 years and contains old growth trees. It is also part of the River Des Peres watershed, which frequently floods. The developer will essentially clear-cut the entire area and replace it with impervious surfaces.
Flooding frequently occurs along the streets that border the proposed development and the adjacent houses. Two members from the Conservation Committee have been attending University City Stormwater Commission meetings to speak-out against the development. At the next Stormwater Commission Meeting, a vote is expected on the proposal. The meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 3:30 at the University City Community Center on Pennsylvania. You are welcome to attend this meeting to help protect old growth forests, preserve green spaces, and reduce flood risk.
Sierra Club Celebrates Loren Blackford as its Next Executive Director Loren has been a Sierra Club leader for nearly two decades, both as a volunteer and staff member. Her previous roles include Interim and Deputy Executive Director, as well as Sierra Club President and Sierra Club Foundation Board Chair. Throughout her career in sustainability and community development, Loren has focused on supporting and lifting up local work and voices. READ MORE
One City’s Race to ‘Solarize Everything We Possibly Can’ From Reason's to Be Cheerful Bordeaux is quickly transforming itself into France’s top solar-powered city, banking on innovations like transparent panels that preserve its historic architecture. READ MORE
Trump called climate change a ‘con job’ at the United Nations. Here are the facts and context From PBS Some countries’ leaders are watching rising seas threaten to swallow their homes. Others are watching their citizens die in floods, hurricanes and heat waves, all exacerbated by climate change. READ MORE
Q&A with a climate scientist: What’s with the weather? From Arbor Day Foundation To understand what’s driving weather changes, the Arbor Day Foundation sat down with climate scientist Dr. Daniel Swain. In this Q&A, he breaks down the science behind today’s disasters, explains the role of trees in building resilience, and shares why there’s still reason for hope. FULL STORY
This clear coating 'secretly' turns windows into solar panels: 'Without sacrificing aesthetics' From Goodgoodgood The researchers used a transparent, colorless, and one-directional solar concentrator that can easily and directly be applied to standard window glass. It’s made with a coating of “cholesteric liquid crystal,” a substance that has a unique ability to reflect wavelengths of light. READ MORE
Weldon Springs Sunflower Field. Weldon Springs, MO.
Hiking the St. Francois State Park Natural Area - October 12 We will have a short hike along the Mooner’s Hollow Trail through the steep narrow valley of Coonville Creek and its many rugged tributaries in the Coonville Creek Natural Area. Rewards for walking the trail include discovering dolomite glades, hilltop vistas, and a cascading waterfall. RSVP HERE
GO Green Justice Team Monthly Meeting - October 15 Join us on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 5:30-6:30pm as we fight for clean, affordable, renewable energy for our communities. We meet in the Dutchtown neighborhood, please register to be sent location information. MORE INFO
24th Annual Car Camping at Hawn State Park - October 17 Enjoy the splendor of Hawn State Park from the Boy Scout Area (Group Camp) while listening to the wind in the pines. Great for beginner campers and families. Bring your own food, tent and gear. Come for one, two or three days. 2-4 mile hike on Saturday. Space is limited. SIGN UP HERE
MO Sierra Space | MOSS - October 22 (virtual)
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. MORE INFO
Shaping the River's Future - October 22 Join National Audubon Society, One Mississippi, and local partners for public engagement workshops on the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) – a key U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) initiative shaping the future of the Mississippi River. REGISTER HERE
Building Community Through Sustainability - October 29
Join the Eastern Missouri Group & Olivette Parks and Recreation for a presentation by Kate Pichon-Hellmann of the Olivette Sustainability Advocates. "Building Community Through Sustainability: A Grassroots Journey presented by Kate Pichon-Hellmann, founder of Olivette Sustainability Advocates. This presentation explores the creation and growth of Olivette Sustainability Advocates, a community group focused on environmental sustainability. It highlights the inspiration for creating the group, the practical steps taken to engage members and build partnerships, and the lessons learned along the way. MORE INFO
EMG Annual Holiday Party and Potluck - December 6 Celebrate the season at the annual EMG Holiday Party! The holiday party is a potluck. Please bring a favorite dish to share. Microwave and refrigeration available. Crock pots for hot dishes suggested. Please note, there is no stove or oven. To help reduce our impact, please bring your reusable cup to enjoy the provided coffee and tea. If you would like to bring another beverage to share, please do! Please note that wine, beer, and champagne are the only alcoholic beverages allowed at the venue.This year the event will be from 6pm-9pm in the Becker Room at The Ethical Society, You can sign up on Campfire or contact Barb Wall at 314 691-6715. RSVP HERE
Trail Work at Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry - October 8-12 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. Overnight accommodations available. Choose a day to join the work or stay the entire time. Join us! MORE INFO
Conservation Committee Meeting - October 8 Join our monthly meeting with the Conservation Committee. RSVP HERE
Plant Native Trees & Shrubs at Family Forward - October 18 The Sierra Club is supporting their efforts to install a sensory garden on the five-acre campus, the first phase of which will be planting approximately 70 three-gallon native trees and scrubs in a planned landscaping scheme. RSVP HERE
Centennial Greenway Trash Pick Up - November 1 EMG has volunteered to adopt a 2-mile section of the Centennial Greenway for trash pick-up. 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
Trail Maintenance Work at O'Fallon Park - November 8 This is a great opportunity to do some trail building and maintenance work. If you have not done this work before, this is a wonderful way to learn. We will be working with the St. Louis City Parks, River City Outdoors. We will be cutting and clearing brush, creating new trail and marking trails. All tools will be provided by the Sierra Club. Participants can work as many hours as they want. MORE INFO
Celebrate the season at the annual EMG Holiday Party! Please bring a favorite dish to share. RSVP today!
