By Dave Campbell
We had excellent weather for this event and the sales numbers reflected that. Thanks to hard work, we made several thousand dollars for the Eastern Missouri Group. We used 30 cases of lemons this year! We had over 30 volunteers that showed up to help out.Thank YOU!! We hope you can join us at Earth Day in April.
This money goes toward our efforts to get people outside through hikes, paddling and stewardship work. It supports a wide variety of environmental initiatives like fighting against data centers and fighting for state parks and clean affordable renewable energy.
Buy native trees and shrubs from MDC State Forest Nursery
From MDC
Need trees and shrubs for your landscape? Go native with tree and shrub seedlings from the Missouri Department of Conservation. MDC’s George O. White State Forest Nursery offers a variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings for sale for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife food and cover, and other purposes. MORE INFO
In Missouri, a new EV charging concept pairs covered stalls, indoor lounges, and lodging
From The Cool Down
California EV charging startup Rangeway wants to make charging feel less like a stop in the far corner of a parking lot and more like a destination in its own right. The company is bringing that concept to Missouri, where it says EV travelers could eventually find covered charging areas, indoor lounges, and even motel-style overnight lodging. READ MORE
Scientists Are Releasing Mosquitoes on Purpose
From Climate Central
As climate change creates more favorable conditions for disease-carrying mosquitoes, communities are turning to an unusual form of mosquito control: more mosquitoes. Climate Central explores how releasing thousands of specially bred male mosquitoes can prevent wild mosquitoes from reproducing and spreading life-threatening diseases like dengue. READ MORE
Saving Old Trees Might Save Lives
From New York Times
Many cities across the country have been planting trees in neighborhoods where cooling shade has been sparse because of neglect in decades past. But a new study has found that simply adding trees is not enough: To get the most from tree cover, communities also have to preserve older ones. READ MORE
Not only are we gearing up for the Mid-term elections across the state, the Sierra Club is about to conduct our annual elections for both our Chapter and Group Executive Committees.
We are searching for candidates who are interested in advancing the Sierra Club's mission, providing service to members, supporters and the public, building local resources for the environmental movement, and exercising effective governance & fiduciary oversight of our programs.
Apply for either the Missouri Chapter or EMG Executive Committee by Friday, October 2!
Join the Eastern Missouri Group Executive Committee Meeting and hear updates and voice your thoughts on how EMG is impacting the region. MORE INFO
A Forest and Nature Therapy Walk at Quail Ridge Park - September 9
Forest Therapy is a practice that supports health and wellness through guided immersion in forests and nature environments to promote the well-being of both people and the land. MORE INFO
EMG Celebration & Award Ceremony - September 15
It is time to come together, to celebrate and recognize our collective achievements. As we do so, we are also delighted to honor one individual whose creativity, time, and dedication have helped make EMG outings not only successful, but exceptional: Dave Campbell. Therefore, please join us for an evening of celebration for all things EMG. RSVP HERE
The People's Data Center Hearing - make our voices heard! - September 16
Data Centers are coming and our legislators aren't listening to us. We need to make sure they hear us. Join us and our partner organizations in No MO Dirty Data Centers on September 16th, 2026 at 1:00pm in the Capitol Rotunda as we come together to demand legislators to pay attention and take action! RSVP!
GO Green Justice Team Monthly Meeting - September 16
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
Outing Leaders Meeting - September 17
Join our monthly meeting with Outing Leaders to discuss upcoming hikes! MORE INFO
Evening Hike at Pleasant Valley Nature Preserve - September 28
Pleasant Valley Nature Preserve is a little known hiking spot near St. Louis. The hiking trail (graveled throughout hike) meanders through small ridges and valleys (even including the entrance to a cavern beneath the hiking area). Reaching the top peak at sunset is planned then a beautiful sunset should appear unless there are weather issues. MORE INFO
MO Sierra Space | MOSS - September 30
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
Weekend in the Woods with Piasa Palisades Group - October 2-4
Several EMG outings leaders will be assisting the Piasa Palisades Group from Illinois with their Weekend in the Woods fall retreat happening from October 2nd through 4th. For information and to register, email palisadesviews@gmail.com before September 18th. MORE INFO HERE
By Laura Self
This year marks the 125th year anniversary of the Sierra Club’s outings program.
In July of 1901 William Cob, the Sierra Club secretary, initiated the High Trips—-large outdoor wilderness excursions. The first trip had 96 club members and ventured to Yosemite Valley. The group size grew to approximately 200 participants over the first few years. The High Trips were four weeks long but later were shortened to two week segments. The outings had mule packs carrying supplies and a support staff of 50. They had elaborate food and professional cooks. Mountaineering and rock climbing were common activities for the groups. Non climbers were dubbed the “meadoweers”.
In the early 1970's, the club concluded that the large groups had too great of an environmental impact on the fragile wilderness. So the High Trips evolved into the current outings program format with more outings, but with smaller group sizes across the United States.
Francis Farquhar, a mountaineer, environmentalist and author said, "The purpose of these outings was more than a vacation for the participants but to lead them to know and appreciate the beauty and inspiration of the mountains and to educate them to become defenders of the wilderness”. That sentiment is still true today.
Don Robinson State Park Service Project - September 4
Give back to a local favorite! We will work under the direction of park staff on priority needs, which may include trail maintenance, invasive species removal, or trash cleanup. Specific tasks will be shared with registered participants 1–2 days prior to the event if confirmed in advance by park staff. SIGN UP HERE
Castlewood Service Project - September 11
Description of outing: This is a wonderful way to engage with a beautiful and well-loved park, while enacting a commitment to conservation and making the outdoors accessible to all. We will be assisting in the general care and upkeep of the park under the direction of park staff. 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
Under the direction of park staff on priority needs, which may include trail maintenance, invasive species removal, or trash cleanup. Specific tasks will be shared with registered participants 1–2 days prior to the event if confirmed in advance by park staff. RSVP HERE
Trail work at Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry - Oct 7-11
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. SIGN UP
Trash Bash - October 24
EMG is teaming up with Open Space STL to pick-up trash along a two mile section of the Centennial Great Rivers Greenway. We will meet at 9:00am and 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. Everything will be provided but bring water. Volunteers will get T-shirts. REGISTER HERE
