Our hearts are heavy with the grief and pain that our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) members, friends, partners, and communities continue to experience as a result of systemic racism, police brutality and the heightened risk from COVID-19. Environmental issues cannot be separated from racial and social justice. We can’t succeed in enlisting humanity in protecting the human and natural world while racism continues to divide us and inflict suffering. Sierra Club is on a journey to becoming a better ally and accomplice against racism. We commit to centering and uplifting the voices and experiences of BIPOC people. |
Third Thursday Meeting and Social August 20 from 6 to 7 pm "Doors Open" at 5:45 for greetings.
Join friends and other environmentally conscious people to share information and ideas. Topics this month include supporting environmental and social justice champions running for office, as well as timely Action Items and an opportunity to talk with other participants. Hope to see you! Optional RSVP to let us know you're coming.
On August 20th Join Our Gathering |
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Park Land vs Clearcut: Speak out now
We only have until August 17, when the County Council votes on this: Land adjacent to Wallace Falls is about to be logged by the Dept of Natural Resources. Citizens in the Wallace Falls area ask you to Sign a Letter to the County Executive and Council urging creation of a park on that land. Snohomish County could have a park connecting two recreation gems: the Wild Sky Wilderness to the east and Wallace Falls State Park to the west. This would offer recreation, economic and ecological benefits. |
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Responsible Development Needed A dangerous lack of regulations in Snohomish County allows developers to clear-cut property before all permits are issued. The bankrupt, unbuildable Frognal development at Picnic Point is an example of what happens when land is cleared before feasibility studies are complete. The formerly beautiful area is now a mudslide waiting to happen, endangering homes and a salmon stream below. Several other ill-advised projects, such as Ironwood and Ambleside are now moving ahead. Please send an email to the County Council and County Executive, requesting they enact legislation prohibiting early clearing before permits are issued.
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Yehow! Local Pipeline Movie Premier Thursday August 13th at 7 pm. View on Trailer now. On August 13th watch the premier on Zoom and then join the discussion that follows. Many committed activists came together to fight a pipeline expansion project in South Snohomish county, uncovering major climate and environmental impacts along the way. Unfortunately, the "natural" gas industry prevailed and the project was completed despite the danger to neighborhoods, sensitive areas and the climate. This pipeline is estimated to generate more carbon dioxide-equivalent emission than the entire city of Seattle. Discussion of the process may generate ideas for successfully resisting such projects in the future.
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Climate Solutions Webinar
Thursday August 13th from 10 am to 11 am
This webinar will examine the use of gas in buildings, its impacts on our health and climate, and -- most importantly -- how it can be phased out and replaced by electricity. Join the discussion to hear about action taking place around the state, why we need it, and what comes next.
See details and join Webinar |
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Equity and Justice Discussion
Thursday Aug. 27 from 7 pm, sign-in 6:45 pm
Join Sno-Isle Sierra Club members and friends to learn about and discuss equity and justice issues. This month's discussion will be based on prior reading of " Why Is Equity Important?" Please bring info from books, videos or podcasts that have helped you understand equity issues. Also bring action items to share. |
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Black National Convention
Friday, August 28 starting at 4 pm
Tune in to the public portion of the Black National Convention hosted by the Movement for Black Lives and the Electoral Justice Project. A Black political agenda will be ratified in preparation for the pivotal role Black voters will play in the November election. |
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Puget Sound Bird Fest
Registration opens August 15 Virtual Bird Fest September 12-13 This year's Bird Fest will feature a webinar on Saturday September 12 with keynote speaker and crow expert Dr. Kaeli Swift. See Schedule and Register |
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Elections Sno-Isle Sierra Club endorsed candidates had a successful primary campaign. ALL of our State Legislative endorsed candidates advanced to the General election! See the full list of endorsed candidates for Snohomish & Island Counties. Now we need to support their efforts for the November election. Can you wave signs, post them in your yard, make campaign contributions, tell your friends and family? "Get Out the Vote" efforts are critical. Contact campaigns to find out how you can help.
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New research supports the goal of protecting 30% of the planet by 2030. Extensive research demonstrates that nature conservation is key to a resilient global economy and that the economic benefits outweigh the cost by at least 5-to-1. According to Dr. Beth Fulton, "The benefits to humanity are incalculable, and the cost of inaction is unthinkable." Now is the time to finance nature.
The report shows the value of Earth's biodiversity in monetary terms, in ecosystem services, and also in spiritual and moral terms. See the short News Release |
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Orca vs Navy Testing
Testing bombs, torpedoes, and underwater sonar in Puget Sound is being recognized as a threat to our endangered Southern Resident Orca population and other sea mammals. Opposition from Washington's governor, attorney general and state agencies may yet stop plans for the military testing program. See the Seattle Times Article |
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Dams Coming Down
Removal of dams on the Pilchuck and Nooksak rivers make this a dam-busting summer. The Pilchuck River now has 37 miles of salmon habitat open for the first time in over a century, and will benefit multiple species of salmon, including threatened Chinook salmon, crucial for Southern Resident Orcas.
Removing the Middle Fork Nooksack Dam will restore access to 16 miles of habitat for threatened salmon and steelhead.
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Summer Outings Virtual Rendezvous
Monday August 17th 6:45 pm
Meet other outdoor enthusiasts and share stories. You know, the typical conversations we enjoy during an outing. I'll be at the virtual trailhead waiting for you at 6:45 pm to join our virtual journey. At 7 pm we start. Share your thoughts on how to prevent suffering a nature deficit; share one of your future outings plans; and reminiscence the most inspirational trip of your past.
For those who want to socialize after the outing -- you may remember how enjoyable it is to stop for refreshments and chat before going home -- stay awhile and linger as long as you want.
Bring a friend. No participant limit, and no liability waiver to sign. Just fun!
Optional RSVP to let us know you are coming
Connect with Zoom
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| Food for Thought
Still I Rise
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
by Maya Angelou
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