Oklahoma Sierra Club October E-News
Remember the latest info is always on-line at http://oklahoma.sierraclub.org/cimarron
In this eNews:
- Seeking Energetic Chapter Director
- Watershed Moment for Climate Action
- Oklahoma Chapter 2014 awardees!
- October Events
- November Events
- U.S. Virgin Islands Outing in April 2015
Seeking Energetic Candidates for OKLAHOMA SIERRA CLUB CHAPTER Director
Top salary and benefits for an experienced fundraiser, lobbyist & grassroots organizer. E-mail cover letter/resume/reference/questions to: oklahomasierraclub@gmail.com. Full job description available online: Oklahoma Chapter Director Job Description. Application deadline October 27, 2014. We are an equal opportunity employer.
Watershed Moment for Climate Action!
When the Sierra Club got involved helping organize the People's Climate March held last Sunday, Sept. 21, we had high hopes that it would be the largest climate march in history. Little did we know that when the moment arrived, more than 400,000 people would turn out in New York City. Everyday citizens from across the nation -- and Canada -- joined with religious, tribal, labor, youth, environmental, and civil rights activists, sending a powerful message to world leaders attending the UN Climate Summit that the time for meaningful climate action is now! (Watch this great film about climate change that was shown all over the country in conjunction with the march: http://watchdisruption.com/) These events may well turn out to be the watershed moment that turned the tide in the fight against climate disruption. Oklahomans attending the NYC event (that we know of) were: Janice Hamilton, Melissa Vaughn, Donna Clifford-Jones, Mary Francis, and Joel Olson. (Former Oklahoma Chapter leader, Chris Applegate, also attended.)
A champion Red Earth Group activist, Mary Francis,made the news carrying a sign proclaiming herself an “angry granny” . Mary was quoted as saying, “This is a problem that my generation has created,” said Francis, 72. “My parents didn’t know about this problem. But my generation knows and we have to do what we can to fix what we can.” You can read that news article here!
The People’s Climate March in OKC drew nearly 400 people on the same day in downtown OKC. In addition to Sierra Club’s participation, there were many different groups involved. Cimarron Group chair, Doug Hill, wore the Sierra Club banner on his bag as we marched a mile through downtown. Thanks to everyone who showed up … we had around twenty folks from our own group.
Oklahoma Chapter 2014 Awardees
At the A Night with Sierra Club Gala, we awarded several individuals and organizations for outstanding journalism, public service, earth care, and activism. Take a look at the Oklahoma Chapter 2014 awardees here!
- October 5, 2014, 10am - 4pm - Hiking/Caving in Wichita Wildlife Refuge
Let's check out the grottoes at the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. This involves being under a lot of rock in the dark. However, it's a rough hike up Elk Mountain to get to the entrance. Folks attending should be comfortable with heights and comfortable with some scrambling/bouldering/slopey stuff. Lights and helmets are required. Knee pad/sleeves/pants are optional. Meet at the Wichita Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 10:00am. If you'd like to caravan or carpool, then meet at Oklahoma City Community College at 8:15am. We'll be leaving at 8:30am sharp. Click here to register!
- October 12, 2014, 10am - 5pm - Day Hike Osage Hills State Park
Osage Hills State Park has three of the neatest trails in our state parks. This group will hike all three in one afternoon, making one huge loop around the park in about 3 hours. It is a great fall walk in the woods, visiting Lookout Lake and The Overlook. Registration required, 10 hiker maximum, click here for more information and to register.
- October 14, 2014, 7-9pm - Elected Official Meet & Greet (OKC)
Join us to meet and greet those running for office in Oklahoma this November in Oklahoma City, and learn to tell the Greenies from the Meanies. The Sierra Club Political Action Committee and the Group Chairs will host an event for political candidates endorsed by Sierra Club. This is a members only event (except please bring your significant others) because of the funding source. Please let us know if you would like to donate wine or snacks. Click here for more information and to register! - October 16, 2014, 7-9pm - General Meeting: Scenes from the Teton Crest Trail
Join us for scenes from an unforgettable 5-night/6-day backpack through the heart of the Teton Range on a trail that Backpacker Magazine touts as having "constant, incredible scenery, great campsites, abundant wildlife, and accessibility for all types of backpackers." We embarked on our adventure last summer by riding the Teton Village's aerial tramway to a starting altitude of 10,450'. Our 35-mile long, high-country route rarely dipped below 8,500', affording us incredible up-close views of the Teton Range. The trail took us over 4 passes, through alpine tundra and forests, and a longside pristine lakes and streams, finally ending near picturesque Jenny Lake. Come join us for this scenic program at the Cimarron Sierra Club monthly meeting. Location: 3332 North Meridian Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK. Meetings start at 7:00 PM with wine and appetizers. Programs start at 7:30 PM.
- October 18, 2014, 11:00am - Urban Outing to Osteology Museum
The Osteology Museum is a very unique museum, with over 300 skeletons from all over the world! We will meet at the Museum of Osteology at 11:00am. After touring the museum, we will meet for lunch at Fuzzy's Tacos in Bricktown. Location: 10301 S. Sunnylane road , Oklahoma City, OK. Museum prices are $6.00+tax for children ages 3 - 12 and $7.00+tax for adults. Click here for more information and to register for this urban outing!
- October 26, 2014 - 10am - 2m - Family Trip to Martin Park Nature Center
This event is for folks who love Martin Park Nature Center, or what to get to know it better. Join us as we take in all the park has to offer! This trip is appropriate for all ages. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Click here for more information and to register!
- October 31, 2014 - 6:30pm - Outings Meeting / Costume Party
Its time again for another fun Outings meeting! Everyone is welcome! Bring a potluck dish and some ideas for outings, or just come and be the first to hear about upcoming outings to get it on your calendar! Even if you're not an Outings Leader, if you have an idea for a possible outing, come and share it with us! There will be outings leaders in attendance ready and willing to assist with making your outing idea happen! Dress in a costume for Halloween celebration! Location: 10800 E Hefner Rd, Jones, OK. Approx. 5 miles east of Interstate 35 on Hefner Road.
- November 7-9, 2014 - Cedar Lake Family Car Camping Trip
Let's enjoy the fall colors at Cedar Lake, OK with a family car camping outing. This will be an EASY outing - perfect for both adults and children. This will be our 7th year to enjoy this car camping family-experience. This adventure gives all a chance to explore, enjoy, and to learn techniques to protect our wonderful Oklahoma outdoors. Our outing includes a family-walk to visit a horse camp, giving us a chance to not only see and smell, but to touch some of the horses. Another walk will be around Cedar Lake for 2 to 3 leisurely miles. On Sunday morning, after walking in the Kerr Arboretum, we will take a ride on the world famous Oklahoma Talimena Trail as we start back home. This outing permits us to learn about this beautiful part of OK; to experience car camping; to learn of particular conservation issues in this part of OK; to practice conservation issues and car camping/wilderness courtesy ("if you pack it in, you pack it out"); to explore historical sites; to watch and learn about wonders of the night sky; and to develop friendships with like-minded people. Click here to register and for more information!
- November 8, 2014 - Birding and Burgers
It is time for the annual Birding and Burgers outing, featuring a morning guided bird walk and a backyard cookout lunch in Stillwater, OK. This is a joint offering of Payne County Audubon Society and the Cimarron Group of the Sierra Club. Activities will include a guided morning bird walk followed by a backyard cookout lunch. There is no group limit, but advance registration is necessary to join in the lunch. At 9:00 a.m. OSU’s Dr. Tim O’Connell will lead the group in looking for migrant species plus our favorite locals. Tim teaches ornithology and is Vice President of Payne County Audubon Society. Lunch will be served on site, with hot burgers, chips, drinks and a dessert. Click here for more information and to register!
- November 15, 2014 - Visit the Oklahoma City Zoo
Have you visited the zoo lately? With the cooler weather, November is a great time for it! We will meet at the zoo at 9 am and then meet again afterwards for lunch at Picasso's Cafe in the Paseo Arts District. Click here to register for this fun Urban Outing!
- November 20, 2014 - General Meeting: Consumer Health Alert ... What's in the Products You Use Daily?
Reducing Exposures to Contaminants of Emerging Concerns
Presenter: Evelina Morales, Ph.D., retired as Epidemiologist/Toxicologist/Risk Assessor for the OK Dept of Environmental Quality (1993-2010) and now has her own consulting firm, The Risk Consulting, LLC. She is a member of the National Sierra Club Toxics Campaign Committee. A full bio of her educational background and experience may be found online here.
Contaminants of Emerging Concerns (CECs) are found in consumer products at very, very low concentrations but are linked to health problems and developmental effects on living organisms, including humans. They are not currently regulated, but are in the air we breathe, food we eat, water we drink, detergents we use, garments we wear, furniture, cooking utensils, and finally ending in wastewater effluent that contaminates surface and groundwater. Knowing what they are, where they are found, and understanding how they affect our health will provide us the best way to avoid being exposed to these CECs. Taking action now is important, because merely waiting can jeopardize our lives and the lives of the future generations. Meeting starts at 7:00 PM with wine and appetizers. Program start at 7:30 PM. Location: United Life Spiritual Center, 3332 North Meridian Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK
- November 22 & 23rd, 2014 - Ozark Highland's Trail Backpack Outing
Spend a fall weekend hiking and camping along Arkansas' premier Ozark Highland's Trail. The season should be just right for autumn foliage and the weather will be perfect for snuggling in that old sleeping bag. The hike will cover about 5 miles per day on a sometimes-difficult trail. Check out more information and register here!
- April 11-18, 2015 - Upscale Camping in the Caribbean
They call in "glamping", and this group will spend a week doing just that. Glamourous camping at scenic Can Bay on St. Croix. We will stay in modern tent cabins, snorkel the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, and make day excursions to sail, hike and generally explore the largest of the US Virgin Islands. Click here for more information and to register for this glamorous outing!
Other Info
- Metro OKC Local Food Guide: Farmers Markets, Food Coops, Restaurants, Storefronts and Caterers now on-line at http://oklahoma.sierraclub.org/cimarron
- More events can be found online: http://oklahoma2.sierraclub.org/getoutdoors