Get Involved! You'll Feel Better! - Part 1
by Rick Haeseler - CT Chapter EXCOM
Years ago I became involved in the government of the small town I lived in. Being at many committee and board meetings, I noticed that out of a population of 5500 people only about 200 people had any involvement in the government at all. Many of the same people were involved in two or more committees or civic groups.
When I became actively involved in Sierra Club nearly 10 years ago after years of “quiet” membership as the saying goes “it was déjà vu all over again”. I went to various committee meetings and noticed many of the same people involved in multiple committees.
I wonder what Connecticut Sierra Club could do if, instead of just over 1% of our members being actively involved, 4% or 5% of us were participating.
I realize that most of us have many demands on our time and are unable to commit to serious involvement in a formal committee; however we can become involved in other ways. When you step up and volunteer you will be helping the environment, Sierra Club and yourself. [Read more]
Current CT Issues
Pipeline Educational Forum Answers the Questions: Do we need Fracked Gas?
On Saturday, November 22, the CT Sierra Club held an educational forum regarding the expansion of fracked gas infrastructure in the state. There were interesting and engaging presentations by Food and Water Watch, 350CT, NoFrackedGasInMass, and Berkshire Environmental Action Team, in the sanctuary of the Charter Oak Cultural Center in Hartford. From a climate change perspective, there is no more time to put off development of carbon-free energy sources while we burn the last barrels of fossil fuel on the planet.
The CT Sierra Club and allied groups in the pipeline opposition movement will use a variety of methods to fight the expansion of fracked gas infrastructure in our region. Check the website connecticut.sierraclub.org to find upcoming educational events and actions, and join us in this crucial fight to save our environment. [Read more]
CT Sierra Club Supports Proposed Wind Power Site
In July 2014, members of the CT Chapter Conservation Committee visited potential wind power sites at the top of Coye Hill in Union, and Snow Hill in Ashford, Connecticut. Pioneer Green Energy LLC is a company experienced in the development of renewable energy projects, having successfully developed over 2700 megawatts of wind energy projects in the US. Coye Hill and Snow Hill projects are relatively small (2-4 turbines). Their nameplates are in the range of 2-3 megawatts each. The CT Sierra Club visited the site, researched and discussed the issue at length, and decided to lend its support to the Pioneer Green project. [Read more]
Events and Outings
All events and outings open to Sierra Club members and the public.
December 10 - Southeast Group Meeting, 7 p.m. Connecticut College, Blaustein Humanities Bldg, Room 206 - Everyone is welcome to attend. Contact Walter Grant, Group Chair at (860)287-4548, or Louise Fabrykiewicz at (860)444-8916, for details and directions.
December 11 - Greater Hartford Group Monthly Meeting - Holiday Potluck Supper and Yellowstone Presentation by Gary Melnysyn, a professional wildlife/nature photographer and ranger at Yellowstone - The Bears and Wolves of Yellowstone. Doors open at 6:00, dinner at 6:30, followed by the presentation at 7:30 p.m. [Read more].
Hiking/Kayaking
Please check our website for any upcoming hikes or kayaking outings.