Outings Calendar
The purpose of our Outings program is to connect people with the natural world and with the Sierra Club by offering diversified, superior, volunteer-run outdoor activities that support our conservation mission. Sierra Club founder John Muir felt very strongly that the best way to empower to protect the wild places of the earth was to get them out to enjoy them. To that end, there are many local events available to hike, bike, camp, ski etc., as well as the national & international outings offered.
Outings are open to all members of the John Muir chapter, regardless of which group is sponsoring the event, and to the general public. You need not be a member to attend most outings. Note that all outings are subject to change. PLEASE contact the trip leader ahead of time so they know you are coming and can contact you in case of cancellation or other changes.
Click here for our River Touring Section's paddling outings calendar
October 12-13: 2012 Autumn Assembly
The Autumn Assembly is the annual gathering of Sierra Club members and friends from across Wisconsin. This family-friendly event is open to the public. It is an opportunity for participants to learn more about environmental issues, find out what’s new in the Sierra Club, and enjoy outdoor activities.
Members of the Southeast Gateway Group are excited to host the 2012 Autumn Assembly, October 12- 14. Headquarters will be at Holiday Home Camp in Williams Bay on Geneva Lake. We will share stories from Racine, Kenosha and Walworth Counties, and present up-to-date and inspiring information about important issues like mining, renewable energy and water quality. In addition we will enjoy nature in a beautiful lake setting, and remember why we do the work we do.
Upcoming Outing Calendar
Saturday, April 28, 9am to Noon: Weed Out Racine! Two Locations!
Location 1 - Colonial Park:
Help save Colonial Park from invaders! Invasive species are choking out the native plants in many of our parks, nature preserves, and even our backyards. Weed Out! Racine is a volunteer program that aims to maintain the biodiversity of our public spaces and native areas by stopping the spread of invasive species. Wear long trousers and sturdy shoes; bring water for youself, shovels, narrow-bladed or garden spaden, your own sturdy pruning loppers, saws and gloves if you have them and help preserve southeastern Wisconsin's native plants. Contact Melissa Warner - 262-639-0918 melissa.warner3@sbcglobal.net [SEGG]Location 2 - Pringle Nature Center:
Help save Pringle Nature Center from invaders! Invasive species are choking out the native plants in many of our parks, nature preserves, and even our backyards. Weed Out! is a volunteer program that aims to maintain the biodiversity of our public spaces and native areas by stopping the spread of invasive species. Bring your own sturdy pruning loppers, saws and gloves if you have them and help preserve southeastern Wisconsin's native plants. Contact Valerie Mann, naturalist@pringlenc.org [SEGG]
Saturday, April 28: Food Inc DVD House Party - 3 PM
We will have a discussion after the movie for anyone who would like to stay and talk about the film. Parents – this movie has not been rated by the MPAA, but would probably be PG due to subject material and occasional strong language. Snacks will be provided. RSVP for address and info to Laura Feider - 262-886-3803 lmflowerpower@hotmail.com [SEGG]
Tuesday, May 1: Waxing Moon Spring Hike – Ice Age Trail Valley View Preserve
Join us for a 3-mile hike on the Ice Age Trail through the prairie and woods at Valley View preserve. We should have a beautiful sunset, and then a nice moonrise. We’ll hike around some trail loops and read the interpretive signs along the way.
Meet at the IAT kiosk on Mound View Rd. Take Mineral Point Rd. ~2.3 miles west of the Beltline, turn left on Pioneer, then right on Valley View which turns left and becomes Mound View. Go another .5 miles to the kiosk on the right. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. Contact Kathy Mulbrandon at 608-848-5076 or kmulb@charter.net for more info. [4L]
Tuesday, May 1, 6:00 PM Spring Highway Cleanup
Our adopted highway is River Valley Drive in the La Crosse River marsh. The first of 3 annual cleanups will be Tuesday, May 1, at 6 p.m. Meet at the city water well building near the intersection of County Highway B and River Valley Drive on the north side of La Crosse. Wear old clothes and bring work gloves. Orange vests and garbage bags are provided. We’ll work for 60 to 90 minutes. There’s a traditional stop at Rudy’s Drive-in after the cleanup. For more information contact Pat or Bobbie Wilson, 788-8831. [CR]
Saturday, May 12: Restoration and Clearing at Salmo Pond
This popular pond and fishing area that can be seen from Festge Park has become overgrown with invasives, and is in need of attention. In addition to clearing brush, you’ll learn about native vs. invasive plants, how the invasives crowd out the natives, and management techniques to use. You’ll also get some great exercise and have a sense of accomplishment. This is part of the Get Dirty for Dane service day. To sign up, call REI Madison #833-6680 or go to their website. Contact Don Ferber for more info. d_ferber@sbcglobal.net or 608-222-9376 [4L]
Saturday, May 12: Bike the Capital City Trail
Dane County is prime bicycling country. Enjoy a 23 mile paved loop trip that winds through Madison and the countryside. We’ll begin at Eagle School and ride east towards Lake Farm Park, north into the heart of the city, and return via the Southwest Bike Path. Meet at 10 a.m. at Eagle School, 5454 Gunflint Trail. Go 1 block north of PD on Fish Hatchery Rd. to Glacier Valley Rd., take a right to Gunflint Rd., and go left two blocks to the school. A Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required. RSVP to Kathy Mulbrandon. kmulb@charter.net [4L]
Tuesday, May 15: Cruisin’ for Cuisine at Gray’s Tied House
Make it a road trip night! Come join us at Gray’s Tied House at 950 Kimball Lane in Verona. Tasty beers and tasty food in a cozy atmosphere. RSVP at least a week in advance to Lacinda at lacinda.athen@gmail.com or 608-274-7870 with how many are in your party and she will give you the dinner time. We look forward to seeing you there. Bon Appetit! [4L]
Saturday, May 19: Ice Age Trail Work Day in Waupaca County.
The Fox Valley Sierra Group will do trail work on the Ice Age Trail in Waupaca county on May 21. The FVSG has been a long-time supporter of the Ice Age Trail. Be sure to put this date on your calendar. This service project assists the Ice Age Trail Alliance, the National Park Service, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in supporting and maintaining this eventual thousand mile footpath tracing Ice Age formations across Wisconsin. Service outings are meant to be fun, while doing a useful service. Enjoy the camaraderie of others while doing some work in the wonderful outdoors on the Ice Age Trail. Tools will be provided. Bring a lunch, water, work gloves, and repellent. The project for the day will probably be buckthorn removal. We will stop for ice cream mid-afternoon when our work is completed. Please call or E-mail Darrel so it is known approximately how many will attend and for information. Darrel Ruechel, 920-993-0903, r7dairl@yahoo.com. Get more information on the Ice Age Trail [FV]
Saturday, May 26, 9am to Noon: Weed Out Racine! Two Locations!
Location 1 - Colonial Park:
Help save Colonial Park from invaders! Invasive species are choking out the native plants in many of our parks, nature preserves, and even our backyards. Weed Out! Racine is a volunteer program that aims to maintain the biodiversity of our public spaces and native areas by stopping the spread of invasive species. Wear long trousers and sturdy shoes; bring water for youself, shovels, narrow-bladed or garden spaden, your own sturdy pruning loppers, saws and gloves if you have them and help preserve southeastern Wisconsin's native plants. Contact Melissa Warner - 262-639-0918 melissa.warner3@sbcglobal.net [SEGG]Location 2 - Pringle Nature Center:
Help save Pringle Nature Center from invaders! Invasive species are choking out the native plants in many of our parks, nature preserves, and even our backyards. Weed Out! is a volunteer program that aims to maintain the biodiversity of our public spaces and native areas by stopping the spread of invasive species. Bring your own sturdy pruning loppers, saws and gloves if you have them and help preserve southeastern Wisconsin's native plants. Contact Valerie Mann, naturalist@pringlenc. [SEGG]
Saturday, June 2: National Trail Days Hike at Donald County Park
Donald Park is known in part for its trout streams, Deer Creek and Frye Feeder. The Donald Woodburn family donated the original 105 acres for this park, which has grown to 480 acres encompassing oak woods, intriguing rock outcroppings with scenic vistas, and springs. We’ll hike 3-4 mile on well-established trails at this diverse park. Meet at 10 a.m. in the Pop’s Knoll parking lot ~1.5 miles west of Mt. Vernon off Hwy 92. RSVP to Marian Holton-Manuel. marianholton_manuel@hotmail.com or 608-273-3394 [4L]
Friday - Sunday, June 08-10 Perrot State Park
Hike up Brady's Bluff for an incredible view of the Mississippi River, bike the Great River Trail, or padde the waters near scenic Trempealeau Park. Rentals are available. Paddle or walk to the Wildlife Refuge or just kick back and enjoy the quiet. We plan to arrive after 3pm on Friday. Where - Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, WI, Group Campsite C. Cost - the price of the campsite will be split by the group. It's a backcountry site 350 ft from the parking area. Meals - Except for Saturday night's potluck all meals are on your own. Leaders - Chris Zapf at zapfchristine@sbcglobal.net or 262-786-9584 and Bill Moore at environ1@sbcglobal.net or 262-785-9022. [GW]
Saturday, June 16, 9:00am - 1:00pm: Oak Leaf Trail Discovery Tour Bike Outing
We'll have a leisurely ride for looking and learning on an Oak Leaf Trail Discovery Tour today. We plan on a ~20-mile round trip ride in 3-4 hours. Starts at the Whitnall Park Clubhouse. We'll start at 9am at the Whitnall Park Golf Course, then ride to Greenfield Park, have a bite to eat at the Club House, and head back to Whitnall Park. IF you have an OLDT Passport*, you can get your passport stamped at these locations. Enjoy a few challenging hills and learn about the history of Charles Whitnall and our county park system. * The Park People will be selling Passports for the Oak Leaf Discovery Tour for the 105 Days of Summer celebration. The Passports will sell for $3 each or $10 for a family of five. The price includes a Milwaukee County Parks Map showing the trail and the passport stations. Leader - Cheri Briscoe at cherib@wi.rr.com. [GW]
Tuesday, June 26: Cruisin’ for Cuisine and a Concert, Bunky’s Cafe and Olbrich Park
Dinner at 5:30 PM, Concert at 7 PM. Bunky’s Café, 2425 Atwood Avenue, Madison Join fellow Sierrans for a leisurely two-fer evening that includes a belly full of fine Mediterranean cuisine along with an earful of enjoyable music in the park. Bunky’s is known for their terrific Mediterranean food, especially Italian, and Olbrich Gardens, just a few blocks away, is a wonderful outdoor setting to settle in and let your food digest. We’ll have dinner, and then walk, ride, or drive to Olbrich for the outdoor concert. We can walk the gardens and enjoy the beautiful Thai pavilion afterwards in the evening glow. Contact Don Ferber for to reserve a dinner spot and for more info. d_ferber@sbcglobal.net or 608-222-9376 [4L]
Wednesday, July 18, 5:45 PM: Evening paddle on Yahara Waterway Trails from Rutabaga
Learn about water wildlife and explore scenic waterways. Meet at Rutabaga at 5:45 PM at 220 W. Broadway in Monona. Canoes or kayaks are available to rent, and they have very stable ones for novices, but call Rutabaga to reserve one at (608) 223-9300. PFDs (life jackets) are required. Bring along plenty of liquids. Plan on about 1 1/2 hours of leisurely paddling on the Upper Mud Lake segment going into the Nine Springs E-Way. RSVP to Kathy Mulbrandon. kmulb@charter.net
Sunday, August 5: Summer Picnic Soirée, Lake Farm County Park
Our annual Four Lakes Group summer soirée outings event and social will be held this year to, from, and at lovely Lake Farm County Park on the shores of Lake Waubesa. You can get exercise, enjoy Dane County’s rural landscapes and lakes, learn about native and invasive species, and enjoy a scrumptious picnic lunch. Join us to meet other outdoors folk, learn what’s going on, and celebrate our accomplishments. Contact Don Ferber if you’d like to help with the event or have questions. d_ferber@sbcglobal.net or 608-222-9376. Check out all these great options and see you there!!
- 9 AM – Restoration project
Start the morning off right by knocking off some of invasive plants that are so prevalent throughout the park. It’s a way to give back and support the park – and work up an appetite for lunch! Meets at Shelter #2 at Lake Farm Park. Contact Don Ferber for more info. - 10 AM – Bike Ride on the Capital City Trail
A great opportunity to enjoy a rural bike ride and enjoy some of our fine E-way. You can leave from Madison, enjoy the picnic at the park, and ride home – all carbon free! The ride will be about 10 miles one-way, and will meet at Lake Farm Park Shelter #2. A Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required. RSVP to Marian Holton-Manuel. 608-273-3394 or marianholton_manuel@hotmail.com - 10 AM – Canoe/Kayak from Rutabaga
Looking to take a smooth cruise? No better place than from Rutabaga through Upper Mud Lake and into Lake Waubesa to Lake Farm Park. Choose kayak or canoe, yours or one of Rutabaga’s, but you’ll enjoy the lakes, marshes and wildlife you’ll see along the way. Rutabaga is at 220 W. Broadway in Monona. RSVP to Kathy Mulbrandon. kmulb@charter.net - Noon – Picnic Potluck Lunch – Shelter #2
It seems like food, the outdoors, and the Sierra Club just go together. (It’s a yummy combination!) Please bring your favorite outdoor side dish, and we’ll provide grill items and refreshments. We guarantee you won’t go hungry, and you’ll have plenty of time to socialize. RSVP to Don Ferber and for meat vs. veggie preference. - 1:30 PM – Prairie/Woodland Hike
After lunch, why not enjoy the lovely prairies, woodlands, and shoreline areas of the park. Outdoor enthusiast Don Ferber won’t lead you astray, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn about one of Dane County’s oldest restored prairies.
Saturday-Sunday, August 20-21: Class II, Canoe Camp the Flambeau River.
Refresh your soul on the Flambeau by participating on a trip that has become one of our finest traditions. We’ll learn about the importance of protecting rivers within our State Forests. Rich Krieg, 920-660-3557, eddyout@gmail.com [FV]
August 22-30: Canoe Camping the Boundary Waters & Quectico Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada.
This is an adult men’s multi generational 8 day wilderness canoe camping expedition emphasizing the personal value of preserving wild places. The pristine wilderness setting of Quetico and its challenges offers the opportunity for physical, mental and spiritual awaking and renewal. Exploring Quetico in the company of men of different generations offers a unique bonding experience in an environment that has shaped the identity and character of men for centuries.
Personal cost will be at least $525, which would include camping permits, canoe rental, trail head lodging, meals while camping and some group gear costs. For complete trip details contact Bill Mathias, wj.mathias@gmail.com, 920-339-0437 [FV]
October 12-13: 2012 Autumn Assembly
The Autumn Assembly is the annual gathering of Sierra Club members and friends from across Wisconsin. This family-friendly event is open to the public. It is an opportunity for participants to learn more about environmental issues, find out what’s new in the Sierra Club, and enjoy outdoor activities.
Members of the Southeast Gateway Group are excited to host the 2012 Autumn Assembly, October 12- 14. Headquarters will be at Holiday Home Camp in Williams Bay on Geneva Lake. We will share stories from Racine, Kenosha and Walworth Counties, and present up-to-date and inspiring information about important issues like mining, renewable energy and water quality. In addition we will enjoy nature in a beautiful lake setting, and remember why we do the work we do.
Liability Waiver & Carpooling
In order to participate in a Sierra Club outing, you will need to sign a liability waiver. In the interests of facilitating the logistics of some outings, it is customary that participants make carpooling arrangements. The Sierra Club does not have insurance for carpooling arrangements and assumes no liability for them. Carpooling, ride sharing or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among the participants. Participants assume the risks associated with this travel.
Outing Sponsor Key
| JMC - John Muir Chapter | |
| AL- Algonquin Shores CV - Chippewa Valley CR - Coulee Region 4L - Four Lakes Group FV - Fox Valley |
GW - Great Waters |
Trip Leader Information
- Waiver Form - Must be taken on all outings and signed by all participants. After the outing, return to your group Outings Chair to file.
These files are designed to be printed two-sided. The legal print MUST be on the sheet that they sign, even if its on the other side as well.
Outings: Liability Waiver & Carpooling…
In order to participate on one of the Sierra Club's outings, you will need to sign a liability waiver. If you would like to read a copy of the waiver prior to the outing, please see the links above. In the interests of facilitating the logistics of some outings, it is customary that participants make carpooling arrangements. The Sierra Club does not have insurance for car-pooling arrangements and assumes no liability for them. Carpooling, ride sharing or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among the participants. Participants assume the risks associated with this travel. “CST 2087766-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.