Great Waters Group Blog about the Great Lakes

Great Waters Group is a Sierra Club member group of the John Muir Chapter (WI). We serve over 3,000 Sierra Club members in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, & Waukesha counties.

Sierra Club groups are run by their members who volunteer to promote environmental sustainability by taking action on local issues and educating others to understand the issues and opportunities available to make informed decisions that will better protect our shared environment.  Our group coordinates many different activities and outings throughout the year so our members can also enjoy and appreciate the wonders of the outdoors and experiences of others.
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Click the picture to enter the A+ Web Site where you can learn about the Outdoors and many fun things to do

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See what's happening in Wisconsin's Government



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Learn About Us
Learn for Yourself and see how the Sierra Club can help you Explore and Enjoy the Outdoors as you Protect the Planet


Great Waters Group provides information in many different ways that can be used for exploring and enjoying the outdoors or deciding which options are best for our planet's wildlife and environment.  Below are just some of the learning opportunities we provide. Click on the links below to learn more.

Learning by Listening and Discussing

The topic of our next Educational Program is the Healthy Communities Project which is scheduled for May 19th at 7pm

Sierra Club Local Group Monthly Education Programs provide a means for the public and our members to learn about the outdoors, the environment and interesting places people have visited. Presentations are provided by people who have credentials, experiences, or both that share their knowledge, allowing the audience to provide additional insight or answer questions which they might have.

Whether you have an interest in a topic or if you just want to find out more about our local Sierra Club group, just stop by. No reservations are needed and best of all, there is no cost or obligation required to attend. Our programs are held on the third Monday of each month (Sept - May) and start at 7pm in the Community Room at Mayfair Mall. Use the link for more information or directions.

On-Site Presentations are offered by Great Waters Group and our friends at RENEW Wisconsin. These presentations are designed to provides groups with trained speakers who present facts about current issues at a location that is convienent to your group. Such a group could be neighbors, friends, church group, or an organization. We also have people who can help community governmental bodies develop and implement plans as part of the Cool Cities program that is evolving throughout the country.

Currently, our presentations are specific to understanding and addressing Global Warming and Conservation. All you need to do is contact us and let us know what topic your group would like to learn about and we will work with you to schedule the speaker and the time. Use link to find out how.

Learning by Computer Online

Environmental News  Keep informed with our environmental news feed that pulls in news from around the globe or read about some of the local news we have found. Also, see our Conservation section for issues and articles from our member volunteers that will keep you informed.

Learning Online  This section of our web site provides conservation tips and links to other Internet resources. All of which is there to help you find answers.

Great Waters Group Blog See writings that describe the facts about what the Great Lakes is facing.

Learning by Experiencing

Outings and Events Our Sierra Club group coordinates, and also participates, in a number of events and outings through out the year. These offer a range of opportunities to learn by doing which will help you build your own appreciation from memorable experiences. See our slide show on Quetico Canoe Trips. Check back as more are being posted.

 

ATTENTION - Take Action Issues that need your support

Great Lakes Compact Update
The Wisconsin State Assembly failed to vote on the Great Lakes Compact in the legislative session that ended on March 13th. Governor Doyle will probably call a special session this spring or summer to have the Assembly vote on the Compact. We need to put as much pressure on the Republican Representatives in the Assembly to vote in favor of the strong Compact that was passed in the State Senate.

Now is the time for Sierra Club members to take action by printing this Petition (use link) and get as many neighbors and friends as possible in your Assembly district to sign it and send it to your Representative. They have to hear from a good number of us, so it is up to you. Get out and ask for signatures this weekend!

Upcoming Wisconsin Environmental Legislation
Environmental Bills in various stages of development are winding their way through the halls of our State Capitol. Use the Legislative Tracker to become aware of them and let your representatives hear from you!

How You can Take Action on Global Warming and Energy
Are you concerned about Global Warming and want to move from concern to action? We support two action centered groups which are also sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church West Earth Ministry Committee, who are addressing this problem. Find out how to get involved.

Kenosha Racine Milwaukee (KRM) Commuter Rail Needs More Support

Funding Dilemma Needs more Support to help Save the aging Milwaukee County Parks

How to Contact Your Representatives

Help Needed
Volunteers needed at Cedarburg Bog on April 25

Research is being done to find effective methods to regenerate tamarack in the Cedarburg Bog. Two experimental plots were established last year. One is right off the boardwalk and another is more remote, in the center of the Bog.

On Friday, April 25th, volunteers will be needed to help plant 3,000 tamarack seedlings in various plots. Organizers estimate that one person could plant 50-75 trees in an hour. If you don't mind working hard and getting messy (knee-high waterproof boots will be essential) and enjoy the outdoors, please consider volunteering on that day. Refreshments will be provided.

If you can volunteer for a few hours between 8:00-5:00 pm, your help will be greatly appreciated. Please RSVP to Anne Reis at annereis@uwm.edu or call the Field Station (262) 675-6844. She will provide more detailed information at that time. The Great Waters Group has helped with numerous projects at the Cedarburg Bog in the past. It is a special place and very worthy of Great Waters Group Members' help.
Quick News Bytes

Where do current government representatives rank when addressing environmental issues?
Check out the League of Conservation Voters site to find out so you can factor this into who you support!

Clean Energy Manufacturing Could Bring 35,133 Jobs to Wisconsin

2007 US Mayor’s Climate Protection Summit Milwaukee is amongst highest energy conservation achievers!
See Mayor Tom Barrett's video speech

A+ Community of Youth Program distributed over 20,000 "Kids’ Guide to the Outdoors" Guidebooks since starting in 2007

Sierra Club Wins local "I D E A L"  Award for Accountability

Great Waters Group Volunteer Leader Wins Sierra Club Award

 

Print Your own Water Saving Tips Card

Read about the Realities of Bottled Water

Current Environmental Headline News...


 


This page was last updated on: 04/21/2008


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