The Sierra Club, as an organization, serves a dual purpose.  John Muir's vision for an environmental group was not just one of education and legislation.  He felt very strongly that the best way to empower people to want to protect the wild places of the earth was to get them out to enjoy them.  So the Sierra Club has always fostered a strong outings program to go along with our conservation ethic.   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.  

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 below.
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.

May Outings

May 4, Sunday: New Ice Age Bike Ride
Join the Pie Riders for a 40 mile road bike ride through Ice Age terrain. Spring flowers? Maybe. Snowstorm? Possible. Fun? You bet! Ride starts in Cornell at 10 AM at the parking lot across from John Henry’s Café. Rest stop, with beverages and muffins at the Ice Age Visitor Center on CTH M. Eleanor Wolf: 835-4829 or ellewolf@arczip.com [CV]

May 10, Saturday: Trail Maintenance and Invasive Plant pull/dig at John Muir Park
Time: 9:00-3:00 in conjunction with the Prairie Enthusiasts New Chapter: Prairie Sands, as well as IAT and Sierra Club interested members. John Muir Park is on Hwy F 7 miles north of Portage. Watch for further details on the Ice Age Trail, Marquette Chapter website. [4L]

May 10 - 19, Saturday - Monday: Boundary Waters/Quetico Park Canoe Trip
Join us on an adventure in a timeless and pristine wilderness called Quetico. In the land of the voyageurs you’ll join eight other canoeists along ancient pathways and waterways, paddling two days in to a base camp for four days of exploration, relaxation and fresh fish meals. Featuring fishing, reflection and observing wildlife, this 8-day trip occurs when cool lakes and weather afford the best angling. Experience is not required, but good physical fitness and a positive attitude are essential. Shared costs will be $475, including canoes and packs. A deposit of $100 is necessary to hold your reservation. Trip leader: Richard Berling. Call 608-241-0817 or email reberling@charter.net. [4L]

May 17, Saturday: Sierra Club Great Lakes Training
From 11:00 am to 6:00 pm (lunch provided)
UW – Green Bay, University Union Heritage Room
Click here for details....

May 11-17, Week: Women's Northwoods Service Week -- Boulder Junction, WI.
Join other outdoorswomen in the beautiful Northern Highland State Forest to assist with
research projects, plant native trees, prepare canoe camp sites for summer, and/or quash alien invasives in native forest ecosystems. Stay at a lakeside cabin while working four days and using one "layover day" to explore the area's trails, lakes, and rivers. Limit 8; cost $170,
including accommodations and meals. This trip is jointly sponsored by the Central U.P. MI
group, the Louisville, KY group, and the River Prairie, IL group. Sherry Zoars, [JM]
Watersmeet, Michigan, 906-358-1110, thezoars@excite.com, or Kate Cunningham, Louisville, Kentucky, 502-339-1381, kate.cunningham@juno.com [JM]

May 17, Saturday: Bicycle Door County.
Starting in Bailey’s Harbor we will ride through Ephraim, Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, and the Peninsula Player’s grounds before returning to Bailey’s Harbor, a total of 29 miles on back roads. These roads are mostly easy and level with a few steep grades near the Green Bay shore. This is a great time to visit Door County: the Trillium are in bloom and traffic is light because the tourists have yet to return. Bring your bike, helmet, water, and dress for the weather. We’ll stop for ice cream at Wilson’s (if they are open) and other snacks as needed. Charlie Paine, 920-739-1900, Menasha [FV]

May 17, Saturday: Garlic Mustard Removal Brooklyn State Wildlife Area
Join Dan to delete the dreaded Garlic Mustard at this fine state wildlife area that has been the subject of considerable restoration efforts, and enjoy the flourishing native plants. Meets at 9 AM. From Madison, take Fish Hatchery Rd (County D) 15 miles south of Madison to County DD. Bear left on DD for .8 miles to the parking lot. Wear work clothes and gloves and bring something to share for lunch. Contact Dan Wallace to RSVP at 835-5144 or danwallace@src.wisc.edu. [4L]

May 17, Saturday: Teacher Workshop and FROG HIKE with Randy Korb.
The teacher workshop will take place from 3:00-6:00 at the Westfield High School Library and the live frog presentation and frog hike will be from 7:30 to 9:30. The presentation will begin at the Westfield High School and than transition to an outdoor natural area. Rubber boots, flashlights or head lamps, bug spray. Change of cloths for young kids, layers depending on the weather. Appropriate and great fun for kids and adults of all ages. A donation will be requested. RSVP: wolenbrg@palacenet.net or 608-429-4169. Ice Age Trail, Marquette Chapter website [4L]

May 18, Sunday: Sierra Century Bicycle Tour
The eleventh annual Sierra Century Bicycle Tour takes place rain or shine, with distance options of 12, 30,60, 80, or 100 miles. Proceeds from this fund raiser go toward grants to area schools for environmental education. Register early for a cheaper rate! Details available here or contact Eleanor Wolf: 835-4829 or ellewolf@arczip.com [CV]

May 18, Sunday:Bike the Capitol City Trail
Madison is considered a prime bicycling destination. The Capital City Bike Trail and Southwest Trail show you why. Enjoy an approximate 23 mile loop trip on a paved path that winds around the country side and through the city of Madison. We will begin our ride at Eagle School (near PD and Fish Hatchery Rd) right next to the bike trail, and ride east towards Lake Farm Park, north into the heart of the city and return via the Southwest Bike Path. Meet 9:30am at Eagle School 5454 Gunflint Trail. At intersection of PD and Fish Hatchery Rd, go 1 block north on Fish Hatchery Rd to Glacier Valley Rd, take right. At Gunflint Rd take a left and go 2 blocks to school. Bring lunch/snacks for rest break along the way. Don’t forget a water bottle and helmet. For more information and to RSVP contact Kathy Mulbrandon 608-848-5076 or kmulb@charter.net. A Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required. [4L]

May 19, Monday: Cherokee Marsh Full Moon Hike
Join us for a full moon hike at Cherokee Marsh on Madison's northeast side. We will meet at 7 pm, hike through the marsh to the board walk to watch the sunset. Hike up the knoll to watch the moon rise and then back down through the marsh to close the evening with the frogs. Meet outside the gate of Cherokee Marsh at the north end of Sherman Avenue at 6:50 pm. We will leave at 7 pm to begin hiking. Bring water, a jacket and a flash light. For more information and to RSVP contact Kathy Mulbrandon 608-848-5076 or kmulb@charter.net. [4L]

May 22, Thursday: Kayak Lake Monona
We’ll talk about water quality and options to improve it. We’ll meet at Rutabaga at 6:00 PM. Rutabaga is located at: 220 West Broadway, Monona, WI 53716. Kayaks are available for rent if you don’t own your own. Call first to reserve one (608) 223-9300. PFDs are required. Bring along plenty of liquids. The rental units from Rutabaga are very stable, novices are invited to attend. I’ll give basic paddle stroke instructions. Plan on about 2 ½ hours of leisurely paddling. For more information contact Bill Fenske: 608-658-8938 or duh.guru@att.net. [4L]

May 31, Saturday: Garlic Mustard Removal Table Bluff Segment Ice Age Trail
Join us to eliminate some nasty GM in the AM at TB. You’ll also get to hike some fine woodlands and prairies on this scenic section of the Trail in the Driftless area. Meets at 9 AM. Take Hwy 14 just west of Cross Plains. Turn right on County KP for ~ 2 mi and turn left on Table Bluff Rd for .2 miles to parking area on left. Wear work clothes and dress for conditions. Bring fluids and a snack or lunch. For more contact Gary Werner at 249-7870 or nattrails@aol.com. [4L]

June Outings

June 7, Saturday: National Trails Day Hike
Celebrate National Trails Day on one of the Ice Age Trail’s newest segments, the new Chippewa River segment. Refreshments provided. 10 AM at the Ice Age Trail head Parking Lot, 2 miles north of Cornell on CTH CC.
Richard Smith: 967-2164 or chapter@iatchippewa.org [CV]

June 7, Saturday: Natural Bridge State Park Hike
Join us for a hike to see one of the wonders of southern Wisconsin – the Natural Bridge! We’ll learn about how this wondrous feature was created as well as some of the local flora of southern Wisconsin. The hike is mostly moderate with some hilly sections; with an elevation gain and loss of a few hundred feet. We’ll meet at the parking lot at Natural Bridge State Park at 10:30 AM. Carpooling from Madison will meet at 9:00 AM at the Hill State Office Building (DOT) west parking lot on Sheboygan Avenue. A State Park sticker is required for cars. Bring a lunch, water, bug repellant, sunscreen and weather appropriate clothing. An optional short hike at a Nature Conservancy and post hike lunch/dinner may take place afterward. For more information, directions or to RSVP contact David C. Smith (Madison) at (608) 233-1210. [4L]

June 8, Sunday: – Devil’s Lake Hike
Hike the upper rim of Devil's Lake. Learn a bit of the geology, see the spring flowers and enjoy the view. Be prepared to hike a 300-400 foot elevation on a path with lots of steps. Bring lunch, water and shoes appropriate for hiking. Hike with lunch will take 4-5 hours plus drive time. Meet behind Hilldale Shopping Mall parking lot back near M&I Bank at 9 a.m. to form a carpool. Call Nancy to confirm you are coming 231-3074 or email nwelch@chorus.net. [4L]

June 8, Sunday: Introductory Navigation -- North Kettle Moraine Hike
Presentation of simple, in-the-field approach to basic navigation with map & compass (+ GPS if you have one.) This will be a full day hike with time to observe sand hill cranes and late spring plants & flowers. Contact leader 2 weeks early to receive handouts. Ron Horn, 3165 Tree Lane, West Bend, WI 53095 (262)-675-6747, ronhorn7@yahoo.com [GW]

June 14 & 15, Saturday & Sunday: Father’s Day Campout, Devil’s Lake
Dads tell your kids! Kids take your Dads!
Camping under the full moon at Devils Lake State Park. The focus is on the family and getting outdoors celebrating the various activities available at this wonderful park in South Central Wisconsin. Hiking, climbing, swimming and canoeing are just some of the opportunities we can explore. Saturday evening will include a full moon hike along one of the many trails the park offers. Sunday Dads will be hosted to a camp style breakfast prepared by the kids. Non-campers are welcome to bring Dad just for breakfast too. Just meet at the group camp site at 8:00 a.m. All weekend we’ll emphasize the ethics of Leave No Trace (LNT) ensuring the passage of this important legacy to (or from!) our kids. The nearly-10,000-acre state park is located 2 miles south of Baraboo and about 40 miles northwest of downtown Madison. We’ll meet at the South Shore Visitor entrance to the park at 10:00 (early/late arrivals just ask at the entrance station where to meet the Sierra Club group). Cost will be determined by number of participants; please RSVP: pbkolb@yahoo.com no later than June 1 to ensure availability and determine what gear to bring! 2008 Wisconsin State Park Permit required (may be purchased at the Park entrance). [4L]

June 15, Sunday: Hike and Garlic Mustard pull Brooklyn State Wildlife Area
Join Dan to delete the dreaded Garlic Mustard at this fine state wildlife area that has been the subject of considerable restoration efforts, and enjoy the flourishing native plants. Meets at 9 AM. From Madison, take Fish Hatchery Rd (County D) 15 miles south of Madison to County DD. Bear left on DD for .8 miles to the parking lot. Wear work clothes and gloves and bring something to share for lunch. For more info, contact Dan Wallace at 835-5144 or danwallace@src.wisc.edu. [4L]

June 18, Wednesday: Solstice Canoe Outing
Canoe or kayak the Chippewa River. Contact Renee Ebel for times and information.
Renee Ebel: 726-1615 or reneefe@charter.net [CV]

June 25, Wednesday: Family Prairie Wildflower Walk Verona Segment Ice Age Trail
Come for a walk, talk and potluck (in reverse order) starting at the Verona Public Library and ending with an evening prairie walk at wonderful restored prairies in Badger Prairie Park and the Ice Age Junction. Starts with the potluck at 6 PM at the library at 500 Silent Street. Bring a dish to pass and wear walking shoes. For more info contact Gary Werner at 249-7870 or nattrails@aol.com. [4L]

June 28 , Saturday: Bike the new Badger State Trail
Riding options will be for either 25 or 38 mile round trip. For the long route, meet at the Dawley Conservancy Park lot on Seminole Highway (half way between the Capital City Trail and County PD-McKee Rd) at 9:00 AM. We will then ride to the trailhead (by way of Seminole Highway, Fitchburg Rd, Borchert Rd) at Purcell and Sayles Trail where we will meet those opting for the shorter route at 10:00 AM. We will ride the trail south through Belleville to the Stewart Tunnel (bring a bike light or flashlight). After going through the tunnel, we will turn around and ride back to Belleville for lunch. Bring your own lunch, or there is a cafe in town. We will then ride back to our respective starting locations. There will be a brief talk about trail riding etiquette and safety at each starting point. For more information and to reserve your spot, contact John Rider jrider@tds.net or call 608-663-8874. [4L]

June 28, Saturday: Permaculture in Action – Johnson Creek
Meet at 9 am in far corner of Cub Food Store's Parking lot on Hwy. 51 near Hwy. 30. Visit Rob Frost's Suburban Permaculture Backyard & 2 Market Garden Growing sites nearby using permaculture methods. Cost is $10 per person. Contact Kate Heiber-Cobb at 608-224-1462 to register and further details. [4L]

June 29, Sunday: Prairie to Prairie Wildflower Walk Table Bluff Segment Ice Age Trail
A scenic hike in the driftless area encompassing both a planted and a restored prairie, as well as fine woodlands, and sculpted hills and valleys. The hike will be about 5 miles round trip with fine views of the Black Earth Creek valley. Meets at 9 AM. Take Hwy 14 just west of Cross Plains. Turn right on County KP for ~ 2 mi and turn left on Table Bluff Rd for .2 miles to parking area on left. Dress for conditions with good footwear and bug and/or sun lotion. Bring fluids and a snack or lunch to share. For more contact Gary Werner at 249-7870 or nattrails@aol.com. [4L]

July Outings

July 12, Saturday: Bike Along the Fox River,
from the Thousand Islands Nature Center to Wrightstown, returning via the Fox River rail-trail. Charlie Paine, 920-739-1900, Menasha [FV]

July 17 Friday (evening) – Saturday July 20: Sylvania Wilderness Canoe Camping – Watersmeet, MI
Class 1; canoe with portage. On early Friday morning, we'll embark on a three-day loop, exploring some of Sylvania's clean, clear lakes in a wilderness-like setting. The trip includes dawn and moonlight paddles. Learn about what others have done before us to make this a special place of plant, animal, and human interaction. Limited to 6 paddlers. $25 non-refundable deposit is due by June 30 to cover the 3 night camping fee. Contact: Kasy Culbertson, kasy9@juno.com; 5202 Schofield St., Monona, WI 53716, 608-222-0746.

July 19, Saturday: Photography Excursion
Traditional film or digital photography of pleasing views of Spring Valley dam, lake, river, and the town, to stimulate your photographic imagination. Meet at 10 AM at the parking lot at McKay and Third Sts (across from the Cenex Station), Spring Valley.
Paul Ebel: 651 335-8759 or paulebel44@yahoo.com;
Caryn Treiber: 632-2055 or ctreiber@discover-net.net [CV]

Boundary Waters/Quetico Park Canoe Trips

May 10-19: Join us on an adventure in a timeless and pristine wilderness called Quetico. In the land of the voyageurs you’ll join eight other canoeists along ancient pathways and waterways, paddling two days in to a base camp for four days of exploration, relaxation and fresh fish meals. Featuring fishing, reflection and observing wildlife, this 8-day trip occurs when cool lakes and weather afford the best angling. Experience is not required, but good physical fitness and a positive attitude are essential. Shared costs will be $475, including canoes and packs. A deposit of $100 is necessary to hold your reservation. Trip leader: Richard Berling. Call 608-241-0817 or email reberling@charter.net. [4L/GW/JM]

Aug 2-11: Join eight other modern-day voyageurs on this special adventure into the timeless and pristine wilderness of Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park. Two 9-person crews will traverse the park one way, one crew beginning at an Ely, MN base and the other at Atikokan, Ontario, meeting along the way in a grand rendezvous. Expect to see wildlife and ancient Ojibway pictographs, travel the routes of the trappers and voyageurs and have the opportunity to fish and swim in drinkable lakes. Experience is not required, but good physical fitness and a positive attitude are essential. Shared costs will be $475, including canoes and packs. A deposit of $100 will hold your reservation. Trip leaders: Mike Prausa (Atikokan to Ely) 414-305-0052, email mprausa@wi.rr.com and Bill Moore (Ely to Atikokan) 262-785-9022, email environ1@sbcglobal.net. [GW/4L/JM]

Aug. 29-Sept.7: Experience the life and land of the French voyageurs, Ojibway Indians and British trappers on this classic adventure into Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park. Beginning from a base near Ely, MN, you’ll roam through the best of Quetico’s granite wilderness with opportunities to fish, swim, view ancient pictographs and wildlife and learn about this historic land. Experience is not required, but good physical fitness and a positive attitude are essential. Shared costs will be $475, including canoes and packs. Reservation deposit: $100. Trip leader/guide: Bill Moore. Call 262-785-9022 or email environ1@sbcglobal.net. [GW/4L/JM]

Outing Sponsor Key

Trip Leader Information (Revised Forms as of 12/31/05)

• Trip Proposal Form - To be filled out for approval to your group Outings Chair BEFORE trip is submitted for publication here an in Muir View
  • Word Format
  • PDF Format
    
    
• 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 are PDF files, and they 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.
  • Page One
  • Page Two