About us
Do you enjoy being outdoors and staying active?
Come join us, we’re outside year-round!
The goal of our Outings Program is to give Metro Detroiters meaningful outdoor experiences that inspire greater care for our natural environment and, perhaps, motivate them to become Sierra Club members and activists. The Sierra Club’s Southeast Michigan Group (SEMG) is part of the Michigan Chapter of the National Sierra Club—one of the oldest environmental organizations in the United States.
Our outings program offers something for everyone: easy walks in local parks, day hikes, camping, birding, wildflower walks, wilderness trips, backpacking and more. Events are typically held two or more times each month. We serve Metro Detroit, including Wayne, St. Clair, Macomb, and Oakland County. Powered by dedicated volunteers, we also host educational programs, activist activities, and conservation meetings that focus on environmental issues affecting access to nature, climate, conservation, and public health.
All Sierra Club activities are open to the public—you don’t need to be a member to join us! Whether you’re passionate about protecting the environment or simply curious about exploring nature, we welcome you to participate in our outings and attend our meetings. Visit our website to learn more at https://www.sierraclub.org/michigan/southeast-michigan.
For questions, please email [sierra.club.semg@gmail.com](mailto:sierra.club.semg@gmail.com). Several members of our SEMG Executive Committee monitor this inbox, making it the best way to connect with us.
If you would like to support our outings and local activities, please follow this link to our online donation link: https://givebutter.com/FKXYFb
Upcoming events
8
Belle Isle State Park Hike (Wayne County)
Belle Isle Nature Center, 176 Lakeside Drive, Detroit, MI, USThis 3- to 5-mile hike will take us along peaceful trails and to the edge of the Detroit River, where we might see Great Lakes freighters and enjoy stunning views of both Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. We’ll start and end at the Belle Isle Nature Center, where you can explore interactive exhibits, observe native wildlife, and experience the island’s unique ecosystems after the hike. The surrounding area features pollinator gardens, wetlands, and a small deer enclosure—offering plenty of opportunities to spot birds along the way.
We’ll do two loops that begin and end at the Nature Center. The first loop is about 3 miles through the park’s natural areas, while the second loop—about 2 miles—takes us to the tip of Belle Isle for a beautiful view upstream toward Lake St. Clair. Participants are welcome to finish after the first loop if they prefer. This hike offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and scenic views, making it a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Since the hike concludes around midday, feel free to bring a picnic lunch. If you’d like to extend your visit to Belle Isle, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and the Belle Isle Aquarium are nearby. The conservatory—renowned as the oldest continually operating conservatory in the United States—features one of the largest municipally owned orchid collections in the country. Adjacent to it, the Albert Kahn–designed aquarium is the oldest in the continental United States and houses a fascinating collection of aquatic life.
We look forward to exploring the beauty of Belle Isle with you!
Sierra Club Registration Link:
https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001d1M7eIAE
Registering via the Sierra Club Portal helps streamline paperwork for our volunteer outings leaders and saves some trees too!Meeting Time and Location:
We’ll meet in the parking lot of the Belle Isle Nature Center, 176 Lakeside, Detroit, MI 48207. Please arrive by 9:15 AM so we can begin the hike promptly at 9:30 AM.Hike Leader:
For questions, please email sierra.club.semg@gmail.com.Participation Details:
For all our hikes, please remember to bring comfortable hiking shoes, a water bottle, food, and seasonally appropriate clothing. To help prevent tick bites, wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot, and consider long sleeves and long pants when hiking in grassy or wooded areas. After returning home, check your body, clothing, and pets for ticks, shower soon after coming indoors, and wash and dry your clothes on high heat, which can help kill any ticks that may be present.Participation in Sierra Club activities requires registration and acceptance of a waiver, which you can complete online at the link above. Electronic copies of the required waiver are available online or by request and will be accepted automatically by signing-in to the event.
All hikes are free and open to everyone, but donations are gratefully accepted. Donations from our outing program support both our outings program and conservation projects at the places where we hike, such as a pollinator planting we are supporting at Independence Oaks in Oakland County. Donations may be made online at: https://givebutter.com/FKX
As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, donations allow us to lobby and sometimes litigate for environmental protections. This tax status gives us a broader ability to enact change, but it also means that gifts to the Sierra Club are not tax deductible. Whether you’re able to give or not, everyone is welcome on our hikes, and your support in any form is appreciated.
Cancellation Policy:
The hike will proceed rain, snow, or shine. However, if an Extreme Weather Warning is issued by the National Weather Service, the hike will be canceled for safety reasons.Park Pass Information:
When visiting a Michigan State Park, a Recreation Passport is required. The cost per vehicle is $14 when purchased during license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State. Entrance to Metroparks requires a $40 annual pass or a $10 day pass. You may be able to purchase a day or annual pass at the park entrance booth.Hikes are free and open to the public. However, sometimes we do activities that require a fee which would be noted in the description of the event and we do accept donations.
14 attendees
Maybury State Park Hike (Wayne County)
Maybury state park, 49601 West 8 Mile road,, Northville, MI, USJoin us for a refreshing 5.3-mile hike through Maybury State Park in Northville, a beloved natural retreat with a rich history. This scenic walk takes us along peaceful nature trails and past the remnants of the old T.B. Sanatorium, which operated here from 1921 to 1969. As we continue over rolling hills, we’ll reach the big pond, a popular spot where geese and swans often nest. The park is home to a variety of birds, deer, and wildflowers, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Once a place of healing for tuberculosis patients, the park now offers a peaceful setting for visitors to explore its 940 acres of woodlands, meadows, and marshes. In addition to hiking, Maybury features equestrian trails, mountain biking paths, a fishing dock, and a working farm that provides insight into Michigan’s agricultural history. This hike offers the perfect mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and historical intrigue, making it an ideal way to reconnect with nature and learn more about the area's past.
We will hike from 9:30 a.m. to about noon.
Sierra Club Registration Link:
https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001d228PIAQ
Registering via the Sierra Club Portal helps streamline paperwork for our volunteer outings leaders and saves some trees too!Meeting Time and Location:
We’ll meet at 9:15am at Maybury State Park at the Walnut Picnic Shelter by the West Parking Lot off the 8 Mile Entrance to the park. This is the picnic shelter closest to the bathrooms.Hike Leader:
For questions, call or text hike leader Ken Jacobsen at (248) 302-8275.Participation Details:
For all our hikes, please remember to bring comfortable hiking shoes, a water bottle, food, and seasonally appropriate clothing. To help prevent tick bites, wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot, and consider long sleeves and long pants when hiking in grassy or wooded areas. After returning home, check your body, clothing, and pets for ticks, shower soon after coming indoors, and wash and dry your clothes on high heat, which can help kill any ticks that may be present.Participation in Sierra Club activities requires registration and acceptance of a waiver, which you can complete online at the link above. Electronic copies of the required waiver are available online or by request and will be accepted automatically by signing-in to the event.
All hikes are free and open to everyone, but donations are gratefully accepted. Donations from our outing program support both our outings program and conservation projects at the places where we hike, such as a pollinator planting we are supporting at Independence Oaks in Oakland County. Donations may be made online at: https://givebutter.com/FKX
As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, donations allow us to lobby and sometimes litigate for environmental protections. This tax status gives us a broader ability to enact change, but it also means that gifts to the Sierra Club are not tax deductible. Whether you’re able to give or not, everyone is welcome on our hikes, and your support in any form is appreciated.
Cancellation Policy:
The hike will proceed rain, snow, or shine. However, if an Extreme Weather Warning is issued by the National Weather Service, the hike will be canceled for safety reasons.Park Pass Information:
When visiting a Michigan State Park, a Recreation Passport is required. The cost per vehicle is $14 when purchased during license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State. Entrance to Metroparks requires a $40 annual pass or a $10 day pass. You may be able to purchase a day or annual pass at the park entrance booth.Hikes are free and open to the public. However, sometimes we do activities that require a fee which would be noted in the description of the event.
Location:
Maybury State Park's address is 20145 Beck Road, Northville, MI 48167. However, we are meeting by the Walnut Picnic Shelter off the West Parking Area of the 8 Mile Entrance.3 attendees
Kensington Metropark Hike (Oakland County)
Kensington metropark nature center, 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380, Milford Charter Township, MI, USJoin us for a 4.5-mile hike at Kensington Metropark, starting at the Nature Center parking lot. This easy-to-moderate hike takes you through woods, fields, and along wetlands, offering many diverse habitats where we’ll have the opportunity to see wildlife and enjoy scenic views. A bathroom is available at the Nature Center, accessible at both the beginning and end of the hike. We’ll take water breaks along the way to stay refreshed. We recommend wearing sunscreen, a hat, and bug spray for comfort and protection.
Sierra Club Registration Link:
https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001d1aqVIAQ
Registering via the Sierra Club Portal helps streamline paperwork for our volunteer outings leaders and saves some trees too!Meeting Location:
• Time: 9:15 AM to sign in
• Parking: Park at the Kensington Nature Center Parking Lot, coordinates are 42.52846, -83.67082.Participation Details:
For all our hikes, please remember to bring comfortable hiking shoes, a water bottle, food, and seasonally appropriate clothing. To help prevent tick bites, wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot, and consider long sleeves and long pants when hiking in grassy or wooded areas. After returning home, check your body, clothing, and pets for ticks, shower soon after coming indoors, and wash and dry your clothes on high heat, which can help kill any ticks that may be present.Participation in Sierra Club activities requires registration and acceptance of a waiver, which you can complete online at the link above. Electronic copies of the required waiver are available online or by request and will be accepted automatically by signing-in to the event.
All hikes are free and open to everyone, but donations are gratefully accepted. Donations from our outing program support both our outings program and conservation projects at the places where we hike, such as a pollinator planting we are supporting at Independence Oaks in Oakland County. Donations may be made online at: https://givebutter.com/FKX
As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, donations allow us to lobby and sometimes litigate for environmental protections. This tax status gives us a broader ability to enact change, but it also means that gifts to the Sierra Club are not tax deductible. Whether you’re able to give or not, everyone is welcome on our hikes, and your support in any form is appreciated.
Cancellation Policy:
The hike will proceed rain, snow, or shine. However, if an Extreme Weather Warning is issued by the National Weather Service, the hike will be canceled for safety reasons.
Park Pass Information:
When visiting a Michigan State Park, a Recreation Passport is required. The cost per vehicle is $14 when purchased during license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State. Entrance to Metroparks requires a $40 annual pass or a $10 day pass. You may be able to purchase a day or annual pass at the park entrance booth.
Hikes are free and open to the public. However, sometimes we do activities that require a fee which would be noted in the description of the event.8 attendees
Proud Lake Recreation Area Hike (Oakland County)
Proud Lake Recreation Area, 2700 Glengary Rd, Oakland County, MI, USJoin us for 4.5-mile hike at Proud Lake Recreation Area! Nestled along the banks of the Huron River, this park features woodlands, wetlands, and riverbanks, offering diverse natural beauty and a serene environment. The trail presents a mix of gentle hills and flat terrain, making it an enjoyable challenge for both novice and experienced hikers.
The Huron River is the park’s central feature, flowing for over 130 miles from its headwaters in the Huron Swamp to its endpoint in Lake Erie. As you hike, you’ll follow sections of the river, which provide not only a peaceful ambiance but also a rich habitat for local wildlife. Proud Lake’s connection to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal-era program from the 1930s, is evident throughout the park. The CCC was instrumental in developing trails, campsites, cabins, pine plantations, and picnic areas that remain integral parts of the recreation area today.
We’ll hike from 9:30 a.m. to about noon.
Sierra Club Registration Link:
https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001d28VZIAY
Registering via the Sierra Club Portal helps streamline paperwork for our volunteer outings leaders and saves some trees too!Meeting Time and Location:
Meet at 9:15 a.m. at Proud Lake Recreation Area, 3500 Wixom Road, Commerce Charter Township, MI 48382, at the trailhead parking area off the main entrance on Wixom Road, just beyond the park headquarters (east of Wixom Road and south of Sleeth Road).Hike Leader:
For questions, please email sierra.club.semg@gmail.com.Participation Details:
For all our hikes, please remember to bring comfortable hiking shoes, a water bottle, food, and seasonally appropriate clothing. To help prevent tick bites, wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot, and consider long sleeves and long pants when hiking in grassy or wooded areas. After returning home, check your body, clothing, and pets for ticks, shower soon after coming indoors, and wash and dry your clothes on high heat, which can help kill any ticks that may be present.Participation in Sierra Club activities requires registration and acceptance of a waiver, which you can complete online at the link above. Electronic copies of the required waiver are available online or by request and will be accepted automatically by signing-in to the event.
All hikes are free and open to everyone, but donations are gratefully accepted. Donations from our outing program support both our outings program and conservation projects at the places where we hike, such as a pollinator planting we are supporting at Independence Oaks in Oakland County. Donations may be made online at: https://givebutter.com/FKX
As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, donations allow us to lobby and sometimes litigate for environmental protections. This tax status gives us a broader ability to enact change, but it also means that gifts to the Sierra Club are not tax deductible. Whether you’re able to give or not, everyone is welcome on our hikes, and your support in any form is appreciated.
Cancellation Policy:
The hike will proceed rain, snow, or shine. However, if an Extreme Weather Warning is issued by the National Weather Service, the hike will be canceled for safety reasons.Park Pass Information:
When visiting a Michigan State Park, a Recreation Passport is required. The cost per vehicle is $14 when purchased during license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State. Entrance to Metroparks requires a $40 annual pass or a $10 day pass. You may be able to purchase a day or annual pass at the park entrance booth.Hikes are free and open to the public. However, sometimes we do activities that require a fee which would be noted in the description of the event.
2 attendees
Past events
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