What we’re about
Austin Sierra Club (local branch of the Sierra Club) holds outings for outdoor activities: hiking, camping, biking, backpacking, kayaking, community service projects, and more. These include local one-day events to greenbelts and natural areas, weekend trips to state parks, as well as longer trips to national parks.
All participants must sign our Sign-In Sheet with Participation Agreement before joining one of our outings. You are strongly urged to add your cell phone and emergency contact numbers on the sheet, for your safety. More information is needed for overnight trips.
Smoking is not allowed on our events. Check with the Leader to see if pets are allowed.
Although it's not necessary to participate in our events, we encourage you to join the Sierra Club (in addition to the Meetup group), and support our efforts to protect the environment.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Two GREAT films! Uranium Film Fest, March 18, 6:00-9:30 PM at AFS CinemaAFS Cinema, Austin, TX
The 2024 International Uranium Film Festival will travel to 13 cities in two months. This is the first time it will be in Austin.
The award-winning films being screened are Atomic Bamboozle: The False Promise of a Nuclear Renaissance (46 min.) & Downwind (95 min.). Atomic Bamboozle debunks the idea that nuclear energy should play a role in fixing the climate crisis. Downwind, with Michael Douglas & Martin Sheen, focuses on the toxic consequences of 928 nuclear detonations on American soil. Both films highlight impacts on Indigenous communities and are especially relevant in Texas, where small modular nuclear reactors are now proposed and the fight to halt high-level radioactive waste dumping continues in the courts. The Sierra Club has been active in this fight.
We'll meet at 6 p.m. near the table in the lobby ($12 cash/check donation). Please arrive at 5:45 if you'd like snacks or drinks. Here's the schedule:
6 p.m.- Meet at the table in the lobby, & theater opens
6:20- Welcome/intro, Karen Hadden (SEED Coalition) & film fest directors
6:30- Atomic Bamboozle
7:15-7:30- break
7:30- Intro to Downwind
7:35- Downwind
9:05-9:10- Film ends$12 cash/check donation at the table in the lobby
Local sponsors: SEED Coalition and Public Citizen. - Zilker hike + Science Under the Stars programThe Rock at Town Lake, Austin, TX
Graduate students at the University of Texas' College of Natural Sciences' Brackenridge Field Lab host a free monthly lecture series - Science under the Stars. This month's presentation is "Coral Reef Restoration".
Our event consists of 3 parts:
6:10pm: Meet at "The Rock", which is the nickname for the trailhead area of Lady Bird Lake where Veterans Dr passes under Mopac. It is at the north end of the Roberta Crenshaw bridge. You may navigate to "2104 Stephen F Austin Dr · Austin, TX". After 6pm there is free parking along Veterans Dr. If arriving earlier you will need the Park ATX app to pay. If coming from south Austin, it is more convenient to park at the south end of the Roberta Crenshaw bridge. Also consider taking CapMetro. No pets please.
Participants must sign a Liability Waiver at the trailhead. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020
We'll take a 3 mile moderately brisk hike through the Zilker Nature Preserve. A few sections are rocky, and there are hills equivalent to 10 flights of stairs. We'll end our walk at Brackenridge Field Lab.
7:15pm: Meet at Brackenridge Field Lab, 2907 Lake Austin Blvd , for a tour of the outdoor biology lab. Grad students will explain their current research projects. If driving to BFL come early - their parking lot may fill up.
8pm: At Brackenridge Field Lab, the Science Under the Stars presentation begins. Chairs are provided. You may bring snacks to munch on, and perhaps a jacket. Following the program we will walk back to The Rock (0.8 mile).
WEATHER NOTE: The hike may be cancelled due to rain or anticipated bad weather. A decision would be made on this page 1 hour before start time.
- Bright Leaf Preserve hike - FULLBright Leaf Preserve, Austin, TX
RSVP on Meetup alone does not reserve your spot - see instructions below.
Experience an unspoiled bit of the Hill Country just a mile west of Mopac. The 215-acre Bright Leaf preserve features a flowing stream, forests, hills, wildlife, and scenic views. The hike is 2.5 miles long with 390 feet of ascent, traveling at an easy pace to allow for observation. Pets are not allowed in the preserve.
In addition to RSVP'ing on Meetup, Participants must also RSVP on the website: https://services.austintexas.gov/water/wildland_vol/index.cfm - for the Sat Mar 23 Bright Leaf Hike . If spots on this website are Full, you will not be able to attend.
You will need to sign a Liability Waiver at the traihead. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020 .
Directions: Take FM 2222 1.1 mile west from the 2222-MOPAC intersection. Turn left on Creek Mountain Road (the first left past the traffic light at Mesa). Go to bottom of hill, turn right on Old Bull Creek Road, turn left through gate. Do not arrive late, or the gate will be locked.
Attendance: Landowners require us to set a limit on the hike. Honor your RSVP - attendance will be tracked. Those who No Show, Cancel with less than 12 hours notice, or Gatecrash will be held accountable.
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