What we’re about
Solar Outdoors is a Southeast Michigan based club with more than 400 members. Founded in 1975, Solar Outdoors remains dedicated to helping its members enjoy nature and outdoor activities.
Membership in the club is required to participate in our activities and workshops posted on our Meetup site. Annual dues are $15 for individuals. Please read further if you are interested in becoming a club member. Questions about membership can be directed to [solarmembership@solaroutdoors.org](mailto:solarmembership@solaroutdoors.org). Or select this link to become a member https://form.jotform.com/251014794107149
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Solar Outdoors members themselves organize workshops and events in which other members can participate. Whether you are a beginner or experienced wilderness enthusiast, you will find workshops, activities, and trips for all skill levels and many different interests including--but certainly not limited to!--backpacking, day hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, paddling, orienteering, wildflower and tree identification, whitewater rafting, and geocaching. Solar Outdoors members can also borrow gear from our store of packs, sleeping bags and pads, stoves, and other outdoor equipment for an annual member fee of $35.
To learn more about Solar Outdoors and its activities we encourage you to visit our website, www.solaroutdoors.org. There you will find a calendar of upcoming workshops and events. These sources give more information about who we are, what we do, and how we do it. We also welcome anyone interested in the club to attend our monthly meetings, held at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, 27475 Five Mile Road, just west of Inkster Road, in Livonia on the last Tuesday of every month (except December) at 7 pm. SOLAR is not affiliated with St. Paul's or any other religious institution. Directions are available here: [http://solaroutdoors.com/solarmeetings.html](http://solaroutdoors.org/About/Meetings.aspx). The business meeting is followed by a program on a topic of general interest to our members.
Solar Outdoors uses Meetup as a tool of convenience for our members to quickly get information about upcoming classes and activities and to sign up and pay for these events online. That's why our Meetup group is restricted to paid members of the club and non-members have very limited access.
Once you have checked us out online and, we hope, in person by attending one of our monthly meetings, you can decide if becoming a member is right for you. If so, you can join the club by downloading the membership form (http://solaroutdoors.com/downloads/S.O.L.A....), filling it out, and either submitting it with a check for the dues payment at one of the meetings or mailing both to the address listed on the bottom of the membership form. Once you are a club member you will have access to this Meetup group.
Thank you for your interest in Solar Outdoors. We hope to meet you soon.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Kayak the Huron RiverNeeds location
When: Sunday, October 12, 2025
Time: 8:30am Arrival; 9:00 am Launch
Length: 2 Hours
Optional Lunch After: Zukey Lake Tavern
Equipment Needed: Kayak, Paddle, and Life Vest
Host: Bob Tacy
Contact Information: Email whycatbob@gmail.com
The autumn hues are bound to create a stunning backdrop for this kayaking adventure! We’ll embark on this two-hour journey, and remember, you’ll be paddling at your own risk. Please arrive by 8:30 AM sharp, as we’ll set off at 9:00 AM to steer clear of the afternoon motorboat traffic.
We’ll be launching our kayaks from a private residence on Strawberry Lake, paddling down the picturesque Huron River, crossing Gallagher Lake, and making our way back. Don’t forget to bring your own kayak, paddle, and life vest. We’ll be kayaking as a group, and there’s space for 15 additional kayakers!
The river's waters are usually calm, but be prepared for a mix of river and open water kayaking. And if you’re up for it, we’re planning to grab lunch afterwards at Zukey Lake Tavern. It promises to be a delightful day of exploration and beautiful scenery!
If you are interested, please register on Meetup, and I will send you a map and specific directions to the launch location. If you have any questions, you can reach Bob Tacy at whycatbob@gmail.com.
