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.
Many of our events are rated Easy and everyone is invited to participate, but others have fitness and experience requirements. Smoking and vaping 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
6
MLK Walk, along Southern Walnut Creek trail
Govalle Neighborhood Park, 5200 Bolm Rd, Austin, TX, USNOTE: This walk is held the day before MLK Day.
Join us for a 5 mile easy paced, paved walk (with an optional additional 2 mile rugged section), along the Southern Walnut Creek Trail. We will depart from the trail on occasion - to view the MLK memorial mosaic at the Paseo de Heroes and pass by the Urban Roots farm.
Those doing the optional additional 2 mile rugged section should be able to hop across a 3-foot-wide creek and handle rocky terrain. The trail leads to Red Bluff, which has been called "the Mount Bonnell of east Austin". If the creek level is high, the route will be altered. We don't plan to get our feet wet.
OK to bring a well-behaved pet on leash, if not doing the rugged section. If pet problems arise, you will need to depart from the group.
Participants must sign a Liability Waiver at the trailhead. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020 .
Often we go out for food and drink afterwards.
If not already a member, we encourage you to join the Sierra Club (the national club, not just the Meetup group) and help protect the environment and our democracy.36 attendees
Sierra Club January General Meeting: Travis County Parks Foundation
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin, 4700 Grover Avenue, Austin, TX, USJoin us at our monthly General Meeting for socializing, networking, and engagement on environmental topics of local interest. While our program will start at 7 pm, many of us will gather earlier to catch up after the holiday break. Note, however, there will not be a food or drink option this month owing to the venue change. We are meeting at First UU Church at 4700 Grover.
Tonight's program will provide an overview of the Travis County Parks Foundation (TCPF) by Ailisha Macharia, Parks Stewardship Program Director for the TCPF. Among other things, her talk will highlight TCPF's Night Sky and Park Stewards programming.
Ailisha has brought programming to a wide range of community spaces, including recreation centers, schools, churches, grocery stores, and clinics across Austin, Manor, Bastrop, and Taylor. Before joining TCPF, she served as the Program Coordinator for The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre at Sustainable Food Center. Ailisha is most proudly a farmer—a graduate of Farmshare Austin with experience growing organic vegetables for various Austin area restaurants, a farm hand at Shepard’s Flock in Elgin, TX, and an herbalist. She is also a 200 hr Trauma-Informed Registered Yoga Teacher.
As someone who spends her time outside stewarding the land, Ailisha is most excited to connect with Travis County Park staff to organize volunteers for TCPF’s Park Stewards Program. She will be bringing programming that integrates land stewardship, healing-centered engagement, and land-based education in our Travis County Parks to develop lifelong stewards of our TC Parks.
Can't make this event but still keenly interested in the topic? No worries... look for a recording of the presentation posted to the Austin Group's YouTube channel within about one week.9 attendees
Audubon Hike
Travis Audubon Society Baker Sanctuary, 12219 Lime Creek Rd, Leander, TX, USWe will hike a 3+ mile trail at a brisk pace on rugged terrain. Some sections won't have shade, many are very rocky; plan accordingly.
The endangered golden-cheek warbler mates and nests on this sanctuary and with some luck we may view one or any of the other native wildlife that lurks about.
As such, No pets are allowed, well behaved kids are.
Afterwards, we can grab a bite at a nearby Mediterranean restaurant.
The Sierra Club is not allowed to organize carpools but we highly recommend doing so. Many folks will rendez-vous at the Y in Oak Hill, Central Market on North Lamar, and REI Gateway. If you wish to drive or ride in a carpool, please leave a comment on the meetup page.
Participants must sign a Liability Waiver upon arrival. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet202013 attendees
Service Project - Brazos Bend State Park
Brazos Bend State Park, 21901 Farm to Market Road 762, Needville, TX, US*** RSVP ON MEETUP ALONE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPOT ON THE TRIP***
Join us for a week long Service Project at Brazos Bend State Park. Only 43 miles from downtown Houston, its coastal prairie wetlands are one of North America's most threatened ecosystems. This park protects a significant chunk of what's left.
This 5,000-acre park sits along the winding Brazos River in the coastal prairie region. Unlike the rugged Hill Country, Brazos Bend is flat, lush, and teeming with water. The park features moss-draped live oaks, shallow lakes and sloughs, and wetlands that create a haven for an incredible diversity of wildlife.
Brazos Bend is famous for its American alligators - and you WILL see them. They sun themselves on trails, glide through the water, and are so common that the park has "alligator etiquette" signs everywhere. Don't worry - they're generally docile if you keep a respectful distance (at least 30 feet).
Also, you can tell people you did manual labor while dodging alligators, which is arguably more interesting than most service project stories.
From the Park Superintendent: We have a new tract of land that was donated a few years ago, and we’re in the process of habitat restoration, and we have a lot of work to do.
There’s a lot of yaupon holly that we’ll be clearing away from trees, so cutting and lopping will likely be the primary task… which, I’ll plan for a few staff to be out with he group and provide direction, cover safety topics, and weather updates each day before the work begins.
Participants are responsible for their own transportation, camping equipment, and breakfasts and lunches.
Under our system for evening meals, you and partners will be responsible for feeding the entire group one evening. This includes bringing and preparing the food, Dish Patrol and washing said pots and pans.
To sign up:
- RSVP on Meetup: The Meetup may show as full, but if you want to come, please sign up! There is usually plenty of turnover.
- Wait for approval from Trip Leaders, who might reach out for more details. Hiking and camping in rugged wilderness areas takes extraordinary preparation, so we strive to make sure that this trip is right for you.
- Contact information: Send your name, cell number, email address to stanpeyton at gmail.com.
- Complete the Medical Form: https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021 Scan and email the form also to stanpeyton at gmail.com (preferred) , or to Stan Peyton's mailing address below.
- Read the Participation Agreement and fill out Page 1: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020
- Mail the forms to:
Stan Peyton
8408 Hanbridge Lane
Austin TX 78736
VERY IMPORTANT: IF WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE ABOVE PAPERWORK WITHIN TEN DAYS OF YOUR SIGNING UP, YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE TRIP.
Don't sign up unless you are serious about attending!
| YOU WILL NEED TO BRING: |
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•Kneeling pad
•Containers for leftovers
•Geologist's Hammer (we are not kidding)
•Tent and implements of sleeping
•Covid mask
•Dishtowel
•Earplugs
•Evening meal for Saturday
•Flashlight
•Food and drinks for all your breakfasts, snacks and lunches
•Hat
•Long pants
•Tools for working on the trail (If you already have them)
•Personal prescriptions and first aid kit
•Plate/bowl
•Silverware
•Sunscreen
•Tweezers
•Water bottle
•Work gloves14 attendees
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