What we’re about
### Sierra Club Kansas City Outings
Welcome to our Meetup site, where as volunteers we manage activity announcements and sign-ups.
### Our Programs
We offer various outdoor programs, including beginner backpacking. This is typically held in spring and fall, supported by our modern equipment library and a separate outdoors navigation course. Additionally, we organize day hikes, service days, other activities, and backpacking trips.
### Our Mission
Part of the National Sierra Club's "Local Outdoors" program, our outings focus on the Kansas City area community. We are a coalition of the Sierra Club's Thomas Hart Benton, Kanza & Wakarusa groups. We aim to be inclusive and welcome individuals from all backgrounds, with many members committed to conservation, equity, and social welfare advocacy.
If you're looking for advocacy opportunities - check out our Sierra Club | Kansas City | Advocacy | Environment Meetup Group.
### Locations
Our activities take place in well-known locations like Missouri and Kansas, and sometimes farther afield. Historically, these areas had different names and inhabitants. Here are some resources to explore these historical contexts: mapping tool, trail references, and additional perspective.
### Get Involved
Looking to connect with nature, meet new people, or get some exercise? Our local outings are here on Meetup; together with Sierra Club's domestic and international outings, we have something for everyone. Join us today! While membership is not required to participate, joining the Sierra Club for as little as $15 supports our programs.
### Support and Contributions
We may ask for small donations to cover the costs of things like leader training and maintaining our gear lending library. Note, donations to the Sierra Club are not tax-deductible (we're a Section 501(c)(4) non-profit organization under the Internal Revenue Code.) Our leaders are unpaid volunteers who generously give their time. Speaking of that, we're always interested in finding new leaders and assistant leaders.
### Join Our Volunteer Leadership Team!
🌟 Love the outdoors and adventure? We're looking for passionate volunteers to help guide unforgettable journeys! Start as an assistant leader (sweep) and grow into a leadership role—all while building valuable skills and lifelong connections.
Our local backpacking trips beyond the class have slowed, but with new leaders stepping up, we can bring them back strong. To lead safely and confidently, Wilderness First Aid certification is required (you’ll take it on your own). And yes, there’s some paperwork—it’s simple, ensures trip safety, and includes the waiver each participant signs. As a volunteer, you're also covered under the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997, which provides legal protections to those serving in nonprofit programs, and Sierra Club has in-house counsel and a structured risk management program.
Step up, make an impact, and help keep the adventure alive! Prove yourself as a leader, increasing the odds of being invited on personal trips to grander places. 🚶♂️🌲💪😉
### Backpacking Trips
In addition to our beginner backpacking program, we have hosted beginner and advanced backpacking trips locally and regionally, with options for **national and international outings **to wilderness areas, national parks, and remote locations. These trips offer progression for those who complete the beginner program and provide team-building opportunities for leaders.
### Activities and Leadership
Our volunteer leaders organize diverse activities based on their interests, including both backpacking but also day hikes, cycling, and camping. We also engage in conservation efforts like picking up trash, bird watching, and trail maintenance. And sometimes we take social trips with a community or historical connection. Our leaders are certified and trained in first aid, which sets us apart.
### Participation Requirements
- RSVP: Please RSVP in advance; walk-ins are not accepted.
- Minors: Minors can join some activities with a responsible adult. Please check the outing description to see if it allows minors. Please understand that there is additional work a leader has to complete to include minors.
- Pets: Generally, pets are prohibited unless specified; bona-fide service (versus emotional support) animals are generally permitted, but it also depends upon the venue's requirements and the activities involved. Leaders are not certified or trained in pet first aid or rescue.
- Standards: Leaders may establish the focus for their activity, and may require certain minimums, e.g. for: fitness, experience, and equipment.
### Carpooling
Carpooling is encouraged among participants who use their own judgement on doing so. It is important to note that carpooling arrangements are strictly private and not covered by Sierra Club's insurance. As such, the club assumes no liability for any issues arising from carpooling or ride-sharing arrangements.
### Participation Agreement
All Sierra Club outing participants must sign a standard participant agreement as part of the sign-in process. This agreement will be linked in individual Outing announcements so that you can easily review it beforehand and be ready to sign.
### Medical Form
You must complete a medical form if you plan to go on a backcountry, overnight, or day trip more than an hour away from an emergency medical facility. The trip leader will review the form and respect your privacy. We take the privacy of our participants very seriously and ensure that the responses on the form are kept confidential. In emergencies, the form will be available during the trip. After the trip, we will either return or delete the form. Whenever possible, we prefer to collect medical forms at the trailhead. However, for backpacking trips, we need to conduct a more thorough advance vetting process of the participants to ensure everyone's safety, so we can be happy and inspired along the way. Therefore, we require the medical forms to be filled out and submitted upfront for backpacking trips. If you feel unwell or show symptoms of illness, please do not attend outings.
### Feedback and Concerns
If you have any concerns during or after an outing, inform the outing leader immediately. For unwelcome messages on Meetup, follow Meetup’s guidance and contact us if needed.
Upcoming events
6
Eagle Days @ Loess Bluffs
Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge, 25542 US-159, Forest City, MO 64451, Forest City, MO, USLet's take advantage of this opportunity!
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host the 46th annual Eagle Days at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, December 6.
Let's meet there at 10:00 am. The center opens at 9 am, but it'll be a few degrees warmer at 10 am and it allows a little more time cushion to get up there. From the middle of KC, MO, it's a 1 hr 20 min drive.
The address is: 25542 US-159, Forest City, MO
The event is free and open to the public.
The World Bird Sanctuary staff will present live eagle shows each hour with eagles that have been rehabilitated from injuries but cannot be released back into the wild.
Location: Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
40.070861939529514, -95.22526714892336
The Refuge is in northwest Missouri near Mound City. Take I-29 to exit 79 south of Mound City, then south 2 ½ miles on U.S. Hwy 159.
Here's a link to the area: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/loess-bluffs
There are some short trails (a mile or less) that we'll walk and explore on our own.
A driving tour is available that will include interpretive stops on the drive through the wetlands. There will be spotting scopes set up at key points along the drive to allow for spotting wildlife out on the marshes.
The driving tour will be an optional aspect to the outing. Car pooling for the tour will not be organized by the event leader. Each participant is personally responsible for all risks associated with the travel during the optional driving tour.
Take a look at the bird sightings this month:
https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025-11/loess_bluffs_waterfowl_survey_20251120.pdf
Besides eagles, other wildlife at wetland pools like trumpeter swans, geese, ducks and shore birds can be seen.
MDC staff, Missouri Master Naturalists, and Loess Bluffs staff will be on hand to welcome visitors and answer questions. The number of waterfowl and eagles at the refuge varies according to the weather.
Check the forecast. Wear appropriate walking shoes or boots and clothing for the weather and temperature. Sandals, flip flops and other open toe, non-protective shoes are not "approved" apparel for this event.
Bring a snack, water, sunscreen, and anything else you need for an outdoor, day hike event.
Cameras and binoculars are encouraged.
The outing officially begins & ends on the dates, times, and locations noted above. Carpooling to and from the location is encouraged, but not included or arranged by Sierra Club leaders. Carpooling will be at your discretion with other participants to and from the outing. Each participant is personally responsible for all risks associated with this travel.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with over 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.
Why America must protect 30x30 (w/ Sen. Tom Udall, Dr. Enric Sala)7 attendees
Eddy - Ballentine Trail Restoration
Eddy-Ballentine Trail, 7762-8428 Blue River Rd, Kansas City, MO, USJoin Sierra Club as we work together to restore the diversity, health and resiliency of the Blue River Glades Natural Area. This remnant of ecologically significant public land is managed in conjunction with Jackson County Parks & Recreation & KC Wildlands. It is located just south of Swope Park in the heart of Kansas City providing “nearby nature” opportunities for all. This limestone glade community is one of the northernmost occurrences of such a community in Missouri and the best example existing locally. Gnarled chinquapin oaks nearly 300 years old sit atop slab-like outcroppings of Bethany Falls limestone. A prairie-like flora of grasses and wildflowers provides rich color and texture through most of the year. This community is managed through periodic prescribed burning. The glade is threatened by several exotic plant species, especially honeysuckle, which needs to be eradicated so native flowers and grasses flourish again in these stunning wild areas.
Trail maintenance this time of year is an advantage because there are fewer ticks but if it is too wet or too cold we will reschedule. No prior experience necessary! Volunteers will work to remove invasive shrub honeysuckle from the Eddy-Ballentine Trail loop which winds through upland forest to the Blue River Glade Natural Area.
What to Bring:
Work gloves, long pants, and sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes or boots (no sandals) are required. Layers of clothing and a hat depending on the weather. Glasses or sunglasses for eye protection. A water bottle full of water. Hand saw or loppers if you have them. Bug spray and sunscreen recommended.
At sign-in, all participants on Sierra Club outings are required to sign a standard participant agreement you can read here, if you would like to read it b4 you choose to participate, www.tinyurl.com/sonsite
The outing officially begins & ends on the dates & the locations designated by Sierra Club. Carpooling for this outing is not included or arranged by Sierra Club leaders. It is at your discretion with other participants to & from the outing; each participant is personally responsible for all risks associated with this travel.
Check out this short video of one of our workdays by Nyvia DelaCruz, Jackson County Communications DPT who also took the above photo: https://www.instagram.com/p/CXb8e8PpD4z/
This video explains how and why we are getting rid of honeysuckle-
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+chainsqw+honeysuckle&&view=detail&mid=7B9E815CCBCF458704A77B9E815CCBCF458704A7&&FORM=VDRVSR
Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet 🌎
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more informationl, visit www.sierraclub.org.
Why America must protect 30x30 (w/ Sen. Tom Udall, Dr. Enric Sala) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4VmOchhp8o22 attendees
•OnlineVirtual Hiking and Backpacking Planning with Caltopo
OnlineThis virtual class is an introduction to using Caltopo, a website designed for planning hiking and backpacking trips.
During the class you will see how to plan a trip. If you like, you can plan your own trip after the class with what you learn.
Before the class starts, make sure to go to https://caltopo.com/account/signup and create an account so you can log in and create a map during the class.
Caltopo accounts are free, and it's free to use Caltopo as long as you're online. To use Caltopo offline, you'll need a premium subscription. You won't need a premium subscription for the class.
The class will cover the following topics:
- Hike Planning and Safety
- Showcasing Caltopo's features
- Planning a Backpacking Trip
- Planning two hikes at Shawnee Mission Park Hike
- Time for Questions
If you aren't able to attend the class, a guide to plan the hike is available here:
Caltopo Hike Planning Guide
You can see the plan for the hike and walk that will be created in the class on Caltopo here:
https://caltopo.com/m/QNA4PTJ
You can download a copy of the map for the hike and walk here:
Hike and Walk Map
This will be on the Zoom platform, and you'll need to logged into a zoom account to attend. Don't wait until the last minute to test and configure your setup.
I will send out the meeting link and password a few days before the Zoom call. When you land in the meeting on game day, you'll first enter the waiting room for validation and then be in a listen-only mode until the class time - which helps assure that we are not Zoom-bombed! So be sure you have a Zoom account (create one here) and are logged in to it before trying to join the meeting!
This class only covers how to use Caltopo. If you would like to learn Wilderness Navigation, how to read a map, and how to use a compass, the Sierra Club is also doing a Wilderness Navigation Class, which you can see here:
https://www.meetup.com/kc-sierra-club-outings/events/311057253/
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with over 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.
Why America must protect 30x30 (w/ Sen. Tom Udall, Dr. Enric Sala)11 attendees
Prairie Creek Hike
Prairie Creek Greenway, 12496 State Highway N, Platte City, MO, USJoin your friends and neighbors for a hike along Prairie Creek. Enjoy a lovely winter walk passing waterfalls, rolling hills, and a lovely (sleeping) prairie.
This is a 6 mile out-and-back walk on paved path. Learn about how KC is protecting water, air, and greenspace and ways you can enjoy and protect it from your local Sierra Club.
This event is rain or shine, but we will monitor the weather and may cancel if conditions become unsafe. Dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear (closed-toed walking shoes or hiking boots, please!)
Water bottle recommended.
If you have any questions, contact the organizer or Billy Davies, co-leader and KC area Sierra Club staffer at william.davies@sierraclub.org or 847-636-3642.
This trail is pretty young and is a great example of how we can make greenspace more accessible. It also encourages reflection about how our green space and natural treasures can be threatened, including by new and proposed AI data centers, which pose big impacts on water quality. electricity and air quality. Prairie Creek is just a few miles from the site of a proposed 1 million square foot data center north of the KCI Airport.
There are no vaccine, mask or testing mandates, but if you're sick, please do not attend!
At sign-in, all participants on Sierra Club outings are required to sign a standard participant agreement you can read, if you would like to read it before you choose to participate, www.tinyurl.com/sonsite
The outing officially begins & ends on the dates & the locations designated by Sierra Club. Carpooling for this outing is not included or arranged by Sierra Club leaders. It is at your discretion with other participants to & from the outing; each participant is personally responsible for all risks associated with this travel.
Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet 🌎
The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with over 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit [www.sierraclub.org. ]7 attendees
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