What we’re about
Welcome
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.
Leadership Responsibility
Each Sierra Club outing posted on this Meetup is created and led by an individual Event Host (the Sierra Club–certified trip leader), who is solely responsible for planning, safety, decision‑making, and compliance with Sierra Club policies for their specific activity. Meetup role titles such as Organizer, Co‑Organizer, Assistant Organizer, or Event Host are administrative designations used only within the Meetup platform and do not represent official Sierra Club positions or authority. The Organizer does not supervise, vet, approve, or manage Sierra Club trip leaders, performs only basic Meetup site upkeep, and does not assume responsibility for leader decisions, outing content, or policy compliance. All questions or concerns about a particular outing should be directed to that outing’s Event Host.
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 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.
Each trip leader is responsible for planning and running their own outings in accordance with Sierra Club policies. To lead safely and confidently, the applicable First Aid certification is required (you’ll take it on your own). And yes, there’s some paperwork—it’s simple, supports trip safety, and includes the participant agreement each participant signs. As a volunteer, you may wish to be aware of the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997, a federal statute designed to support individuals who serve nonprofits when they act within the scope of their volunteer duties. Sierra Club also maintains 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.
Participant 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
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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=I4VmOchhp8o8 attendees
Sunrise Urban Hike: Crush Your Daily Steps! 🌄🚶♂️
Sam's Club NKC, 5110 N Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO, US🚶♂️ From NKC to KCMO’s River Market: Suburban & Urban Adventure Awaits on a Ten-ish Mile hike! 🌆
Walk from the NKC Sam's Club parking lot, zigzagging through the 'burbs, diving into NKC’s industrial jungle, surfing above MO waves on the Heart of America Bridge, and finally river-siding it to the market! 🚗🌉🌊🛒 Did we mention one of the best cityscape views of downtown KC, too?
As we walk, we’ll witness the importance of urban planning, as on some of the stretches, we will be walking on sidewalks while on other stretches next to roads, where a sidewalk could be but isn't, in the grass/gravel/dirt/road edge (let's call walking along roads without sidewalks "roadside") in NKC neighbourhoods— it’s like a neon sign: Sidewalks Wanted! 🏙️
We'll cross the Mighty MO via the HOA Bridge (1, 2, 3), where great views await, walk down a wide road time forgot where we hope no train is parked on the tracks or have to go the long way around to **Berkley River Front **and see the new soccer stadium and then stop @ a river viewing deck.Then pop into Chinatown Market (great cold drink selection.) Finally, our outing concludes at the vibrant River Market. 🛒
But wait! 🍽️ Afterward, linger for a delectable **Taste of Brazil lunch -**if open and not cold outside, otherwise, the sure thing is indoors at Minsky's, where the TV wall's slate of sports games awaits.
Remember, this adventure spans ten-ish miles (follow that link to see a top-down perspective & use Google Street View for an impression).
You’re in control—of how you'll get to our starting point & then back to it. THIS IS A ONE-WAY POINT-TO-POINT HIKE. YOU HAVE TO PLAN HOW YOU'RE GOING TO GET TO THE START & THEN WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO DO FOR RETURN TRANSPORTATION, e.g. if your vehicle is at Sam's Club where we started, how will you get back there to get it, we are not returning there as part of the outing. And note, we have NOT cleared anyone parking at Sam's Club for this, it is the rally point for the hike, not necessarily a proper place to assume you can park.
And if the weather is bad, it is super cold, or streets are meh from earlier weather (e.g. snow or ice on the ground), we we'll likely cancel. So yeah, we're rolling the dice that we catch a break on conditions, tbd!
Guidelines for staying safe and projecting group strength:
- What to Bring: Pack your headlamp, fresh batteries, water, snacks, mini-umbrella, rain jacket, hiking sticks/staff, & pepper spray.
- Stay Close: Maintain physical proximity. Walk closely together.
- Dress Code: Go ahead & wear bright colours if you'd like to, e.g. bright safety color vest/outwear (e.g. fluorescent blaze orange (hunter orange) or fluorescent chartreuse (hunter safety green)
Also, wear layers that you can remove & put in a daypack that you also bring. - Blinking Lights: Since we're walking roadside without sidewalks at times, consider using reflective armbands or flashing LED lights. Stay visible & stay safe! 🚶♂️🌟
- Awareness: Be vigilant of your surroundings. Scan for potential threats & stay alert. If you see something, say something.
- Confidence: Walk with purpose & avoid looking hesitant. Confidence can deter troublemakers.
Remember, safety is a collective effort, and by following these guidelines, our group will be more visible to traffic, project strength and discourage unwanted attention. 😊👍
How Do I Get to Go?
Read everything. Be prepared. Sign up.
Use LNT practices.
Sign the standard participant agreement.
Bring a personal 1st aid kit.
Be prepared with a rapid solution should you not be able to finish and need to leave the outing, e.g. if you find 10 miles is too much, have a bail out ready so it doesn't bog down the group.
The Outing officially begins & ends on the dates & at the location designated by the Sierra Club, i.e., the trailhead. The Outing does not include carpooling—at your discretion, transportation, or transit to & from the Outing; each participant is personally responsible for all risks associated with this travel. Account for travel time when planning; we just show together time. You decide how to reach the start & leave from the finish.
🤒 If you’re sick, please do not attend. 🏥8 attendees
Introduction to Wilderness Navigation
Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO, USWould you like to learn how to read a topographical map for wilderness travel and how to use a compass and GPS with that topo map so you don’t get lost? Join a two-part course “Introduction to Wilderness Navigation”. Saturday will be in class at the Discovery Center from 9-4 and Sunday will be in the field at Shawnee Mission Park Orienteering Course from. 1 to 3.
MARCH 14 (SAT) 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM, DISCOVERY CENTER
CHAPTERS 1 - 2, MAP AND COMPASS BASICS
“With the exception of your brain, a map is your most important navigational tool. No one should venture into the wilderness without one, nor without the ability to interpret it.”
CHAPTERS 3, ORIENTATION & NAVIGATION
"Navigation is the science of determining the location of your objective and keeping yourself pointed in the right direction from your starting point to this destination.
CHAPTERS 5 -8, GPS, LOST, UTM, & ROUTEFINDING
“Routefinding begins at home. Before heading out the door, you need to know not only the name of your wilderness destination but also a great deal about how to get there and back. This information is accessible from guidebooks and maps and from people who have been there.”
MARCH 15 (SUN) 1:00- 3:00 PM, SHAWNEE MISSION PARK
Practice with map & compass at the Shawnee Mission Park Orienteering Course. Meet at 7900 Renner Rd Visitor Center, Shawnee, KS 66219
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
YOUR RSVP DOES NOT HOLD YOUR SPOT!
Class size is limited to the first 12 people who enroll. Once you have enrolled and paid, I will confirm that you are in the classes. Please enroll via PayPal -https://paypal.me/kcsierracluboutings
ENROLLMENT = $75
OR = $25 scholarship for those from the age of 18 to 30.
Offered as part of the Outdoors for All Program which helps each new generation stay in touch with nature and learn the importance of protecting it for the next generation.
Part of your payment ($25) is for class materials: UTM booklet with grid tool, USGS Hilda topo quad map, and worksheets/handouts. The remainder of the payment, helps finance the Gear Lending Library, local leadership first aid training, & trail maintenance in KS & MO. Instructors are volunteers & not compensated.
BEFORE CLASS
Read the book “Wilderness Navigation: Finding Your Way Using Map, Compass, Altimeter & GPS” by Bob & Mike Burns, Mountaineers Books, 2025 (fourth edition). You may be able to find the book at the library or you can purchase on Amazon or Mountaineers Books.
FOR CLASS
You will need a compass with a clear baseplate. Read Chapter 2 for detailed information on different types of compasses. One basic compass that the book recommends is the Brunton Tru Arc 5. You can order the compass online at several sites and it could be on sale at Campsaver. If you don’t have time to order one or would rather wait until after class, I have a few that you can reserve to use - just let me know, Also bring a sack lunch and drink.
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.
Why America must protect 30x30 (w/ Sen. Tom Udall, Dr. Enric Sala) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4VmOchhp8o4 attendees
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