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
4
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 in the heart of Kansas City providing “nearby nature” opportunities for all. From 1:00 to 3:00 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.
Located just south of Swope Park, this rare 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 shrub honeysuckle. Please come and help 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 cold we will reschedule. No prior experience necessary!
Following the trail maintenance, at approximately 2:45pm, we will gather to celebrate our leader Eileen, the 2025 recipient of the Sierra Club's Madelyn Pyeatt Outdoors for All Award. Light refreshments will be provided at the trailhead.
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=VDRVSRExplore, 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 information, visit www.sierraclub.org.Why America must protect 30x30 (w/ Sen. Tom Udall, Dr. Enric Sala) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4VmOchhp8o
23 attendees
Thousand Hills State Park Trails, Petroglyphs and Dark Sky
Thousand Hills State Park , 20431 State Highway 157, Kirksville, MO, USPhoto Credit: Adam Knaebel
Join Sierra Club on SATURDAY for a day of hiking at Thousand Hills State Park. There are a couple of short trails but we plan to hike at least four miles out and four miles back on this trail - https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/TrailDetails-ThousandHillsTrail.pdf . The cool waters of Forest Lake provide the centerpiece for Thousand Hills State Park, whose woody shores and broad savannas recall a time when northern Missouri was far less developed. The lake offers fishing, swimming and boating. The park offers hiking, mountain biking and abundant opportunities to see wildlife. An interpretive shelterhelps visitors understand the petroglyphs left behind by the area’s inhabitants more than 1,500 years ago. The park also offers campsites and cabins for overnight stays.
This is the only structured activity led by Sierra Club from 9-4 although there are several other things to do if you are coming for the weekend.It is off-season but there is one campground that you can stay at FRIDAY AND SATURDAY nights. Potable water is available. Reservations are on your own. Sites are limited to two cars and six people and you will need to make your own arrangements if you want to share. The campground has just four sites left and leaders have already reserved their electric sight #54 which is right across from the bathroom. If the campground sites are full, the park superintendent said it was OK to have several tents on one site as long as you park your car at a nearby parking lot.
Join Eileen & Melissa for happy hour at 4 PM FRIDAY AND SATURDAY afternoon at campsite #54 for socializing and brief discussion about what is happening at the National Park Service https://www.npca.org/ and with the Missouri State Parks and Soils Tax https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0cm_XzpulA. BYOB and Snacks. This is not a structured activity led by the Sierra Club.Join park staff and representatives from Truman State University on FRIDAY night for an open house 5-7 PM to explore the stars and sky above you. Telescopes will be set up at the Point Shelter, but everyone is welcome to bring telescopes of their own, along with chairs, blankets and binoculars. Collaboration between Thousand Hills State Park and partners such as the Adair County Public Library, Truman State University staff, and others have resulted in outreach events to raise awareness of night sky conservation. Park staff will continue to educate the community about proper outdoor lighting and continue long-term monitoring of the night sky. The park has implemented a lighting management plan that regulates outdoor lighting. With 78 percent of the outdoor lighting currently compliant and plans for 100 percent compliance by the end of 2025. https://darksky.org/places/thousand-hills-state-park/
This is not a structured activity led by the Sierra Club.Join the park superintendent who is hosting a tour of the petroglyphs at 9 AM on SUNDAY morning. Here, visitors can see ancient rock carvings left by Native Americans who lived in the area as many as 1,500 years ago. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the petroglyphs are historically and culturally significant. This is not a structured activity led by the Sierra Club.
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. For directions and park information go to - https://mostateparks.com/park/thousand-hills-state-park
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. ]9 attendees
Beginner Bird Walk
Lake Jacomo, E. Park & Cyclone Rd, Lee's Summit, MO, USWe will meet at the Burroughs Audubon Library (7300 NW Park Rd, Blue Springs MO 64015), with an introduction to winter bird watching, along with an explanation on the use of binoculars. They will provide binoculars for our use, for up to 18 people (if you have your own, bring them). Wear long pants, good trail shoes, and clothing appropriate for the weather forecast.
For our walk, we will go in our personal in vehicles to the nearby Lake Vista Trail, to look and listen for birds. This is an easy trail beside the nearby Blue Springs Lake. We will walk for an hour, returning to the parking area by the trail (on Liggett Road). Sweep leader is Jake Goldstein.
As you learn about bird watching, you will also want to know more about bird conservation—efforts to protect the environment for them, and habitat that sustains them. The Audubon Library has many resources.
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 There are no vaccine, mask, or testing mandates. If you're sick, please do not attend. If you develop symptoms/illness during the trip, you may be removed for your and others' safety. Knowing the above, it is your choice to attend the outing.
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 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 information, visit [www.sierraclub.org.](http://www.sierraclub.org.
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.
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.ENROLLMENT = $70.
Scholarships = $25 . If you are under the age of thirty 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.Please enroll via PayPal -https://paypal.me/kcsierracluboutings
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, is a fundraiser/donation to 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, 2015. The book is not included in the materials that I will be giving you at the first class. You may be able to find the book at the library -
https://search.worldcat.org/title/88994130
or you can purchase on Amazon.FOR CLASS
You will need a compass with a clear baseplate and adjustable declination. One basic compass that the book recommends is the Brunton Tru Arc 5. You can order the compass online at several sites like Amazon or Target.Nov 29 (SAT) 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, ANITA GORMAN 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 & 4, NAVIGATION AND UTM BOOKLET
"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, 9 & 10, LOST!, TRIP PLANNING & GPS6
“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.”NOV 30 (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 66219At 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
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=I4VmOchhp8o
10 attendees
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