About us
Do you enjoy being outdoors and staying active?
Come join us, we’re outside year-round!
The goal of our Outings Program is to give Metro Detroiters meaningful outdoor experiences that inspire greater care for our natural environment and, perhaps, motivate them to become Sierra Club members and activists. The Sierra Club’s Southeast Michigan Group (SEMG) is part of the Michigan Chapter of the National Sierra Club—one of the oldest environmental organizations in the United States.
Our outings program offers something for everyone: easy walks in local parks, day hikes, camping, birding, wildflower walks, wilderness trips, backpacking and more. Events are typically held two or more times each month. We serve Metro Detroit, including Wayne, St. Clair, Macomb, and Oakland County. Powered by dedicated volunteers, we also host educational programs, activist activities, and conservation meetings that focus on environmental issues affecting access to nature, climate, conservation, and public health.
All Sierra Club activities are open to the public—you don’t need to be a member to join us! Whether you’re passionate about protecting the environment or simply curious about exploring nature, we welcome you to participate in our outings and attend our meetings. Visit our website to learn more at https://www.sierraclub.org/michigan/southeast-michigan.
For questions, please email [sierra.club.semg@gmail.com](mailto:sierra.club.semg@gmail.com). Several members of our SEMG Executive Committee monitor this inbox, making it the best way to connect with us.
If you would like to support our outings and local activities, please follow this link to our online donation link: https://givebutter.com/FKXYFb
Upcoming events
5
- Network event
Visit to Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Crane Sanctuary
Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Crane Sanctuary, 9011 Seymour Rd, Grass Lake, MI, US5 attendees from 2 groupsJoin us for a visit to Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Crane Sanctuary in Jackson County. In the fall, thousands of Sandhill Cranes migrate from northern Michigan and Canada and gather in the Haehnle Sanctuary. By day, the cranes can be found feeding in fields surrounding the sanctuary. Towards sunset, the ritual of roosting begins, and large numbers of cranes will enter the sanctuary and settle in for the night. The Sandhill Crane stands 4 feet tall, has a wingspan of 6 feet, and a loud, distinctive call —the sight and sound of large groups flying into the sanctuary is an unforgettable experience! We will begin with a one-hour tour and bird walk, followed by time for observation before sunset.
Registration Link: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po0000251oeqIAA
Signup Instructions: Participation in Sierra Club activities requires registration and acceptance of a waiver, which you can complete online at the link above. Electronic copies of the required waiver are available online or by request and will be accepted automatically by signing-in to the event. Registration for this event will be limited to 15 participants.This event is free and open to everyone. Donations to help maintain the crane sanctuary are much appreciated and can be made at the Haehnle Sanctuary website. Please watch your email for outing-related updates or changes. We normally send a reminder the day before each outing. Occasionally, we may need to send last-minute updates because of unusually heavy traffic, trailhead parking closures or other unexpected circumstances.
Recommended Items: Bring binoculars if you have them, and if you dont, we will have several pairs to borrow. For all hikes, please remember to bring comfortable hiking shoes, a water bottle, snacks if needed, and seasonally appropriate clothing. We will have bug spray and sunscreen available (or you can bring your own). To help prevent tick bites, wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot, and consider long sleeves and long pants when hiking in grassy or wooded areas. After returning home, check your body and clothing for ticks, shower soon after coming indoors, and wash and dry your clothes on high heat, which can help kill any ticks that may be present.
Additional Directions: Meet at 4:15 pm at the Harold Wing Overlook. We will begin our tour at 4:30pm and we will wrap up by 6:30pm. Haehnle Sanctuary is 5 miles northeast of downtown Jackson. The entrance is near the intersection of Seymour Rd & Fairlane Dr, Grass Lake, MI. The easiest route is from I-94 Race Rd. exit, north to Seymour, then west.There is parking, an ADA-compliant toilet on site, and drive-up access to the overlook for guests with limited mobility.
Cancellation Policy: Activity is held rain or shine, but may be altered due to inclement weather
5 attendees from this group 
Highland Recreation Area Hike (Oakland County)
Highland State Recreation Area, Highland Rd & Haven Rd, White Lake, MI, USThis rolling loop hike through Highland Recreation Area will take you through hardwood forests, wetlands, lakeshores, open meadows, and the historic remains of Edsel Ford’s Haven Hill Estate, built in the 1920s. Although the main lodge burned down, participants can still view the gatehouse and other remaining structures at the park's entrance. During the hike, we’ll also pass by the carriage house and the main lodge ruins, offering a glimpse into the estate's past.
Sierra Club Registration Link:
https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001czwNKIAY
Registering via the Sierra Club Portal helps streamline paperwork for our volunteer outings leaders and saves some trees too!Meeting Time and Location:
We’ll meet at 9:15am at the Parking Lot at Haven Road and Moraine Road, Highland, MI. The hike will start promptly at 9:30am, so please don't be late.Communications:
Please watch your email for outing-related updates or changes. We normally send a reminder the day before each outing. Occasionally, we may need to send last-minute updates because of unusually heavy traffic, trailhead parking closures or other unexpected circumstances. Please check your email before leaving and contact sierra.club.semg@gmail.com with any questions.Participation Details:
For all our hikes, please remember to bring comfortable hiking shoes, a water bottle, food, and seasonally appropriate clothing. To help prevent tick bites, wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot, and consider long sleeves and long pants when hiking in grassy or wooded areas. After returning home, check your body, clothing, and pets for ticks, shower soon after coming indoors, and wash and dry your clothes on high heat, which can help kill any ticks that may be present.Participation in Sierra Club activities requires registration and acceptance of a waiver, complete on this page. Electronic copies of the required waiver are available online or by request and will be accepted automatically by signing-in to the event.
All hikes are free and open to everyone, but donations are gratefully accepted. Donations from our outing program support both our outings program and conservation projects at the places where we hike, such as a pollinator planting we are supporting at Independence Oaks in Oakland County. Donations may be made online at: https://givebutter.com/FKXYFb Click here to join the Sierra Club for as low as $15/year.
As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, donations allow us to lobby and sometimes litigate for environmental protections. This tax status gives us a broader ability to enact change, but it also means that gifts to the Sierra Club are not tax deductible. Whether you’re able to give or not, everyone is welcome on our hikes, and your support in any form is appreciated.
Cancellation Policy:
The hike will proceed rain, snow, or shine. However, if an Extreme Weather Warning is issued by the National Weather Service, the hike will be canceled for safety reasons.Park Pass Information:
When visiting a Michigan State Park, a Recreation Passport is required. The cost per vehicle is $14 when purchased during license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State. Entrance to Metroparks requires a $40 annual pass or a $10 day pass. You may be able to purchase a day or annual pass at the park entrance booth.24 attendees
Indian Springs Metropark Hike (Oakland County)
Indian Springs Metropolitan Park, Village of Clarkston, MI 48346, Village of Clarkston, Mi, USCome and enjoy a refreshing 5.9-mile hike through Indian Springs Metropark! This scenic hike is a perfect way to explore nature and enjoy great company. Our route will take us beside the Huron Swamp, one of Southeast Michigan’s most unique natural areas. The Huron Swamp is part of the larger Huron River watershed and contains wetland ecosystems that are critical for wildlife habitat, water purification, and flood control. The swamp’s diverse landscape includes boardwalks over marshes, wooded lowlands, and open former farmland, providing a variety of ecosystems to explore.
The Huron Swamp is particularly important to local biodiversity, acting as a natural water filter that protects the Huron River, one of the area’s most vital water sources. The swamp’s rich ecosystem also helps absorb heavy rainfall, reducing flooding in surrounding areas. We will hike from 9:30 a.m. to about noon.
Sierra Club Registration Link:
https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001d2BN0IAM
Registering via the Sierra Club Portal helps streamline paperwork for our volunteer outings leaders and saves some trees too!Communications:
Please watch your email for outing-related updates or changes. We normally send a reminder the day before each outing. Occasionally, we may need to send last-minute updates because of unusually heavy traffic, trailhead parking closures or other unexpected circumstances. Please check your email before leaving and contact sierra.club.semg@gmail.com with any questions.Participation Details:
For all our hikes, please remember to bring comfortable hiking shoes, a water bottle, food, and seasonally appropriate clothing. To help prevent tick bites, wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot, and consider long sleeves and long pants when hiking in grassy or wooded areas. After returning home, check your body, clothing, and pets for ticks, shower soon after coming indoors, and wash and dry your clothes on high heat, which can help kill any ticks that may be present.Participation in Sierra Club activities requires registration and acceptance of a waiver, complete on this page. Electronic copies of the required waiver are available online or by request and will be accepted automatically by signing-in to the event.
All hikes are free and open to everyone, but donations are gratefully accepted. Donations from our outing program support both our outings program and conservation projects at the places where we hike, such as a pollinator planting we are supporting at Independence Oaks in Oakland County. Donations may be made online at: https://givebutter.com/FKXYFb Click here to join the Sierra Club for as low as $15/year.
As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, donations allow us to lobby and sometimes litigate for environmental protections. This tax status gives us a broader ability to enact change, but it also means that gifts to the Sierra Club are not tax deductible. Whether you’re able to give or not, everyone is welcome on our hikes, and your support in any form is appreciated.
Cancellation Policy:
The hike will proceed rain, snow, or shine. However, if an Extreme Weather Warning is issued by the National Weather Service, the hike will be canceled for safety reasons.
Park Pass Information:
When visiting a Michigan State Park, a Recreation Passport is required. The cost per vehicle is $14 when purchased during license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State. Entrance to Metroparks requires a $40 annual pass or a $10 day pass. You may be able to purchase a day or annual pass at the park entrance booth.8 attendees
Proud Lake Recreation Area Hike (Oakland County)
Proud Lake Recreation Area, 2700 Glengary Rd, Oakland County, MI, USJoin us for 4.5-mile hike at Proud Lake Recreation Area! Nestled along the banks of the Huron River, this park features woodlands, wetlands, and riverbanks, offering diverse natural beauty and a serene environment. The trail presents a mix of gentle hills and flat terrain, making it an enjoyable challenge for both novice and experienced hikers.
The Huron River is the park’s central feature, flowing for over 130 miles from its headwaters in the Huron Swamp to its endpoint in Lake Erie. As you hike, you’ll follow sections of the river, which provide not only a peaceful ambiance but also a rich habitat for local wildlife. Proud Lake’s connection to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal-era program from the 1930s, is evident throughout the park. The CCC was instrumental in developing trails, campsites, cabins, pine plantations, and picnic areas that remain integral parts of the recreation area today.
We’ll hike from 9:30 a.m. to about noon.
Sierra Club Registration Link:
https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001d1KfIIAU
Registering via the Sierra Club Portal helps streamline paperwork for our volunteer outings leaders and saves some trees too!Meeting Time and Location:
Meet at 9:15 a.m. at Proud Lake Recreation Area, 3500 Wixom Road, Commerce Charter Township, MI 48382, at the trailhead parking area off the main entrance on Wixom Road, just beyond the park headquarters (east of Wixom Road and south of Sleeth Road).Communications:
Please watch your email for outing-related updates or changes. We normally send a reminder the day before each outing. Occasionally, we may need to send last-minute updates because of unusually heavy traffic, trailhead parking closures or other unexpected circumstances. Please check your email before leaving and contact sierra.club.semg@gmail.com with any questions.Participation Details:
For all our hikes, please remember to bring comfortable hiking shoes, a water bottle, food, and seasonally appropriate clothing. To help prevent tick bites, wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot, and consider long sleeves and long pants when hiking in grassy or wooded areas. After returning home, check your body, clothing, and pets for ticks, shower soon after coming indoors, and wash and dry your clothes on high heat, which can help kill any ticks that may be present.Participation in Sierra Club activities requires registration and acceptance of a waiver, complete on this page. Electronic copies of the required waiver are available online or by request and will be accepted automatically by signing-in to the event.
All hikes are free and open to everyone, but donations are gratefully accepted. Donations from our outing program support both our outings program and conservation projects at the places where we hike, such as a pollinator planting we are supporting at Independence Oaks in Oakland County. Donations may be made online at: https://givebutter.com/FKXYFb Click here to join the Sierra Club for as low as $15/year.
As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, donations allow us to lobby and sometimes litigate for environmental protections. This tax status gives us a broader ability to enact change, but it also means that gifts to the Sierra Club are not tax deductible. Whether you’re able to give or not, everyone is welcome on our hikes, and your support in any form is appreciated.
Cancellation Policy:
The hike will proceed rain, snow, or shine. However, if an Extreme Weather Warning is issued by the National Weather Service, the hike will be canceled for safety reasons.
Park Pass Information:
When visiting a Michigan State Park, a Recreation Passport is required. The cost per vehicle is $14 when purchased during license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State. Entrance to Metroparks requires a $40 annual pass or a $10 day pass. You may be able to purchase a day or annual pass at the park entrance booth.5 attendees
Past events
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