 
September, 2010: In This Issue. . .
General Meeting Program -
September 14, 7:00 pm - Refreshments at 6:30
The November Elections and the Next Session of the Texas
Legislature
We have a
two-part program for you this month.
First, David
Griggs, Political Chair of the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra
Club (our state organization), will talk about the upcoming
elections. He will discuss the candidates the Sierra Club has
endorsed and how you can get involved and make our legislators
more responsive to environmental issues.
For the second
part of our program, we welcome Ken Kramer, Lone Star Chapter
Director. Ken will talk about the environmental issues coming
up in the next session of the Texas Legislature, which begins
in January.
Visit our website for complete information
about our General Meeting, including a
map.
Outings
Highlights
White Rock Lake Cleanup, September 11
Walk and talk while helping to pick up trash and recyclables
at the Sierra Club's adopted section of White Rock Lake Park.
Meet at 8:15 AM at the Love of the Lake office on the
Northeast corner of Garland Rd. and Buckner Blvd. Look for a
crowd of people drinking free juice and coffee. Gloves, trash
bags, etc. provided. Our area includes one of the wonderful
prairie restoration areas, so there are always birds and
wildflowers to enjoy. The lake and your karma will thank you.
Brunch afterwards. Leader:
Carol
Nash 214-824-0244(H) .
Upgrade the Trails at Cedar Ridge Preserve, September
18
It's always fun to get out to the Cedar Ridge Preserve in
Dallas to help upgrade some of the beautiful walking trails at
Cedar Ridge Preserve, just south of Dallas. The address is
7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75249. Its a great
morning workout, and the scenery is exceptional. No tools are
required, (just gloves) so show up and be ready to lend a hand
or two. We'll work from 9 AM to 12, and then walk around the
preserve and admire the wildflowers and fauna! Bring some
water for sure. Its on Saturday the 18th of September and
please see their website for directions and info. Google Cedar
Ridge Preserve Dallas. Their number is 972-709-7784. See you
then! If you wish to carpool, then let me know, and we'll
arrange a meeting spot. Organizer:
Ginger
Bradley 469-223-7902(C)
Lone Star Chapter Sierra Celebration, October 9-18
Three days and two nights under the hill country stars. Cool
nights! Sunny mild fall days! Campfire socialization with
fellow Sierran kids and adults! Great hiking! Paddling
opportunities nearby! Observatory! Fishing pier, Bird
watching! Vanishing River Cruise! RELAXATION, FUN and, of
course, EAGLES! A perfect fall getaway. This year’s annual
Sierra Celebration will be held over the school holiday
weekend of October 9, 10 and 11 at Canyon of the Eagles park
on Buchannan lake near Burnet, Texas, a short drive from
Austin. The Lone Star Chapter has reserved the group camp area
with plenty of space for tents, pop-up campers and small
trailers. Restrooms and showers are very close. ENTRANCE FEE
($5 per person, $4 for ages 65 and over) Mark your calendars.
For additional information, contact Lone Star Executive
Committee member John Rath or call Jerome Collins at the
Sierra Club’s Lone Star Chapter office in Austin. Find out
more about Canyon Of The Eagles at
http://www.lcra.org/parks/developed_parks/canyon.html
Leaders:
John Rath 817-488-3489(W) and Jerome Collins
512-477-1729(W)
For a complete list of our
outings,
visit our outings page.
The Outings
Corner
Learn
How to Backpack
Why in the world would anyone
want to go backpacking? You have to carry this heavy thing on
your back, sleep on the cold ground, east crud out of a
plastic bag, and wear out your feet.
You can drive
to some pretty amazing and beautiful places. And from your
car, you can dayhike to a bunch more. But if you look at a
map, you’ll see that roads and dayhiking only get you to a
very small percentage of America. If you want to see the rest,
you have to backpack.
Once you learn
to backpack, a whole world will open up for you. A world of
supreme beauty, star encrusted skies, rushing mountain
streams, desert solitude, and quiet you won’t find here in the
Metroplex. You’ll also find that that thing on your back (your
backpack) does not have to be heavy, sleeping on the ground
can be amazingly comfortable, you can have gourmet food, and
your feet won’t wear out.
So, how do you
get started? You’re in luck! The Dallas Sierra Club’s Beginner
Backpacking and Camping Class will be Saturday, September 18.
If you miss this one, we won’t have another until February. So
mark your calendars now.
This class is
an ideal way to learn about backpacking. Topics covered
include wilderness ethics, outdoor clothing, boots, backpacks,
tents, sleeping bags, cookware, food, and preparing for a
trip. The class it taught by experienced Dallas Sierra Club
trip leaders. There will be plenty of time for a hands-on look
at all kinds of backpacking equipment and to have all of your
questions answered. We’ll even break up into male and female
groups so you can ask any gender specific questions you may
have.
We’ll provide
lunch. You’ll get a chance to sample a variety of freeze-dried
backpacking foods. (But we’ll show you how you can get all
your food at the grocery store.) We’ll also have water and
cokes available throughout the day.
Before the
class is over, you will have a chance to sign up for one or
more beginner backpack trips. These can get you ready for our
most spectacular trips, our bus trips to Colorado, New Mexico
and, at Thanksgiving, to Big Bend National Park.
The class will
be held at REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), Saturday,
September 18, in the second floor program room. REI is at 4515
LBJ Freeway, north side, between Midway and Welch, Mapsco 14Q.
The class will start promptly at 10:30 AM and will end at
about 5:00 PM. The fee is $20 for Sierra Club members and $30
for non-members (cash or check) You can sign up to be a Sierra
Club member at the class. No reservations are necessary, just
show up. Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the room is often
cool.
If you have questions or want additional information,
please contact
Bob Gates
972-678-1221.
Advanced Backpacking Class
You’ve got a
few local weekend backpacks under your belt; so you want to do
more: a fly-drive or multi-night outing, or even try a cold
weather trip. This class will cover advanced backpacking tips
and skills including winter camping, fly-drive planning and
equipment, bear barrel packing, and week-long trekking.
Location: REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Farmers Branch, TX 75244
(north side of LBJ between Midway and Welch). This class will
start promptly at 6:30 PM and will finish at about 8:45 PM.
The fee for the class is $15 for Sierra Club members and $20
for non-members (cash or check). No reservations are
necessary; just show up. For more information:
Bill
Greer 972-247-0446(H)
Calendar
Here is our calendar for the next two months. For complete listings, visit us at
www.dallassierraclub.org.
 SEP
11 (SAT) WHITE ROCK LAKE CLEANUP. Walk and talk while
helping to pick up trash and recyclables at the Sierra Club's
adopted section of White Rock Lake Park. Meet at 8:15 AM at
the Love of the Lake office on the Northeast corner of Garland
Rd. and Buckner Blvd. Look for a crowd of people drinking free
juice and coffee. Gloves, trash bags, etc. provided. Our area
includes one of the wonderful prairie restoration areas, so
there are always birds and wildflowers to enjoy. The lake and
your karma will thank you. Brunch afterwards. Leader:
Carol
Nash 214-824-0244(H)
 SEP
13 (MON) SIERRA SINGLES MONTHLY DINNER AT INDIA PALACE Hi
guys and gals. Would just like to invite everyone to this
fabulous casual dinner and conversation gathering at the India
Palace in Dallas. They have an excellent array of dishes,
vegetarian and regular. We'll meet at about 6:30 PM on Monday,
the 13th of September, and the address is 12817 Preston Rd,
Suite 105, Dallas, TX. Its actually on the SW corner of
Preston and LBJ. Their phone number is 972-392-0190. Call or
email Ginger if you want to carpool. Cant wait to see you all
there! Organizers:
Ginger
Bradley 469-223-7902(C) and
Paul
Heller 972-620-1703(H)
 AUG
10 (TUE) DALLAS SIERRA CLUB GENERAL MEETING Everyone
is invited to the General Meeting of the Dallas Sierra Club.
See above for details.
 SEP
15 (WED) OUTINGS COMMITTEE MEETING. Meet in the upstairs
program room at REI (on north side of LBJ between Midway and
Welch), at 6:30 PM. Bring your ideas for the Dallas Sierra
Club Outings program. We will be planning local outings and
bus trips. All outings leaders, future outings leaders, and
interested Sierrans welcome. Ask Bill to be placed on the
email list for an agenda. Contact:
Bill
Greer 972-247-0446(H)
SEP
16 (THU) BRAVE COMBO AT THE ADDISON OKTOBERFEST Hello
everyone, and I hope you are loving this unforgiving Texas
heat. But we have some cooling off to do, mainly at the
Addison Oktoberfest on September 16th, a Thursday night, at
about 7 PM, in the main tent, and for FREE! Yay. Call me or
email me if you want to carpool. The address is 4970 Addison
Circle, in Addison TX. You can park for free at the NW corner
of the Dallas Parkway and Arapaho Rd. For more info, call
1-800-ADDISON, and we'll see you there. I'll have on my Green
Bandanna, and just find me by the soundboard, in the main
tent. Organizers:
Ginger
Bradley 469-223-7902(C) and
Paul
Heller 972-620-1703(H)
SEP
18 (SAT) ANSEL ADAMS EXHIBIT AT THE AMON CARTER, NOON Join
the Fort Worth Group of Sierra Club for a tour of the exhibit
"Ansel Adams: Eloquent Light". Adams was a prominent
member of the Sierra Club as well as being one of the greatest
photographers of all time. We will meet in the photography
galleries. RSVP's are appreciated, but not required. RSVP or
contact Leader:
Dewayne
Quertermous
 SEP
18 (SAT) BEGINNER BACKPACKING CLASS. This class is an
ideal way to learn about backpacking. Topics include:
wilderness ethics, outdoor clothing, boots, backpacks, tents,
sleeping bags, cookware, food, and preparing for a trip.
Instructors are experienced Dallas Sierra Club leaders. There
will be time for questions and a hands-on look at outdoor
gear. Lunch of backpacking food is included. You will also
have the opportunity to learn about, and sign up for, several
beginner backpacking trips. The fee is $20 for Sierra Club
members and $30 for non-members (cash or check) You can sign
up to be a Sierra Club member at the class. No reservations
are necessary, just show up. The class will be held at REI,
4515 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, TX 75244 (north side of LBJ between
Welch and Midway). The class will start at 10:30 AM and end at
about 5:00 PM. Leader:
Bob Gates
972-678-1221(H)
SEP
18 (SAT) UPGRADE TRAILS AT CEDAR RIDGE PRESERVE Hello
everyone! Are you hot yet? Its always fun to get out to the
Cedar Ridge Preserve in Dallas to help upgrade some of the
beautiful walking trails at Cedar Ridge Preserve, just south
of Dallas. The address is 7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX
75249. Its a great morning workout, and the scenery is
exceptional. No tools are required, (just gloves) so show up
and be ready to lend a hand or two. We'll work from 9 AM to
12, and then walk around the preserve and admire the
wildflowers and fauna! Bring some water for sure. Its on
Saturday the 18th of September and please see their website
for directions and info. Google Cedar Ridge Preserve Dallas.
Their number is 972-709-7784. See you then! If you wish to
carpool, then let me know, and we'll arrange a meeting spot.
Organizer:
Ginger
Bradley 469-223-7902(C)
SEP
22 (WED) ADVANCED BACKPACKING You’ve got a few local
weekend backpacks under your belt; so you want to do more: a
fly-drive or multi-night outing, or even try a cold weather
trip. This class will cover advanced backpacking tips and
skills including winter camping, fly-drive planning and
equipment, bear barrel packing, and week-long trekking.
Location: REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Farmers Branch, TX 75244
(north side of LBJ between Midway and Welch). This class will
start promptly at 6:30 PM and will finish at about 8:45 PM.
The fee for the class is $15 for Sierra Club members and $20
for non-members (cash or check). No reservations are
necessary; just show up. For more information:
Bill
Greer 972-247-0446(H)
 SEP
23 (THU) NIGHT HIKE AT ARBOR HILLS NATURE PRESERVE
Celebrate the Autumn Equinox. Meet at 6:30PM near the
pavilions. Arbor Hills is located at 6701 W. Parker Rd. in
Plano just west of Midway Rd. We will walk 4.5 miles mainly on
a paved path. No reservations, just show up. Optional frozen
yogurt afterwards. Leader: Judy Cato 972-238-5738(H)
SEP
25 (SAT) WHITE ROCK CREEK TRAIL DAYHIKE Come join us as we
day hike 7 miles on the northern reaches of White Rock Creek.
This is a very urban, paved trail but it is actually very nice
as it follows the creek under all the main thoroughfares of
north Dallas. No pets, please. Bring water and a snack as we
will be walking all morning. We will leave the trail head
promptly at 9 AM. To reach the trailhead from the intersection
of I-635 and Hillcrest Rd., go north on Hillcrest a short
distance turn right on Valley View and turn right into the
second parking lot. Remember it's the second parking lot on
the right. I'll be near the restrooms and playground. Optional
lunch afterwards. Leader:
Mark
Adams 972-658-1281(C)
SEP
28 (TUE) INNER CITY OUTINGS MEETING Snacks and social
starts at 6:45 pm, meeting starts at 7:00 pm. Inner City
Outings ("ICO") is an outreach program of the Sierra Club
comprised of volunteers who provide wilderness experiences
such as day hikes and camping for disadvantaged youth. ICO
meets on the fourth Tuesdays at REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Farmers
Branch, TX 75244 (north side of LBJ between Midway and Welch).
All volunteers and those considering becoming an ICO volunteer
are welcome. Contact the
ICO Chair for more information. To receive future
announcements and meeting information you may sign up for our
email list.
OCT
2 (SAT) DAY HIKE THE LOST CREEK STATE TRAILWAY AT FORT
RICHARDSON STATE PARK Explore the restored fort complex
near Jacksboro. Day hike 8 to 10 miles on the Lost Creek
Trailway. Fort Richardson, established in 1867 and abandoned
in 1878, was the northmost in a chain of Texas forts
established by the U.S. Army. Search the TPWD web site for
more park information. Camping here before and/or after the
hike is an option. Reply for trip information and inclusion,
as group size will be limited. Leader:
Mark
Stein 214-526-3733(H)
OCT
2 (SAT) DAY HIKE ON THE CROSS TIMBERS TRAIL We will hike
about 6 miles round trip on a dirt trail along the bluffs of
the south shore of Lake Texoma. For those who are planning to
go on the beginner backpack trips, this is an ideal way try
your new boots and new backpack as it will simulate the trail
conditions that you may see in the beginner trips. Please
limit your pack weight to between 20 and 25 pounds. The trip
is limited to 12 participants. The last day to sign up is
Sunday, Sept. 26. No pets please. Please contact the leader
for more information and to sign up. Leaders:
Marcos
Jorge 972-394-2546(H) and Judy Cato
OCT
9 (SAT) DAY HIKE THE TRINITY RIVER GREENBELT 2ND ANNUAL
Octoberfest 10K DAYHIKE Hike 10K (6 miles) on the Lake Ray
Roberts Greenbelt Corridor. This is an easy trail running
alongside the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. No reservations
required, just show up. WELL BEHAVED DOGS ON A LEASH WILL BE
ALLOWED. Bring water and snacks. Meet at 9:00 AM at the
Highway 380 Trailhead Park. Admission to the park is $5.00 per
person or free with a Texas State Parks Pass. There will be an
optional lunch afterwards. The Park is on US Hwy 380 2.1 miles
west of Hwy 377 or 2.8 miles east of Loop 288 in Denton.
Highway 380 can be reached from Central Expwy,Preston Rd., or
the Tollway. Bring extra shoes in case the trail is muddy.
Leader:
Mark Adams 972-658-1281(C)
OCT
9 (SAT) WHITE ROCK LAKE CLEANUP. Walk and talk while
helping to pick up trash and recyclables at the Sierra Club's
adopted section of White Rock Lake Park. Meet at 8:15 AM at
the Love of the Lake office on the Northeast corner of Garland
Rd. and Buckner Blvd. Look for a crowd of people drinking free
juice and coffee. Gloves, trash bags, etc. provided. Our area
includes one of the wonderful prairie restoration areas, so
there are always birds and wildflowers to enjoy. The lake and
your karma will thank you. Brunch afterwards. Leader:
Carol
Nash 214-824-0244(H)
 OCT
9-11 (SAT-MON) LONE STAR CHAPTER SIERRA CELEBRATION AT CANYON
OF THE EAGLES Three days and two nights under the hill
country stars. Cool nights! Sunny mild fall days! Campfire
socialization with fellow Sierran kids and adults! Great
hiking! Paddling opportunities nearby! Observatory! Fishing
pier, Bird watching! Vanishing River Cruise! RELAXATION, FUN
and, of course, EAGLES! A perfect fall getaway. This year’s
annual Sierra Celebration will be held over the school holiday
weekend of October 9, 10 and 11 at Canyon of the Eagles park
on Buchannan lake near Burnet, Texas, a short drive from
Austin. The Lone Star Chapter has reserved the group camp area
with plenty of space for tents, pop-up campers and small
trailers. Restrooms and showers are very close. ENTRANCE FEE
($5 per person, $4 for ages 65 and over) Mark your calendars
and watch or more information in the next few months. For
additional information, contact Lone Star Executive Committee
member John Rath or call Jerome Collins at the Sierra Club’s
Lone Star Chapter office in Austin. Find out more about Canyon
Of The Eagles at
http://www.lcra.org/parks/developed_parks/canyon.html
Leaders:
John Rath 817-488-3489(W) and Jerome Collins
512-477-1729(W)
 OCT
16-17 (SAT-SUN) BEGINNER BACKPACK TRIP ON THE LITTLE MISSOURI
NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVER Backpack about 10 miles
along a beautiful narrow valley near the source of the Little
Missouri River. The trail follows the river and has little
elevation change, making it ideal for beginners. Be prepared
for a couple of wet stream crossings. We will be hiking in the
northern reaches of the valley, where the water will not be
very deep. Preference will be given to those who have taken
the Fall Beginner Backpack class. Leader:
Mark
Adams 972-658-1281(H)
OCT
20 (WED) OUTINGS COMMITTEE MEETING. Meet in the upstairs
program room at REI (on north side of LBJ between Midway and
Welch), at 6:30 PM. Bring your ideas for the Dallas Sierra
Club Outings program. We will be planning local outings and
bus trips. All outings leaders, future outings leaders, and
interested Sierrans welcome. Ask Bill to be placed on the
email list for an agenda. Contact:
Bill
Greer 972-247-0446(H)
OCT
23-24 (SAT-SUN) BEGINNER BACKPACK TRIP TO THE CANEY CREEK
WILDERNESS Join us for one of the Dallas Sierra Club’s
favorite local backpacking trips. We’ll backpack about 9-miles
(round trip) along Caney Creek, cross it a few times, and
climb some small hills. After setting up camp near a
waterfall, we’ll do a short day hike as time permits. Priority
will be given to the graduates of the Sept 2010 backpack
class. Leaders:
Marcos
Jorge 972-394-2456(H) and Thai Le
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