Dallas Sierra Club

Dallas Sierra Club News - October 2017

General Meeting Program - October 10, 7:00 pm - Refreshments at 6:30

Dallas Park and Recreation Conservation Initiatives
Dallas has an amazing resource within in the Dallas Park and Recreation park system. This system includes almost 380 properties, covering over 18,500 acres. Dallas ParkThese range from small neighborhood parks, to relatively undeveloped tracts along the Trinity. Throughout the park system, there are prairies, wetlands, escarpment zones, post oak savannahs, and ultimately all tied together by the Trinity River. All this creates a unique set of conservation challenges, but also opportunities. Issues such as invasive species control (feral hogs and assorted plant species), pollinator conservation, conflicting value judgments, conservation outreach, and volunteer opportunities will be discussed.

Brett Johnson is the Senior Environmental Coordinator/Urban Biologist for the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. He has served in this capacity for two years. He oversees conservation issues within the Park Department. This includes feral hog abatement, prairie management, conservation outreach, pollinator conservation, and other "random" issues that have a tendency to pop up (toxic algae, ATVs, etc.). Prior to that, Brett was an Urban Wildlife Biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for almost twelve years, covering the DFW Metroplex (mostly east side). Brett has a BS in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences from Texas A&M University, an MS from Texas Tech University, and is a Certified Wildlife Biologist. His initial interest in conservation came through his work with the Boy Scouts growing up, where he earned his Eagle Scout, eventually served as the Nature Director at Camp Constantin, and culminated as the Bear Researcher (and Field Ecologist) for Philmont Scout Ranch for 4 summers.

The Wave
Sand dunes, time, water, and wind have sculpted a surreal landscape along the border of Arizona and Utah. And one of the most famous examples of nature's artwork is The Wave, a colorful U-shaped trough etched into Jurassic era sandstone. The Wave rock formationOnly 20 people per day are allowed to visit The Wave (via a lottery) and there is no formal trail or path across the 4 miles of terrain from the closest parking area. Paul Westbrook will discuss tips for the permit lottery and share some photos of his trip to The Wave in April of 2017.

Paul is a pioneer of energy efficiency and renewable energy. His solar home in Fairview (click here) has been toured by thousands of people since completion in 1996. He retired from Texas Instruments in 2016 after helping them build the first LEED Gold semiconductor factory in the world and double their global energy efficiency in nine years. He served for two years as a Senior Fellow for the US State Department's Energy and Climate Partnership for the Americas (ECPA) program. He assisted Honduras, Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru with energy efficiency and renewable energy policies and practices. Paul formed RE:source and is now doing consulting work on energy efficiency and renewable energy. Paul enjoys hiking, bicycling, running track, and playing saxophone.

Everyone is welcome. FREE! You don't have to be a Sierra Club member. Just show up. We'd love to meet you.

Our General Meeting starts at 7:00 pm, but come at 6:30 for snacks, information and fellowship. The meeting takes place at Brookhaven College. Click over to our General Meeting page for more information and a map.


Notes from the Chair

WONDERFUL!

Your club, the Dallas Sierra Club, is so fortunate to have fantastic volunteer outdoor leaders. They have planned and executed so many fulfilling trips over the years. One in particular was the 5-day backing trip over Labor Day to the Pecos Mountains in New Mexico.

The club is also fortunate to have such fine members who have excellent skills. One is Inge Johnsson, who posted several photos of the trip on the club’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/DallasSierraClub/) Here is one of his photos of this trip.

Pecos Wilderness lake

If you are not moving heaven and earth to participate in trips organized by your volunteer leaders, you are missing an absolute must in your life... nuff said. Get. Outdoors.

Red River Canoe Trip | Beginner Backpack | Beavers Bend

Have your attention? The website has the details. So, go and see what’s up.

  • Red River this Saturday and Sunday.
  • TWO backpacking trips in November - Rusty and want to get up to speed? Check ‘em out.
  • Our annual Family Outing to Beavers Bend State Park in Oklahoma. Next Weekend, Folks.

North Texas Day of Giving
Your Dallas Sierra Club had a successful campaign with over $1,500 raised during this annual event. This money will be used by your club for local Sierra Club activities. Did you miss giving? There is still time. Mail your tax-deductible donation to “Dallas Sierra Club Foundation”. The address is on the website.

What Has Your Club Been Up To? Helping Other Groups with Donations
At our October General Meeting, Pastor Keahey with the Sandbranch community in South Dallas County accepted the club’s donation of $300 towards the new Water Supply Corporation. This entity works to provide residents with water, who have none.

Hurricane Maria really did a number on Puerto Rico and its people. Two weeks later and most of the island is still in desperate straits. Did you know there is a Sierra Club chapter in Puerto Rico and they are very active and involved with the community? Your Dallas Sierra Club is making a $1,500 donation to the Puerto Rico Chapter to assist in their hurricane recovery efforts.

Thanks, and see on the river? Beavers Bend? or at the meeting. Okay?

Your Chair, John Lingenfelder


Solar Home Tour - Saturday, October 7

Solar Tour logoAt this FREE event, talk directly with homeowners who use solar energy, solar hot water, wind energy, and other energy-efficient measures for their homes, as well as people who drive electric cars (Tesla, Leaf, Volt, and hybrids). Click here for details about home locations, information about each home, and other information about the tour.


Dallas Group Fall Outing at Beavers Bend State Park - October 13-15

Beavers Bend State ParkCelebrate fall and join us for this relaxing event in the beautiful mountainous region of southeast Oklahoma. The weekend is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and stages. Families, couples, singles, all are welcome. We have the group compound all to ourselves, complete with your choice of rustic cabin or tent camping, dining hall with kitchen, optional catered dinner and (drum roll please)... yes, even a bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets! On Saturday we'll offer various levels of hikes or you can be on your own to enjoy many fun activities offered by the park. Plan an active weekend or hang out on the porch, whichever you would enjoy. Cabin requests are on a first come basis so make your plans now! Click here for more information and required registration forms. Don't wait to sign up. This camp out sells out fast.



Future Programs You Won't Want to Miss

November 14 - Wildflowers of North Texas and Cacti and Succulents: Owners Manual
This colorful slideshow program will take you on a virtual tour through the seasons of some of our last undisturbed natural areas, and introduce some of the amazing plants that once dominated the region. And, we will have a fascinating program about cacti and succulents by the President of the North Texas Cactus and Succulent Society.

December 12 - Preserving Land, Zero Waste,and Population
We will have presentations by three different organizations.


Calendar

Here is our calendar for the next two months. For complete listings, visit us at www.DallasSierraClub.org.

Community Event IconOct 7 (Sat) D/FW Solar Home Tour
Solar panels on houseAt this FREE event, talk directly with homeowners who use solar energy, solar hot water, wind energy, and other energy-efficient measures for their homes, as well as people who drive electric cars (Tesla, Leaf, Volt, and hybrids). Click here for details about home locations, information about each home, and other information about the tour.

Canoe IconOct 7-8 (Sat-Sun) Canoe/kayak Trip on the Red River
We’ll put in on the Kiamichi River and paddle about 4 miles down to the Red River. Then we’ll paddle about 16 miles on the Red and take out at Hwy 37. This remote section is through rolling hills, with little riverside development or activity. We’ll find a sand bar for our Saturday night camp site. Sunday will be an easy paddle to the takeout with a stop or two to swim. Some paddling experience is required and you must furnish your own boat and camping equipment. No rentals are available on this remote stretch of river. Leader: Bill Greer Send Email 972-247-0446

Dallas Sierra Club Meeting IconOct 10 (Tue) Dallas Sierra Club General Meeting
Learn about challenges and opportunities for the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, and see beautiful pictures of The Wave, a colorful U-shaped trough etched into Jurassic era sandstone on the Arizona - Utah border. Everyone is invited. Full details are on our home page now.

Car Camp IconOct 13-15 (Fri-Sun) Fall Weekend at Beavers Bend State Park , Oklahoma (Hurry - Reservation deadline Oct 10)
Beavers Bend State ParkMake Friday the 13th special and join us for this relaxing weekend of fall beauty in scenic southeastern Oklahoma. We have an entire group compound reserved, complete with your choice of rustic cabin or tent camping, bathhouse (yes, hot showers and flush toilets!) and dining hall with kitchen. We'll offer Saturday hike options with Dallas Sierra Club leaders, ranging from a one-mile nature trail to a 7-mile roller-coaster trail up, down and over the skyline ridges. The park offers additional activities, including paddling (rentals available), horseback riding and more. We also offer a Saturday night catered dinner option. This weekend is for singles, couples, families, friends, young and young at heart -- a great event for all. Details and reservation information is in this PDF. Reservation (forms and payment) required by Tue, Oct 10, so sign up now! Coordinator: Liz Wheelan Send Email 214-368-2306

Service Outing IconOct 14 (Sat) White Rock Lake Clean-up
Walk and talk while picking up trash and recyclables at the Sierra Club's adopted section of White Rock Lake Park. Meet at 8:15 AM this second Saturday of the month at the Love of the Lake office, northeast corner of Garland Road and Buckner Boulevard. Look for the crowd drinking free juice and coffee. Gloves, trash bags, etc. will be provided. Our area includes one of the wonderful prairie restoration areas, so there are always birds and wildflowers to enjoy. Brunch afterwards. Leader: Carol Nash Send Email 214-455-2115

Meeting IconOct 18 (Wed) Outings Committee Meeting
It's a third Wednesday of a month, so 6:30 is the time for another gathering to plan outings, upstairs at Whole Foods Market, SE quadrant of Preston Road and Forest Lane, Dallas. Anyone interested in outings is welcome to attend and participate. Reply to Mark to be added to the advance agenda email list or to suggest an agenda item. Organizer: Mark Stein Send Email 214-526-3733

Service Outing IconOct 21 (Sat) Trail Maintenance at Cedar Ridge Preserve
Come to the hilly terrain of Cedar Ridge Preserve to help maintain one of the better trail networks in Dallas. The Sierra Club is responsible for the Possum Haw Trail. We work here on third Saturdays of almost every month, starting at 9 AM, working until approximately noon. The Preserve's address is 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas. For directions and general information about Cedar Ridge Preserve, click this link. If you need more information or want to carpool, call or email me. Contact: Ginger Bradley Send Email 469-223-7902

Day Hike IconOct 28 (Sat) Dayhike White Rock Creek Trail from Moss Park
Meet at 9:00 am at Moss Park (SE corner of Greenville Ave and Royal Lane). Hike 5-6 miles along a paved trail. Bring water and a snack, as we will be hiking all morning. No reservations are necessary. Just show up. No pets please. Optional lunch at a local restaurant. Leader: Mark Adams Send Email 940-231-8482

Announcement IconOct 28 (Sat) Electronics Recycling - FREE - 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Click here for a link to details about items accepted.

Announcement IconOct 28 (Sat) Drug Take-Back Day - FREE - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Click here for a link to details about items accepted. Richardson City Hall, south parking lot, 411 West Arapaho Road.

Dallas Sierra Club Meeting IconNov 1 (Wed) Dallas Sierra Club Executive Committee Meeting
The Executive Committee (or Excom) is the elected governing body of the Dallas Sierra Club and meets upstairs at Whole Foods Market, southeast corner of Preston Road and Forest Lane, in Dallas at 6:30 pm. Contact the Dallas Group Chair for more information.

Backpack IconNov 4-5 (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 in about 4 1/2 miles 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 and energy permit. For many of us, this was our first Wilderness hike and it's still one of our favorites. TRIP IS FULL WITH A WAIT LIST. Please watch for more outings on the website. Leader: Sue Greer Send Email 972-247-0446

Service Outing IconNov 11 (Sat) White Rock Lake Clean-up
Walk and talk while picking up trash and recyclables at the Sierra Club's adopted section of White Rock Lake Park. Meet at 8:15 AM this second Saturday of the month at the Love of the Lake office, northeast corner of Garland Road and Buckner Boulevard. Look for the crowd drinking free juice and coffee. Gloves, trash bags, etc. will be provided. Our area includes one of the wonderful prairie restoration areas, so there are always birds and wildflowers to enjoy. Brunch afterwards. Leader: Carol Nash Send Email 214-455-2115

Backpack IconNov 11-12 (Sat-Sun) Little Missouri River Beginner Backpacking Trip
We`ll do a moderately-easy backpack of about 9.5 miles over 2 days along one of the most scenic backpacking trails in Southwest Arkansas. Because the trail follows the upper reaches of the Little Missouri River there is minimal elevation change, but be prepared for a couple wet stream crossings. Drive up Friday night and return Sunday. Hopefully the Fall colors will still be going strong. This hike is suitable for graduates of the Beginner Backpacking Class who are in good shape. Leader: Mark Adams Send Email 940-231-8482

Dallas Sierra Club Meeting IconNov 14 (Tue) Dallas Sierra Club General Meeting
Wildflowers in North Texas - also Cacti and Succulents - Learn about our area's native wildflowers and also about cacti and succulents in two remarkable presentations. Everyone is invited. Full details are on our home page now.

Service Outing IconNov 18 (Sat) Trail Maintenance at Cedar Ridge Preserve
Come to the hilly terrain of Cedar Ridge Preserve to help maintain one of the better trail networks in Dallas. The Sierra Club is responsible for the Possum Haw Trail. We work here on third Saturdays of almost every month, starting at 9 AM, working until approximately noon. The Preserve's address is 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas. For directions and general information about Cedar Ridge Preserve, click this link. If you need more information or want to carpool, call or email me. Contact: Ginger Bradley Send Email 469-223-7902