Loud Creek Ski Area (Cauchy Rd Mio, MI)

Contact: 989-624-5038

Level of Difficulty: Moderate. Join us for cross-country skiing at Loud Creek in Mio. 12 kilometers long with 11 loops ranging in size from 2.2 to 9 Km. Groomed trails. No dogs. Take I-75 North to M-33. Go North on M-33 to Mio. Loud Creek is East of Mio off County Road 602 on Cauchy Rd about 1.5 miles. Contact Leader if interested in carpooling from Clio carpool lot at 8:00 am. Carpool location: Take I-75 to Exit 131/M-57-Vienna Rd. Carpool lot is on West side of overpass $1 donation.

see map below

Contact: joannecantoni@att.net

The Outings Committee wants to add new leaders to sustain a wider variety of outdoor activities. (See article elsewhere in the ACTIVIST newsletter.) To learn more about this opportunity, please join Outings Chair and Coordinator – Phil Crookshank and Joanne Cantoni on Sat., Feb. 4, 2-4pm in Farmington Hills. (call for directions) Learn about committee functioning, training requirements, leader expectations, and Q & A. RSVP by 2/1 - to Joanne, 248-932-5370

see map below

Contact: joannecantoni@att.net

Plan on 2 - 2 ½ hours outdoors. We have 15 miles of the best-groomed trails in SE Michigan to ski: beginner to intermediate level (or hike at a moderate pace). Ski and boot rental available. Outing canceled if bad weather. Meet at noon in Southfield at Tel-12 Mall, S.E. corner of Telegraph and 12 Mile Rd. Park facing Telegraph, S. of the Marathon station OR 12:45pm at the park ski (golf) center. Joanne, 248-932-5370

Pinckney State Recreation Area

Contact: 734-477-5715 jayhschlegel@comcast.net

Ski or hike on the gorgeous 2.5 mile Juniper Ridges Trail in the Pinckney State Rec Area with ace outdoorsman Barry Lonik. Skiers with intermediate ability recommended. Either meet at the picnic table in front of Zingerman's Roadhouse at 1:00 pm to carpool or at 1:45 pm at the trail: Take Dexter-Ann Arbor Rd west through Dexter; continue west on Island Lake Rd 3-miles to Dexter Townhall Rd; turn right (north), cross N Territorial Rd, go 1-mile north, turn on Silver Hill Rd, park near tollbooth

Mott Community College Prahl Center, Genesee Room (1401 E Court St Flint, MI)

Contact: 989-624-5038

The Nepessing Group Executive Committee meets monthly for the business meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend and sese how the business and finances of the group are discussed. This board meeting is followed by the general membership meeting at 7:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served

Mott Community College Prahl Center, Genesee Room (1401 E Court St Flint, MI)

Contact:

Come listen to Luanne Jaruzel of the Michigan Loon Preservation Association take you through a year in the life of the loons, the "symbol of the north". Ms. Jaruzel is a RN at Genysys and has been a member of MLPA for 26 years, serving on the board for the last 20 years. Learn what makes loons different and wonderful. February 8, Mott Community College in the Prahl Center; 7:30pm. Free admission and light refreshments are served. Light refreshments will be served Light refreshments will be served. Donations accepted.

Buckham Fine Arts Project (134 1/2 W 2nd St Flint, MI)

Contact: 810-686-6354 thaley@gfn.org

Meet other Sierra Club members at Buckham Gallery to enjoy a fun night enjoying art and the company of others. Contact: Mike Haley 810-686-6354; thaley@gfn.org

Flint Farmer's Market (420 East Boulevard Drive Flint, MI)

Contact: 810-686-6354 thaley01@att.net

Start your morning at the Flint Farmer's Market and join walkers for a nice urban walk through trails that connect to parks. Meet near the north doors (side closest to the river) table inside the Market. Location: Flint Farmers Market: 420 E. Boulevard, Flint, MI 48503. Contact: Mike Haley 810-686-6354, thaley01@att.net. $1 donation.

Mt Holly Ski Resort (13536 Dixie Highway Holly, MI)

Contact: 989-624-5038

Enjoy the season by downhill skiing at Mt. Holly. No pets allowed. $39 fee for lift tickets. Call leader for more details. Ski trails range from beginner to expert, ski to your own level of ability. Lift Ticket $39. Ski rental $26.

Oshtemo Library (7265 West Main Kalamazoo, MI)

Contact: 231-747-7489 tiffany.hartung@sierraclub.org

Join us for this free screening of the new documentary Carbon Nation. This documentary highlights clean energy entrepreneurs -- from a wind farmer to a solar-panel retrofitter -- who "illustrate why it's incredibly smart to be a part of the new, low-carbon economy: it's good business.." Watch the trailer at www.carbonnationmovie.com

Nicola's Books (Westgate Shopping Center, 2513 Jackson Ave Ann Arbor, MI)

Contact: Nancy Shiffler 734-971-1157

Book: Fur, Fortune, and Empire: The Epic History of the Fur Trade in America, by Eric Jay Dolin. From beaver to bison, a history of American westward expansion and near extinctions. Contact: Nancy Shiffler (734) 971-1157. Note change to winter hours at Nicola's Books How to get involved? It's easy. Read the book and come to discuss it.

Peter White Public Library, Community Room (217 North Front Street Marquette, MI)

Contact: 906-250-0442 jrebers@gmail.com

Jean Carpenter will give a presentation on “Piping Plovers in the Upper Peninsula”. Piping plovers are small shorebirds that nest and feed along coastal sand and gravel beaches in North America. The piping plover has been listed by the United States as "endangered" in the Great Lakes region and "threatened" in the remainder of its breeding range. Jean will describe efforts to protect critical nesting habitat along the shore of Lake Superior to promote successful reproduction.

Grand Valley State University (401 W Fulton St Grand Rapids, MI)

Contact: 616-331-3668 jan.oconnell@sierraclub.org

Please join us for a screening of Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning film by Josh Fox, "Gasland”, followed by Q&A. Being done in conjunction with GVSU’s School of Communications. At the GVSU's downtown GR Eberhard Center campus, in the very-comfortable Loosemore Auditorium, just inside Building A (or is it E?), right there on Fulton Street, two blocks west of the Grand River. Honors 120 years of national Sierra Club, 45 SC's Michigan Chapter, and 25 of the Michigan Wilderness Act.

see map below

Contact: I12bricio@hotmail.com

Let’s enjoy a brisk hike on this chilly day – starting on the West Bloomfield Nature Trails, then walking to the Orchard Lake Preserve and back. Total of 5-1/2 miles, some on the rails to trails next to Woodpecker Lake. We will stop to scan for returning herons and owls, and for signs of the resident beavers; possible deer sighting. Meet in Bloomfield Township in the Costco parking lot near McDonalds on Telegraph (east side) north of Square Lake Rd. Inge, 248-338-0906.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens (1800 N Dixboro Rd Ann Arbor, MI)

Contact: ritalmitchell@gmail.com

Upcoming electoral politics and legislative issues will affect the quality of Michigan’s air and water. Mike Berkowitz, Chapter Organizer, and Richard Barron, Political Committee Chair, will speak on the coming year’s key races and issues. Find out how to make a difference in local, state and national elections. Remember to vote! HVG Monthly Public Program; 3rd Tuesday of every month. Non-members welcome; refreshments provided. Free and open to the public.

MacMullen Conference Center (near the Roscommon,MI area and Higgins Lake, MI. , )

Contact: 734-730-7209 lanehotchkiss@hotmail.com

Rustic DNR MacMullen Conference Center for cross-country skiing. Miles of scenic skiing in the Higgins Lake State Park, Hansen Hills, Hartwick Pines and or Mason Tract Pathway along the Au Sable River, and after breakfast on Sunday, we head to a ski area like Ogemaw Hill, which is near West Branch, on our way home. The trip is open to 12 people, on a first come first serve basis. The cost is $130.50 per person double occupancy (additional $50.00 for single occupancy if available) Carpooling may be available upon request, possibly. $130.50 per person double occupancy (additional $50.00 for single occupancy if available) and must be paid in advance.

Intersection of Peshekee Grade and US41/M28 (CR 607 Champion, MI)

Contact: 906-250-0442 jrebers@gmail.com

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Michigan Wilderness Act by skiing the McCormick Tract. We will ski towards Deer Lake, and then select other lakes as destinations depending on conditions and the ambition of the group. Trails are not groomed and much of the trip will be off-trail so backcountry ski gear is recommended. Bring a trail lunch. Meet at 10 AM at the Lutheran Church just north of M28/US41 on the Peshekee Grade. Contact John Rebers to sign up for the trip and to confirm plans. We plan to return to cars at the trailhead before dark.

see map below

Contact: tgriebe@sbcglobal.net

We’ll keep an eye out for overwintering birds and mammals as we enjoy a moderately-paced, 5-mile hike through forest, wetland, pond and riverside habitats. We will pause on the bridge over the Huron River to look for trout. We go rain or shine; dress accordingly. From I-96 (exit 159), follow Wixom Rd. north 7 miles, follow park signs to trailhead parking lot east of ranger station. Optional restaurant stop after. Leader: Tom Griebe, 248-349-8782.

see map below

Contact: joannecantoni@att.net

Our slow walk in this delightful urban gem is designed for family participation. We’ll walk 1 mile stopping for the interpretive signs and enjoying 42 acres of woodlands, wetlands and meadows overlooking Carpenter Lake. Canceled if bad weather. Dress warmly and for snow/mud/wet. Meet at the Preserve parking lot: entrance is on the south side of 10 Mile Road just east of Inkster Road. Leader: Joanne, 248-932-5370, Joanne7925@att.net

Surprise Outing! (Call Sue Lossing City not found, MI)

Contact: 810-735-6303 SLossing@umflint.edu

Surprise Outing!! Let's Celebrate this extra day and have some fun! Contact Leader for location. $1 donation.

Westfield Activities Center (2700 Westfield Trenton, MI)

Contact: 231-747-7489 tiffany.hartung@sierraclub.org

Join us for this free screening of the new documentary Carbon Nation. This documentary highlights clean energy entrepreneurs -- from a wind farmer to a solar-panel retrofitter -- who "illustrate why it's incredibly smart to be a part of the new, low-carbon economy: it's good business.." Watch the trailer at www.carbonnationmovie.com RSVP to Michelle Martinez, 313-974-6547

Buckham Fine Arts Project (134 1/2 W 2nd St Flint, MI)

Contact: 810-686-6354 thaley@gfn.org

Meet other Sierra Club members at Buckham Gallery to enjoy a fun night enjoying art and the company of others. Contact: Mike Haley 810-686-6354; thaley@gfn.org

Flint Farmer's Market (420 East Boulevard Drive Flint, MI)

Contact: 810-686-6354 thaley01@att.net

Start your morning at the Flint Farmer's Market and join walkers for a nice urban walk through trails that connect to parks. Meet near the north doors (side closest to the river) table inside the Market. Location: Flint Farmers Market: 420 E. Boulevard, Flint, MI 48503. Contact: Mike Haley 810-686-6354, thaley01@att.net. $1 donation.

Seidman Park‎ (south parking lot)

Contact: 616-682-1316 martha.maccleery@michigan.sierraclub.org

Join West Michigan Sierrans for a cross-country ski outing, or a walk in the park, depending on conditions. Seidman Park‎ is really nice; if you have never been there, you are in for a treat! Please dress for weather (http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Ada&state=MI).

Nicola's Books (Westgate Shopping Center, 2513 Jackson Ave Ann Arbor, MI)

Contact: Nancy Shiffler 734-971-1157

Book: Hot: Living Through the Next Fifty Years on Earth, by Mark Hertsgaard. From the author of Earth Odyssey, an investigation into techniques to survive the climate change challenges ahead. Contact: Nancy Shiffler (734) 971-1157. Note change to winter hours at Nicola's Books How to get involved? It's easy. Read the book and come to discuss it.

Mott Community College Prahl Center, Genesee Room (1401 E Court St Flint, MI)

Contact: 989-624-5038

The Nepessing Group Executive Committee meets monthly for the business meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend and sese how the business and finances of the group are discussed. This board meeting is followed by the general membership meeting at 7:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served

Mott Community College Prahl Center, Genesee Room (1401 E Court St Flint, MI)

Contact:

Peter Sinclair, long time advocate of environmental awareness and energy alternatives presents a comprehensive view of global climate change. He has an original A/V presentation treating all aspects of the problem, and the solutions. He presents an overview of global climate change: greenhouse effects, predicted consequences & amplifiers. The presentation has data & visuals from NASA, US Navy & other sources. Climate skeptic arguments will be addressed. Light refreshments will be served Peter Sinclair, long time advocate of environmental awareness and energy alternatives presents a comprehensive view of global climate change.

Pinckney State Recreation Area

Contact: 734-477-5715 jayhschlegel@comcast.net

Four-mile "Secret Hike" around Peace Lake in Pinckney State Rec Area to learn about watersheds with guest hike leader Barry Lonik. Either meet at picnic table in front of Zingerman's Roadhouse at 1:00 pm to carpool or 1:45 pm at the trail. Take Dexter-Ann Arbor Rd west thru Dexter; continue west on Island Lake Rd 3 miles to Dexter-Townhall Rd; turn right, north, to N Territorial Rd; turn left, go west 1.5 miles to Hankerd Rd; turn right, go north 1 mile; park on Hankerd Rd @Pickerel Lake access

Matthaei Botanical Gardens (1800 N Dixboro Rd Ann Arbor, MI)

Contact: ritalmitchell@gmail.com

Envision a plan for the Great Lakes basin and Mississippi River waterways that balances water and air quality, health and safety, with economic benefits. Matt Doss, Policy Director of the Great Lakes Commission, will discuss a multi-agency plan to prevent the ongoing transfer of aquatic invasive species and improve transportation, water quality and flood management. HVG Monthly Public Program; 3rd Tuesday of every month. Non-members welcome; refreshments provided. Free and open to the public.

Michigan Energy Options Office (205 S Front Street, Suite F Marquette, MI)

Contact: 906-250-0442 jrebers@gmail.com

Michigan Energy Options is hosting a workshop regarding best practices for building science. Learn how to realize 15 -20% energy savings by introducing low cost DIY measures and about the details and resources for even greater savings. Join us for dinner before the meeting at the Vierling Restaurant for dinner; those interested might migrate back to the Vierling for a beer afterwards as well.

Grand Valley State University (401 W Fulton St Grand Rapids, MI)

Contact: 616-331-3668 jan.oconnell@sierraclub.org

Please join us for a screening of an environmental film, to be determined, followed by Q&A. Being done in conjunction with GVSU’s School of Communications. At the GVSU's downtown GR Eberhard Center campus, in the very-comfortable Loosemore Auditorium, just inside Building A (or is it E?), right there on Fulton Street, two blocks west of the Grand River. Honors 120 years of national Sierra Club, 45 SC's Michigan Chapter, and 25 of the Michigan Wilderness Act.

Mott Community College Prahl Center, Genesee Room (1401 E Court St Flint, MI)

Contact: 989-624-5038

The Nepessing Group Executive Committee meets monthly for the business meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend and sese how the business and finances of the group are discussed. This board meeting is followed by the general membership meeting at 7:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served

Mott Community College Prahl Center, Genesee Room (1401 E Court St Flint, MI)

Contact:

The Nepessing Group meets monthly and features a board meeting at 6pm, followed by the general membership meeting at 7:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served

Buckham Fine Arts Project (134 1/2 W 2nd St Flint, MI)

Contact: 810-686-6354 thaley@gfn.org

Meet other Sierra Club members at Buckham Gallery to enjoy a fun night enjoying art and the company of others. Contact: Mike Haley 810-686-6354; thaley@gfn.org

Flint Farmer's Market (420 East Boulevard Drive Flint, MI)

Contact: 810-686-6354 thaley01@att.net

Start your morning at the Flint Farmer's Market and join walkers for a nice urban walk through trails that connect to parks. Meet near the north doors (side closest to the river) table inside the Market. Location: Flint Farmers Market: 420 E. Boulevard, Flint, MI 48503. Contact: Mike Haley 810-686-6354, thaley01@att.net. $1 donation.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens (1800 N Dixboro Rd Ann Arbor, MI)

Contact: ritalmitchell@gmail.com

We know the Metroparks for their bike paths and ball fields, but a big part of their mission is land stewardship. Paule Muelle, Director of Natural Resources for Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority will present their programs for invasive control and natural land rehabilitation. HVG Monthly Public Program; 3rd Tuesday of every month. Non-members welcome; refreshments provided. Free and open to the public.

Peter White Public Library, Community Room (217 North Front Street Marquette, MI)

Contact: 906-250-0442 jrebers@gmail.com

Marvin Roberson, Forest Policy Specialist for the Sierra Club, will provide an update on how organizational and policy changes will affect management of Michigan’s state forests and other public lands.

Scio Woods Preserve (Scio Church Road Ann Arbor, MI)

Contact: 734-677-0823

Join us for a spring 3 mile hike.at a leisurely pace, if weather permits. Canceled if rain. Dress for the weather. Some hills amongst woodlands. Meet at the parking lot/trailhead by 11:30 a.m.. Children are welcome with a parent.

Mott Community College Prahl Center, Genesee Room (1401 E Court St Flint, MI)

Contact: 989-624-5038

The Nepessing Group Executive Committee meets monthly for the business meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend and sese how the business and finances of the group are discussed. This board meeting is followed by the general membership meeting at 7:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served

Mott Community College Prahl Center, Genesee Room (1401 E Court St Flint, MI)

Contact:

The Nepessing Group meets monthly and features a board meeting at 6pm, followed by the general membership meeting at 7:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served

Buckham Fine Arts Project (134 1/2 W 2nd St Flint, MI)

Contact: 810-686-6354 thaley@gfn.org

Meet other Sierra Club members at Buckham Gallery to enjoy a fun night enjoying art and the company of others. Contact: Mike Haley 810-686-6354; thaley@gfn.org

Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness

Contact: 810-632-7766 lorne.beatty@michigan.sierraclub.org

The Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Michigan Wilderness Heritage Act with a weekend of camping. The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness encompasses about 3,500 acres between Ludington and Manistee. We will base camp in a large, Group Campsite and day hike some of the trails and enjoy the nearby beach. Saturday night we will be treated to dinner in camp prepared by Chapter Chef Cecilia Garcia. Bring your own camping gear and food for other meals. Share the cost of camping fees and Saturday night dinner.

Buckham Fine Arts Project (134 1/2 W 2nd St Flint, MI)

Contact: 810-686-6354 thaley@gfn.org

Meet other Sierra Club members at Buckham Gallery to enjoy a fun night enjoying art and the company of others. Contact: Mike Haley 810-686-6354; thaley@gfn.org

Mott Community College Prahl Center, Genesee Room (1401 E Court St Flint, MI)

Contact: 989-624-5038

The Nepessing Group Executive Committee meets monthly for the business meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend and sese how the business and finances of the group are discussed. This board meeting is followed by the general membership meeting at 7:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served

Mott Community College Prahl Center, Genesee Room (1401 E Court St Flint, MI)

Contact:

The Nepessing Group meets monthly and features a board meeting at 6pm, followed by the general membership meeting at 7:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served

Buckham Fine Arts Project (134 1/2 W 2nd St Flint, MI)

Contact: 810-686-6354 thaley@gfn.org

Meet other Sierra Club members at Buckham Gallery to enjoy a fun night enjoying art and the company of others. Contact: Mike Haley 810-686-6354; thaley@gfn.org

Buckham Fine Arts Project (134 1/2 W 2nd St Flint, MI)

Contact: 810-686-6354 thaley@gfn.org

Meet other Sierra Club members at Buckham Gallery to enjoy a fun night enjoying art and the company of others. Contact: Mike Haley 810-686-6354; thaley@gfn.org

Gates Au Sable Lodge (471 South Stephan Bridge Road Grayling, MI)

Contact: 810-632-7766 lorne.beatty@michigan.sierraclub.org

Join the Anglers of the Au Sable, Cedars of the Au Sable and the Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club for the Annual Au Sable River clean up and cedar planting. We will be planting cedar saplings or maintaining previously planted cedars, so bring gloves, shovels, trowels, etc. An afternoon barbecue back at the Au Sable Lodge will follow. Overnight camping is optional but some of us will be camping in the area Saturday night Nonmembers welcome.

Buckham Fine Arts Project (134 1/2 W 2nd St Flint, MI)

Contact: 810-686-6354 thaley@gfn.org

Meet other Sierra Club members at Buckham Gallery to enjoy a fun night enjoying art and the company of others. Contact: Mike Haley 810-686-6354; thaley@gfn.org

Buckham Fine Arts Project (134 1/2 W 2nd St Flint, MI)

Contact: 810-686-6354 thaley@gfn.org

Meet other Sierra Club members at Buckham Gallery to enjoy a fun night enjoying art and the company of others. Contact: Mike Haley 810-686-6354; thaley@gfn.org

Buckham Fine Arts Project (134 1/2 W 2nd St Flint, MI)

Contact: 810-686-6354 thaley@gfn.org

Meet other Sierra Club members at Buckham Gallery to enjoy a fun night enjoying art and the company of others. Contact: Mike Haley 810-686-6354; thaley@gfn.org

Buckham Fine Arts Project (134 1/2 W 2nd St Flint, MI)

Contact: 810-686-6354 thaley@gfn.org

Meet other Sierra Club members at Buckham Gallery to enjoy a fun night enjoying art and the company of others. Contact: Mike Haley 810-686-6354; thaley@gfn.org