Sierra Club Outings

*Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club*		or
ALL Group Outings - DetailView 45 out of 45 Chapter Outings as of 5/17/2008	WhatsNew? QuickView HandyStuff Print

KEY: Each outing has a summary block under its title as shown below ...

312-987-1234 Email

Click on printer icon to view in printable format. The example above in blue indicates a canoe outing, appropriate for beginners in moderate condition, costing a total of $35, with a reservation deposit of $20 required. A primary contact phone and/or email address link is shown for this outing sponsored by the XYZ Group and was posted on March 15. Please also read the Outings Guidelines.

May 17 Cache River Wetlands, Belknap, IL

618-529-5760 Email

Family hike for all ages.First stop is Heron Pond Trail. This 1.5 mile RT takes us to a floating swamp boardwalk. The next stop is a visit to Barkhausen Nature Center. Learn about the value of wetlands. Car pool starts 9AM at the parking lot to the north of McAndrew stadium in Carbondale. Return home around 1PM.Contact outing leader Shelby Seegers-Schafer at 529-5760 prior to the outing.

May 17 The organic farm field day, Naperville, IL

847-455-2947 Email

Come join us as we learn about and participate in Organic Farming. Our day will begin at the farm, where we will meet the farmer and learn about organic farming principles and techniques. We will have a short hike to tour the farm. Then we will help by hand-transplanting greenhouse seedlings into the field—probably kohlrabi or basil. This will be getting involved with environment by working in the soil! If you ever wanted to know more about organic farming, locally-grown food, and/or CSAs, here’s your chance to learn first hand and be involved. Limit 20. Contact Leader Jan Bradford at 847-455-2947 or e-mail jbradford60131@sbcglobal.net. Assistant leader to be determined.

May 17-18 Weekend Cycling to Madison, Wi, Southeast Wisconsin, WI

847-699-0329 Email

Come explore the most recent rails-trails conservation conversion in Wisconsin!! This weekend cycling trip will travel along the Badger State Trail from the Illinois border to Madison, Wi. and should be dressed in full spring flora!!! We will ride 50 miles each day. Saturday will be along the crushed limestone of the Badger State Trail, which officially opened in 2007. The path includes a 1200 ft. curving tunnel. Sunday includes a road route to New Glarus, the Sugar River Trail & back on the Badger Trail. Cost is $120 which includes one night lodging, 2 meals, trail passes & administrative fees. Limit 10. Leader is Mark Ginger. Assistant Leader is Gloria Arvanitis. To sign up, contact Mark at 847-699-0329.

May 18 Party On the Farm, Warrenville, IL

The 4th annual Party on the Farm is returning this year on Sunday, May 18, 2008. The River Prairie Group of the Sierra Club encourages all members and friends to join us at Twin Star Ranch, the home of Connie and Michael Schmidt in Warrenville Illinois from 2:00 – 7:00 pm. Their 3 acres along the Illinois Prairie Path (3 S. 501 Landon Dr.) will give you the feel of a real day in the country. With bunnies, chickens, dogs and horses for the children to see, and a live band playing in the fresh air, a good time is guaranteed for all. If convenient, bring a dish to share. Soft drinks will be provided. (You are welcome to bring other beverages of your choice.) We may even have some Prairie Plants for sale as well. Make a donation of $10.00 or more per adult and help the Political Action Committee continue its mission to elect “Green” Candidates serving Illinois. Call 630 393-6276 to volunteer or for more information.

May 20 OAK PARK Environmental Book Club, Oak Park, IL

Come join your environmental friends for a fun time of learning and discussing key environmental issues facing us. The book club meets at the Oak Park Public Library on 834 Lake St. at 7pm. Our next reading is "Deep Economy by Bill McKibben. Mr. McKibben explores whether our economy is ruining the planet. Please RSVP to Take` Yamamoto at ch-socials@illinois.sierraclub.org. Limit of 15 participants. More about the book

May 24 Biking Sewards Bluff Area, Rockford, IL

708-267-4238 Email

Bike with us along some country roads in northern Illinois just west of Rockford. This is a hilly on-road trip of about 35 miles. We pass through rolling farmland to German Valley and back to our gathering place, the beautiful Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve. Cost is $3. Leader is Steve Carrow. Call assistant Marlena Bertolozzi at 708-267-4238 to sign up.

May 24 Tour of the Chicago Center for Green Technology, Chicago, IL

773-728-6164 Email

The Indiana Dunelands and Chicago Group of the Club have teamed up to hold a joint tour of Chicago`s Center for Green Technology. The center is a place for learning about what we can do to make our buildings more efficient and less resource intensive. The 17 acre site is a reclaimed brownfield, uses solar energy for heat, light, and electricity, and has a green roof along with many other eco-friendly features meant to minimize the building`s environmental footprint and showcase what can be done to make an urban renovation more sustainable. Our guided tour will highlight many of the features of the building and green techniques used in its renovation. The center also includes a extensive library for your own green tech research and offers several workshops each week on a variety of green topics. The center is located at 445 N. Sacramento Blvd. and accessible by public transportation. There are bike racks at the center if you`re inclined to ride. We hope to see you there! Time: 1:30 pm. Please pre-register by emailing Tony at arfarf13@sbcglobal.net or calling 773-728-6164. More about CCGT.

May 24-26 Canoeing the Pine River, Cadillac (Manistee Nat`l Forest), MI

847-329-0322 Email

Sierrans Outdoors has been canoeing the Pine river trip for over 20 years and we are doing it again. The Pine challenges experienced canoeists with it many twists and turns, small rapids and strainers as we canoe through National Forest. See for yourself the value of limiting river usage by permit. Learn about the effects of a dam removal on the river. Drive up Friday night, canoe on Sat and Sunday, drive leisurely home on Monday. Base camp at a local campground. Experience is required to canoe the Pine. Cost without canoe rental is about $45 and up to $100 if you need a rental (depends on open spaces in private canoes). Sign up by May 16. Call leader Karen Kalichman 847-329-0322 k.kalichman@comcast.net Co-Leader is Rich Balis 773-254-2383

May 31 Nippersink Creek Day Canoe Trip, McHenry, IL

847.933.9340 Email

This is a favorite northern Illinois stream of ours to paddle. Nippersink Creek offers much diversity and some challenges from beginning to end, and a chance to learn about and observe the native wildlife. The first portion of the trip takes us down the original channel of Nippersink Creek (learn about its recent restoration!) in Glacial Park. Many twists, turns and riffles have been added to this section. After leaving Glacial Park, the creek passes through mostly private property, but still presents challenges and has interesting scenery. Plan for an evening cook-out and party at the near-by residence of Mike Davis after the canoeing! This outing is recommended for experienced canoeists; the ability to navigate a canoe is a must! Cost of the outing is the deposit of $35 to cover canoe rentals and other expenses. Leaders are Floyd Bednarz, Mike Davis & Mike Way; Assistant leaders are Catherine Bogacz & Karen Nelson. To sign up, contact Floyd Bednarz at 847-93-9340 or via e-mail at fbednarz@hotmail.com beginning April 1st. Note: Trip is dependent upon water conditions... check for updates!

May 31 Volunteer Work Day at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Wilmington, IL

Free(donations accepted)

630-293-4988 Email

Join friends and have fun assisting with the creation of the 17,000-acre National Tallgrass Prairie. Under the guidance of site naturalists we will be doing something helpful. Dress for outdoor work - equipment provided. This outing is jointly sponsored with the Sauk-Calumet Group. At end of work day, we will do a guided hike or bike ride, so bring your bike or hiking shoes. RPG Leader is Steve Carrow. Call Steve at 630-293-4988 or email stephencarrow@sbcglobal.net to sign up and for more details.

Jun 1 Day Hike at Matthiessen State Park, Utica, IL

630-469-6826 Email

Explore the varied scenery of this virtually unknown state park situated only a couple of miles from the well known Starved Rock State Park. We will hike about 7 miles learning of the geological history of the area, and viewing Matthiessen’s deep sandstone canyons, its waterfalls, broad meadows and the wooded Vermilion River valley. Moderately hilly terrain with a couple of steep hills. Limit 25. Leader is Fred Weber. Assistant leader needed. Call Fred at 630-469-6826.

Jun 1 Day Hike #3 Along the Des Plaines River Trail., Northbrook, IL

847-699-0329 Email

Join us for hike #3 along a nicely wooded section of the Des Plaines River Trail. We will learn why the Potowatami Indians used this river as a major transportation route during their stay in this area. We will explore 14 miles along the northern section of this trail, beginning at Potowatami Woods in Northbrook. Limit 20. Leader is Mark Ginger. To sign up, call Mark at 847-699-0329. Assistant Leader needed.

Jun 7 Cycling the Oak Savannah & Prairie Duneland Trails, Lake County, IN

847-699-0329 Email

Join us for a 40 mile ride along two asphalt trails in Lake County Indiana. The Oak Savannah Trail covers 7.5 miles through tallgrass prairie and oak woodlands. The Prairie Duneland Trail covers 10.5 miles through some of Indiana`s most beautiful natural areas. The trails are connected by a 2.5 mile ride through the city of Hobart, Indiana. Limit 15. Leader is Mark Ginger. Assistant leader is Karen Nelson. To sign up, contact Mark at 847-699-0329. Note: Also see indianatrails.org

Jun 13-15 Wisconsin River Canoe Weekend, Muscoda to Boscobel, WI

847-680-6437 Email

Water levels permitting, we`ll canoe down the lower Wisconsin River between Muscoda and Boscobel, arriving and camping Friday night in Boscobel, and Saturday night on a sandbar island. Much of trip is through a wide, sandy-bottomed Wildlife Area. We`ll stop to swim and learn about the wildlife and the water ecology. Cost includes canoes, shuttling, 2 group breakfasts, and Saturday group dinner. (Bring 2 cold lunches.) Less experienced canoeists will be paired with more experienced paddlers the first day. Rating (2,2,3) Limit 16. Note: Cut-off: June 10 to reserve canoes. Take this On-line Questionnaire

Jun 14 ICO Benefit, Bike Ride, Dulcimer Fest & Picnic, Channahon to Morris, IL

847-985-7313 Email

Join us for the Chicago Group ICO`s eleventh annual benefit and bike. We meet about one hour southwest of the city at the I&M Bike Trail and ride from Channahon to Morris (an easy, flat 30 miles round trip). In Morris we stop for a gourmet picnic at Gebhard Woods State Park and enjoy the free sights and sounds of the 21st annual National Dulcimer Folk Festival. There are two riding groups fast or leisurely. The I&M trail continues for another 15 miles so you can stretch the ride; or just drive and meet us at Gebhard Woods for food and music.

This event is a benefit for Chicago Inner City Outings which offers inner city kids opportunities to camp and enjoy the great outdoors. The cost for ride, lunch and festival is a low, low $24. To reserve your spot please send a check payable to Chicago ICO to Colin Tysoe at 1719 West Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg, Il 60193. Directions will be sent by email (include your email address) or by mail if a return envelope is included. Since we are part of the Sierra Club the fee is not tax deductible. To make a tax deductible donation send a check payable to The Sierra Club Foundation. Call 847-985-7313 with questions or email Colin tysoe2@yahoo.com Note: Reservation required to participate in the gourmet lunch. See also info on the Dulcimer Festival

Jun 14 Biking the Des Plaines River Trail, Lake County, IL

847-699-0329 Email

Join us as we cycle along this beautiful trail that winds through many forested areas of Lake County. We will be covering 48 miles of trail from Half Day Forest Preserve in Vernon Hills up to the trail`s northern terminus near the Wisconsin border and back. Limit 15. Leader is Mark Ginger. Assistant Leader is Paul Saindon. To sign up, call Mark at 847-699-0329.

Jun 27-29 Canoeing the White River, MI

773-237-7187 Email

Join us for a weekend of canoeing a beautiful river in Michigan that winds through scenic forests. Learn about how dams and other man-made structures impact rivers. The first night of camping is in a campground, but the second night of camping is primitive (no access to cars and no facilities). This is a great way to enjoy the river and the outdoor experience without modern distractions. The $60 fee covers rental, camping, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. A $30 deposit is required. Call Mary Ellen Modica @ 773-237-7187 to sign up.

Jun 28 Butterfly & Wildflower Nature Walk, Bluff Spring Fen, near Elgin, IL

847.933-9340 Email

Celebrate the return of summer with an easy afternoon walk through a recovering fen adjacent to Elgin`s historic Bluff City Cemetery. Bluff Spring Fen stewards will lead us on a "hunt" and to learn about the common and rare butterflies found in this unique alkaline bog habitat. We will also study wildflowers in bloom and may help the Fen by removing invading plant species. Cost is $5 (includes a donation to the Fen); no charge for children 14 and under. Limit is 20 adults. (Joint Chicago and River Prairie Group outing.) Leader: Floyd Bednarz. Sign-ups taken May 1 - June 26 by Floyd at 847.933-9340 or via e-mail at fbednarz@hotmail.com Assisting leader: Marlena Bertolozzi Note: CHILDREN with their FAMILIES ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED ON THIS OUTING!

Jul 9-14 Backpacking - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising, MI

773-342-2794 Email

Join us for a scenic, challenging 43-mile hike (including a 13-mile day) along the North Country Trail in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We will meet Wednesday night at a motel in Munising (double accommodations included in the trip cost), and begin hiking Thursday morning. The trail is well maintained, and runs through woods and along Lake Superior. We’ll be rewarded with spectacular views atop 50-200 foot high cliffs. We will camp four nights along the trail. Limit 10. Cost is $75. Trip Leader is John Stevens. Call John at (773) 342-2794, or email him at johnsstev@hotmail.com.

Jul 10 CHICAGO Environmental Book Club, Chicago, IL

773-528-7812 Email

Come join your environmental friends for a fun time of learning and discussing key environmental issues facing us. The book club meets at the Book Cellar bookstore at 4736 N. Lincoln at 7pm on the second Thursday of every other month. Our next reading is “The Control of Nature” by John McPhee. Mr. McPhee`s best seller explores how man fights against Nature. Can Man tame Nature or are we in a useless exercise? Please RSVP to Take` Yamamoto at ch-socials@illinois.sierraclub.org . Limit of 15 participants. More about the book

Jul 11-13 Water, Wind, & more Water, Oregon, IL

847-455-2947 Email

Come join us for a "Water and Wind" get-a-way weekend. We arrive on Friday night at LOM, hike in the early AM at Castle Rock State Park. Then it’s off to catch the steamboat and tour the beautiful Rock River. Later we will see the Wind Mill farm and learn about a renewable energy. We will have a Saturday night presentation TBD and Sunday we will canoe. Cost of $158, for members, includes 2 nights lodging, steamboat, wind mill farm, dinner, breakfast, canoe, and Sierra fees. Limit 16 Leader Jan Bradford and Co leader Mike Way. Please contact Jan Bradford at 847-455-2947 or e-mail jbradford60131@sbcglobal.net

Jul 13 Paddles and Pedals, Geneva, IL

630-924-0140 Email

A scenic 4-mile kayak trip between Geneva and St Charles. After kayaking we will cycle from Geneva to Elgin on the Fox River trail then back to Geneva. The cycling will be approximately 30 miles with challenging hills. Kayaking experience required. Leader is Tom Jarapko, assistant leaders are Gloria Arvanitis and Jeanette Fortman. Please call or email Gloria Arvanitis at 630-924-0140 or genesisgaa@aol.com to register for the trip.

Jul 19 Summer Hike at Starved Rock State Park, Utica, IL

847-922-3379 Email

Enjoy the summer beauty of canyons and discover how they were formed by glacial melt water and stream erosion. They slice dramatically through tree-covered sandstone bluffs meandering for four miles through Starved Rock State Park. We will be hiking about 8 miles along the nature trails of this extraordinary park viewing the many spectacular views from overlooks along the Illinois River. Limit 15. Leader is Paul Saindon. To sign up, contact Paul at paul@pauls.us

Jul 20-26 Lakes of the Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho, Stanley, ID

630-910-0735 Email

A National Sierra Club Trip. Experienced backpackers and strong novices seeking adventure and freedom will enjoy trekking into the heart of the Sawtooth Mountains. We`ll savor the best of the Sawtooths on our semi-loop featuring soaring granite peaks, conifer forests, clear lakes, rushing streams, and wild-flower speckled meadows. This is Sierra Club national trip #08150A. Registration is through the Sierra Club website (www.sierraclub.org/outings).

Aug 8-10 Endangered Species Weekend & ICF, Necedah Wildlife Refuge and ICF Baraboo, WI

Birding-Nature Study

847-455-2947 Email

Have you ever seen the training of the whooping cranes with the ultra light? Or have you ever seen the Karner Blue Butterfly? How about all 15 crane species of the world? Well, here`s your chance to see it all. Come join me for a fun weekend with early Saturday viewing as the ultra light comes in to train the class of 2008 whooping cranes. Later we will learn about the Karner Blue Butterfly and other birds of Necedah with ranger Dan as we explore the refuge. Time/weather permitting we may climb a rock island of what used to be Glacier Lake at Roche-A-Cri State Park. The next day we will travel to the International Crane Foundation to see all 15 cranes species of the world and yes, some are endangered, too. Cost of $116, Sierra member, covers two night stay, picnic breakfast, and Sierra/ICF fees. Please call leader Jan Bradford 847-455-2947 or e-mail at jbradford60131@sbcglobal.net Assistant leaders TBD Limit 16

Aug 9-10 Seventh Annual Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair, Oregon, IL

847 922 3379 Email

Seventh Annual Illinois Renewable Energy And Sustainable Lifestyle Fair, On August 9th and 10th, 2008! Fee of $13 covers a $3 Sierra club fee and $10 for a potluck dinner Saturday at a member’s residence in Oregon. There is camping at Lowden State Park right on the edge of Oregon. Or camp at my residence in Oregon, plenty of room on the floor or pitch your tent in the yard. Illinois Renewable Energy Association

Aug 9-16 Scenic Wonders of the Silver Divide, John Muir Wilderness, John Muir Wilderness, CA

630-910-0735 Email

A National Sierra Club Trip. Experienced backpackers and strong novices seeking adventure and freedom will enjoy trekking deep into the heart of the Silver Divide, just south of Yosemite National Park, by trail and cross-country. We`ll savor the best of the High Sierra on our 32-mile loop which features soaring granite peaks, conifer forests, clear lakes, rushing streams, and wild-flower speckled meadows. One off-trail pass, at 10,600 feet, highlights our cross-country scramble. This is Sierra Club National trip #08130A. Registration is through the Sierra Club website (www.sierraclub.org/outings).

Aug 23 Volunteer Work Day at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Wilmington, IL

Free(donations accepted)

630-293-4988 Email

Join friends and have fun assisting with the creation of the 17,000-acre National Tallgrass Prairie. Under the guidance of site naturalists we will be doing something helpful. Dress for outdoor work - equipment provided. This outing is jointly sponsored with the Sauk-Calumet Group. At end of work day, we will do a guided hike or bike ride, so bring your bike or hiking shoes. RPG Leader is Steve Carrow. Call Steve at 630-293-4988 or email stephencarrow@sbcglobal.net to sign up and for more details.

Aug 23-31 Hikes, Huckleberries & Heavenly Scenery, Libby & Cabinet Mtn Wilderness, MT

847-392-3433 Email

Nine days (8 nights) in spectacular Libby, Montana, Cabinet Mtns, Purcell Mtns, Yaak River Valley, Kootenai River, Lake Koocanusa, Ross Creek Cedars. Learn how and why huge cedar, ponderosa pine & western spruce trees host more species of wildlife than anywhere else in the U.S. Films made in this area include "River Wild" and "A River Runs Through It". Cost $360, payable in advance; includes lodging only (meals, tips and transportation not included). Minimum 8, Limit 12. Photos at: www.libbymt.com/ Leaders: Paul Silverman (847-392-3433) & Joe Pokorny. Assistant leader needed.

Aug 29-Sep 1 Canoeing the Manistee River in Northern Michigan, Pere Marquette State Forest, Wexford County, MI

847-869-6570 Email

Beginning canoeists welcome. Camping experience required because at least one night will be wilderness camping along the river with no facilities. About 330 miles from Evanston. Participants will learn about the many uses the Manistee River has seen over the years including expeditions by voyageurs and the transportation of logs to the port of Manistee on Lake Michigan. Before the mid 1960s, the nearby resort community of Idlewild flourished. Today the large expanse of undeveloped land in the Pere Marquette State Forest is ideal for many recreation uses including the North Country Hiking Trail that follows much of the river that we will be canoeing. For pictures of last year’s trip, see link below. Email leaders, George and Yvonne Ammerman at gca1620@yahoo.com by August 1st to sign up. Group size is limited. $50 Deposit will hold your place. Pictures of 2007 trip

Aug 31 Late-Summer Hike Moraine Hills State Park, McHenry, IL

847-516-8653 Email

Join us for an late-summer hike around Lake Defiance and other wetlands in a diverse forest preserve full of wildlife in nearby McHenry County. This will be a moderately paced, six or nine-mile hike with marshes, prairie fields, creeks, and history. Optional 3-mile loop through remote Pike Marsh. Leader is Scott Etienne. Call Scott or Diane to sign up at 847-516-8653. Moraine Hills Website

Aug 31-Sep 6 Hikes in Glacier National Park, East Glacier Park, MT

847-392-3433 Email

Seven days (6 nights) in beautiful Glacier National Park. Learn about the effect of global warming on glaciers. Cost $285, payable in advance, include 6 nights lodging, park entry fees, boat ride & leader`s expenses. Not included: meals, tips, transportation. Limit 12, minimum 8. photos at: www.nps.gov/glac/photos.htm Leader: Paul Silverman (847-392-3433). Co-leader: Joe Pokorny. Assistant leader needed.

Sep 12-14 Base camp backpacking Nordhouse Dunes, Ludington, MI

815-786-8182 Email

This is a base camp-backpacking trip for beginners, families, grandparents or experienced hikers. Nordhouse Dunes is the only congressionally designated wilderness area located along Lake Michigan. We’ll backpack into the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area and set up a base camp near the beach were we will spend time exploring, hiking, swimming, sunset viewing and star gazing, satellite watching. It`s roughly a 6-hour drive from the Chicago area. Leader, Ed Gacek, backcb@indainvalley.com

Sep 12-14 Advanced-beginner Backpack, North Kettle Moraine Forest, WI

847-303-6204 Email

Escape civilization without being far from it on this 2-day backpack along the Ice-Age trail in east-central Wisconsin. Enjoy an 8-mile hike on each day through rolling glacial moraine hills while reviewing backpack skills, food and equipment. $45 deposit covers food, camping, and some expenses. Limit 10. Leader is Scott Etienne. Assistant-leader is Rick Szafarz. Call Rick to sign up at 847-303-6204.

Sep 12-15 Three-Day Namekagon River Canoeing Weekend, Trego, WI

847-902-3639 Email

Paddle the beautiful lower Namekagon River to its confluence with the St. Croix River through a wilderness area on this 3-day, 35-mile trip in northwestern Wisconsin. Learn why this is classified as a National Scenic Riverway. Heavily-wooded shorelines of pine and mixed hardwoods, high banks, lowlands and several stretches of riffles characterize this scenic route. $30 deposit required by July 30th toward $110 trip cost. Some canoeing experience needed. Limit 14. Leaders are Mary O`Boyle and Fred Weber. Call Mary at 847-902-3639. Assistant leaders are Marlena Bertolozzi and John Stevens.

Sep 19-21 Backpacking Newport Beach State Park, Door County, WI

This will be a 2 day, 1 night backpack trip in Door County. Leader is TBD, Assistant Leader is Joe Pratola.

Sep 19-22 Hikes / Fall Colors - Porcupine Mountains, Ironwood & Silver City, MI

847-392-3433 Email

Three days of day hikes at the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness in Michigan`s Upper Peninsula with hiking and views unlike any other in the Midwest. Towering virgin timber (pines, cedar, hemlock, oak, maple), secluded lakes and miles of wild rivers and streams make a visit to the "Porkies" a trip to remember. Cost of $150 incl. 3 nights lodging & Sierra fee. $5 member discount. Full payment required to get on list. Limit 12. Leaders: Paul Silverman & Joe Pokorny. Assistant leader needed. Call Paul at 847-392-3433.

Sep 27 Day Hike at S. Kettle Moraine State Forest, LaGrange, WI

630-469-6826 Email

Join us in a fall-color hike in the South Kettle Moraine State Forest, located in southern Wisconsin, north of Lake Geneva. We will describe how this area of special natural beauty was formed during the glacial age. Our pace will be moderate over hilly and forested trails in one of the nearby Midwest`s prettiest locations. Limit 25 per hiking group. Leader is Fred Weber. Call Fred at 630-469-6826 Assistant leaders needed.

Oct 4 Biking the Sugar River Trail, Southwest, WI

847-699-0329 Email

Join us for an early fall bike ride along the Sugar River Trail from Brodhead to New Glarus, Wisconsin. We will cover 46 miles along this limestone surfaced trail. Lunch will be at the New Glarus Hotel in New Glarus, "America`s Little Switzerland". Limit 15. Leader is Mark Ginger. Assistant leaders needed. To sign up, call Mark at 847-699-0329.

Oct 10-12 Shawnee Trash Bash, Golconda, IL

847-390-8386 Email

We will be car-camping at War Bluff Wildlife Sanctuary, a 500 acre preserve in Golconda Illinois in the hills along the Ohio River in far Southern Illinois. We will gather on friday night. Saturday morning we will depart for nearby cleanup sites in the Shawnee National Forest. Later afternoon and evening, for the more energetic, there are self guided hikes around War Bluff. Saturday night we will have a cookout and campfire. Sunday we have the option of further cleanup or day hiking the Shawnee Forest prior to our departure. Note: Camping and 4 meals for $25.! great service too!

Oct 10-13 Hikes / Fall Colors at Shawnee National Forest, Harrisburg, IL

847-392-3433 Email

Day hikes and fall colors in three spectacular wilderness areas in Shawnee National Forest southeast of Harrisburg, IL: Garden of the Gods, Lusk Creek and Indian Kitchen. For photos of the area: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/shawnee/recreation/photo/east/ and http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r5/cachervr.htm The mix of trees can provide an unequaled autumn spectrum of color. Maple, gum and dogwood produce brilliant reds, beech dress in yellow, oaks are scarlet, and pines sprinkle the palette with green. Learn "Why Leaves Turn Color". We`ll be staying at the Lafayette Inn, formerly the White Lace Inn, a luxurious B&B. Cost is $165 (+$10 if less than 15 participants) and includes lodging, 3 breakfasts & 2 gourmet dinners. Limit 16. Leader is Paul Silverman 847-392-3433. Co-leader: Joe Pokorny. Assistant leaders (2) needed.

Oct 11 Volunteer Work Day at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Wilmington, IL

Free(donations accepted)

630-293-4988 Email

Join friends and have fun assisting with the creation of the 17,000-acre National Tallgrass Prairie. Under the guidance of site naturalists we will be doing something helpful. Dress for outdoor work - equipment provided. This outing is jointly sponsored with the Sauk-Calumet Group. At end of work day, we will do a guided hike or bike ride, so bring your bike or hiking shoes. RPG Leader is Steve Carrow. Call Steve at 630-293-4988 or email stephencarrow@sbcglobal.net to sign up and for more details.

Oct 19 Day Hikes: Spring Creek Preserve & Raceway Woods, Northwest Cook County/Kane County, IL

847-699-0329 Email

Join us as we explore these two preserves in their Fall colors. We start at Spring Creek Preserve in Barrington where we will hike 4-5 miles of trail observing the restoration results that the Northwest Cook Sierra Club Group has assited in. Next, we travel to Raceway Woods in Carpentersville to hike 4 miles. What used to be Meadowdale International Raceway is well into the process of being restored into it`s original ecosystem of oak savannas, mesic woodlands, and prairies. Limit 20. Leader is Mark Ginger. Co-Leader is Berni Kolasa. To sign up, contact Mark at 847-699-0329.

Oct 23-26 3-Day Backpack at Hoosier Nat`l Forest, Story, IN

630-469-6826 Email

A moderately paced fall color adventure of backpacking, camping and hiking through the forested hills of south-central Indiana. Learn how this area of early settlement was converted over the years into a vast national forest. We arrive Thursday evening and camp in the area. Covering about 8 miles on each of 3 days (Fri-Sun), we`ll backpack into the National Forest on Friday, camp by a stream, spend the middle day hiking and exploring this vast wilderness area and backpack out on Sunday. Suitable for beginners in good physical condition and for experienced backpackers too. Limit 18. Cost is $50. Leaders are Fred Weber and Mary O`Boyle. Call Fred at 630-469-6826. Assistant leaders needed.

Nov 8 Sandhill Crane & Migrating Bird Hikes & Viewing, Indiana Dunes Nat`l Lakeshore & Jasper- Pulaski FW, IN

847-933-9340 Email

Join us in early November for an exciting nature adventure to see the migrating sandhill cranes & other migratory birds as they wing their way through northwestern Indiana. We will start our Saturday with guided shorebird-watching hikes in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore area, have lunch on the beach, and learn about the sandhill cranes and the Fall migration. We will then drive 45 minutes south to the Jasper-Pulaski State Fish & Wildlife Area in the afternoon to watch as thousands of sandhill cranes return at dusk to bed down for the night. For those interested and able to stay, we may have dinner at a local restaurant. Leader: Floyd Bednarz / Assisting: TBD. Sign-ups taken Oct 1-Nov. 5. Contact Floyd Bednarz at 847-933-9340 or email to fbednarz@hotmail.com Note: Sign-ups will be taken FROM October 1st UP TO November 5th, 2008.

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