SEP 13, 2009, 2:00p: Rome Sand Plains. Rome Sand Plains is one of only a handful of inland pine-barrens in the nation. Meet at 2:00p. Interpretative signs will teach us about this truly unique area. From Oswego Road, travel less than one mile and turn left on Hogsback Road. About 2 miles, on the left-hand side of the road, is the parking area of the Wood Creek Trail, an easy half-mile trail. Online info: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8080.html.

AUG 18, 2009, 7:00p: Evening walk at Green Lakes State Park. Meet at the parking lot at the beach at Green Lakes for a brisk evening walk around Green Lake and maybe Round Lake too, depending what people feel like. It's flat and it's about 3 miles. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water and a flashlight. Well behaved children and dogs are welcome. For more information, contact Adina Mulliken at 315-428-1905 or pepperballmeow@yahoo.com.

AUG 2, 2009, 2:00p: Pratt’s Falls. Meet at 2:00p in the parking lot to explore the 2.6-mile North Rim trail. Wrap up with a short walk down the stairs to view the falls. Main park entrance is at 7671 Pratt’s Falls Road in Manlius; trailhead begins next to Park Office. Parking $1 per vehicle. Online info: http://nyfalls.com/pratts.html.

JUL 23, 2009, 9:00a: Hammond Hill State Forest Hike. Join us for a moderate 7-8 mile hike through this popular recreation area. We plan to enjoy the wildflowers and new foliage as we tour through this rich and diverse forest. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared in case of rain. Parking lot at the end of Hammond Hill Road SE of the junction with Irish Settlement Road in Dryden. Information: Virgil Shields, 607-319-5349, vshields@alumni.caltech.edu.

JUN 23, 2009: Corporate Challenge. Save the date for the 27th Syracuse Chargers & JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge Race at Onondaga Lake Park. Volunteer to help Sierra Club meet the goal of 100% recycling for the event. Contact Lisa Daly in early June: 428-1384 or ldaly@yahoo.com.

JUN 13, 2009, 9:30a: Bike to Regional Market. Have fun, learn the benefits of locally grown produce and help prevent global warming. Cycle to the Regional Market; 10 miles round trip. Children who follow traffic rules and bike about 8 mph are welcome. Bring: helmets (required), water, bike lock and bag. Meet at Thornden Park swimming pool at 9:30a. If you drive to Thornden, park on local roads, not in the pool lot. Or meet us at the Market, More information: Adina 315-428-1905 or pepperballmeow@yahoo.com. (Note that the date is Saturday 6/13, not 6/14 as stated in the Iroquois Messenger.)

MAY 23, 2009, 10:00a: Beach Cleanup. On Saturday at 10a, we meet for the annual clean-up of Southwick Beach on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario. More information: Rich 298-3130. From Syracuse: Take I-81 N to Pulaski exit 36. Follow Rte 13 into Pulaski. After 4 miles, turn right onto Rte 3. Travel 15 miles to Southwick Beach. Turn left into the park. Tell the gate attendant you are there for cleanup. No charge. Drive straight ahead toward the concession stand. Put the concession stand on your right and turn left down a dirt road that goes to camping sites, parallel to the shore. Park in the center of the cul-de-sac at the end of the road. The ranger will meet us with plastic bags and instructions. Bring gloves, rain gear and lunch.

APR 26, 2009, 2:00p: Stoney Pond State Forest.  Join the Iroquois Group for a 2-mile hike at beautiful Stoney Pond Forest.  Enjoy this 1,469 acre wildlife habitat that will just be waking up to spring.  Meet at 2pm at Trailhead #1, off of Jones Rd., about 7 miles east of Cazenovia.  Directions: From US 20 drive south on Willowvale Road 0.8 miles to the intersection with Old State Road.  Turn Right onto Old State Road.  Drive 0.6 mile to the intersection of Jones Road, then 0.6 mile to the second parking area on the left of the dirt road.  Free and open to the public. Information: 315.299.7175.

MAR 8, 2009, 2:00p: Baltimore Woods. Baltimore Woods is the first of over 37 natural areas that Save the County Land Trust has acquired since 1972. Over 2000 acres of Save the County properties preserve the geological variety and subtle beauty of Central New York. Join us to hike the local trails and learn more about the land trust organization and the Centers for Nature Education, headquartered at Baltimore Woods. Meet at the main parking lot; no entry fee, donations welcome. No dogs allowed.

FEB 7, 2009, 1:00p: Annual ChiliFest. For those who have never tried vegetarian or vegan dishes, the Annual ChiliFest at Danny and Rhea Jezer's place provides an opportunity to taste and learn about dishes that are hearty and nutritious - good for you and the planet. Directions: Take Preble exit off of Route 81. Turn right onto 281. Take first right turn (hairpin turn) onto Song Lake Road. After the Song Lake sign count 8 garages on the right to #7426. Park on the side of the road, and walk to the house on the lake. Meet at 1:00p. Weather permitting, we will hike, snowshoe or ski around or across the lake. At 2:00p we will gather inside to share food and recipes. Please bring vegetarian chilis and other dishes, with copies of the recipes. RSVP 727-0123 to help us plan.

JAN 11, 2009, 1:00p: Beaver Lake Nature Center. If you've never tried snowshoeing, this is your opportunity to learn how to enjoy our nice long CNY winters! Our private guide, from the Beaver Lake Nature Center, will take us on a wildlife tracking snowshoe hike of approximately 1.5 hours. If there's no snow, we'll still manage a guided hike on some of the many maintained trails at this beautiful glacial lake and all season Nature Center. The discounted group admission rate is $1.25 per vehicle, but for $2.50 per person will include snowshoe rental.

DEC 7, 2008, 1:00p: Stoney Pond State Forest.  Hike this beautiful 1,469 acre diverse wildlife habitat and visit a range of flora and fauna preparing for winter. Meet at Trailhead #1, off of Jones Rd., about seven miles east of Cazenovia for a 2 1/4 mile hike. Directions: From US 20 drive south on Willowvale Road 0.8 mile to the intersection with Old State Road. Turn right (west) onto Old State Road and drive 0.6 mile to the intersection with Jones Road and drive 0.6 mile to the second parking area on the left of the dirt road. Snow on trails cancels, info and cancellations: 315.299.7175.

NOV 9, 2008, 2:00p: Mason Hill. Join us at Mason Hill, a 2005 STC acquisition. We will be guided by the property donor and will learn about a different forest type from that of other hikes. The hike starts at a stream ravine and mounts uphill to a rocky ridge. There is a beautiful wooded ravine and pristine stream. There will be different routes for hiking and family walking. From Jamesville head South on Apulia Rd. about 8 miles. Right on Eager Rd. Third house on the right says “Earle/2886” on mailbox. Park in the lot to the left of the house driveway.

OCT 5, 2008, 2:00p: Old Growth Forest. Meet in Green Lakes State Park, rain or shine, to learn about an old growth forest and how it differs from those that have been logged. This one features some of the largest yellow poplars and eastern hemlocks — about 300 years old — in the northeastern United States. Enter the park from the Rte 5, near Fayetteville, N.Y. Park just inside the golf course parking lot. Look for sierra club sign. We’ll walk, short and easy, to the old growth forest trail.

SEP 20, 2008, 10:00a – noon: Native Plant Sale.  Learn about, donate and buy local native plants. 401 Parsons Drive, Syracuse. Habitat Gardening Club. Janet 487-5742.

AUG 9, 2008, 9:30a: Sierra Club Bike Ride to Regional Market. Have fun and help prevent global warming! Cycle instead of driving and buy locally grown produce at the Regional Market.  Bicyclists meet at Thornden Park swimming pool. If you drive to Thornden, park on local roads. Helmets required. Bring a bicycle bag for your veggies. For other options or to meet us at the Market, contact Adina: 315-428-1905 or email.

JUN 24, 2008: Corporate Challenge. Save the date for the 26th Syracuse Chargers & JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge Race at Onondaga Lake Park. Volunteer to help Sierra Club meet the goal of 100% recycling for the event. Contact Lisa Daly by June 3 at 428-1384 or email.

JUN 22, 2008, 1:00p: Moss Ecology and Identification Walk. The walk will take place at Clark Reservation State Park. Please meet at Park Friends' Nature center in the park. If possible, bring a hand lens or magnifying glass which will make it easier to observe and appreciate the structure of these delicate plants. Jennifer Gillrich, from  SUNY-ESF and  Ph.D. candidate specializing in mosses (Bryology), will lead this program sponsored by the Council of Park Friends. A $4.00 parking fee is in effect on weekends for the park. Contact 315-446-0263 with questions.

JUN 8, 2008, 2:00p: Rams Gulch. Only a small fragment of this jewel remained after I-481 tore through last wild sections of the Onondaga Escarpment. Learn about what was lost. Because of the fragile condition of a section of this hike, attendance will be limited to 8 adults. Meet at 2p on Rams Gulch Road. Rugged trail. By reservation only, from June 1 – 6. Contact Debby: 315-446-1273.

MAY 24, 2008, 10:00a: Beach Clean-Up. On Saturday, 10a, we meet for the annual clean-up of the beach at Southwick Beach on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario. From Syracuse: Take I-81 N to exit 39, Rt 13 for Pulaski. Go west 4 miles to junction of Rt. 3. Turn right and go north 15 miles to Southwick Beach. Turn left into park. Go to the end of the campground on the beach. Bags will be furnished. Bring gloves, rain gear and lunch. More information: Rich Slingerland at 315-298-3130.

MAY 10, 2008, 2:00p: Woodchuck Hill. Join us at 2p for a walk and trail maintenance at the Woodchuck Hill Field and Forest Preserve, a Save The County property (STC). The entrance to the Preserve is off Woodchuck Hill Rd, 1.6 miles east of Maple Drive and 0.5 miles west of route 92. Turn into the driveway at the STC sign and go to the end to park near the horse barn and the STC sign. Moderate trail.

APR 20, 2008, 1:00p: Salmon River Falls. Salmon River Falls Unique Area in Orwell has a breathtaking 110-foot waterfall and a spectacular river gorge. We will walk to see the falls and then drive to nearby Beecherville Rd. to hike for 3-4 miles. We will learn about a plantation forest mixed with second growth hardwood, running along a typical Tug Hill stream. Bring sturdy shoes, rain gear, water and snack. Meet at the parking lot at 1p. Directions: Take exit 36 off I-81. From the south, go east on 13, turn left onto county route 2A, and turn right onto Rt. 2 east to Orwell. From the north, take Rt. 2 east to Orwell. Turn right onto 22 South at the Orwell Library and Town Hall (sign for Salmon River). Go 2.7 miles and turn left at sign for Salmon River onto Falls Road. Go 1.4 miles. The parking lot is on the right. More information: Rich Slingerland at 315-298-3130, Adina Mulliken at 315-443-9519. Carpool: Adina.

MAR 8, 2008, 1:00p: Erie Canal Towpath. Meet at the information sign at the beginning of the path, right next to the Ryder Park parking lot by the Dewitt Town Hall at 1:00p. Learn the tools for identifying trees in winter on the Erie Canal Towpath and identifying non-migrating birds.

FEB 9, 2008, 1:00p: Annual ChiliFest. For those who have never tried vegetarian or vegan dishes, the Annual ChiliFest at Danny and Rhea Jezer's place provides an opportunity to taste and learn about dishes that are hearty and nutritious - good for you and the planet. Directions: Take Preble exit off of Route 81. Turn right onto 281. Take first right turn (hairpin turn) onto Song Lake Road. After the Song Lake sign count 8 garages on the right to #7426. Park on the side of the road, and walk to the house on the lake. Meet at 1:00p. Weather permitting, we will hike, snowshoe or ski around or across the lake. At 2:00p we will gather inside to share food and recipes. Please bring vegetarian chilis and other dishes, with copies of the recipes. RSVP 727-0123 to help us plan.

JAN 12, 2008, 1:00p: Recycle America. Learn about single stream recycling at the Recycle America materials recover facility, 4550 Steelway Blvd S in Liverpool. We will meet in a conference room at 1:00p, then tour the facility and return to the conference room for questions and answers with Robert Comi. Directions: go to the Village of Liverpool, then travel North on Tulip Street. Tulip becomes Morgan Road after you go over the Thruway bridge. Turn right on Steelway Blvd. The road goes directly into the yard. Enter at the office door.

DEC 2, 2007, 2:00p: Camillus Valley Natural Area. A Save the County property along Nine Mile Creek in Camilus. There is the beginnings of a rustic trail system and we will do a "walk-through -brush cleaning" hike. Leader will be Rick Smardon of STC and ESF. Bring gloves and brush cutting tools. The brush will be left on site. Meet at Marticso Station off Route 173 in the town of Camillus. More information: email to Rick Smardon or Jeffrey Devine.

NOV 3, 2007, 1:30p: Hike the western end of the proposed Onondaga Escarpment at Clark Reservation State Park. This is the escarpment that the Manlius Greenspace Coalition is working to have designated as a critical corridor. With our leader, Martin Sage, we will walk and learn about the unusual geological features that make this corridor so unique. An added feature is the native plant garden that we can visit after the walk. Meet at the kiosk near the bath houses. Wear good hiking shoes for occasional rocky trails. More information: 472-4977, 492-4745.

OCT 7, 2007, 2:00p: SPEDES walk and picnic. Two sierra members are joining to help us learn and also have a good time. We will enjoy the wooded trails, the stream and finish with a picnic lunch at a fine spot on Butternut Creek. Ralph Manna, retired DEC Regional Director will explain the Permit on the property, and the why, where, and when of this SPEDES. This is a great opportunity and a lovely spot, so bring a lunch, and enjoy. The location is Vicki Baker's home at 4432 South St., Jamesville. Park and meet in the driveway and the adjacent lawn. South St is Route 90 from the center of the Hamlet, and also Jamesville-Apulia Rd. Location is 200 yards south, on the left. More information: 469-5347, 492-4745.

SEP 30, 2007, 2:00p: At Clark Reservation State Park: Kimberly May, Naturalist for the Council of Park Friends and SUNY ESF masters' candidate, will lead her final walk of the season. The walk, starting at 2 p.m., will be an introduction to the landscape history of Clark Reservation State Park. Please meet at the nature center. This program, sponsored by the Council of Park Friends, is free and open to the public. The park charges a parking fee on weekends and holidays. Please call the nature center at 492-0067 for further information.

SEP 23, 2007, 2:00p: At Clark Reservation State Park: Naturalist/artist Kimberly May will lead a special walk, "Clark Is For Kids" at 2 p.m. This will be an easy walk and families are welcome to visit the nature center before and after the program. This program, sponsored by the Council of Park Friends, is free and open to the public. The park charges a parking fee on weekends and holidays. Please call the nature center at 492-0067 for further information.

SEP 16, 2007, 2:00p: At Clark Reservation State Park: Naturalist/artist Kimberly May of SUNY ESF will provide a program, "Introduction to Nature Sketching and Journaling". Please meet at the nature center at 2p.m. All materials are provided. This program is sponsored by the Council of Park Friend which encourages the public to learn more about their parks. The program is free; however, the park charges a parking fee on weekends. Call the nature center at 492-0067 for further information.

SEP 9, 2007, 2:00p: At Clark Reservation State Park: Naturalist/artist Kimberly May of SUNY ESF will lead a stroll at 2 p.m. along the Dr. Mildred Faust Trail. This trail honors the memory of a very special Central New Yorker, who dedicated her career to teaching botany to college students and nature lovers of all ages and backgrounds. Please meet at the nature center. This program, sponsored by the Council of Park Friends, is free and open to the public. The park charges a parking fee on weekends and holidays. Please call the nature center at 492-0067 for further information.

AUG 26, 2007, 2:00p: Written in the Rocks: The Two Geology Stories at Clark Reservation. Professor Meg Harris of Onondaga community College will present this geology program at Clark Reservation State Park. Professor Harris is the Chair of the Chemistry and Physical Science Department at OCC. This free program for the publicwill begin at the park nature center, operated by the Council of Park Friends, which sponsors the "Sundays in the Park" Series. Clark Reservation State Park is located just west of Jamesville along Rte. 173. A parking fee is in effect at this park on weekends and holidays only. Call 315/446-0263 or 315/ 492-0067 for further information.

JUL 16 & AUG 19, 2007, 2:00p: Park Reflections - Nature Journaling at Clark Reservation. Join Kimberly May, Council of Park Friends' naturalist-artist for a walk which will introduce you to nature sketching and journaling as you stroll through scenic Clark Reservation State Park. Art tools and guidance will be provided. Kimberly is an SUNY-ESF graduate student majoring in environmental interpretation and is an outstanding artist. This free program will be at 2:00p, Sunday, July 16th, with a similar program to be held on August 19th. Please meet at the park nature center. Nature Center visits and public education programs are provided free. A weekend and holiday-only parking fee is in effect at the park. Parking is now free for all ages on weekdays (except for holidays) at Clark Reservation. Questions may be directed to the nature center at 492-0067 or to 446-0263.

JUN 26, JUL 3, 10, 17, 2007, 2:00p: Tuesday Afternoon Nature Adventure Series: Exploring the Edge at Clark Reservation. Join the Council of Park Friends' naturalist, Guy Burgess, in a hike down to Glacier Lake at Clark Reservation State Park. This free event on Tuesday afternoons is recommended for ages 8 and older and may be helpful in working toward a scouting patch or badge. Participants will learn skills in exploring for and observing wildlife with emphasis on reptiles and amphibians. Always wear non-slip footwear when hiking. Participants should meet at the Park Friends' Nature Center at Clark Reservation located 1-1/4 miles west of the village of Jamesville. There is no parking fee in effect during these programs or any weekday that is not a holiday. If you have a group, a call in advance is appreciated. Questions may be directed to the nature center at 492-0067 or to 446-0263.

JUN 26, 2007, 4:00p: Corporate Challenge. The 25th Syracuse Chargers and JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge Race at Onondaga Lake Park may be the corporate social event of the summer in Syracuse. It also raises money for local not-for-profit organizations. Sierra - Iroquois started participating the event in order to perform community service, show that containers can be recycled at large public events, raise awareness of Sierra Club, and raise funds for our Group. But we need your help! Please volunteer. Contact Lisa Daly by June 5 at 428-1384 or via email. Volunteers will receive parking passes, official race t-shirts, Sierra Club hats, a brown bag supper and good feelings. Even if you can spare only an hour, we will be happy to put you to work. More information on the event here.

JUN 26, 2007, 4:00p: Outings Workshop. There are 5 openings left for the National Sierra Outings Workshop, to be held at Camp Hoover, the Girl Scout camp at Song Lake from 6:00p Friday (dinner) to 12:30p Sunday, including lunch. The $45 charge includes all meals. You may stay in the bunkhouse or set up your tent on the grounds. If you need a scholarship, contact Martha Loew. Register here, or send email to Jane Jontz.

JUN 10, 2007, 2:00p: Moss Walk with the Council of Park Friends, starting at the Nature Center in Clark Reservation. Leader Jennifer Gilrich will teach us the fundamentals of moss identification. Clark Reservation: 446-0263.

JUN 2, 2007, 10:00a-3:00p: Onondaga Lake Day. Spend time with your family at the annual Onondaga Lake Day held behind the Griffin Visitors Center off Onondaga Lake Parkway.

MAY 26, 2007, 10:00a: Annual Lake Ontario Beach Cleanup. At the campground at Southwick Beach. Bring a bag lunch and we can picnic when we are done, around noon. Drive to the end of the campground and we meet on the beach with the Ranger. Bags are furnished and picked up by truck. Can be windy, and gloves are useful. More information: 298-3130.

MAY 20, 2007, 2:00p: Wildflowers Walk. At Clark Reservation. Easy walk will be led by Deborah Shanahan of Botany Club and Sierra club. Clark Reservation is on route 173, two miles west of the hamlet of Jamesville, NY. Meet at the nature center. Free and open to the public. More information: 492-4745.

APR 15, 2007, 2:00p: Step It Up 2007. We are planning a STEPITUP2007 event on the lawn of Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church from 2:00 to 3:30. All community members interested in stepping up the fight against global warming are invited to attend. We will be part of a national virtual rally. See the Step It Up 2007 website for additional background on the national event. More information: 492-4745.

MAR 10, 2007, 12:30p: Onondaga Lake Walk before viewing film at Liverpool Library. Please meet us at Liverpool Public Library at 12:30 for a lake-side walk.

FEB 11, 2007, 2:00p: Annual Chili Snow Fest. At the Jezers' lovely home on Song Lake.-Take Preble Exit off of Route 81. Turn right onto 281. Take first right turn onto Song Lake Road (hairpin turn). After "Song Lake" sign, count eight garages on the right, 7426 Song Lake Road. Park on the side of the road and walk to the house on the lake. Bring a vegetarian chili or dish to pass and your favorite footwear, skis, boots, or snowshoes. We will traverse across or around the lake, return to eat around 3:00 and watch The True Cost of Food film and/or French Fries to Go. More information: 727-0123, 492-4745.

JAN 27, 2007, 1:30p: Onondaga Lake Walk before viewing film at Liverpool Library. Enjoy the West Shore Trail of Onondaga Lake. Meet at the John Haley Memorial Parking Lot off Longbranch Rd.

DEC 10, 2006, 1:00p: Highland Forest. Want to know your trees in winter? Then join us on a naturalist guided walk. Meet in main parking lot.

OCT 15, 2006, 1:00p: Explore Stone Quarry Hill Art Park. Join us as we explore the Link Trail and Stone Quarry Hill Art Park area. There are two options: 1. Meet at 1 p.m. at the Link Trail parking lot in Cazenovia, for a walk up the hill to the Art Park and back - roughly three miles over hills and uneven terrain. Directions: turn South on Mill Street in Cazenovia and continue onto Chenango Street. The parking lot is on your left. 2. Drive directly to Stone Quarry Hill Art Park and explore the trails on your own, including the new Old Orchard trail. Linger for a gallery opening and music, starting at 6 p.m. Directions from the West: travel through Cazenovia, heading east on Route 20. Just outside of Cazenovia, watch for the Art Park sign, and turn onto Stone Quarry Road. Entrance to the park is on the right side of the road. From the East, you will need to turn left on to Stone Quarry Road, just before reaching Cazenovia. Info: Tasha Cooper, 446-3750 or tasha.cooper@gmail.com.