|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Photo |
Past Programs
Check out our picture gallery from past Sierra Club events. If you have photos of Sierra Club events and want to share them with the group, please send them to Nanci McGonigal, or call her at 215-679-0479.
Outings:
The Lehigh Valley group of the Sierra Club invites you to join us as we explore, enjoy, and connect to the unique beauty of this valley. One does not have to travel great distances to admire ancient trees, or marvel at the power and purity of a Wild and Scenic River. In spring and summer, wildflowers can be found growing in abundance under the watchful eyes of strikingly colorful birds if you leave the TV and the pavement behind. An appreciation of these natural beauties is far more important than knowing their names or the niche they occupy, but you will find knowledgeable naturalists along on our outings if you wish to brush up on your natural history knowledge. Come along and meet caring people with similar interests and concerns. You probably won't meet Lou Reed, but may I suggest you participate and take a walk on the wild side.
The Lehigh Valley is home to forest that knew the Lenapes and heard the call of the Eastern Cougar over two Centuries ago! Contrary to popular belief, pieces of our original colonial ecosystems exist in the ancient forests of the Lehigh Valley. Learn about why Old Growth forests are so important to Scientists and specific types of Wildlife. They represent a part of our collective past that can teach us about our heritage, and inspire us to protect our future. The Sierra Club is grateful to those who helped protect these incredible forests so we may enjoy them now and into the future.
"Eating"
Wednesday, January 26
7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.Come view the video documentary "Eating" by Michael Anderson. What are the environmental, social and political implications of fooding and eating? This should spark a lively discussion and much thought.
Filmmaker Mike Anderson was a witness as members of his immediate family and close friends were dying from complications of diseases that could have been avoided. After spending two years poring through thousands of articles in newspapers, magazines, and journals to find an answer to his question, Anderson concluded that all of these degenerative diseases could be prevented if people would embark on diet and lifestyle changes.
The information had such a profound effect on him that he adopted a low-fat vegan diet and in six months shed 35 pounds. Seeing the benefits in improving his own health, he decided he wanted to share his information in a film simply called Eating that first appeared in 2003.
"The project was born out of anger," says Anderson. " I was already in my 50's when I came across the full range of arguments for a plant-based diet. Quite frankly, I was stunned and angry because the arguments were so powerful, yet virtually unknown in the mainstream. I was also angry because of what I had been doing to my body, the environment, and the animals I was eating. Like most Americans, I never made the connection."
Harrisburg and the Environment
Wednesday, September 22
7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Unitarian Universalist ChurchThe Pennsylvania Sierra Club’s director and lobbyist Jeff Schmidt will discuss environmental issues and legislation currently pending in Harrisburg, and how you can make a difference. In particular, we’ll be hearing about the Governor’s proposed $800 million environmental bond issue, Growing Greener II, and its benefits to Pennsylvania’s environment.
Schmidt was one of the founding members of the Lehigh Valley group of the Sierra Club. Held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, Center and Wall St., in Bethlehem, this free, educational talk is open to the public.
Return to top
Hike in Ricketts Glen State Park
Saturday, August 28
10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.Join us for an all-day excursion to Ricketts Glen, considered by some to be the most beautiful park in Pennsylvania. Beat the heat of the Lehigh Valley and cool off under the kind of dense shade that only an ancient hemlock forest could provide. A registered National Landmark, Ricketts Glen State Park is the crown jewel of the remaining wild places of Eastern Pennsylvania. Containing 21 glimmering waterfalls and a hundred of acres of virgin forest, Ricketts Glen State Park is the most scenic natural area found in the entire state. We will complete a moderately difficult six-mile loop trail that contains steep inclines.
Directions: Meet at the Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center at 10 a.m. Participants will carpool from Jacobsburg to the lower or south parking lot next to Kitchen Creek off of State Route 116 west of Wilkes-Barre.
Please bring a bagged lunch, plenty to drink, and good hiking boots.
To register and for additional information contact Bill Sweeney at 610 253-7053.
Return to top
Old Growth Forests Around the Lehigh Valley
Wednesday, August 25
7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Unitarian Universalist ChurchDespite popular belief, Pennsylvania houses thousands of acres of original old growth forests, some of which are right here in our backyard. Although Pennsylvania’s forests were largely destroyed in the late 1800s, a few remnants of old growth remain, some in the most unlikely places. Sweeney, an expert in old growth forestry, will explain why we must protect the old growth forests in and around the Lehigh Valley.
Come hear the Lehigh Valley group of the Sierra Club’s Outings Chair and local naturalist Bill Sweeney lead a free educational discussion about old growth forests in and near the Lehigh Valley. Come see Sweeney’s slides of the old growth forests he has visited, enjoyed, and studied during the past 20 years.
During the slide show presentation, you’ll travel vicariously from Florida to New York state, with many stops along the way. You’ll see and learn about ancient forests right here in the Lehigh Valley. Sweeney will provide you with a new admiration of ancient forests and their importance to modern eco systems. He hopes you’ll use this knowledge to lead your own personal explorations into forests that have never felt the hand of humankind.
Return to top
Nuclear Issues in Pennsylvania
Wednesday, July 28 2004
7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Unitarian Universalist ChurchPennsylvania Sierra Club’s Energy and Radiation chair Judy Johnsrud will lead a free, educational discussion regarding newly announced utility consortiums to build more nuclear reactors in PA—and how they affect you. During this talk, Johnsrud will explain:
- Basic problems with nuclear reactor aging
- State-level nuclear regulations
- New research on adverse health effects of low-level radiation
- Why current standards are inadequate
- And much more...
Tannsersville Cranberry Bog Hike
Saturday, June 26
1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.Come hike the Tannersville Cranberry Bog. You don’t have to travel north to Maine’s Acadia National Park or Baxter State Park to experience a New England-like ecosystem. A relatively short drive north will take you to a landscape similar to Scandinavia, or Canada. Thousands of years ago glaciers grew and spread south as temperatures dropped and the earth entered into yet another Ice Age. Plant distributions shifted south with the advancing ice sheet. Communities like the Tannersville Cranberry Bog are relics from the past that have managed to hold on after the passing of the Wisconsin Ige 10,000 years ago. Come out and connect to this cool northern environment where the Sphagnum Moss grows thick and the Larch and spruce grow straight. The Cranberry Bog is home to rare and secretive plants and animals. Bring your camera, binoculars, and plenty of drinking water as we travel the boardwalk enjoying the peace and solitude of this National Natural Landmark.
Directions and Information: Meet at the Inn at Tannersville located on the north side of route 611 about a mile south of route 715. Take route 33 north to Interstate 80 west. Leave I-80 west at the Tannersville exit and head south on Rt.611. The Tannersville Inn will be on your left about one mile south of Tannersville exit. Our naturalist guide from the Monroe County Conservation District will meet us at approximately 12:45 p.m.
A suggested donation of $3 dollars per person will go towards environmental education at the Tannersville Cranberry Bog Preserve.
Contact Bill Sweeney at (610) 253-7053 if you plan to attend or have any questions.
Return to top
Lower Lehigh River Canoe Trip
Saturday, May 1
8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.The lower Lehigh River provides a variety of habitat types for a great number of wild animals. Its gentile waters provide a perfect opportunity for the inexperienced paddler to enjoy a high quality greenway close to home.
We will paddle an eight-mile stretch of peaceful slow moving water beginning in Bethlehem and finishing at Easton's Hugh Moore Park. This stretch of the Lehigh provides the perfect opportunity to see and learn about a variety of brightly colored songbirds that have recently left their South and Central American tropical jungles to breed here in the Lehigh valley.
You’ll also see plenty of large wading birds, as well as warblers and vireos darting about high in the forest canopy. Learn about the unique cultural and natural history that this local treasure has offered to each passing generation.
Please bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a lunch, and binoculars.
Trip cost of $15 includes your life jacket, paddle, and canoe. Meet at the warehouse located upriver from Fritch fuel on Bethlehem's Sand Island at 7:45 am.
Please call Bill Sweeney at (610) 253-7053 to register. Availability is limited so please register with Bill before April 28th.
Read an article about the October Canoe Trip from one of our participants
Return to top
Lehigh Canal Cleanup
Saturday, May 1st
9:00 A.M. to 12:00 NoonHelp the Lehigh Valley group of the Sierra Club and the Trail Tenders Association clean up the Lehigh Canal and towpath. Meet at the Canal Boathouse building in Allentown Canal Park. We will supply gloves, trash bags, and canoes.
For more information or to register that you are attending, please call Ann Lee at 610-799-4717.
Return to top
Green Building Series Part 5: A Breath of Fresh Air...Inside!
Wednesday, October 22
7:00 P.M.
Unitarian Universalist ChurchEPA studies have shown that indoor levels of pollutants in existing buildings and homes are often 5 times, and in some cases more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels. Increasing media coverage has exposed the health hazards associated with mold growth. However, many pollutants in our indoor environments come from sources we use daily without thinking twice, including cleaning products, burning candles, and air freshners. Indoor pollutants can also result from home improvement projects, such as painting, replacing cabinets or flooring, and even installing wallpaper.
This lecture will examine sources of indoor air pollution, relate associated health risks, and provide strategies for preventing and eliminating indoor air pollutants from your home.
Architect Sigi Koko -- a mid-Atlantic expert on natural building techniques -- will present five interactive lectures on the fourth Wednesday of each month starting in April (week of Earth Day). Each presentation runs from 7 to 9 PM and admission is $5 per person ($3 for students). Four additional hands-on natural building workshops will be held on weekends in August and September. Specific dates, costs, and logistics for workshops will be announced in July at Ms. Koko's website at http://www.buildnaturally.com/EVents/EV.html
Energy Options: What's Feasible? What's Fiction?
Thursday, October 23
7:30 P.M. to 9:30 P.M.
Lehigh Valley Friends MeetinghouseThe Sierra Club has joined with the Green Valley Coalition to offer a public forum titled, "Energy Options: What's Fiction? What's Feasible?"
The forum will address hydrogen economy, fuel cells, landfill biomass, and solar energy as options.
Our speakers include:
- Jim Bronfenbrenner, Senior Process Manager at Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
- Steve Gabrielle, business development manager for PPL EnergyPlus
The Forum will be held at the Lehigh Valley Friends Meetinghouse, located north of Bethlehem on Route 512, one-half mile north of Route 22 on the east side of Route 512. If you're coming from the north on 512, you must pass the Meetinghouse, turn around, and enter its driveway from 512 going north. There is a garden center on the right just before the driveway to the Meetinghouse.
Canoe Trip on the Lower Lehigh River
Saturday, October 25
8:00 A.M to 2:00 P.M.The lower Lehigh River provides an excellent opportunity for the inexperienced paddler to enjoy a high quality wildland close to home. We will paddle a 7-mile stretch of peaceful slow moving water beginning in Bethlehem and finishing at Easton's Hugh Moore park. This stretch of the Lehigh provides the perfect opportunity to see a variety of wading birds hunting under towering trees and graceful native vines that tumble from the forest canopy to the waters edge. Join us as we take in the beauty of this local treasure.
Bring plenty of water, a lunch, sunscreen, and binoculars. The cost of this trip is $15.00 dollars per person to cover your canoe, paddle, and life jacket rental. We will meet at Bethlehem's Sand Island at the warehouse upriver from Fritch Fuel. Availibility is limited so please register with Bill Sweeney at (610) 253-7053 before October 18th.
Bushkill Stream Festival
Jacobsburg State Park
Saturday, October 4th
10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.The Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center and the Bushkill Stream Conservancy will be sponsoring the Bushkill Stream Festival at Jacobsburg State Park. This event will run from 10am to 3pm at the Belfast road parking area located at Jacobsburg.
Sierra club members are encourgaged to attend this event because of the ecological importance of the Bushkill Creek watershed and the 1168 acres of land that make Jacobsburg one of the last great natural areas within the Lehigh Valley. There will be many local historical and conservation groups providing entertainment for children and adults.
Come show your support for the conservation efforts of the Bushkill Stream Conservancy and the Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center. Bill Sweeney will lead a Forest ecology walk through a unique old growth forest at 3:00 pm.
Music and Food will be abvailable so bring the family and come out and enjoy a beautiful fall day at Jacobsburg.
Contact Bill Sweeney if you have questions at 610 253-7053.
Northern Lehigh Slate Trail Service Outing
Saturday, October 4
9:00 AM to 12:00 NoonJoin the Northern Lehigh Historical Society, Slatington Lions Club, and D&L Trail tenders for a trail cleanup & hike along the Northern Lehigh Slate Trail. This will follow the Trout Creek from Slatington to the Borough Maintenance building.
Please contact Jodi Nestor at (610) 767-8452 or PHPSERVICE@aol.com Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring a water bottle! Cleanup will occur, rain or shine. Sponsored by the D&L Trail Tenders. More information can be found on their website at www.delawareandlehigh.org
River Cleanup for National Public Lands Day
Saturday, September 20, 2003
9:00 AM - 3:00 PMHelp us celebrate National Public Lands Day with a river cleanup! Paddlers are needed to clean up the Bushkill Creek, Getters Island, the Delaware River, and the Delaware Canal in the Easton, PA and Phillipsburg, NJ area.
Experienced paddlers please bring your own canoe & kayak! Canoes and equipment will be provided for other paddlers upon request. Please wear a long sleeve top and long pants.
Please bring your own lunch and water bottle! Bring a change of shoes and socks, too. Contact Paul North at (610) 791-2252 or Mary Ann Coble at (908) 319-7534 for more information. Sponsored by the D&L Trail Tenders. More information can be found on their website at www.delawareandlehigh.org
Lehigh Canal and Towpath Cleanup
Saturday, September 27, 2003
9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.Join the Lehigh Valley Sierra Club and the D&L Trail Tenders to paddle in the Lehigh Canal at Canal Park in Allentown to pick up litter & debris. Meet at the Allentown's Canal Park by the Canal Boathouse building.
Canoes and equipment will be provided, but if you prefer, you may want to bring your own work gloves and/or canoe. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring a water bottle! Cleanup will occur, rain or shine.
For more information, please contact Ann Lee at 610-799-4717
Pennsylvania Forest Wild Areas Slide Show
Monroe County Conservation District Office
Thursday, August 7
7:00 P.M.Come learn about the importance of old growth forests and how you can help the ones that are left in Pennsylvania. View a slide show and listen to a presentation about the state of Pennsylvania's Wild Areas. Find out how the Sierra Club hopes to protect them.
Directions: Take route 33 to route 611 (Exit 302 from 1-80 West or 302B from 1-80 east); Turn left at the traffic light and go north on route 611 past the truck stop to the next traffic light in Bartonsville; Turn left onto Rimrock Drive and proceed .4 miles; Bear right onto N. Easton Belmont Pike and proceed .2 miles; Bear right onto Running Valley Road. The Building is .7 miles on the left.
For more specific directions or a map, contact the Monroe County Conservation District 570-629-3060. For more information about the presentation, contact Barbara Benson 610-282-3611.
Green Building Series Part 4: Site, Landscape, and Water Issues
Wednesday, July 23
7:00 P.M.
Unitarian Universalist ChurchWater, Water, Everywhere
WHAT uses 60% of the energy in the United States? What accounts for nearly half the waste in our landfills? What uses 17% of all fresh water? Where do we breathe some of the most polluted air? That's right, BUILDINGS! We can't live without them. But we can build them to be healthier, more efficient, and use more environmentally benign materials to build and maintain them. Even in existing buildings, we can reduce indoor pollution as well as energy and water usage. The best part is, much of this can be accomplished for the same or reduced cost.
An estimated 17% of all available fresh water is used in U.S. homes and buildings. In fact, construction and land development have been linked to lower water tables worldwide. Not only do asphalt and other impervious surfaces prevent rainwater from replenishing ground water tables and aquifers, but the increased run-off boosts soil erosion and allows pollutants to run directly into rivers and waterways. By carefully choosing how and where homes and buildings are constructed and following sustainable landscaping practices you encourage natural water filtration processes and lower overall use of potable water. This translates into cost savings for you and less burden on local water processing facilities. This presentation will review all the places where water is used in homes and buildings and will suggest alternatives to cut your water use, outline ways to collect and use rainwater, and suggest landscape choices that diminish your energy use.
Architect Sigi Koko -- a mid-Atlantic expert on natural building techniques -- will present four interactive lectures on the fourth Wednesday of each month starting in April (week of Earth Day). Each presentation runs from 7 to 9 PM and admission is $5 per person ($3 for students). Four additional hands-on natural building workshops will be held on weekends in August and September. Specific dates, costs, and logistics for workshops will be announced in July at Ms. Koko's website at http://www.buildnaturally.com/EVents/EV.html
The 4 presentations are:
- April 23 - Overview of Green Building
- May 28 - Healthy, & Sustainable Building Materials
- June 25 - Green Operation & Maintenance Practices
- July 23 - Site, Landscape, & Water Issues
Green Building Series Part 2: Healthy, & Sustainable Building Materials
Wednesday, May 28
7:00 P.M.
Unitarian Universalist ChurchOne Person's Waste is Another's Treasure
WHAT uses 60% of the energy in the United States? What accounts for nearly half the waste in our landfills? What uses 17% of all fresh water? Where do we breathe some of the most polluted air? That's right, BUILDINGS! We can't live without them. But we can build them to be healthier, more efficient, and use more environmentally benign materials to build and maintain them. Even in existing buildings, we can reduce indoor pollution as well as energy and water usage. The best part is, much of this can be accomplished for the same or reduced cost.
The materials used to construct homes and buildings can make a tremendous difference in preserving natural resources and promoting human health. Indeed, the construction and operation of most buildings today accounts for 40% of the earth's extracted raw materials and half of all waste generated, resulting in the destruction of landscapes, air and water pollution, deforestation, depletion of non-renewable resources, and overburdened landfills. Indoor air pollution is another serious problem related to home and building construction. In fact, EPA studies have shown that indoor levels of pollutants in many existing buildings and homes are 2-5 times, and in some cases more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels. This presentation will examine the types of "green" building materials available and how to select the best ones for your needs.
Architect Sigi Koko -- a mid-Atlantic expert on natural building techniques -- will present four interactive lectures on the fourth Wednesday of each month starting in April (week of Earth Day). Each presentation runs from 7 to 9 PM and admission is $5 per person ($3 for students). Four additional hands-on natural building workshops will be held on weekends in August and September. Specific dates, costs, and logistics for workshops will be announced in July at Ms. Koko's website at http://www.buildnaturally.com/EVents/EV.html
The 4 presentations are:
- April 23 - Overview of Green Building
- May 28 - Healthy, & Sustainable Building Materials
- June 25 - Green Operation & Maintenance Practices
- July 23 - Site, Landscape, & Water Issues
Click here for directions
Return to top
Service Outing: Jordan Creek Parkway
Saturday, May 17th
10:00 AM to 2:00 PMThough protected from development, a 12 acre old growth forest in the Jordan Creek Parkway has been threatened by logging as recently as 2 years ago.
Local Naturalist and Wildflower enthusiast Nancy Wisser will lead this program from the parking area located next to the tennis courts off Lennert Road in Whitehall Township. Besides wildflowers and ancient trees, the Jordan Creek Parkway is well known for its abundance of warblers and other increasingly rare neo-tropical songbirds so bring your binoculars!
We will take the opportunity to leave this unique natural area botanically better off by pulling invasive shrubs and herbs while enjoying the beauty this park.
Earth Day Service Outing: Ecological Restoration of Henry's Woods
Jacobsburg State Park
Saturday, April 26th
9:00 AMRoll up you sleeves and be prepared to get dirty as we help the staff at the Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center protect the ecological integrity of this important natural area located in the heart of Northampton County. The Jacobsburg staff will be directing volunteers in a variety of ecological restoration projects intended to protect and improve this special place.
Jacobsburg is a diverse landscape rich in natural and cultural heritage. Henry's Woods is the largest tract of Old Growth Forest left in this part of the state. William Henry is long gone but we can preserve the forest legacy he left us by pulling out non-native invasive plants and replacing them with the flora that he and other great Pennsylvanians recognized and admired as Pennsylvania's natural landscape.
Please come out and help protect the incredible beauty of what many feel is the most scenic natural area left in the Lehigh Valley.
Stewardship work will end at 12:00 noon and a natural history walk through Henry's Woods will begin at the Kiosk at 1:00 PM.
This Stewardship day will begin at the Amphitheater located next to the Belfast Road parking lot. Please bring work gloves, lunch, and a digging shovel if possible. Water is available at the site.
Green Building Series Part 1: Overview of Green Building
Wednesday, April 23
7:00 P.M.
Unitarian Universalist ChurchWhat does it Mean to Build Green?
The terms "green", "environmentally friendly", and "sustainable" are popping up everywhere these days. But what do these terms mean when designing, constructing, or operating a home or building? This program will offer an overview of how homes and other buildings can be built to reduce the use of energy, water and resources while maintaining excellent ecological and human health-all within your budget. The "systems" approach allows each element of building design to be viewed as an interrelated piece within the whole building system. The building, in turn, is viewed as an interrelated piece of the larger ecological system.
For thousands of years people built "sustainable" structures that, by necessity, existed in harmony with their local landscapes. Buildings not only had to be constructed from available materials, like mud, straw or wood, but also had to withstand local climate conditions, including snow, rain or extreme heat. In the past century, technological advances in building construction have opened the way for a dramatic -- and unsustainable -- shift; buildings can now be built from almost any material without thought to climate or conservation, allowing nature to be simply overpowered. However, things are beginning to shift back again -- partly in response to widespread concerns over the plundering of natural resources and the planet's finite ability to absorb pollutants. The result is nothing less than a revolution in how we think about buildings and the technologies used to create them. Call it a "green" building revolution -- one in which technology is employed to augment natural processes rather than out-do them, and building materials are chosen with an eye toward energy efficiency and harmony with the earth's ecology.
Architect Sigi Koko -- a mid-Atlantic expert on natural building techniques -- will present four interactive lectures on the fourth Wednesday of each month starting in April (week of Earth Day). Each presentation runs from 7 to 9 PM and admission is $5 per person ($3 for students). Four additional hands-on natural building workshops will be held on weekends in August and September. Specific dates, costs, and logistics for workshops will be announced in July at Ms. Koko's website at http://www.buildnaturally.com/EVents/EV.html
The 4 presentations are:
- April 23 - Overview of Green Building
- May 28 - Healthy, & Sustainable Building Materials
- June 25 - Green Operation & Maintenance Practices
- July 23 - Site, Landscape, & Water Issues
Click here for directions
Return to top
Essential Nature: Why We Need Wilderness
Wednesday, March 19
7:00 P.M.
Unitarian Universalist ChurchWestern culture's practice of alienating humans from the rest of nature has taken a heavy toll on all of us, and on the land that nurtures us. It's also what's made the Bush administration's assault on the environment possible.
Join former Club Chair Liz Brensinger, author of the new book "Earth Dreams: Finding Light in the Shadow," for a lively discussion about connecting deeply with nature -- a progressive antidote to regressive times.
Liz will share stories from her own and others' vision quests -- wilderness journeys in which participants spend 3 days & nights alone -- and discuss how the personal, the spiritual and the political converge when it comes to defending wilderness.
Click here for directions
Return to top
Martins Creek Natural Area Woods Walk
Saturday, March 8th
9:00 AM to 12:00 NoonThe Pennsylvania Power and Light Company manages a large natural area near their Martins Creek generating plant. This site is noted for its very mature forest, beautiful spring wildflowers, and unusual rock formations.
This three-hour program will be lead by nationally recognized Old Growth forest expert Bruce Kershner. Bruce will focus on natural history and Old Growth forest interpretation. Mr. Kershner is currently working on a Sierra Club guide to The Ancient forests of the Northeast and is the author of four other publications. Bruce is a longtime member of the Sierra Club and has been an advocate for Eastern Old Growth forest for 25 years.
Also joining us will be PP&L land manager John Drabic. John will discuss how the Martins Creek and other PP&L Natural areas are managed.
Directions:
Take 611 North to the town of Martins Creek and turn right at the light.
Go approximately 1 mile and exit off of 611 on the right at the hard curve and this puts you on the Martins Creek-Belvidere highway.
You will travel roughly three miles before you will see the power plant immediately on your right.
Look for Foul Rift road and turn right.
Directly across from the newly constructed power plant is the parking area for the Tekening trail system. Meet there at 9:00 AMCall Bill Sweeney at 610-253-7053 if you have any questions.
Lehigh Canal Cleanup
Canal Park, Allentown
Saturday, September 28
9 a.m.This was part of the Sierra Club's Trail Tenders project.
Return to top
Saturday, September 7th
9:30am to 2:30 pmSierra clubbers got together to help one of the most endangered habitats in Pennsylvania! We spent the day pulling invasive plants in the Mount Bethel Fens, which is in danger of being overrun with invasive, nonnative species.
Tannersville Cranberry Bog Outing
Saturday, July 27th 2 pm - 4 pmWe got to travel through a slice of the North country, right in our own backyards. The Tannersville Cranberry Bog is a unique ecosystem for Pennsylvania, an ecosystem much more commonly found in Canada and Alaska. When the glaciers retreated at the end of the last ice age, this area was formed. It was formed between two ridges, with no water coming in or drainage out. As the water receded, it sank into the ground, and formed the bog we have today.
17 people, including 6 children, came out to enjoy this cool northern environment were the Sphagnum Moss grows thick and the Larch and spruce grow straight. The Tannersville Cranberry Bog is home to rare and secretive plants and animals. We saw ripe blueberries, the last of the azalea blooms, and rare orchids in bloom.
Look for more images from our cranberry bog trip in our picture gallery!
Canoeing on the Lehigh River
Saturday, June 15, 2002As the quiet morning began, Sierra Club members took to the water to enjoy the peace and birdsong.
Through-Hiking the Appalachian Trail
Tuesday, April 30 7:00 PMEric DeAngelo, an associate professor of biology at LCCC, took a sabbatical and hiked the full Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine in spring, 2000. He began early in the season, at the end of February, and avoided a lot of the crowds on the trail. He completed the hike on July 26.
Although Eric set out alone, he connected with several individuals. Although they sometimes hiked separately during the day, at other times they stayed together on the trail. Even when hiking separately, they made camp together in the evening.
No major problems beset Eric on the trail...at least nothing that duct tape or dental floss (used as thread) wouldn't solve. He traveled light, and, because there are towns every 3 to 5 days along the trail, he wasn't forced to carry a lot of food. He found the post office to be a lifeline, though, sending home clothes he no longer needed as the season changed, and receiving care packages from his mother. The weather was quite good, although he ran into a lot of rain in New England.
Spending five months on the trail changed his perspective on life. Now he finds the time to relax and enjoy the little things, and doesn't let himself get quite so stressed out as he once did. Would he do it again? In a heartbeat...
Earth Day Activities
Saturday, April 20
Jacobsburg State ParkThe day began in the amphitheater with a talk about the local ecosystem, accompanied by coffee and doughnuts. We started work about 9:30. Some of us worked in the Hummingbird garden and others pulled weeds (non-native invasive plants). In the afternoon Bill Sweeney led us on an interpretive walk through Henry's Woods. The day was perfect for it. Not too hot, not too cool. The rain held off and we all had a good time.
Blue Mountain Hike
Saturday, March 30
Every outing led by Bill Sweeney (right end), our Outings Chairperson, is a special treat because he is so knowledgeable about the land and environment that we are enjoying, and so willing to share that with the group. The Blue Mountain hike was no exception, as Bill pointed out different trees and plants, characteristics of the ecosystem, and the impact of man on this environment. It didn't hurt that it was a lovely, warm day of sunshine and soft breezes, with the early returning songbirds and butterflies in evidence. The hike was not difficult, and everyone enjoyed themselves.
E-mail Updates Now Available
Now you can receive updates from the Lehigh Valley Group via e-mail. These mails will provide information about important environmental events in the Lehigh Valley, outings, programs, news from the group, and actions you can take to support the local environment.
To become a member of the Lehigh Valley e-mail alert list, click on mailto:listserv@lists.sierraclub.org?body=SUBSCRIBE PA-LEHIGH-ALERTS
Be sure to add your name to the body of the mail.
Programs are held at:
Unitarian Universalist Church
424 Center Street
Bethlehem(corner of Center and Wall, near City Hall in Bethlehem)
The church is 1½ blocks south of Broad St., and 1 block east of New St., near LANTA bus routes. For Starlight service: www.lantabus.com or 610-776-RIDE
Return to top
