Sierra Club Nebraska Chapter
Publication of the Sierra Club’s Nebraska Chapter
June 2009
http://nebraska.sierraclub.org
Explore, Enjoy, and Protect the Planet
Unicameral Session Successful for Sierra Club
By Ken Winston consumers with small renewable energy be improved. We will continue to support
Chapter Lobbyist generators to receive credit for electricity efforts to advance best practices including
It has been a fairly successful session they put on the grid, and provides an incen- increasing the individual system capacity
for Sierra Club issues. tive for investment in renewable energy limit from the 25 kilowatt limit in LB 436
The Legislature passed LB 436 On May generation equipment. LB 436 represents a and providing kilowatt carryover for
7, the net metering bill introduced by Sen. significant step because we have worked excess energy generation.
Ken Haar and it was signed by the gover- on the net metering issue for years and LB 561, which would remove barriers
nor on May 13. have never had a bill that we supported to renewable energy generation, is on
Net metering is a process that allows even get out of committee before this year. Select File as I write this article. It would
The following are some of the compo- provide utilities with the ability to waive
Combined newsletter nents of LB 436 that represent positive eminent domain authority for renewable
policy steps: First, it creates a statewide net energy generation projects. An amendment
Missouri Valley Group newsletter is
metering policy; second, there is one-to- was adopted which allows renewable ener-
inside
one credit for energy generated up to the gy projects to be exempted from Power
The Missouri Valley Group newsletter
amount used; third, there is protection Review Board review. Both of these provi-
is included inside with this Chapter
against additional utility charges and sions should stimulate renewable energy
newsletter. The MVG newsletter provides
unnecessary performance standards, and development.
news and information for the MVG. The
fourth, there is a prohibition against addi- LR 83 is an interim study to examine
newsletters are being combined to save
tional liability insurance. On the other
Chapter printing and mailing costs.
hand there are areas where the law could See Legislature page 7
Chapter Chair's Corner: Future Funding Problems
By Dick Boyd bers. This past month I proba- been most protective of the based on membership, geo-
Chapter Chair bly have received more than State Chapter funding. graphical area and number of
I represent the Nebraska one hundred. Most of the e- However, the reason for the groups. However, the funding
Chapter on the CCL (Council mails involved the funding of difficult National position is formula had a floor -- below
of Club Leaders). Since that State Chapters by National. that the national economy has which chapter funding could
organization's last meeting in On the CCL, we have a caused donors to limit their not decline. As membership in
September 2008, considerable most-knowledgeable CCL financial support. Many other the Sierra Club has declined
e-mails have been exchanged Budget Officer from the state non-profits are also having over the years, the funding
among numerous CCL mem- of Iowa, Donna Buell, who has their money problems. floor kicked in year after year.
I asked Donna Buell to So, chapters received a status
relate a comprehensive recap quo formula amount of $4.2M
Labor Day Meeting at Fort Rob of the Sierra Club situation. (the floor) while national
By Clyde Anderson ry, lodging, loads of fun-time Donna, of Spirit Lake, Iowa, is absorbed the declines in unre-
Chapter Treasurer activities, scenic camping and both a practicing lawyer and stricted C4 revenues resulting
The Nebraska Chapter is the park's own buffalo and CPA, and is active in fundrais- from declining members.
sponsoring a fun, educational longhorn herds. ing in Iowa. During 2008, the issue
weekend at western Nebraska's See http://www.ngpc.state. The following is a summary turned into a crisis. At last
premier state park, Fort ne.us/parks/guides/parksearch/ of the response from Donna: year's CCL annual meeting, we
Robinson. Three miles west of showpark.asp?Area_No=77 For many years before 2008, passed resolution No. 1 for
Crawford, Ft. Rob has more for more information. the chapters were allocated chapter support. Before the
than 22,000 acres of Pine For Saturday and Sunday unrestricted C4 and C3 funds
Ridge scenery, old west histo- pursuant to a funding formula
See Chadron page 2 See Revenues page 7
Page 2 Sierra Club Nebraska Chapter June 2009
Fund Appeal Main Support for Chapter Activities
By Clyde Anderson NE 68104. lobbyist at the Nebraska Legislature!
Chapter Treasurer Use the donor response form and return- Your donations help pay the cost -- more
The Nebraska Sierra Club usually has addressed envelope enclosed with your than $40,000 per year -- to keep the
only one fundraiser per year -- the March Fund Appeal letter or print the donor form Chapter's activities going. If you want envi-
Fund Appeal. available on the Nebraska Chapter web site ronmentally friendly legislation passed in
In late March you should have received http://nebraska.sierraclub.org. Nebraska, the Nebraska Sierra Club
your Fund Appeal letter. Ken Haar, Unfortunately, we are not currently able Chapter needs your financial support.
Nebraska chapter's fundraising chair, and to take credit card contributions over the The Chapter also helps fund its four
his team are working hard to make this internet. regional groups. This year Nebraska
year's fundraiser a big success. Your contributions stay in Nebraska and Chapter has budgeted $5,000 to the
If you haven't sent in your contribution are used to help pay for chapter expenses Missouri Valley Group, and $2,000 was
and you are financially able to help support such as our lobbying campaign, training used to help fund the Earth Day Omaha cel-
our environmental programs, please make club leaders, and printing our quarterly ebration April 25 at Elmwood Park.
your check payable to Nebraska Sierra newsletters. Sierra Club is the only envi- Thank you for your generous contribu-
Club, and mail to P.O. Box 4664, Omaha, ronmental organization with a full-time tions.
Continued from page 1
Nebraska Chapter to Meet June 13
Sept. Meeting near Chadron Chapter meeting, 9:30 a.m., Saturday, June 13, Lincoln
nights, Sept. 5 & 6, Sierra Club will explore historic sites in the The quarterly meeting of the Nebraska Chapter Executive
has reserved two lodging units park followed by lunch and an Committee will start at 9:30 a.m., June 13 at the Unitarian
in the former officer quarters: afternoon hike on a section of Church, 6300 A St., Lincoln.
Adobe 7A sleeps 10 adults and the White River Trail. When All Club members are invited to attend the meeting, and it is
Adobe 7B sleeps 12. Both have completed, this trail will extend open to the public. The meeting will feature reports on our state
kitchens, sitting rooms and from Crawford through Ft. Rob and local conservation projects and updates on national Club
porches on the parade grounds. to Crandell, Wyo. It was con- decisions. Discussion and voting by the ExCom members will
Both single and bunk beds are structed on the abandoned occur on items needing Chapter approval.
available. Alternatives to these roadbed of the Chicago & For a copy of the agenda, contact Chapter Chair Dick Boyd,
barracks-style accommoda- North Western's "Cowboy at (402) 484-0446.
tions are available -- 125 camp- Line". After Ft. Rob's famous tion. Plans for other weekend the reservation. Please make
sites and several motels located buffalo stew dinner, Chapter activities including the Chapter checks payable to Nebraska
in Crawford. See http://www. ExCom member Suzy Schulz meeting are being developed. Sierra Club and mail to Clyde
crawfordnebraska.biz/lodg- will provide a program on To reserve a bed in Adobe Anderson, Treasurer, 7020 Burt
ing.html for local motels. global warming. Sunday morn- 7A or B, a payment of $20 is St., Omaha, NE 68132-2600.
Remember, the Nebraska ing will include a visit to near- required by Saturday, Aug. 22. Check the web site,
Panhandle is in the Mountain by Toadstool Park, which the It is non-refundable after that http://sierranebraska.org for
Time Zone. Many activities are Nebraska Chapter has recom- date unless there is someone updates as plans develop over
planned. Saturday morning we mended for Wilderness protec- from the waiting list who takes the summer.
Chapter Executive Committee 2009
Chapter Mailing Address: P. O. Box 4664, Omaha, NE 68104 Bluestem Delegate, *Foster Collins, Lincoln, (402) 420-2101.
Chapter Chair, Council Delegate, *Dick Boyd, Lincoln, (402) 484-0446. Cottonwood Delegate, *Stan Crawford, Harvard, (402) 772-8421.
Vice-Chair, *JoEllen Polzien, Lincoln, (402) 483-1112. Missouri Valley Delegate, *Steve Andrews, Omaha, (402) 933-3059.
Secretary, *Wendy Harrison, Omaha, (402) 415-3248. Platte Valley Delegate, *Tom Brown, Hershey, (308) 368-5256.
Treasurer, Grants Chair, Clyde Anderson, Omaha, (402) 932-7225. Alternative Energy Chair, Larry Burks, (402) 571-5124.
Fundraising Chair, *Ken Haar, Malcolm, (402) 796-2047. Missouri River Committee, George Cunningham, Omaha, (402) 561-
Political, Legislative Chair *Tim Rinne, Lincoln, (402) 475-7616. 9422.
Membership Chair, *Mark Weihe, Lincoln, (402) 420-1615. Outings Chair, John Calandra, Papillion, (402) 991-8314.
Chapter Webmaster, *Justin Kemerling, Omaha, (402) 770-8657. Newsletter Editor, Clayton Brant, 2901 A St. #104, Lincoln, NE 68510;
At Large members: *Roy Guisinger, Belgrade, (308) 357-1000; *Mitch (402) 475-9951.
Paine, Lincoln, *Suzy Schulz, Lincoln, *Linda Deeds, North Platte, Cool Cities Conservation Organizer, Camellia Watkins, Omaha Sierra
(308) 534-9501.* Club Office, 5170 Leavenworth, Omaha, NE 68106; (402) 551-9480.
Conservation, CAFO Chair, Glen Murray, Grand Island, (308) 381- Chapter Lobbyist, Kenneth Winston, Lincoln, NE 68508; (402) 476-
1397. 6583.
Missouri Valley Sierran
Publication of the Sierra Club’s Missouri Valley Group, Nebraska Chapter
June 2009
http://nebraska.sierraclub.org/movalley
Explore, Enjoy, and Protect the Planet
June Program:
Tour LEED-Certified National Park Service Headquarters
By Mary Green about the building. This building is an
Program Director
The National Parks Service Midwest
Sierra Club Program office building, not a visitors' center.
(However, the Lewis and Clark Trail
Headquarters, located in Omaha at the Thurs. June 25, 7 p.m. Office Headquarters, housed in the NPS
base of the pedestrian bridge on the National Parks Service building, is a visitors' center.)
downtown riverfront, was the first build- Midwest Hdqrs. Tour The NPS building is not normally open
ing in Nebraska to be LEED certified. The for public tours, so we are very pleased to
Leadership in Energy and Environmental
601 Riverfront Drive, Omaha (near
be able to offer this unique opportunity to
Design (LEED) Green Building Rating the pedestrian bridge over the
our members and friends. On the tour we
System, developed by the U.S. Green Missouri River) will learn something about the National
Building Council, provides standards for The public is welcome at Sierra Parks Service and its role in Omaha, and
environmentally sustainable construction. Club’s educational events, but tour
then we will get a tour of the building and
Buildings are rated and awarded points size limited to 30 people, so preregis-
be shown the sustainable-design features.
in six architectural and engineering cate- tration is required.
Because the size of the tour is limited
gories to qualify for LEED ratings. to 30 people, pre-registrations are
LEED-certified buildings can qualify for Platinum - 80 points and above required. Register by e-mail to
four levels of certification: Omaha's National Parks Service build- mary.green@nebraska.sierraclub.org, or
Certified - 40-49 points ing is Gold certified. by phone to 402-556-1830. You are not
Silver - 50-59 points Our tour guide, Patricia Rooney, notes registered until you get a confirmation
Gold - 60-79 points that there is a common misperception response.
Rescuing Discarded Plants, Keeping Them Alive
The Benson Plant Rescue, their gardens. In 2007 the Charlotte's benevolence was garden, and Charlotte agreed.
an all-volunteer community Benson Plant Rescue incorpo- in appreciation for what the Over the next few years,
organization, has been rescuing rated as a public benefit corpo- Omaha Public Library had Judith's Rescue Garden became
and recycling plant goods in ration. While previous dona- done for her during her trou- a regular feature on the Benson
Omaha Since 1999. The project tions to the library have been bled youth. Charlotte was the Garden Walk, eventually
began initially as an offshoot of for the acquisition of children's victim of a broken home in that developing into what some
the Benson Garden Walk and books, this year an ambitious long-ago day when a failed considered one of the top 10
involved acquiring damaged program is being launched to marriage was treated as a pub- gardens in all of Omaha.
and/or overstock and end-of- help acquire a state-of-the-art lic scandal. Her means of han- Charlotte considered gar-
season plants from local retail- video-editing facility. dling the humiliation of her dening as both spiritual and
ers. A Brief History family's "shame" was to take communal therapy. The soul
The rescued plants were nur- Charlotte Hauser, noted refuge in the downtown Omaha benefits of gardening were best
tured back to health and then Benson-area community Library. summarized in the poetic verse
sold or given away at plant activist, founded the Benson In 1999 Charlotte's adver- inscribed on a plaque in her
sales in both the spring and the Garden Walk in the early 1990s tisement for Benson-area gar- garden: "The kiss of the sun for
fall, with proceeds given to the when she was already in her dens was noticed by Dr. D and pardon, The song of the birds
Omaha Public Library. In 80s. She launched it as a fund- his new wife Judith, both of for mirth, One is nearer God's
recent years the venture has raiser to acquire books for the whom were just beginning gar- heart in a garden, Then any-
expanded its outreach to children's section of the dening. They asked Charlotte if where else on earth." The com-
include plants from area gar- Benson branch of the Omaha she would like to document the munal benefits were to be
deners thinning or changing Public Library. development of a beginner's See Origin, page 5
Page 4 Missouri Valley Sierran June 2009
Volunteering to Protect Our Water Supply
By Dana Freeman
Following Gifford Park Neighborhood
Association's Easter Egg Hunt on
Saturday, April 11, Gifford Park
neighbors were joined by volun-
teers from Sierra Club and PKA
Fraternity for an environmental
awareness campaign. The group
met at the Sun Dawg Shack in the
park for a storm-drain-labeling
project sponsored by Keep Omaha
Beautiful, Inc. Fifteen folks hoped to clean
out all the storm drains in Gifford Park and
label them with adhesive circular discs that
say "Don't Dump -- Drains to Waterways."
The job turned out to be a bigger endeavor
than the allotted two hours, but about one
hundred labels were applied and informa-
tive fliers distributed.
The project raises awareness about the
connection between storm drains and local
bodies of water. Residents are reminded
Photos by Chris Foster
that marine life is directly affected by
Volunteers clean sewer grates and attach plaques reminding people not to dump
wastes dumped down storm drains.
pollutants into the sewers. Inset is the “Don’t Dump” disc.
Seemingly straightforward activities such
sewers. sewer and keep Gifford Park free of litter
as fertilizing their front lawn or careless
How can you help? and yard wastes. Thanks again to everyone
disposal of motor oil, antifreeze, and paint
Don't be a part of the source; practice who volunteered their sunny spring
can contaminate everyone's water supply.
responsible behavior and never litter or Saturday afternoon. Look for another
Rainwater runoff also picks up litter, yard
pollute. Especially refrain from pouring scheduled date and time to finish labeling
waste, pet waste, and other pollutants that
anything in a gutter or down a storm drain Gifford Park's storm drains.
enter waterways by way of storm drain
Missouri Valley Group Sierra Club Officers
ExCom Chair, Chapter Delegate, Recycling Issues Chair
*Steve Andrews steve.andrews@nebraska.sierraclub.org 556-9288
Volunteer Coordinator, BEC Organizer; Training, Media/Publicity, & Earth Day Chair, Cool Cities Coordinator
Cammy Watkins camellia.watkins@sierraclub.org 551-9480
Secretary, Urban Sprawl & Transportation Chair, Listserv Administrator
Clyde Anderson clyde.anderson@nebraska.sierraclub.org H) 932-7225, W) 740-5556
Vice Chair, Alt Chapter Delogate, Environmental Education Chair
*Candy Bless candy.bless@nebraska.sierraclub.org 208-0560
Treasurer Debbie Galusha agalusha@cox.net 553-2211
Calendar Sales Valerie Murray valerie.murray@nebraska.sierraclub.org 345-5668
Newsletter Editor *Scott R Kemper scott.kemper@nebraska.sierraclub.org 981-7819
Program Chair Mary Green mary.green@nebraska.sierraclub.org 556-1830
Park and Refuges Chair, Webmaster, Outings Leader
John Calandra johndcal@cox.net 991-8314
Political Chair *Michael McClellan mike.mcclellan@nebraska.sierraclub.org 556-1862
Conservation Chair, ExCom Member
*Nick Randall nick@elementdist.com
Membership Chair, HELEN Coordinator
Albert Lierz albert_lierz@yahoo.com 453-2933
Outings Leader Robert J. Goetschkes bobbygoetschkes@hotmail.com 614-4788
*Voting Members of the Executive Committee
Vacant Positions: Eco-Kids, Endangered Species/Wildlife, Conservation,
June 2009 Missouri Valley Sierran Page 5
Continued from page 3
Origin of Benson Plant Rescue was Saved from Dumpster
found not just in the donations Rescue continued until Judith has gone off to complete 26, and Oct. 3 and 10.
to the library but in encourag- Charlotte's death in 2004, after her master's degree in another A New Dream
ing gardens by people with which the Benson city, and the house will be put 2009 will also see an evolu-
what Charlotte called "dirty Neighborhood Association up for sale this July. Thus the tion in the distribution of pro-
green thumbs." The Benson took over the garden walk and next few weeks will witness ceeds from the plant sales.
Garden Walk distinguished moved it to a fall date. Jointly the complete dispersal of some Given her age and background,
itself as a venue for "real" gar- the Benson Garden Walk and very choice plants dug straight Charlotte envisioned the
dens by "average" gardeners as the Benson Plant Rescue have from her garden. library only as a source of
opposed to Omaha's premier contributed more than $25,000 Another change this year books. As early as 2001, Dr. D
garden walk that featured fabu- to the Omaha Public Library. will be sale dates. Every other discussed with her the idea of
lous gardens achieved through Features and week rather than weekly. creating a video-editing facility
landscape architects and a thick Remaining sales dates are:
wallet. Sales Dates June 20, July 4 and 18, Sept. See Plants, page 6
While helping Judith pre- This year's Benson Plant
pare her very first garden, Dr. Rescue will see some changes
D happened upon a quantity of from those of former years.
distressed plants at the old Previously in mid-June, thou-
Osco Drug at 90th and Maple sands of end-of-season vegeta-
streets. When he found out that bles and annual flowers were
the store intended to toss the donated by Ferguson
plants in the dumpster, Dr. D Greenhouse and given away at
asked if he could haul them off the Benson Plant Rescue for
instead. Inquiries at other free. But Ferguson's was sold
major retailers garnered addi- last year to a landscaper who
tional plants, and thus was born intends to use most of the sur-
the Benson Plant Rescue. plus plants in his other com-
That first year the rescued mercial ventures, so there will
plants were used as door-prizes be a shorter supply of free
for a Benson Garden Walk raf- annual plants than before.
fle. In successive years the Yet there will actually be a
sales became a regular feature larger supply of house plants,
of the tours of Judith's Rescue perennials, grasses, roses,
Garden. The collaboration shrubs, trees, and garden decor,
between the Benson Garden for Judith's Rescue Garden will
Walk and the Benson Plant be sold off in bits and pieces.
The Missouri Valley Sierran
is published about 10 times a year by the Missouri Valley Group-Nebraska Chapter of the Sierra Club
Send articles and correspondence for the newsletter to: Address changes for members should be sent to:
MoValSierraNews@yahoo.com Sierra Club Member Services
Phone: 402-981-7819 P.O. Box 52968
Boulder, CO 80322-2968
Mail: Missouri Valley Group – Sierra Club
P.O. Box 4664, The Sierra Club’s main national office is at:
Omaha, NE 68104. 85 Second Street, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
The Omaha office is at Phone: (415) 977-5635.
5170 Leavenworth St.
Omaha, NE 68106. Web sites:
Phone: 402-551-9480 National: http://www.sierraclub.org
Fax 402-551-9490. Local: http://nebraska.sierraclub.org/movalley
Page 6 Missouri Valley Sierran June 2009
Continued from page 5
Rescue Funds Raised to Help with Video Editing at Library
in the Benson Branch Library as a means $10,000 the
of enabling young people on Omaha's Benson Plant
north side to learn high-tech skills that Rescue will be
might assist them in their life goals. Digital able to combine
cameras and computers, however, were this amount with
something simply beyond Charlotte's matching assis-
experience, so the idea never evolved tance from other
much during her lifetime. charitable foun-
In recent years, though, Dr. D has dis- dations in hope
cussed the proposal with Rivka Sass, exec- of finally turning
utive director of the Omaha Public the idea into a
Libraries, and this year is expanding the reality.
discussion to include Carolyn Rooker, In addition to
executive director of the Omaha Library money generated
Foundation, and the heads of area founda- by plant sales,
tions. The hope is that by raising close to the Benson Plant Photo by Scott R Kemper
Rescue is selling Connie Cameron, Dr. D. and Shannon Callaghan in the gardens of
New Sierra Networking Sites memberships of the Benson Plant Rescue, where they spent some time weeding
$10, $20, $30, and watering .
As you may already know, the Sierra
$50, $100 and
Club has launched three new social net-
$100+ to help raise the required funds. years, however, the Benson Plant Rescue
working sites, or online communities:
Donations of all types of plant goods has been demonstrating that it is possible
Climate Crossroads, Sierra Club Trails,
and/or garden decor are always welcome. to turn "nothing" (commercial waste or
and Sierra Student Coalition. (The SSC
Volunteers are also needed to assist with excess) into "something" (beauty for our
has obviously been around for awhile,
potting plants, with helping at the sales, or neighborhoods and help for our library).
but because so many students use social
with selling memberships. To donate or As the Benson Plant Rescue motto puts it:
networks, it has lauched its own social
volunteer please call (402) 933-3867 or e- "Growing Community, Not Just Plants,
networking site.)
mail bensonplantrescue@cox.net for addi- since 1999." The Benson Plant Rescue's
Climate Crosssroads: http://climate-
tional details. continued success at growing "Something
crossroads.org; Sierra Club Trails:
There's an old saying that you should from Nothing" is both environmentally
http://sierraclubtrails.org; Sierra Student
"never expect to get something for noth- sound and of benefit not just to Benson but
Coalition: http://ssc.sierraclub.org
ing." For going on 11 to the entire Omaha community.
June 2009 Sierra Club Nebraska Chapter Page 7
Continued from page 1
Chapter Eyeing Options to Make Up for Falling Revenue
CCL liaison positions were today, there have been many decline period, your chapter out further Club business.
eliminated by Project Renewal, lay-offs, limited or no new will receive something in the Option No. 2 is supplemen-
Donna attended the national hires, salary freezes, closing of range of one-half the unre- tary to Options No. 1 or No. 3.
finance committee meeting as National offices for an extra stricted funds received in 2008. Climate Recovery campaigns
the CCL budget officer, and week this year, etc. What was Advantages of this approach are in the formative stage.
was appointed to a chapter planned to be a,"downward may include certainty in budg- Funds are on hand for Stop-the-
funding task force. The issues glide path," as some huge eting, continued "fairness" of Coal and Smart Energy. The
discussed in the CCL annual donations were used over the membership allocation, and other campaigns are in the
meeting were roughly those years has become a drop off a ease of administration, as a works and funds will be com-
issues before the chapter fund- small cliff. National took a monthly formula is much easi- ing at some point. Climate
ing task force at the time. How financial hit in the last quarter er to account for and manage Recovery campaigns are
to assure that the best use of the of 2008. Things declined a lit- than grant requests and reim- National priorities, but many
various types of funds through- tle more, so far, in 2009, but bursements. Chapters are doing National
out the Club, i.e., are C4 we're all hoping at this point Option No. 3 is the alterna- priority work and would use
monies being used for expens- that we're starting to see the tive to Option No. 1. There is these restricted C3 funds.
es that could be paid with C3? light at the end of the tunnel concern at National that small- Donna's guess is that
Then the financial crisis hit rather than the eye of the hurri- er chapters, such as the Chapter funding will decline --
last fall. The Club holds certain cane. Nebraska chapter, will be a lot -- a whole lot!
investments as a normal part of Chapter "Options" unduly affected by a linear At the upcoming meeting
business operations; a pension National cannot maintain the decline in funds. So, option No. the national board will consider
fund, an endowment fund hold- same amount of unrestricted 3 is an attempt to provide a cer- whether to adopt No. 1 or No. 3
ing life-member dues, operat- C4 and C3 monies going to tain minimum level of Club for unrestricted funds. They
ing cash reserves held either in chapters as was done before core functions in every state will consider whether to open
C.D.s or in the market. Final 2008. The chapter funding task and Chapter. Option No. 3 up Climate Recovery funds to
audited financial statements for force suggested three options would pay a small dollar Chapter grants. It is hoped,
2008 are not yet out but the for the board to consider amount per member for admin- they will discuss improved
Sierra Club suffered declines in regarding chapter funding. The istration expenses, a $10,000 fundraising at the Chapter
its stock market investments board will discuss these grant for education, awareness, level.
similar to everyone else's expe- options at its May meeting. lobbying, and potential match- When the outcome of the
rience. For the Club, that meant Option No. 1 is the same ing grant funds (matching to meeting is available, I will
millions and millions of dollars funding formula but just less encourage Chapter participa- notify the Chapter Excom and
lost in the market. National and less over a period tion in fund raising) to carry our members of the results.
cash reserves went from a talk- of years. The result is
ing point to the cause of action. that by the end of the Outing to Target Invasive Plants
Between last September and By Buffalo Bruce If you arrive Thursday or early
Platte Valley Sierra Club Group Friday, you can help collect aspen
Continued from page 1 and the Western Nebraska DNA samples. Aspens nurture/com-
Successes in Legislature Resources Council will host a June
service outing, June 12-14, and
plement a larger diversity of fauna
and flora than any other plant com-
issues related to siting and development of renewable staying at Smith Falls State Park munity in Nebraska. It will be pos-
energy, particularly wind development. This is a serious campgrounds. The outing will boost sible for watchers to add new but-
study, intended to spur renewable energy development. survival of rare aspens by removing terfly, bird, or insect species to their
We expect to be heavily involved in the study as it pro- invaders such as cedars. The agenda checklists. This outing will comple-
gresses. includes a Sunday canoe trip on the ment the goals of the Nebraska
The Sierra Club was heavily involved in opposing Niobrara River [free for volun- Natural Heritage Project. We will be
LB 134, which would have halted the development of a teers]. on the alert for sensitive and rare
trail between Lincoln and Omaha. An interim study has Bring chain saws, loppers or bow fauna and flora, so bring your cam-
been introduced regarding recreational trails. LB 134 saws. Also hat, gloves, sleeping era.
has been put on hold based on agreement by the Lower bag, long-sleeve shirts and pants, Please contact me for more info
Platte South NRD that it would not use eminent domain insect repellent, enthusiasm, sun- and for car pooling; buffalo-
authority for recreational trails during the next year. I block. Food will be provided. A bruce1@gmail.com, (308) 432-
hope the interim study will lead to a long-term policy state park permit is needed for your 3458, (402) 416-3239 cell, Lincoln
that will facilitate trail development. car. local.
Sierra Club Non-Profit Org
U.S. Postage
P.O. Box 4664 PAID
Omaha, NE 68104 OMAHA, NE
Permit No.
1424
Return Service Requested
June 2009
Events
Thursday, June 4, World Environment Church Recreation Area. For info: www.papi-
Day Forums at the Holland Performing onrd.org or call 402-444-6222.
Saturday, June 20: Carter Lake
Arts Center. A panel will discuss Omaha's
Community Days Friday night, July 31 to Sunday morning,
Environmental Vision
August 2, Ponca State Park Weekend
June 22-24, Survival Camp NRD
Friday, June 5, World Environment Day, Backpack, for adult beginners to the expe-
Summer Nature Camp, for ages 10-14.
noon-time reception and award ceremony rienced backpacker. For more info, contact
Outdoor activities including treasure hunt-
for the Children's International Painting Bob Goetschkes at bobbygoetschkes@hot-
ing using portable GPS units, fshing,
Competition mail.com
canoeing, campfire cooking and hiking.
Saturday, June 6, Restore Loess Hills Cost: $75 for one three-day session. 9 a.m.- Aug. 4-6, Survival Camp NRD Summer
Prairie for an afternoon, leave Omaha at 3 p.m., held At Chalco Hills Recreation Nature Camp, for ages 10-14. Outdoor
noon, return at 6 p.m. See article on page 2 Area. For info: www.papionrd.org or call activities including treasure hunting using
for more info. 402-444-6222. portable GPS units, fshing, canoeing,
campfire cooking and hiking. Cost: $75 for
Saturday, June 6, World Environment Thursday, June 25, 7 p.m. - MVG tour of
one three-day session. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., held
Day, Joslyn Art Museum, evening gala for National Park Service Office Bldg. next to
at Chalco Hills Recreation Area. For info:
the opening of the Peter Kiewit Sculpture Missouri River Pedestrian Bridge
www.papionrd.org or call 402-444-6222.
Garden
Saturday, July 18: Poker Run at Carter
Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 to 11 a.m., Adopt a
June 12-14, Smith Falls State Park, serv- Lake
Stream & Clean Elmwood Park, contact
ice outing to uproot and cut down invasive
Saturday, July 18, 9 to 11 a.m., Adopt a trilety@hotmail.com or 981-5945
plants such as red cedar. See the article on
Stream & Clean Elmwood Park, contact
page 7. To list an event or activity in this space,
trilety@hotmail.com or 981-5945
Saturday, June 13, 9 to 11 a.m., Adopt a e-mail the particulars to MoValSierraNews@
July 20-24, Jr Explorers NRD Summer
Stream & Clean Elmwood Park, contact yahoo.com, or mail it to 5170 Leavenworth
Nature Camp, for ages 6-9. Hands-on dis-
trilety@hotmail.com or 981-5945 St., Omaha, Neb.
covery of nature and habitats & out-door
Saturday, June 13 - Chapter Meeting in activities. COST: $65, one-week session. 9 For more information, call Scott at
Lincoln, 9:30 a.m. at Lincoln Unitarian a.m.-2 p.m., held at Chalco Hills 981-7819 or Cammy at 551-9480.