http://houston.sierraclub.org Sierra Club - Houston Regional Group - Outings, Day Trips and More en-us houston.webmaster@lonestar.sierraclub.org (Webmaster) (c) 2005-2009 by the Sierra Club Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:16:12 GMT Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:16:12 GMT None http://houston.sierraclub.org/rss/rsslogo.gif http://houston.sierraclub.org 41 88 Sierra Club Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:17:31 GMT First Saturdays. - The Marysee Prairie is one of the last remnants of tallgrass prairie in the Big Thicket region. Come assist the Big Thicket Association in this ongoing effort to revive and maintain the native grasses and wildflowers on this site near Batson, Texas. Work tasks vary by month, but usually involve removal of tallow seedlings, and controlling the regrowth of woody species. Tools and gloves provided. For more info, contact Susan Schinke atsruth@consolidated.net or 936-829- 5204, or Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com or 713-528-2896. http://houston.sierraclub.org/events/index.htm http://houston.sierraclub.org/events/index.htm?2009112271731 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:18:32 GMT Experience the maze of lakes and shaded, winding bayous deep within the heart of the largest cypress forest on the Texas coast. This is one of the most scenic paddling destinations in this part of our state, and it is located only 30 miles east of Houston. Depending on the water and weather conditions, we will focus on one or more of the area's many features: wildlife, river processes, Texas history, and the impact of human interventions. Participants must provide their own canoe or kayak, life jackets (required), and paddles. The trip leader can help you with advice regarding gear rentals from Houston area outfitters, if needed. Paddling time: about 5 hours, plus breaks for sightseeing and lunch. Difficulty: moderate to strenuous. Recommended donation to the Houston Sierra Club: $10. Trip size is limited. To register, contact Tom Douglas at baymail@sbcglobal.net or (713) 869-6026. A detailed trip information sheet will be sent by email to registered participants. http://houston.sierraclub.org/events/index.htm http://houston.sierraclub.org/events/index.htm?2009112271832 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:16:12 GMT In addition to our usual refreshments and social time at 7:00 PM prior to the meeting, why not join your fellow Sierrans for dinner at 5:30 PM at the nearby Collina's Italian Cafe at 3835 Richmond. The cafe is located in a strip shopping center about two blocks away from the meeting near the corner of Richmond and Weslayan. Come and meet some people who care about the same things you do. http://houston.sierraclub.org/events/index.htm http://houston.sierraclub.org/events/index.htm?2009112271612 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:17:59 GMT On Saturday, December 12, 2009, the Houston Sierra Club will participate in a service outing to restore wetlands and native prairie habitats in Heron Park in the City of Shoreacres. We will be cutting and piling woody shrubs and small trees to make room so that prairie grasses, wildflowers, and wetland plants can grow. Heron Park is located next to Taylor Bayou and is a great place to bird watch. We will be looking, for sure! After we finish our service work we will enjoy a pot-luck lunch overlooking Galveston Bay at the home of Charlotte Wells, President of Galveston Baykeeper. Charlotte has a great front porch with a beautiful view of Galveston Bay. You can regularly see Brown Pelicans, Osprey, and many kinds of terns and gulls from her porch. Bring your binoculars and bird books for a bit of birding. After lunch we will visit Sylvan Beach (one of the few public access points on northwest Galveston Bay) in nearby La Porte and see a historic pavilion and a re-nourished public beach. The Houston Sierra Club invites all bay lovers to come, whether members or not. We particularly encourage our Clear Lake and Galveston Area members to come and enjoy the bay and give back via this conservation service project. For those who live in Houston and want to carpool/caravan to Heron Park meet at 8 am in the parking lot just west of Starbucks (look for Becks Prime) in Meyerland Plaza. Starbucks fronts the 4700 block of Beechnut (near the West Loop South). Look for a blue Plymouth Neon with lots of bumper stickers. For those who want to drive directly to Heron Park call Brandt Mannchen at 713-664-5962 or email him at brandtshnfbt@juno.com for directions. http://houston.sierraclub.org/events/index.htm http://houston.sierraclub.org/events/index.htm?2009112271759 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:19:06 GMT On this 'almost winter solstice' outing we will hike the Nature Center's network of trails and observe the wintering bird species. The Baytown Nature Center occupies approximately 450 acres on the west side of Baytown and directly across from the San Jacinto Monument. The site comprises two connected peninsulas, surrounded by three bays. The larger peninsula is being developed into fresh water and salt water wetlands, with mixed woodland habitat for animals, birds, and other wildlife. The Nature Center charges a $3 admission fee. Maps, visitor information, and bird/wildlife lists are available at their website: http://www.baytownnaturecenter.org. We'll meet at 9am and the outing will last until early afternoon. Those interested can include a visit to the San Jacinto Monument and Battleground SHS in the afternoon. For meeting point and other details, contact Frank Blake, frankblake@juno.com or 713-528-2896. http://houston.sierraclub.org/events/index.htm http://houston.sierraclub.org/events/index.htm?2009112271906