Saturday, June 7, National Trails Day. The American Hiking Society's slogan this year is "Join Us on the Trail." Visit their website at www.americanhiking.org and get outdoors into what John Muir called, "God's Sanctuary." Locally, the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is having a bike/pedestrian trail dedication on June 7, 10:00 a.m., at Oxbow County Park on County Road 45 between Elkhart and Goshen, IN. Bring your bike and walking shoes and show your support for bicycle and pedestrian trails on National Trails Day. For more information email Bob Carrico at rjcarrico1@verizon.net or visit http://www.pumpkinvine.org/.
Friday, June 13, Films from the Community Sustainability Project. The Goshen Farmers Market presents two films, "Toxic Bust" and "Swim for the River." Sponsored by Goshen Health Systems, these movies talk about synthesized chemicals in our bodies and in our water, focusing on what we should be concerned about and what we can do about it. The films will be shown at 7:00 p.m. at the Old Goshen Theater, 216 S. Main St., Goshen, IN. There is no charge, but donations are appreciated.
Tuesday, June 17, Public Forum with Gary Gilot, Public Works Director for South Bend, and Christine Fiordalis, Michiana Sierra Chair and Hoosier Chapter VP. Sponsored by the Community Forum for Economic Development, this public forum will discuss environmental initiatives going on in our area. This meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the office of the Minority Health Coaltion in LaSalle Square, 915 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend. (This is just south and west of the intersection of Bendix and Lincolnway West.) For more information, call Christine at (574) 237-1161.
Saturday, June 21, Canoe/Kayak along Dowagiac River. Spend the day canoeing or kayaking the Dowagiac River from Dowagiac to Niles, MI. This moderately paced stream is shaded by overhanging hardwood trees for much of its length. We will identify flora and fauna along the 13 miles of river. Meet at the Dowagiac McDonalds at 9:00 a.m. Please bring a lunch, and plenty of drinks and snacks, as this is an all day paddle. We will have a shuttle car parked just before the point where the Dowagiac runs into the St. Joseph River. Please contact Donna Osborn by Sunday, June 15, if you plan to attend or have any questions, (574) 289-5393. R.S.V.P. by June 15!
Sunday, June 29, Michiana Paddlefest 2008. This event is a special tribute to Michiana's valuable resource, the St. Joseph River. Held at St. Patrick's County Park in South Bend, Paddlefest is a one-day extravaganza for the adventure-seeker and the outdoors-lover. Events are geared for both the first-time paddler and the best athletes in the country. There are activities for all ages! For complete details see http://www.paddlefest.org/.
Sierra Magazine Paddlesports Contest - Deadline June 30. Win a Bell Canoe, a Necky Kayak, or a Paddling Getaway from The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in Sierra Magazine's May/June 2008 Paddlesports Contest. It's easy to register. Visit the Indiana Chapter website for details!
Reminder: There are no Sierra meetings at the library during summer months.
Be sure to check out the state website for additional programs and events.
Copyright Michiana Group of the Hoosier Chapter of the Sierra Club
