August 20 Webinar

 

AUGUST 20 at 6 p.m. Online

Data Centers: Power Plays - But Who Pays?

Join us and learn about the scale of this data center wave, the massive impact it’s having on the electric sector, and how utilities are responding. We'll discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly in emerging state policies and utility approaches, and what you can do to help hold technology companies, utilities, regulators, and policymakers accountable.

Can't make it? RSVP and we'll send you the recording!

Register at https://tinyurl.com/2pbvtm5x

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See this article from the Rocky Mountain Institute: "Reality Check: We Have What’s Needed to Reliably Power the Data Center Boom, and It’s Not Coal Plants."

TEAMS Fundraiser starts!

Our annual teams fundraiser launches ✨today!✨ 

Because of several generous event sponsors, we have jump-started our fundraising efforts! 

Please share the link(s) below with family and friends encouraging them to support our work!

• ☀️Beyond Coal to Clean Energy team: https://donorbox.org/locally-grown/fundraiser/beyond-coal-team - $500 raised of $1500 goal
  
  
• 🌲Lands team: https://donorbox.org/locally-grown/fundraiser/lands-team - $500 raised of $1000 goal
  
  
• 🐟Tar Sands team: https://donorbox.org/locally-grown/fundraiser/tar-sands-team - $600 goal
  
  
• 🚌Transportation team: https://donorbox.org/locally-grown/fundraiser/transportation-team - $1000 raised of $1750 goal
  
  
• 🌊Water team: https://donorbox.org/locally-grown/fundraiser/water-team - $1000 raised of $1500 goal
  
  
• 🐺Wildlife team: https://donorbox.org/locally-grown/fundraiser/wildlife-team -  $1500 raised of $3000 goal
  
  
• 💖General/overview fundraising page: https://donorbox.org/locally-grown - $3875 raised to sponsor our Locally Grown, Nationally Known event on September 9

Our goal is to raise $20,000 between now and September 15! So far, thanks to generous event sponsors, we have raised $8,375! And we've only just begun!

August Newsletter

 

CHAPTER AND COULEE REGION GROUP HAPPY HOUR, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21 AT 5 P.M. AT JAVAVINOJoin state chapter and Coulee Region group leaders, members, and friends as we gathering in a relaxed setting to compare notes on places to explore this summer, meet other Sierrans, and share what the Sierra Club is doing. This is a good way to meet other people who care about the environment and like to get outdoors. Buy a beverage if you want or just join us for the fun! Register: 608-315-2693 or tinyurl.com/821schappyhr

AUGUST 6, HIGHWAY CLEAN UP     Our summer highway cleanup will be on Wednesday, August 6 at 6 p.m. Meet at the pumping station near the intersection of River Valley Drive and Gillette. Gloves, bags, and vests provided. Please email CRSierraClub@gmail.com or call 608-315-2693 with questions.

AUGUST 22, ACTION GATHERING     Join CRSC members and friends on Friday, August 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 401 West Ave. S. for our monthly Action Gathering.  Concerned about how critical programs, resources, and staff cope with the budget-cutting frenzy? Feel like you want to do something but you aren’t sure what? This gathering is for you! Each month, learn about a priority environmental issue and then take action with others like writing letters to the editor  or calling the offices of elected officials. Bring your own beverage. We have pizza!
You don’t have to be a Sierra Club member or have any experience. Email CRSierraClub@gmail.com or call 608-315-2693 if you have questions. 

Can you help put together the October newsletter? Copy provided - you put it together (be creative!) for online and printed distribution on October 1. Email CRSierraClub@gmail.com or call 608-315-2693.

AUGUST 4, SUSTAIN OUR RIVER     On August 4 at 11:45 a.m., the grassroots group Sustain Our River, will hold a press event at the Black River Beach Center in La Crosse to draw attention to and facilitate discussion on the value of the Mississippi River and the federal and state agencies whose work supports the sustainability of this natural resource.
“We are part of the vast web of businesses, residents, and field experts who value: the health of the Mississippi River and Great Lakes; the economic impact of recreational and commercial fisheries; and the Mississippi River navigation channel administered by the US Army Corps of Engineers. “We recognize the critical importance of dedicating funding to control: invasive species, sediment and erosion, and improve water quality, nutrient reduction and habitat restoration.” Attend to support these programs and staff and to learn how to take meaningful action to protect and sustain the upper Mississippi.

LA CROSSE GROW SOLAR GROUP BUY - KEEP OUR PLANET GREEN AND SAVE SOME GREEN!     Grow Solar is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier. It’s offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), the cities of Onalaska and La Crosse, and La Crosse County. Business and home owners in La Crosse County can pool their buying power to secure significant discounts that make installing solar more affordable. Changes in renewable energy programs and incentives have made it even more important to act quickly if you have been considering solar. Credits for solar, battery storage, upgraded electrical systems, insulation, heat pumps, hybrid water heaters and more will go away at the end of the year. New and used EV credits will end on September 30. Event without these incentives, the climate and financial benefits are overwhelming, especially as energy costs are predicted to rise. And, the need for electrification and replacing fossil fuels with renewables is more urgent than ever. Learn more at the Grow Solar Power Hour on August 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Nature Place, Myrick Park. Learn more  and register for a Power Hour at https://www.growsolar.org/la-crosse/

JULY 12, YOUTH OUTDOOR FEST     CRSC took a bit of a break in July, but our group did table at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Youth Outdoor Fest on July 12 at Pettibone Park in La Crosse, where we helped kids fold origami fish and handed out Sierra Club coloring sheets. Organizers estimated 1,500 participants attended the event! Thank you to volunteers Beth Piggush, Nancy Hartje, and Kathy Allen for representing CRSC at this event! 

 MICROPLASTICS!     On Tuesday, August 26 at 6:30 p.m., join the Sierra Club Grassroots Network (GN) Single-Use Plastic Plus (SUP+) team for an eye-opening Microplastics webinar featuring two national experts in environmental protection. Dr. Philip Landrigan, a leading scholar on pollution and public health, and Dr. Judith Weis, a distinguished marine biologist and a member of Sierra Club’s national Marine Team, will shed light on how microplastics affect our health and coastal ecosystems. Together, they’ll offer a comprehensive look at microplastics and discuss actionable solutions around single-use plastics. 
Register for the link at https://tinyurl.com/sc-microp

CHAPTER AWARDS NOMINATIONS     Every year the Sierra Club Wisconsin Chapter recognizes volunteers and organizations for outstanding service and accomplishments on behalf of Wisconsin's environment. Awards recognize new activists, long-time members, chapter supporters, non-club organizations, and more. Learn more about the awards and how to nominate someone at https://www.sierraclub.org/wisconsin/awards

SUPPORT SIERRA CLUB TEAMS     Team Sierra is an annual fundraiser to support the important work of Sierra Club Teams. The Wisconsin Chapter has seven Issues Teams–Clean Water, Transportation Access and Equity, Moving Beyond Coal to Clean Energy, Public Lands and Forests, Wildlife, Tar Sands Pipelines, and Mining. Led by Chapter staff, these statewide groups of volunteer activists learn and educate about important club priorities. We can support these teams by joining and donating. This year’s fundraiser goes from August 12 through September 15. Learn more about teams and how to donate at https://SierraClub.org/Wisconsin. 

HS ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD     Congratulations, Aditi Muduganti, an Onalaska High School rising senior, who will receive the CRSC 2025 High School Environmental Stewardship Award!  CRSC members and friends will meet on August 24 at 5 p.m. to present Aditi with her award certificate and check. Check our webpage or blog site (CR-sierra.blogspot.com) for location. More details about the award and Aditi’s outstanding environmental stewardship will be in our September newsletter!

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION EVENTS!     La Crosse Area Transit Advocates will host a Transit Talk and Treats open house on Wednesday, August 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. at People’s Food Co-op, 315 Fifth Ave. S. Representatives from the MTU, Scenic Mississippi Regional Transit (SMRT) and La Crosse Area Planning Committee will attend. There will be food, music, and door prizes. Find more at http://LaCrosseTransitAdvocates.org.

The Wisconsin Chapter of the Electric Vehicle Association will host an EV Road Trip kickoff event on Friday, August 15 at 7 p.m. at the Radisson in La Crosse to celebrate EVs and help raise funds for an EV scholarship. Meet and greet Road Trip participants and local EV owners. Music provided by Dave Zolle and Brian Cooper. Learn more at https://lacrosseevs.blogspot.com/2025/07/august-15-celebrate-evs.html,

MORE AUGUST EVENTS:

• 8/ 1: Red Crosse Blood Drive at 401 West Ave S. 9 am to 1 pm https://tinyurl.com/8125UUBlood
• 8/ 2: Nature Saturday at The Nature Place 9:30 am https://tinyurl.com/8225natsat
• 8/ 2: Rolling to the Refuge Bike Ride on Great River State Trail from Perrot State Park campground. 1 p.m. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events/111761
• 8/ 2: River Valley Raptors at Goose Island County Camp-ground at 2 pm https://tinyurl.com/gi-raptors
• 8/ 2: Who Really Gives a Hoot? 7 p.m. at Perrot State Park. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events/111756
• 8/ 4: International Owl Awareness Open House 9:30 to 5 pm. Houston, MN https://tinyurl.com/84owls
• 8/ 6: Hiroshima Remembrance Day - 80th Anniversary
• 8/ 6: Enviro Wednesday at The Nature Place 7 pm https://tinyurl.com/tnp86envwed
• 8/ 6: Pave the Way Fundraiser for Renew the Block 5 pm 1450 Avon St. https://tinyurl.com/86pavefr
• 8/ 8-10: Paddles & Premiers film fest at the Rivoli in La Crosse. https://tinyurl.com/paddlefilms
• 8/ 8: The Marvel of the Monarch Butterflies and their Amazing Journey at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, 6:00-7:30 pm https://tinyurl.com/twr-monarchs
• 8/ 9: Hemlock Trail Plant Walk at 9 am at Wildcat Mtn State Park. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events/105651
• 8/ 9: Fabulous Fungi at The Nature Place 10 am https://natureplacelacrosse.org/calendar/driftless-area-bioblitz-4/
• 8/ 9: La Crosse Area Astronomical Society program and observing starting at 8 pm at Perrot State Park. http://www.lcaas.org/
• 8/11-13: Night of the Living at The Nature Place. 7 pm https://tinyurl.com/tnp-niteo
• 8/12-13: Perseid meteor shower peak (overnight). https://www.space.com/32868-perseid-meteor-shower-guide.html
• 8/13: Driftless Dialogue: Canoe Conundrum 5 pm Kicka-poo Valley Reserve https://tinyurl.com/kvrcanoetalk
• 8/16: River Valley Raptors at Vets Memorial County Campground at 2 pm https://tinyurl.com/vetsraptors
• 8/16: Raptor 101 at Perrot State Park 7 p.m. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events/109551
• 8/16: Night Sky at Wildcat Mtn State Park at 8 pm https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events/109281
• 8/17: Solar Viewing from 1 to 5 p.m. at Wildcat Mtn State Park. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events/109236
• 8/30: Wildlife in Your Backyard at 5 p.m. at Perrot State Park. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events/109776
• 8/30-9/ 1: Ho-Chunk Labor Day Pow-Wow in Black River Falls https://tinyurl.com/hochunkpw825 

July newsletter

 

MORE THAN 30,000 FISH HAVE BEEN FOLDED!     On July 12, we'll attempt to break the world record for the largest display of origami fish--more than 30,000, each one telling a story, carrying a pledge, and making it impossible for decision-makers to ignore the call: SHUT DOWN LINE 5.

Fish-folding is over, but you can still call on legislators to shut down Line 5 once and for all. Use this link: https://www.oilandwaterdontmix.org/deny_tunnel_permit
If you will be in Madison, sign up to help arrange the July 12 display. Use this link: https://www.sierraclub.org/wisconsin/blog/2025/06/join-us-we-break-world-record-july-12

NO JULY ACTION GATHERING     There will be no local Action Gathering in July, but you can catch up with past months’ topics and actions by visiting the Sierra Club Action Hours site at https://www.sierraclub.org/monthly-action-hours  Each month, you'll get the key updates you need to know and take collective action to resist the current administration and its corporate polluter allies. Local Action Hours will resume on Friday, August 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 401 West Avenue South (take the #2 or Circulator 2 buses). Call or email for more information. 

SOLAR POWER HOURS     Grow Solar - La Crosse is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier for those in La Crosse County, by pooling their buying power to secure significant discounts. Attend a Solar Power Hour on July 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Onalaska City Hall or online on July 24 at 2 p.m. to learn more, or visit https://www.growsolar.org/la-crosse/. 

JUNE EVENTS     June was a full month for CRSC! Some of us volunteered to help park bikes at La Crosse’s Juneteenth celebration or help a Youth Climate Action Fund grantee plant a “pocket” forest at Summit Environmental School. Some gathered at our monthly Action Hour to learn about and take action to support the Endangered Species Act. Many of us enjoyed an evening of great food and inspiring conversation along the beautiful Mississippi River backwater at our annual club potluck where we also heard from La Crosse City Planner Lewis Kuhlman about La Crosse  County’s Grow Solar program. And some of us hiked and learned a lot about the history, plants, and birds of the Holland Sand Prairie State Natural Area near Holmen led by CRSC member, Janice Albers. It’s natural to feel sad, angry, and afraid these days as we see threats to wild places, our ecosystems, and our fellow beingsl. But, joining together to help others, learn about and protect our environment, explore and appreciate our natural world, and take meaningful action to counter destructive forces can be a healing, inspiring antidote. "There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about." – Margaret J. Wheatley

LA CROSSE ENERGY UPGRADES     City of La Crosse homeowners and landlords may be eligible for a free Focus on Energy home energy assessment and free or low-cost home energy improvements through a City of La Crosse partnership with Green Homeowners United. Eligible households may get help with sealing, insulating, appliance and HVAC upgrades, and more. To have an expert help you find out if you’re eligible for the grant, call or text Jack at Green Homeowners United:  (608) 616-0470 and mention “La Crosse energy assessment” or visit https://www.greenhomewi.com/lax

SPECIAL TREES IN LA CROSSE     In June, a public program and group walk on the new Hįnųkwas Tree Trail at UW-La Crosse introduced the community to a new resource highlighting Ho-Chunk Nation heritage, traditions, and sustainable community growth The new trail is open to the public. Also in June, the community celebrated the grand opening of the Myrick Park Arboretum project. Funded in part by an Urban Forestry Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Myrick Park Arboretum will serve as a public resource for education, appreciation of trees, and urban forest conservation.

MORE JULY EVENTS

• 7/ 1: For the Benefit of Both fundraiser for The Nature Place from 6 to 8:30 pm at The Nature Place, Myrick Park, La Crosse. https://natureplacelacrosse.org/calendar/enviro-wednesdays-3-2025-07-02/
• 7/ 5: Wildlife in Your Back Yard 7 pm Perrot State Park. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events/109856
• 7/ 5: Music in the Park 7 pm Wildcat Mtn State Park https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events/105631
• 7/11: Shakespeare in the Park 5:30 pm Wildcat Mtn State Park https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events/108861
• 7/12: Hemlock Trail Plant Walk 9 am Wildcat Mtn State Park. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events/105646
• 7/12: Dragonfly Discovery. 10 am to noon. Veterans Memorial County Park, West Salem. https://natureplacelacrosse.org/calendar/driftless-area-bioblitz-3/
• 7/12: Repair Cafe at the La Crosse Public Library, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm https://www.lacrosselibrary.org/event/repair-cafe-42430
• 7/12: Shakespeare in the Park 5:30 pm Perrot State Park. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events/109856
• 7/13: Kickapoo Valley Reserve Drive the Driftless Garden Tour Fundraiser https://tinyurl.com/071325-DriveDriftlessTour
• 7/16: Cover Crop Grazing Workshop. 10 an to 2 pm. Westby. Details at https://www.crawfordstewardship.org/event-details-registration/cover-crop-grazing-workshop
• 7/19: Universe in the Park 8 pm Perrot State Park. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events/109766
• 7/26: Music in the Park 7 pm Wildcat Mtn State Park. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events/105621
• 7/31: Bike Ride with the Mayor 9 am to noon. Start at La Crosse City Hall. https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/your-government/departments/planning-development/planning/transportation/ride-with-the-mayor

 

June 12 - Budgeting Wisconsin's Environmental Future

THURSDAY, JUNE 12 AT 6 p.m. online

Wisconsin's state budget determines so much that we care about, from parks funding to transportation projects to clean water initiatives. But how is the budget created? Who makes the decisions? What are some of the missed opportunities in recent budgets that could be included in this one? Join this webinar to learn the answers and to take action on the budget with other environmentalists.

This event will be online via zoom. Register to receive the zoom link by email.

Event agenda:

• Welcome
• State budget overview: Who creates the state budget and what is the process? What do we expect to happen next and how can advocates engage in the process?
• Clean drinking water programs update & action
• Transit operating funds update & action
• Wildlife programs & action
• Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund update & action
• Review actions you can take and key legislators who need to hear from you!

 

Bring: A digital picture of an outdoor place you love. We will use this to create postcards to send to legislators.

June Newsletter

 

JUNE 24, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. CRSC SUMMER POTLUCK at Goose Island Shelter #3     Make or buy some delicious food to share, grab a beverage and your personal picnic kit (plate, utensils, cup/bottle), and bike, carpool or drive to Goose Island Shelter #3 on Tuesday, June 24. Bring your bug stuff, too! Starting at 5:30 p.m., we’ll talk, eat, share news about current Sierra Club campaigns, and enjoy another summer along the river together. If you are driving, consider offering a carpool ride - use this link: https://groupcarpool.com/t/iv3yuq to add your vehicle or to seek a ride, or call 608-315-2693. You do not need to be a Sierra Club member to attend, though the Sierra Club is doing some pretty important work and welcome new talent and energy! Join here: https://tinyurl.com/CRSC-joinus

JUNE 20 - ACTION GATHERING     Join CRSC members and friends on Friday, June  20 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. learning about important environmental issues and taking action together to make a difference. We’ll watch a short Sierra Club video and then learn what we can do to work toward shared goals. Plus, there’s pizza! This month’s topic - the Endangered Species Act. Questions? Call 608-315-2693 or email CRSierraClub@gmail.com.

JUNE 28 - 10 to 11:30 p.m. - HOLLAND SAND PRAIRIE HIKE     Enjoy an easy one mile hike exploring a local sand prairie and state natural area, mostly flat rolling hills with mowed paths. Learn about sand ecosystems, how they are managed, and the actions that are employed to maintain them. Bring binoculars, bug spray, sunscreen and water. No dogs allowed. The Holland Sand Prairie State Natural Area, 7780 County Road MH, is an easy bike ride from Holmen and a short drive from La Crosse. The entrance is near the intersection of Garden Street and Cty MH (43.970013,-91.294566). If you can offer or need a ride, check out http://www.groupcarpool.com/t/w3i8x9 or email CRSierraClub@gmail.com or call or text 608-315-2693. Outing will only be cancelled if there is severe weather.

JUNE 21 - VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES     On Saturday, June 21 between 2 and 7 p.m. at the LA CROSSE JUNETEENTH Celebration, volunteers are needed to help  staff the bike corral - easy and fun! Make your own shift any time between 2 p.m. at 7:30 p.m. Also on Saturday, June 21, La Crosse’s first Miyawaki Forest will be planted at Summit Environmental School. This forest is a Youth Climate Action Fund Project. If you like to plant and take immediate climate action, this opporunity is for you! Email, call, or text to get more information or to sign up: CRSierraClub@gmail.com or 608-315-2693.

JULY 12 - VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY     CRSC will table at the July 12 Youth Outdoors Fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pettibone Park. We are looking for a few volunteers to help staff the table. If you can help, please call 608-315-2693 or email CRSierraClub@gmail.com!

MEET THE BOARD - KATHY ALLEN     Kathy grew up in Winona, Minnesota and earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Knox College in Illinois. She earned a Master's Degree in Conservation Biology from UW-Madison. 

Kathy credits her childhood exploring the woods around her grandparents’ farm with her life-long love of nature and the natural world. “I was in awe of everything I saw and experienced in the natural world, and loved it.” Her environmentalism led to a desire to protect nature so it will be here for future generations to explore. Beyond this, she realized that protecting the environment is also critical to the health and survival of humanity.

The climate crisis is Kathy’s number one environmental priority. There are so many different facets to the issue it can be overwhelming, but she’s mostly focused on the transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy. 

Reducing fossil fuel use also means cleaner air and water, and  protects lands and wildlife from the impacts of extraction and transportation. She’s made efforts to reduce her own fossil fuel use - driving an EV, getting rooftop solar, adding a heat pump and heat pump water heater to her home, upgrading sealing and insulation.

In the community, Kathy has also worked on the campaigns to get the city of La Crosse, the county, and the school district to set clean energy goals. She’s a member of the school district's sustainability committee that just completed their climate action plan. 

In 2016, Kathy led organizing efforts for the first of four annual La Crosse Climate Action Fairs that highlighted local businesses, organizations, and speakers helping people change their energy habits and make their lives and our community more sustainable. In 2018, she was elected to the CRSC Board and became CRSC Board president in 2020. 

In 2022, Kathy was award with the Sierra Club- Wisconsin Chapter’s Merit Award, “for her dedication to protecting the environment, combating climate change, and promoting clean energy.” Her work within the Sierra Club includes participation in the Wisconsin Chapter's Clean Energy team on retiring existing coal plants, stopping new fossil gas plants, and encouraging utilities to invest in clean energy. 

She loves the Jane Goodall quote, "You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Kathy truly shows up to make a difference in many ways and says she’s realized that sometimes you can make a difference just by showing up!

CONSERVATION LOBBY DAY     CRSC board member Ned Gatzke attended the Conservation Lobby Day hosted by Wisconsin Conservation Voters on May 6. Participants discussed priority issues:
•    Reauthorize the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program
•    Support increased funding for statewide remediation of PFAS, lead, and nitrate contamination
•    Support changes to energy planning to ensure a clean energy future
•    Support a constitutional amendment that would allow citizens to propose and approve laws and constitutional amendments through referendums
•    Support replacement funds to continue life-saving substance use treatment and services

REFUGE STRONG     CRSC tabled at the May 14 Refuge Strong event hosted by Friends of Pool 7/8 to support the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge programs, facilities, and staff. The drastic and, often, illegal cuts to important research and staffing threatens long-term studies and improvements. The group heard from speakers about these challenges and what can be done to address them.

APPLY NOW! HS STEWARDSHIP AWARD APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JULY 1!     CRSC will award $300 to a high school junior or senior who has demonstrated leadership, action, public engagement, and understanding of the importance of environmental stewardship. Applications are due July 1! Students residing in Crawford, Grant, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Trempealeau and Vernon are eligible to apply and applicants do NOT need to be Sierra Club members! The application consists of an environmental résumé and portfolio and a short essay. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/CRSC-Students or email CRSierraClub@gmail.com or call 608-315-2693 for more information about this grant. CRSC Environmental Education Grants and High School Stewardship Awards are funded in part by donations to the club from the Paul E. Stry Foundation, membership dues, calendar sales, and individual donations. 

GROW SOLAR LA CROSSE!     La Crosse county residents may take advantage of reduced solar panel costs during the Grow SOLAR La Crosse group buy and education program. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, the cities of Onalaska and La Crosse, and La Crosse County, property owners in La Crosse county can pool their buying power to secure significant discounts that make installing solar more affordable. Grow Solar Power Hour information sessions are scheduled for June,July, and August. It’s possible that solar incentives will end soon, so if you’ve been thinking about solar, act now.

LA CROSSE ENERGY UPGRADES     City of La Crosse homeowners and landlords may be eligible for a free Focus on Energy home energy assessment and free or low-cost home energy improvements through a City of La Crosse partnership with Green Homeowners United. Eligible households may get help with sealing, insulating, appliance and HVAC upgrades, and more. To have an expert help you find out if you’re eligible for the grant, call or text Jack at Green Homeowners United:  (608) 616-0470 and mention “La Crosse energy assessment” or visit https://www.greenhomewi.com/lax

NATIONAL TRAILS AND PRAIRIE DAY, JUNE 7, 8 A.M., LOWER HIXON TRAILHEAD    Celebrate National Prairie Day and National Trails Day with the City of La Crosse, Friends of the Blufflands, The Prairie Enthusiasts, and the Outdoor Recreation Alliance for a guided hike through Hixon Forest. Pick up litter as you hike, and stop at Lookout Prairie to admire the view and learn about the importance of our native prairies. Choose from a 2.5-mile out and back, or 4.0-mile loop and help leave the trails better than we found them! Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/HikeLaCrosse 

JUNE 3 BOOK CHAT     On Tuesday, June 3 at 7 p.m., join the League of Women Voters in welcoming Sonja Trom Eayrs to talk about her book, "Dodge County, Incorporated: Big Ag and the Undoing of Rural America."  In a compelling firsthand account of one family’s efforts to stand against corporate takeover, Dodge County, Incorporated tells a story of corporate malfeasance. Trom Eayrs tracks the changes to farming over the years that ultimately gave rise to the disembodied corporate control of today’s food system. She argues that far from being an essential or inextricable part of American life, corporatism can and should be fought and curbed, not only for the sake of land, labor, and water but for democracy itself.
Watch online at this link: https://tinyurl.com/LWV-DCITalk

KICKAPOO VALLEY RESERVE 25TH ANNIVERSARY REDEDICATION CEREMONY & RECEPTION. JUNE 7, 1 to 4 p.m. at Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitors Center. EVERYONE WELCOME!

MORE JUNE EVENTS

• 6/ 3 - Bike Rodeo for elementary children. 5 - 7 pm. Myrick Park, lower level lot. https://www.facebook.com/events/556415304195749
• 6/ 3, 7, 14, 24: Volunteer for the Wild - Invasive Mgmt & Trail Restoration at various locations. https://www.mississippivalleyconservancy.org/events/june-2025-volunteer-wild 
• 6/ 4: Hinukwas Tree Trail walk. 7 pm. Meet at SW corner of UWL Student Union, 521 East Ave N. https://natureplacelacrosse.org/calendar/enviro-wednesdays-3-2025-06-04/
• 6/ 4: Jackson Burgau’s Alaska Adventure. 1 pm Lunda Center. BRF. https://www.blackrivercountry.net/events/
• 6/ 7: Nature Saturday at The Nature Place, Myrick Park. 9:30 am https://natureplacelacrosse.org/calendar/nature-saturday-2-2025-06-07/
• 6/ 7: Ag & Household Hazardous Waste Clean Sweep. 8 to noon. 23 Harrison Street, BRF.
• 6/ 7: 2025 Robinson Creek Preservation Association breakfast and paddle. 9 - 11 am. 3703 Uting Rd, BRF. For more info, email robinsoncreekpa@gmail.com
• 6/ 7: Mini-EV Show & Tell 10:30 - noon near Westby PAC, near West Ave. S. & Maple St. 
• 6/14: Prairie Plants BioBlitz at Holland Sand Prairie. 10 - noon. https://www.mississippivalleyconservancy.org/events
• 6/14: Hemlock Trail Plant Walk. 9 am. Wildcat Mtn State Park. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events/105641
• 6/18: Coulee Audubon Potluck & Marsh Walk 6 pm The Nature Place, Myrick Park. https://www.couleeaudubon.org/html/events.html
• 6/21: Raptors. 7 pm. Wildcat Mtn State Park ampitheater. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events/105786
• 6/28: VCED Drive Electric event. 8:00 am - 12:30 pm at 118 East South Street, Viroqua   

May newsletter

 “Wind and solar could already displace global gasoline demand if electric vehicles replaced gasoline vehicles” - Three facts that show how solar and wind strengthen energy security, https://ember-energy.org

MAY 16, 5:30 p.m. CRSC ACTION GATHERING. CRSC’s monthly Action Gatherings are a place for concerned and overwhelmed people to make sense of what the Trump regime is throwing at us and take meaningful action together. In a short time each month, you'll get the key updates you need to know and take collective action to resist the attacks on clean air and water, climate action, environmental justice, our democracy, and more. Join with others to view a clip from the national action hour, discuss, and take action together. Actions will change month to month, and might include calling your federal representatives or other decision makers, sharing your views on social media, writing a letter to the editor, and more. Pizza provided. BYO non-alcoholic drink. If you’ve missed past months’ programs, catch up here: https://www.sierraclub.org/monthly-action-hours  Email us or call 608-315-2693 with questions. No experience necessary! 

MAY 6 CONSERVATION LOBBY DAYS     Registration is open for Wisconsin Conservation Voters’ Lobby Day in the state Capitol. At the beginning of every legislative session, conservation voters from around the state gather in Madison to meet with their legislators. We have the opportunity to tell our legislators directly about the actions we want them to take on clean water, clean energy, and a healthy democracy. Lobbying really does make a difference! In 2025, we have new opportunities to get our conservation priorities passed in the State Legislature and the state budget thanks to new legislative maps. After the fall 2024 election, we have a more balanced legislature, which paves the way for bipartisan support on issues such as clean water, clean energy, and a healthy democracy. Register here: https://conservationvoters.org/events/cld-2025  The cost to attend is free. A free bus will pick up and drop off in Tomah. Check here to see if there is still space available: https://tinyurl.com/25WCVLobbyBusWest

MAY 14 REFUGE STRONG     Friends of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge - La Crosse District will host REFUGE STRONG  on Wednesday, May 14, an evening of networking, learning, and planning to support our precious rivers, habitats, programs, research, staff, and more. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.  at the Concordia Ballroom, 1129 La Crosse Street. Learn more at https://www.for78.org/ 

 MAY 19 - NITRATES IN GROUNDWATER     Nitrate is a challenging issue because nitrogen is both a necessary component of agricultural production and an environmental pollutant. This talk will use nitrate data from Wisconsin to illustrate the relationship between human activities and our groundwater. Specifically, how nitrate ends up in our groundwater, why some areas more prone to contamination, and what practices may help improve water quality. Join the Wisconsin Chapter Water Team for an online lunch hour discussion. 
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/WISC-0519Nitrates

APRIL 23 - LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION      Three local experts joined CRSC members and others on April 23 at noon for an online program about “Local Governments and Climate Action.” We welcomed Joe Ledvina, Director of Facilities for the School District of La Crosse, who explained why and how the district wrote and approved a district-wide climate action plan. Then we heard from Bob Micheel, Director of Monroe County’s Land Conservation Department and member of the county’s Climate Change Task Force. Finally, Lewis Kuhlman, Environmental and Sustainability Planner for the City of La Crosse described the City’s work leading up to and constructing a comprehensive community-wide climate action plan. 
The program was packed full of great information and ideas, examples, and ddetails others can use to encourage climate action planning in their own communities and school districts and to begin the process of making a plan to reduce carbon emissions and to be prepared for climate change consequences. We heard a bit about the Direct Pay Tour, coming to La Crosse on May 8 hosted by Forward Together Wisconsin, to help pay for government and non-profit projects. A recording of the program is available at the CRSC’s new YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/9mSe4OphhVY?feature=shared 

TABLING IN APRIL AND MAY     Thanks to volunteers who helped CRSC spread the word about its programs and priorities at UW-L Earthapalooza on Friday, April 25 and at the La Crosse Earth Fair on Sunday, April 27. We encouraged people to fold fish as part of the Fish for the Future initiative and write post-cards encouraging U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden to protect funding for clean air, water, and energy projects during budget negotiations.
We will table at the May 14 Refuge Strong event. If you are interested in helping, please email or call us at 608-315-2693.

MAY 3 - MAY DAY STRONG     If you will attend the May 3 May Day Strong protest at Losey Blvd. and State Road in La Crosse and want to stand with CRSC friends, look for Colleen with a Sierra Club sign near the north end of the JavaVino parking lot. After 2 p.m., anyone interested, can head into JavaVino for a beverage (of either the "Java" or "Vino" variety!) and conversation afterward.

MAY 17 - BIOBLITZ     Join the fun at this year’s BioBlitz from 10 a.m. to noon on May 17. At these FREE events, experts from our community will lead field expeditions to teach about specific topics in nature. Each event starts with a brief education about their topic, and then we will go out into the field to identify what we’ve learned about. Some events will be at The Nature Place and some off-site. The nature topics and locations are still to be determined. Contact Steph Hanna, Community Program Manager, steph.hanna@natureplacelacrosse.org

HIGHWAY CLEANUP REPORT     Six CRSC members picked up 14 bags of trash plus a child’s scooter (contributed to the gear swap sale at Green Island Ice Arena), an edging shovel (contributed to Friends of the Marsh), and a Wisconsin driver’s license (returned to its owner)! Cleanup supervisor, Pat Wilson, picked up the collected trash afterward and took it to the dumpster in Myrick Park. Our next cleanup will be in early July.

Coulee Region Sierra Club Board Meetings are held over Zoom, usually on the last Tuesday evening of the month. Any member may attend. If you are interested, please email or call us for the link. Our May meeting will be on WEDNESDAY, May 28 at 6:30 p.m.

MEET THE BOARD - CATHY VAN MAREN     Cathy was born in Iowa but moved with her family to La Crosse when she was about seven. She returned to Iowa for college and then, after a year in Minneapolis, she headed to North Carolina for grad school. Falling in with a community of back-to-the-landers, she learned about renewable energy, gardening, “alternative” houses, backpacking, canning, tipis, kite-making, fiddle-playing and other useful skills.

She returned to La Crosse about 40 years ago and worked for the Upward Bound project at UWL, It was a great opportunity to meet and learn from students and families from many cultures. For a time, she and her family sold vegetables, eggs, and chickens from their market garden in Vernon county. 

Cathy’s first involvement with CRSC came in 2016 when she took over the newsletter from the previous editor. That year she also ran for the board. She is currently the board secretary and program chair.

After getting involved with the Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 campaign, she joined with other CRSC members to encourage the city to pass a carbon-zero resolution. When that resolution was passed in 2019, Cathy was able to be part of the Climate Action Plan team and then the CAP Steering Committee. She resigned from the CAP SC in 2024 but still advocates for climate action. 

An avid transportation cyclists and public transit user, Cathy became a rabid active transportation advocate after several trips to Europe, especially the Netherlands, where bikes and public transit were connected and easily replaced private car travel. So, she is also a member of the Chapter’s Transportation Access and Equity Team and volunteers with the La Crosse Area Transit Advocates  and Wisconsin Transit Riders Alliance to push for better public transit around the region and state. 

Cathy was fortunate to be honored with two chapter awards - the 2019 Merit Award and the JJ and Pat Werner Award in 2024. She is currently working to complete Outings Leader training in order to lead future Transit to Trails trips. 

She points to one of her favorite quotes as inspiration: Abandon any hope of fruition. “I keep trying to remember - if I’m living in my plans for the future and then disappointed when they (inevitably) don’t work out as I want, I never appreciate where I am right now. I think positive action is an end in itself. It can inspire others and ripple out in unexpected ways. So, I try to just keep doing the best I can and not worry so much about outcomes.”

Cathy encourages everyone to assess what’s important to them and how they can work to help protect, support, and improve things. CRSC offers many opportunities.

GREEN HOMEOWNERS UNITED IN LA CROSSE     City of La Crosse homeowners and landlords (duplex only) may be eligible for a free Focus on Energy home energy assessment and free or low-cost home energy improvements through a City of La Crosse partnership with Green Homeowners United. Eligible households may get help with sealing, insulating, appliance and HVAC upgrades, and more. To have an expert help you find out if you’re eligible for the grant, call or text Jack at Green Homeowners United:  (608) 616-0470 and mention “La Crosse energy assessment” or visit https://www.greenhomewi.com/lax

MAY 3 - COON CREEK CONFLUENCE     Coon Creek Confluence is a celebration of the Coon Creek Watershed: its community, its rich conservation traditions, and all the ways water connects us. This event takes place on the banks of Timber Coulee Creek, in the headwaters of the Coon Creek Watershed. The Coon Creek Watershed is famously the site of the 1930s Coon Creek Watershed Demonstration Project—the first watershed conservation project in the nation. The event includes activities, music, food, dancing, art, demonstrations, gardening help, and dozens of Water-shed Conservation Partners. It will be at the Westby Rod & Gun Club, E7969 Co. Hwy P. Learn more at https://cooncreekwatershed.org

 

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THE HIGH SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD      The Coulee Region Sierra Club offers an annual $300 Stewardship Award to area juniors and seniors that live in the Coulee Region. This award honors high school student for their work engaging in environmental awareness and activity. Your help building awareness of this annual award is greatly appreciated.
Please print and post the flyer in your community (schools, libraries, public billboards). Distribute the information by forwarding this page to your social contacts, parent groups, community organizations. Tell your friends, family members, colleagues, co-workers about this opportunity. Posters: for sharing online: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UAlFKca13s9zPvwIb8LDUKGLqO33gR9o/view?usp=sharing and to print and post: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17yr4rAfXGu-6gVH90MDd9OguvDrQcwaM/view?usp=sharing 

The City of La Crosse is seeking Neighborhood Ambassadors to help lead neighbors through four one-hour meetings focused on climate solutions and emergency preparedness. Ambassadors receive training, resources, and ongoing support from BrightAction Communities. This program is part of the Carbon Free La Crosse Challenge and is offered in partnership with the City of La Crosse. For details, please contact Carly Silverman at carlys@bacommunities.org.

MORE MAY EVENTS     

• 5- 3: Nature Saturday at The Nature Place, Myrick Park, La Crosse 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. https://natureplacelacrosse.org/calendar/nature-saturday-2-2025-05-03/
• 5/ 6: Garlic Mustard Pull at  Sugar Creek Bluff SNA - Ferryville. 9 am to 1 pm https://forms.office.com/r/F63Ri33pBV
• 5/ 6: Migratory Bird Walk at Goose Island County Park Shady Maple Interpretive Trail. 6 to 7:30 pm https://www.fws.gov/event/spring-bird-walk-honor-world-migratory-bird-day
• 5/ 7: Enviro Wednesday Frog Walk at the Nature Place from 7 to 8:30 pm  https://natureplacelacrosse.org/calendar/enviro-wednesdays-3-2025-05-07/
• 5/ 9: Invasive Plant and Trash Removal at Trempealeau Lakes. 9 am to 1 pm https://forms.office.com/r/F63Ri33pBV
• 5/10: Migratory Bird Hike at Sugar Creek Bluff SNA - Ferryville. 7 to 9 am https://tinyurl.com/25scbmigbird
• 5/10: World Migratory Bird Day Birding Festival at the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. https://explorelacrosse.com/event/trempealeau-national-wildlife-refuge-to-celebrate-annual-birding-festival-2/
• 5/10: Repair Cafe at La Crosse Public Library from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. https://www.lacrosselibrary.org/event/repair-cafe-42322
• 5/15: Cultivating Culinary Mushrooms at the La Crosse Public Library from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. https://www.lacrosselibrary.org/event/cultivating-culinary-mushrooms-42243
• 5/15: Monarchs & Milkweeds at La Crosse Southside Neighborhood Center, 1300 6th St S from 5:30 to 6:30 pm https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/9084/18?
• 5/16-18: 83rd Annual Wisconsin Society for Ornithology Convention at the Stoney Creek Inn, Onalaska. https://www.wsobirds.org/what-we-do/annual-convention
• 5/16: Garlic Mustard Pull at Plum Creek Conservation Area. 9 am to 1 pm https://forms.office.com/r/F63Ri33pBV
• 5/17: Jackson County Tire Roundup at the Jackson County Highway Shop, N5661 Hwy 54 from 8 am to noon. https://www.blackrivercountry.net/event/tire-round-up/
• 5/17: Bird banding demonstration at Goose Island County Park Shady Maple Interpretive Trail from 7 to 11 am. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/upper-mississippi-river/events
• 5/21: Native Shrubs and Trees for the Birds and the Bees at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. 6 to 8 pm https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/r/day/2025/5/21?pli=1
• 5/21: Coulee Audubon meeting at The Nature Place. 7 pm https://www.facebook.com/CouleeRegionAudubon/
• 5/22: Film & Discussion - Reel Injun at the Rivoli in La Crosse. 4:30 pm https://www.rivoli.net/custom-posts/indigenous-film-series-reel-injun/
• 5/28: Garlic Mustard Pull at Boscobel Bluffs. 9 am to 1 pm https://forms.office.com/r/F63Ri33pBV6/