July newsletter

 

 

JULY HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP    Help us keep the CRSC stretch of River Valley Drive free
of litter! Meet at the pumping station near the intersection of RV Drive and Gillette St. at 6 p.m. on MONDAY, July 17. We will provide vests, gloves, and bags. Email  CRSierraClub@gmail.com or call 608-315-2693 with questions.

PLASTIC FREE JULY.  Plastics, mostly single-use, proliferate our daily existence, environment, and ecosystems. Tiny microplastic particles are found in the air we breathe and the water we drink, exposing us to a multitude of toxic substances. And the production of these products are polluting our communities, often Black, Brown, and low-income. We must act to regulate plastics at all levels—from production, to transportation, to use, to disposal. The era of single-use plastics in our everyday lives is one that needs to be relegated to the past—and quickly.

Our current methods of extracting natural resources, turning them into products and packaging used for ever shorter periods of time, and then discarding them is not sustainable! This "use & throw" culture contributes significantly to a wide variety of negative impacts such as forest and open space destruction, ocean pollution, litter, water and air pollution, and climate

Our government can act to help solve this crisis by passing the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act, which was first introduced in 2021. This ambitious bill will tackle single-use plastic waste and production. Learn more about the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act and how you can support it at www.sierraclub.org/act-for-our-climate-environment-health-supporting-break-free-plastic-pollution-act

SAVE MONEY WITH RENEWABLES    The Inflation Reduction Act lowers energy costs for consumers and small businesses while creating good-paying jobs as America’s clean energy economy and manufacturing sectors grow. Learn how you or your family can save on utility bills, get support to purchase electric vehicles and energy-saving appliances, and access the economic opportunities of the clean energy future at www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy

From making home weatherization and efficiency upgrades, to installing new electric appliances, to purchasing an electric vehicle or rooftop solar system – learn how the Inflation Reduction Act will help cover the costs and save you money each month on your bills.

The list of incentives to save energy, reduce carbon emissions, and save money is extensive, covering transportation, heating and air conditioning (not just heat pumps), appliances, sealing and insulating, upgrading electrical service and more. Now is the time to act.

CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI REFUGE!  Friends of the Refuge Headwaters is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Mississippi River Refuge by hosting a photo contest. All photos must be taken at or of the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

The deadline for submissions is October 27, 2023 with judging completed by January 1, 2024. Winning photos will become part of an exhibit displayed at public events throughout the Refuge in 2024. Cash prizes will be given for top entries. For more information, visit www.tinyurl.com/RefugePhotoInfo

JULY BOOK CLUB    Join us on July 11 at 7 p.m. for an online discussion of  "Bitter" by Nigerian writer Akwaeke Emezi. This young adult novel explores both the importance and cost of social revolution--and how youth lead the way. When you register, you will automatically receive an email that includes the link to join the call. tinyurl.com/WISC-Bitter

MORE JULY EVENTS

7/ 1: Friends of the Black River Paddle at Lunda Park Pond 4 to 6 pm www.blackrivercountry.net/event/friends-of-the-black-river-2023-paddle-events/

7/ 1: Wildlife in Your Back Yard at Perrot State Park Nature Center, 7 to 8 pm dnr.wisconsin.gov/events/78901

7/ 4, 11, 18, 25: Frog Walk Tuesdays at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. 7:30 to 8 pm kvr.state.wi.us/Events/Calendar/

7/ 8: Friends of the Black River Paddle Hatfield to Halls Creek at noon www.blackrivercountry.net/event/friends-of-the-black-river-2023-paddle-events/

7/ 8: Plant ID Hike at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. 9 am to noon kvr.state.wi.us/Events/Calendar/

7/15: Bugs in the Garden  10 am  The Nature Place at Myrick Park  strive2thrivecr.org/event/bugs-in-the-garden-2/

7/15: Friends of the Black River Paddle Lake Wazee Beginners 11 am www.blackrivercountry.net/event/friends-of-the-black-river-2023-paddle-events/

7/22: Nocturnal Insects 7:30 pm Villa St. Joseph – Franciscan Sisters W2658 WI-33  strive2thrivecr.org/event/nocturnal-insects/

EVENT VOLUNTEERS    Seeking helpers for September National Drive Electric Week event(s) in La Crosse area and to help organize early October “Know Your Solarhood” tours in the La Crosse and Onalaska areas. If you would like to help organize, contact potential participants, help with publicity, etc. please email CRSierraCluba@gmail.com or call 608-315-2693.