January Newsletter

 

Transit Equity--the right of all people to affordably and sustainably get
to school, work, events, appointments, services, and a full life regardless of their age, income, race, health, or ability--is key to reducing transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. For the past six years, the Labor Network for Sustainability has promoted Transit Equity Day, February 4, Rosa Parks’ birthday, to highlight how important public transportation is for fair access, good jobs, and a livable planet.

In the La Crosse area, Transit Equity Days will be recognized from January 29 through February 4, with displays, events, programs, and an invitation for all of us to consider the local and global effects of our personal transportation choices. Our region is lucky to be served by the La Crosse MTU, the Scenic Mississippi Region Transit (SMRT) buses, Amtrak, several para-transit services, and several shared-ride taxi services including those in Onalaska-Holmen-West Salem, Viroqua/Westby, Black River Falls, Tomah, Richland Center, and Prairie du Chien. To learn more about Transit Equity Days and how you can get involved, please visit https://actionnetwork.org/events/la-crosse-wi-transit-equity-days/

On February 1, the Wisconsin Sierra Club and CRSC will host an online program about the Sierra Club’s new Transit to Trails for All initiative from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. including national and state guests talking about how we can work together for better access to local, state, and national natural and outdoor recreation areas. If you want to celebrate Transit Equity Days in your community, spread the word about this event and encourage your friends and neighbors to attend! Register at https://tinyurl.com/WISC224-T2T4A or call 608-315-2693 for information about how to join the program by telephone.

EDUCATION GRANT DEADLINE JANUARY 5     CRSC offers grants of up to $200 each for environ-mental education projects to schools or community organizations involving young people at the ele-mentary and middle school level within the CRSC region: Crawford, Grant, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Trempea-leau, and Vernon counties.

Applications may be completed online, emailed or mailed. The deadline is January 5, 2024. Learn more at  www.sierraclub.org/wisconsin/coulee/Education or www.tinyurl.com/CRSC-Education

To learn more about how you can donate to our grants program, please email or call us (608-315-2693). 

SMALL BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY        On Thursday, January 18 from noon to 3 p.m. at the La Crosse Center, the City of La Crosse and the Climate Alliance for the Common Good will host a hands-on workshop to help La Crosse area small businesses and organizations create a draft sustainability plan. Experts will guide attendees from concept to a nuts-and-bolts plan through reducing energy, emissions and waste while sharing ways to pay for it with rebates, incentives, and savings from reduced energy demands.

The workshop is based on the free-to-download La Crosse Small Business Toolkit on Sustainability developed by the nonprofit group Climate Alliance for the Common Good: www.climatealliancecg.org  Register for the free workshop at tinyurl.com/LaXSmallBizCAPWkshp

2023 In Review  by Kathy Allen, CRSC Board President 

Our club continued to be leaders and voices for environmental sustainability and access in 2023. Several CRSC members have amplified our efforts through their local, regional, state, and national connections with allied groups and movements. Here are some highlights of 2023 in the Coulee Region Sierra Club.

January - We hosted an online program on Transit Equity and Climate Action with Susan Gaeddert from 1000 Friends of Wisconsin, as part of La Crosse’s Transit Equity Days (you can view the program at our Facebook page: tinyurl.com/2023CRSCTransitAndClimate). We also awarded two environmental education grants to local elementary schools.

March - We hosted an online program with Al Buss from the Vernon County Energy District (VCED) on their Community Approach to the Energy Transition, Watch it at http://tinyurl.com/CRSC-VCED23

April - We conducted our spring roadside clean-up along River Valley Drive, tabled at the La Crosse Earth Fair, and co-sponsored the Drive Electric Earth Day event at the Earth Fair.

May - We co-hosted a "Know your Utility" event in Sparta, where we talked with customers of Xcel and rural electric cooperatives about how we can convince our utilities to transition to clean energy.

June - We got together for a Summer Potluck at Goose Island County Park.

July - We conducted our summer roadside clean-up of River Valley Drive in the La Crosse River marsh.

September - We hosted a walk at the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge on Brice Prairie with Refuge Visitor Services Specialist Katie Julian.

October - We co-sponsored an "Ask Me About my EV" event and a first-ever Solar Tour in La Crosse, as part of the American Solar Energy Society's National Solar Tour; we also conducted our fall roadside clean-up.

November - Two organizations that we've partnered with, Citizen Action of Wisconsin and VCED, received Good Citizen awards from the Sierra Club's Wisconsin Chapter (view the program at tinyurl.com/23WISCAwards).

December - We hosted our group holiday get-together for the first time in four years - thanks to all who attended for the great food and great company!

JAN. 2 BOOK CLUB     Join Sierra Club members and friends from around the state for a discussion of "Nathan Coulter: A Novel" by Wendell Berry. This first novel introduces us to the fictional Port William--a community united by duty and bonds of affection for one another and for the land upon which they make their livelihood.

Register for an email that includes a link to join the call at   tinyurl.com/WISC-NCoulter or call 608-315-2693.

OUR 2024 BOARD!     Congratulations Kathy Allen, Ned Gatzke, Larry Sleznikow, and Cathy Van Maren who were elected to serve on the Coulee Region Sierra Club Board of Directors for 2024-2026! Also, thanks to the state chapter for helping facilitate online voting.

We are sorry to say goodbye to Pat Wilson, our excellent, long-serving board member, past president, historian, mentor, state chapter liaison, outings leader, networker, organizer, and much more who has been the spine of CRSC for many years. While he is stepping away from the Board, Pat will still be active in the club, the work, and the community. Thank you, Pat!

The new board will meet in January to elect officers and set priorities for the coming year. If you would like to attend the meeting or have suggestions for issue, events, or programs, please email CRSierraClub@gmail.com or call 608-315-2693.

CALLING XCEL ENERGY CUSTOMERS AND CLEAN ENERGY ADVOCATES!     Last spring we told you about Xcel Energy's proposal to "repower" an existing gas plant near Eau Claire with new fossil gas turbines. The new Wheaton facility would consist of a 210-MW combustion turbine and five 9-MW RICE (reciprocating internal combustion engine) units. Xcel claims the new facility is required to meet projected load requirements and maintain system reliability under extreme weather conditions.

Xcel anticipates a 40-year life span for the project, but this is not consistent with Governor Evers’ plan to decarbonize Wisconsin’s electrical grid by 2050. And, it  conflicts with Xcel's own pledge to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050!

To move forward with this plan, Xcel Energy needs a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC). The PSC is currently accepting public comments on Xcel's proposal and will hold two virtual public hearings on January 25, at 1:00 and 6:00.

Please share your comments and concerns! Learn more and find a link to the public comment page at tinyurl.com/WIPSC-Wheaton.

For help with in-person or written comments, please contact our Chapter Campaign Coordinator, at jadine.sonoda@sierraclub.org.

2024 SIERRA CLUB TEAMS KICKOFF     An Issue Team is a group of volunteers from around the state who work together on  specific issues under shared volunteer and staff leadership. These teams meet monthly online, strategizing and planning to win environmental victories,

On Saturday, January 20 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., teams will meet in Madison and online for a day of planning and relationship-building. This year, with elections, big projects in the pipeline, and climate deadlines looming, our Teams work is even more important than ever.

YOU ARE INVITED to join a team and use your skills, experience, and passion to help make real change. No prior volunteer or environmental experience is required. Join here: tinyurl.com/WISC-EnviroTeams or email or call us (608-315-2693) to learn more.

Here are the current Teams:

Clean Water - Advocate for protection against factory farm pollutants, PFAS, and other pollutants  that threaten our drinking water

Transportation Access & Equity - Work towards a strong transportation system in Wisconsin that includes accessible and well funded mass public transit, walking and biking; work to stop out-of-control highway spending; help re-prioritize the state transportation budget.

Moving Beyond Coal to Clean Energy - Advocate for clean energy and help Wisconsin move beyond coal, gas, and nuclear to cleaner energy solutions. Help close individual coal plants, promote energy efficiency and conservation and clean, renewable solar and wind energy.

Public Lands & Forests - Help protect old growth forests and increase access to public lands. Advocate for access to Wisconsin State Parks for all fourth graders in Wisconsin.

Wildlife - Fight for science-based wildlife management informed by the Tribes and public input.

Tar Sands Pipelines - Work to stop new oil pipelines in the state, protect our waterways, and connect with other pipeline fights in the region. The team is focused on stopping the new Line 5 reroute and supporting activists fighting the Line 3 pipeline in Minnesota.

Mining - Work to ensure mining proposals do not negatively impact our air, water, or climate.

ENVIRO-ED GRANT REPORT     Jenn Speckeen, a teacher at Hamilton Elementary in La Crosse, shared: "The fourth and fifth-grade students celebrated end of the school year with an exhilarating hike through the scenic trails. Thanks to a grant from the Sierra Club For funding this opportunity! Students immerse themselves in nature, bonding with their classmates and creating lasting memories before embarking on their summer break.  Most students had never been to the Hixon trails before.  Some  highlights were completing a scavenger hunt for things found in nature, seeing a deer on the trail and walking almost 10,000 steps!"

BRIGHT ACTION     What climate actions will you take in 2024? How can you make a difference? Do you know what your options are? Do you know how to take the first steps?

The City of La Crosse has partnered with Bright Action to host a Carbon Zero challenge with ideas, suggestions, and assistanc for making sustainable changes. If you live in La Crosse and would like to join our community team, please use this link: https://brightaction.app/westernwi/community-group/join/9659

If you live outside La Crosse, you can still join, learn, network, share ideas, and take action. Go to brightaction.app to sign up and get started.

THE GLOBAL TEN PERCENT     We often hear about the “global wealthy” and their responsibility for high greenhouse gas emissions. But just who are the wealthiest people on Earth? According to the 2023 Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report, an individual with at least $137,333 in net assets (income, savings, invesments, property, vehicles, etc. less debts) is in the global top ten percent, and someone with about $1.1 million in assets is in the global top one percent.

Changes made in transportation, food, energy, consumption, leisure, and investment habits  among members of this group can have big climate impacts. The U.N.’s list of Actions for a Healthy Planet is a good place to start. Time is short. Stakes are huge. Read more at www.un.org/en/actnow/ten-actions

  1. Reduce energy use. Be efficient at home.
  2. Switch to renewable energy.
  3. Walk, bike, take public transit.
  4. Use an electric vehicle.
  5. Stop or reduce flying.
  6. Reduce, reuse, repair, recycle.
  7. Eat more vegetables, fewer animals.
  8. Reduce food waste.
  9. Plant native species.
10. Produce less waste, clean the environment.
11. Make your $ count in buying and banking.
12. Speak up!

MORE JANUARY EVENTS    
1/ 6: Transportation Camp hosted by Transportation for America. t4america.org/transportation-camp

1/ 8: Film: Journey Down the Gila. Online at 6:30 p.m. tinyurl.com/WISC-0108Film

1/12-14: Snowshoe Challenge in Black River Falls. https://www.blackrivercountry.net/event/2024-winter-wonderland-snowshoe-challenge/

1/12: Science Cafe - CARPool Karaoke with Dr. Marybeth K. Brey. 6 p.m. JavaVino www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=371331382240887&set=a.191427546897939

1/13: Winter Festival at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. http://kickapoovalley.wi.gov/Events/Annual-Events/Winter-Festival/

1/15: MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY

1/17: Habitat Management and Research Projects in the Black River Falls area. 1 p.m. at the Lunda Community Center. www.blackrivercountry.net/event/lcc-hub-guest-speaker/

1/19-21: Snowshoe Challenge in Black River Falls. https://www.blackrivercountry.net/event/2024-winter-wonderland-snowshoe-challenge/
 
1/24: La Crosse Citizens Climate Lobby meeting at 6:30 p.m. Email info@lacrosseccl.org for access info.

1/30: Sierra Club Virtual Volunteer Fair 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Online. tinyurl.com/WISC-124Vol

1/31: Transportation Liberation interactive workshop on going car-free or car-light. 6:30 p.m. at the Southside Neighborhood Center in La Crosse tinyurl.com/TEDLaCrosse2024

2/ 1: Transit to Trails for All, a Sierra Club initiative. Online program featuring national and state guests. 6:30 p.m. tinyurl.com/WISC-T2T4A

December newsletter

 

COULEE REGION SIERRA CLUB

WINTER HOLIDAY POTLUCK

- - o - - o - - o - - o- - o - - o - - o - - o - -

 Sunday, December 10 from 4 to 6 p.m.

1925 Main Street, La Crosse

PLEASE RSVP so we can plan at

tinyurl.com/23CRSCWinterPotluck

 

Bring some food to share and/or a holiday dessert!

Beverages provided.

If you wish, bring your own foodware. 

Offer or seek a ride at tinyurl.com/23CRSCPotluckRide

WINTER TOGETHER     We’re lucky to have many opportunities to celebrate the winter beauty of the Coulee Region. Here are a few:

On December 2, Norskedalen will host its annual Old Fashioned Christmas. Learn how immigrants celebrated their holidays and then explore the beautiful grounds and trails. Learn more at www.norskedalen.org/

On Saturday, December 9, the Kickapoo Valley Reserve will host Al Cornell, writer & retired Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Technician, who will talk about his new book, A Year At A Beaver Pond. Learn more at http://kvr.state.wi.us/Events/Lecture-Series

In its 124th year, the Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC), December 14 to January 5, is a chance for everyone of any age or ability to appreciate and help the the amazing birds that sweeten our lives. The La Crosse/ La Crescent CBC will be held on Saturday, December 16. To participate contact Coulee Audubon member Dan Jackson at dejackson2256@gmail.com. Help is welcomed.. To learn how to participate no matter where you live, visit www.audubon.org/conservation/join-christmas-bird-count

On December 15, the La Crosse Astronomical Society will host a group Dark Skies event at Ridge History Park near Middle Ridge (weather permitting) for the Geminids meteor showers. Learn more at www.lcaas.org

 

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GRANTS DEADLINE JANUARY 5!     CRSC offers grants of up to $200 each for environmental education projects to schools or community organizations involving young people at the elementary and middle school level within the CRSC region: Crawford, Grant, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Trempealeau, and Vernon counties.

Applications may be completed online, emailed or mailed. The deadline for applications is January 5, 2024 For more information, visit sierraclub.org/wisconsin/coulee/Education or tinyurl.com/CRSC-Education.

These grants are funded by an annual grant from the Paul E. Stry Foundation, shared dues from Sierra Club memberships, and donations made by community members. To donate or learn more about the grants, email CRSierraClub@gmail.com or call 608-315-2693.

KUDOS!     Congratulations to Vernon County Energy District and Citizen Action Driftless Co-op! These Coulee Region groups shared the Good Citizen award at November’s annual Sierra Club Wisconsin Chapter Awards ceremony!

Congratulations, too, to Jessica Schoonover, Director of the Shirley M. Wright Memorial Library in Trempealeau who received the Sustainability Institute’s Individual Inspiring Sustainabilty award for 2023, and to the City of La Crosse Climate Action Plan team for receiving the Group Inspiring Sustainability Award. Nominees included CRSC board member Pat Wilson.  

CARBON-FREE CHALLENGE     The City of La Crosse has partnered with Bright Action to help community members find actions they can take to help reduce carbon emissions as part of its Climate Action Plan.

If you live in the city, please join the Coulee Region Sierra Club community at tinyurl.com/CarbonFree-LaX to join us as we transition from promoting climate action to taking climate action. Soon, the action site will have community-specific information that will help you get more information as you choose your household actions. And throughout 2024, CRSC will highlight some of the most impactful steps we can take.

You don’t have to live in La Crosse to use Bright Action. Anyone may sign up and start a team or community group. You will find plenty of ideas to motivate you and others.

In addition, the UNEP ACT NOW! SPEAK UP! campaign urges everyone to be a climate action advocate. See what you can do at  www.unep.org/interactives/things-you-can-do-climate-emergency/

* Speak up to local leaders
* Start the conversation with family, friends, and colleagues
* Push corporations and governments to follow the Paris Agreement
* Empower yourself with the latest science and SPEAK UP!
* Get more ideas at their website

MORE DECEMBER EVENTS

12/ 2: Black Ash Plaited Basket (with kits) with LIandra Skenadore.1 p.m., People’s Food Co-op, 315 Fifth Ave. S. www.driftlessfolkschool.org/classes/black-ash-plaited-basket-with-kits

12/ 5: Burn prep with MVC. Boscobel Bluffs, 9 a.m. Email genesis@mississippivalleyconservancy.org for details.
 
12/ 6: The Miller Garden & Driftless Area BioBlitz at 7 p.m. at The Nature Place, Myrick Park, La Crosse.  

12/ 9: Beginning Chip Carving at 1 p.m. at People’s Food Co-op www.driftlessfolkschool.org/classes/beginning-chip-carving-december-9-2023

12/13: Prairie work day - Mississippi Valley Conservancy.  Email genesis@mississipp7ivalleyconservancy.org.

12/15: A Journey in Tracking with Nicholas WazeeGale at 6:30 p.m. at the People’s Food Co-op www.driftlessfolkschool.org/classes/a-journey-in-tracking

12/17: Citizen Action Third CD virtual candidate forum, 6 p.m. Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/t4n7Zaa_PE-JZpoN4Sx2ZQ2

12/21: Trash pick up - Mississippi River Conservancy. Email genesis@mississippivalleyconservancy.org

CRSC BOARD ELECTIONS   If you are a member of the Coulee Region Sierra Club, you should have received an email OR a postcard about board elections, who is running, and how and when to vote. If you need information about voting, please call 608-315-2693 or email CRSierraClub@gmail.com for details.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GRANTS

 

The Coulee Region Sierra Club offers grants of up to $200 each for environmental education projects to schools or community organizations involving young people at the elementary and middle school level within the CRSC region: Crawford, Grant, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Trempealeau, and Vernon counties.

Applications may be completed online, emailed or mailed. The deadline for applications is January 5, 2024. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/CRSC-Education or sierraclub.org/wisconsin/coulee/Education

These grants are funded by an annual grant from the Paul E. Stry Foundation, shared dues from Sierra Club memberships, and donations made by community members. 

To donate or learn more about the grants, email CRSierraClub@gmail.com or call 608-315-2693.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A SIERRA CLUB MEMBER TO APPLY FOR A GRANT!

November Newsletter

 

2023 CHAPTER AWARDS NOVEMBER 1     Every year, the Sierra Club - Wisconsin Chapter recognizes wonderful volunteers and community leaders for their dedication, passion, and leadership. Join us in celebrating our award-winners during an hour-long virtual ceremony. Join us ONLINE on Wednesday, November 1 at 6 p.m. to honor our volunteers and allies. For the link to join, call 608-315-2693 or visit  https://tinyurl.com/SCWI-23Awards

NOVEMBER 14 SIERRA CLUB BOOK CLUB    In his award-winning book, Eager, environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb reveals that our modern idea of what a healthy landscape looks like and how it functions is wrong, distorted by the fur trade that once trapped out millions of beavers from North America’s lakes and rivers. The consequences of losing beavers were profound: streams eroded, wetlands dried up, and species from salmon to swans lost vital habitat. Today, a growing coalition of scientists, ranchers, and passionate citizens recognizes that ecosystems with beavers are far healthier, for humans and non-humans alike, than those without them. Eager is a powerful story about one of the world’s most influential species, how North America was colonized, how our landscapes have changed over the centuries, and how beavers can help us fight drought, flooding, wildfire, extinction, and the ravages of climate change. Join the discussion at 7 p.m., Nov. 14. Register at https://tinyurl.com/SCWIBvrBk

NOVEMBER 14 INSPIRING SUSTAINABILITY     Join the Sustainability Institute on November 14 between 6 and 8 p.m. at the La Crosse Distilling Company, 129 Vine Street, in recognizing and celebrating organizations and individuals who have inspired sustainable action within our community and beyond. Tickets are required for attendance. Ticket sales close at 8 p.m., November 9. A few donated tickets are available for students. Email email@sustaininstitute.com for details.  Buy tickets by November 9 at https://tinyurl.com/WISI23Awards  Complimentary Food is included with ticket purchase, and a cash bar is available with local beer options and cocktails for purchase. The Sustainability Institute is a non-profit founded in 2012 to celebrate and advance sus-tainability efforts within the driftless region. It sponsors the La Crosse Earth Fair and hosts other year-round programs.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GRANTS!    CRSC is offering grants of up to $200 each for environmental education projects to schools or community organizations involving young people at the elementary and middle school level within the CRSC region: Crawford, Grant, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Trempealeau, and Vernon counties. Applications may be completed online, emailed or mailed. The deadline for applications is January 5, 2024. For more information, visit sierraclub.org/wisconsin/coulee/Education or tinyurl.com/CRSC-Education. Funding for our  environ-mental grants is possible thanks to an annual grant from the Paul E. Stry Foundation, shared dues from Sierra Club member-ships, and donations made by community members. To learn more about donating to help support environmental education, email or call us.

CRSC BOARD ELECTIONS     The Coulee Region Sierra Club will hold elections for its board of directors in December. The board meets monthly to plan events, coordinate with the state Sierra Club, and network with local and regional partners and allies on Sierra Club issues.

We will elect four board members. Terms are two years and begin in January 2024. Please email CRSierraClub@gmail.com with your name, contact information, and a brief paragraph describing your experience and interests and why you would like to be on the board no later than November 15. If you don’t do email, please call 608-315-2693.

Qualifications include Sierra Club membership and past work or interest in outdoor activities and/or environ-mental issues. The board is especially interested in adding members who live outside of the La Crosse area, but any eligible candidate is welcome.

Voting will be online or by paper ballot. The December newsletter will have candidate statements, the ballot, and instructions for voting by mail or online. If you don’t get an emailed newsletter you’ll get a postcard with instructions. Voting will close on December 30.

SOLAR TOUR     Two Coulee Region group communities hosted solar tours during the October 6-8 National Solar Tour program sponsored by the American Solar Energy Society.

“The TREMPs” (Trempealeau Residential Energy Municipal Producers) hosted a self-guided tour of seven sites, including  one commercial and one community building, on Saturday, October 7. Tour maps were available online and at several community locations. This was the second year for a solar tour in Trempealeau.

In La Crosse, an open house and tour of the solar installation at Hamilton Elementary School hosted by Solar on La Crosse Schools on Friday, October 6 kicked off the weekend. Eight in-person sites, including an energy-efficient apartment complex and several homes, were listed on the wekend tour map, with several other sites, like a solar panel-topped parking ramp at  Gundersen Health and several City of La Crosse buildings, we listed as “info only” drive by opportunities.

Organizers are already making plans for a bigger, better 2024 Solar Tour. If you would like to host a tour in your community or help with an existing one, please email CRSIerraClub@gmail,com or call 608-315-2693.

CHAPTER ELECTION - VOTE NOW!      There are three open seats on the state chapter’s executive committee, and voting is going on now! To learn more and vote, look for an email from Sierra Club Wisconsin Chapter sent on Oct. 6 with subject line: Help elect your state chapter leader-ship. Our club runs on grass roots power, and your vote is very important. Vote now!

ELECTRO EXPO IN VIROQUA    The Vernon County Energy District held an “Electo Expo” on Saturday, October 21. The event is part of the groups outreach and education about energy use, efficiency, and energy self-sufficiency. More than 70 people attended the afternoon event. Session topics included EVs, heat pumps for home heating/cooling, solar and battery storage, heat pump water heaters, and IRA incentives. They also had EV test drives. The keynote speaker was Nick Hylla, Executive Director of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association.

CRSC hosted a program featuring Alan Buss, VCED Board President, in March 2023. You can view it at https://youtu.be/lDXr2DbScIs or visit their webpage at https://vced.energy for more information

EV/HYBRID INSPECTION EVENT     On November 14 at 11 a.m., a tour of Western Technical College’s Automotive Techno-logy  Center, 2721 Larson Street, La Crosse, will be part of an “electrified powertrains” inspection event. Faculty member Adam Remke will lead the tour, talk about the WTC program, and provide an explanation of the inspection process. Those who have dropped off cars for inspection will receive a debrief and summary of findings.

Earlier in the day, second year Automotive Technician students will perform a Free Digital Multipoint Inspection of select electric, plug-in hybrid, or hybrid vehicles as part of a “live work” course. They will have already completed a five-week course related to these vehicles and will work under the supervision of instructors. Concerns found during the inspection, may be repaired through the “Trade Simulation Course” that follows.

If you would like your vehicle inspected or if you would just like to attend the tour and program, visit https://tinyurl.com/111423-WTCEVEvent

MORE NOVEMBER EVENTS

11/ 1: Enviro-Wednesdays - John Sullivan on Water Quality Monitoring in the La Crosse River Marsh 7 p.m. The Nature Place, Myrick Park, La Crosse

11/3-5: Jackson In Action Fall Hike at Skyline Golf Course. https://www.blackrivercountry.net/event/jackson-in-action-2023-fall-hike-series-3/

11/4 & 11: Jackson In Action Fall Hiker Fitness. Register for details. https://www.jacksoninaction.org/hikerfitness

11/ 4: Friends of the Blufflands work day from noon to 4 pm at Holland Sand Prairie near Holmen. For details see facebook.com/friendsoftheblufflands

11/ 6: The Lasting Trauma of Indian Policies in the United States on Indigenous Students. 11 am UWL Student Union. https://www.uwlax.edu/events/?e=29287

11/10: Mississippi Valley Conservancy Fall Fundraiser from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Raddison, La Crosse. https://www.mississippivalleyconservancy.org/events/2023-fall-fundraiser

11/10: Science Cafe - Bird Nets & Blow Guns - Tales of Avian Research from the Bornean Jungles. 6 pm at JavaVino in La Crosse. https://facebook.com/events/328738293075371

11/12: Ridge Stories with Gary Jones at 1 p.m. Platteville Public Library. https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Event/EV9014

11/15: Coulee Audubon meeting at The Nature Place in Myrick Park, La Crosse. 7 p.m.

11/16: In the Life of Western Monarchs - A Community Science Approach at noon central time. Online. https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TfoDvPeGQemJLEr34Ce5hg#/

11/18: Driftless Dialog - Protecting Our Night Skies from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. http://kvr.state.wi.us/Events/Calendar

11/28: Full Moon Walk at 6 p.m. at The Nature Place, Myrick Park, La Crosse. natureplacelacrosse.org/calendar/november-full-moon-walk

World Owl Conference

 

WHERE THE CITY AND NATURE MEET.

The Driftless Area was spared by the most recent glaciers and as a result is characterized by steep forested hillsides, deep river valleys, and karst topography. Local habitats include eastern deciduous forest, marshes, and dry bluff prairies.

Denver Holt is the founder and president of the Owl Research Institute and Ninepipes Wildlife Research Center, a non-profit organization in Charlo, Montana dedicated to long-term field research. He has been studying owls for over 40 years, including 29 years working with Snowy Owls and 33 years with Long-eared Owls, among the many species he has investigated over the decades. He has published over 100 papers and technical documents about owls, including four species accounts for Birds of North America and served as the team leader for the Strigidae species accounts for The Handbook of the Birds of the World.

Denver’s keynote presentation will not focus on the sexy Snowy Owl, but rather the lesser understood Long-eared Owl. He and his team have found over 250 nests and banded over 2,000 individuals over the decades. This has allowed him to look at composition of winter roosts, mating systems, stress hormones, plumage differences between the sexes, and to document their declining numbers.

More information and registration here: https://www.worldowlconference.com/

October 6-8 Solar La Crosse Tour!

SOLAR LA CROSSE TOUR

 

This year, for the first time, the City of

La Crosse will participate in the

National Solar Tour!

Friday, 10/6 - Special Solar School Tour!

Saturday, 10/7: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and

 Sunday, 10/8: 1 to 4 p.m.

On-your-own tour of solar sites in La Crosse

Have you been considering solar but would like to learn more about the process? Are you unsure about how to get started or how to find installers?

This on-your-own tour of solar installations in La Crosse will help you get answers to your questions and talk to those who have already taken the step!

Friday, October 6 from 3 to 4 p.m.: Tour the solar installation at Hamilton

Elementary School, 1111 7th Street South and learn more about SOLS (Solar on La Crosse Schools).

There will be information about the project, speakers, treats, activities, and information about how we can support SOLS in its efforts to get solar sooner on district schools.

A tour of the installation will begin at 3:15 p.m. after introductory remarks by speakers, including Dr. Aaron Engel, Superintendent of the La Crosse School District. Learn more about Solar on La Crosse Schools here.

On Saturday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8, check out tour sites on your own.

Thank you for participating!
See you at next year's tour!

🌞 🌞 🌞 🌞 🌞 🌞

RESOURCES

View the National Solar Tour Brochure here. 

The City of La Crosse has several resources for those considering solar installations. Visit the Getting Started With Solar page for information, resources, links, and more. Its Climate Action Plan includes several ideas for what individuals, businesses, and non-profits can do to help the city realize its goal of reducing net carbon emissions to zero by 2050.

The Sierra Club's Ready for 100 program and Clean Energy Toolkit helped hundreds of U.S. communities, including the City and County of La Crosse, take solar action. The Wisconsin chapter's Clean and Renewable Energy work provides pathways for individuals to join together and push for more, faster, and more accessible renewable energy. It's Solar website offers stories and links for anyone interested in solar power.

The American Solar Energy Society offers webinars, resources, and iitiatives to help everyone learn about and go solar. Its new Tiny Watts program focuses on the phone charges, lights, and other small but powerful devices that can use solar right now. It's Solar Energy Workbook is a resource for "anyone from 8 to 80 to learn about solar and other renewables."

This U.S. government website (https://betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov/renewables/financing) has information and resources covering solar project financing for everyone from homeowners and landlords to business owners and governments. 

CO-SPONSORS

Coulee Region Sierra Club The Sierra Club is the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States. We amplify the power of our millions of members and supporters to defend everyone’s right to a healthy world.The Coulee Region Group is part of the Wisconsin Chapter of the Sierra Club. Our members come from eight western Wisconsin counties: Crawford, Grant, Jackson, La Crosse, Richland, Trempealeau, and Vernon. Please join us!

 

Climate Alliance for the Common Good Climate Alliance for the Common Good wants to help people learn about climate change and what we can do to address it. Empowered people have hope. We have the technology we need to win the fight against climate change.  We need to work together to create the political and social will to act as a community and through individual actions.

 

La Crosse Climate Action Plan The City of La Crosse Council passed a resolution in July 2019, pledging to reduce the city's community wide carbon emissions to zero by 2050. In 2022, the City engaged paleBLUEdot LLC to guide a year-long effort by a team of nearly 50 community members to create its first Climate Action Plan. The plan provides goals and actions steps to help the city reduce carbon emissions by 50 percent (from 2019 levels) by the year 2030. In January 2023, the plan was adopted by the City Council and is now being implemented.

Solar on La Crosse Schools (SOLS), is a grassroots group of students, families, teachers, and community members educating, advocating, and fundraising to make solar energy a reality sooner for the School District of La Crosse. The group is 100% volunteer-powered and all funds raised go, through the La Crosse Public Education Foundation, to putting clean energy on schools. 

Ethos Green Power Co-op   Ethos was founded as a single owner LLC in 2013, by our Visionary, Alicia Leinberger. From the beginning, her vision for success and sustainability had always been to one day transition Ethos to a worker-owned coop. In 2020 we accomplished that vision and re-incorporated as Ethos Green Power Cooperative. This means, when you hire us for your project, you've hired a team of invested owners, each with unique expertise and perspective. We believe this diverse structure creates a strong foundation from which we create value for you, and ultimately achieve our Core Focus.

October 1 ASK ME ABOUT MY EV

On Sunday, October 1, La Crosse area electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts will host an event to allow community members to get their questions answered about what driving and owning an electric vehicle is really like at the ASK ME ABOUT MY EV event from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the La Crosse City Hall Parking Lot, 400 La Crosse Street, La Crosse. The event is part of the 13th annual National Drive Electric Week (NDEW).

National Drive Electric Week, a coast-to-coast celebration of electric vehicles (EVs), will be held Sept. 22 through Oct. 1, 2023, and is expected to include more than 200 online and in-person events.

There are now more than three million EVs on the road in the United States, and a recent survey from Cox Automotive found consumers considering purchasing an EV for their next vehicle is at an all-time high. The increased interest in EVs makes NDEW events important to educating the public about the incredible benefits of owning an EV, from cost-savings on maintenance and fuel to improved air quality, convenience and performance.

The La Crosse event will include electric car and bike owners plus information about EVs, charging, tax credits, and more. This is expected to be the first of a series of fall “pop-up” EV outreach and information events in the La Crosse area. EV outreach and education is one of the City's climate action plan goals as it works to reduce community-wide carbon emissions.

Owners of plug-in electric cars and e-bikes, as well as those who are considering making the switch to electric vehicles (car or bike) or who just want to learn more, are welcome to sign up to show and talk about their vehicles. Participants and visitors may sign up at tinyurl.com/Fall23LaxEV or by calling or texting 608-315-2693.

https://www.facebook.com/events/994259485190262

Oktoberfest ends on September 30 this year.