Outings

The Sierra Club was formed by John Muir, and others of similar passion, to take people outdoors, “up into the mountains, to hear their good tidings.”  The best way to get people involved in the never ending job of protecting our wild places is still to get them outdoors - to see, smell, taste, sense, and feel nature - mild and harsh - all of it.  Only by truly feeling for the land can we fully appreciate it.

The diversity of the outings program includes easy hikes in local parks, hiking, canoeing, backpacking, cross-country skiing, camping, wildflower stalking, birding, wilderness trips, and more. The programs are designed to attract everyone to at least one activity each year.

For a listing of current outings, see below.

Click here for a printable PDF version of our May 08 - August 08 outings.
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NOTE: All participants in Sierra Club outings are required to sign a standard liability waiver. It is recommended that you read the liability waiver before participating in an outing. 

Current Outings
(Use the links on the right to jump to a specific month)

Note: for future updates to this schedule, check back here, at:
www.michigan.sierraclub.org/semg/SEMG - OUT.htm

May, 2008
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5/17 (Sat.) Potawatomi Trail Hike. 9:30. We return to these historic trails for a great spring hike. A 10-mile hike at a quick/moderate pace. These are beautiful hilly trails, winding around and over several lakes on our route. Wear sturdy boots, bring a trail lunch and drink for halfway point, and good humor. Meet in Livonia between the (former) Wal Mart and Jiffy Lube (near Jeffries) on the southwest corner of Middlebelt and I-96.
Cindy Gunnip, 248-336-2984.

5/17-18 Hoist Lakes Foot Travel Area Weekend Backpack. Email John for details. We will hike 13 miles total on rolling terrain through the area's hardwood forests. Spring wildflowers and a fresh leaf canopy will greet us in this true wilderness area.
Details: John Herrgott, aka_hiker@yahoo.com. 5/24-25 Day Hiking and Overnight Camping Trip - Oscoda Area. Email John for details. Highbanks Trail hike in the afternoon and Tuttle Marsh in the evening on the first day. Hike Corsair Trails the second day and a stop at Tawas State Park for a dune walk on the way home. Possible 20 miles of excellent scenic hiking, overnight camp-out, and a beautiful area, too.
Details: John Herrgott, aka_hiker@yahoo.com.

5/31 (Sat) [E] Troy Wetland and Lakeplain Prairie Exploration. 1pm. Learn about proposed development near a well-established heron rookery in northeast Troy. We will observe great blue herons in the threatened area, then walk about _ mile on sidewalks to a rare lakeplain prairie remnant owned by Troy School District. Formerly slated for development, a 1998 environmental assessment revealed existence of this prairie right in the middle of suburbia! This rare environment was preserved by the efforts of local residents, with only a small segment of the total property being used for a golf course to the north. We will enter this urban oasis and explore the prairie and adjacent woodland at an easy pace on an ungroomed trail (less than a mile), looking for evidence of its inhabitants. Bring insect repellant, and binoculars and field guides (if you have them). Wear shoes suitable for walking on unpaved trails. Meet 1pm in Troy behind the LaSalle Bank on 14 Mile Rd. just east of I-75 (south edge of Oakland Mall). Optional restaurant stop after.
Naturalist: Mary Bogush. Trip coordinator: Joanne Cantoni, 248-932-5370, joannecantoni@netzero.net. Call coordinator if weather is questionable. RAIN DATE: 6/1, same time, same place.

June, 2008

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6/8 (Sun) [E] Canoe the Lower Huron. 8:45am. Let’s get an early start so we get a look at all the wildlife awakening as we drift down this stretch of the river - west of Ann Arbor. The livery will bus us upriver to Hudson Mills Metropark; then a 4-hour moderate paddle down to Delhi Metropark. We stop halfway for our picnic lunch. Some canoe experience required, (instructions provided).
Reservations of $21, your address and phone number must be sent to Phil Crookshank, 33802 Fountain Blvd. Westland, MI. 48185 by 5/29. Bring a river lunch, dry clothes, a smile and meet in Livonia between the (former) Wal Mart and Jiffy Lube (near Jeffries) on the southwest corner of Middlebelt and I-96. Phil Crookshank, 248-797-2885.

6/14 (Sat) Outings Leader Training, 5pm. This is the required OLT 101 training required by National. We will have a fast paced face to face training locally by our own staff, using materials provided. Handbooks will be provided to all participants; bring a lunch, we will start at 5pm, break about 6:30 for supper, and continue till 8:30pm. (Meeting is in Commerce township, call Phil for directions.) Phil Crookshank, 248-797-2885.

6/29 [E] Matthaei Botanical Gardens Tour. 10am. Approx. 5 mile walk; seeing the rich diversity of natural areas, display gardens and plant collections showing world flora. We will see breathtaking displays in the Garden of New World plants; track the course of the sun moving over the uneven terrain of the Rock Garden, the elegance of the European Garden in the herb garden and prairie plants, perennial garden and peony garden. We will explore the multiple habitats of the wetland and nature trails. Bring your smiling face, hiking shoes and water and meet in Livonia between the (former) Wal Mart and Jiffy Lube (near Jeffries) on the southwest corner of Middlebelt and I-96. Restaurant stop after. Ewa Roszczenko, 734-756-5362 or ewarosz@yahoo.com.

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July, 2008
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7/5 (Sat) Outings Scheduling Meeting. 5:30pm. Meet at Mary Stoolmiller’s in Troy. Ewa Roszczenko, 734-756-5362 or ewarosz@yahoo.com.

7/6 Brighton Rec. Area Hike. Noon. Enjoy a moderate to brisk 5-mile hike in hilly, wooded terrain, with the option of adding 2 more miles. Call if weather is questionable. Meet in Southfield at Tel-12 Mall, S.E. corner of Telegraph and 12 Mile Rd. Park facing Telegraph, S. of the Marathon station. Optional restaurant stop after. Jo Ellen, 586-431-3104.

7/12 (Sat.) Morning Hike at Maybury. 9am. Enjoy a moderately paced 3 mile hike through some of the less traveled trails in this lovely rolling park, site of the former TB Sanitarium and the rebirth of the living farm. We may get lucky and see bluebirds at one of the many monitored nest boxes in the area, or just enjoy the abundant wildflowers in the fields and woods. Meet at the Concession building at the south end of the first parking lot off the main entrance on Eight Mile Rd. 1.5 miles east of Beck Rd. Trip goes rain or shine. Entrance fee to state park. Restaurant & ice cream stop after the hike. Tom Griebe 248-349-8782.

7/11-14 N. Manitou Island Backpack Adventure. Over four days we will hike pleasant trails and enjoy beautiful vistas on this 21 mile backpack. Many historic sites will be visited, with camping near the inland Lake Manitou, and shoreline of Lake Michigan. Plenty of time to relax, swim or explore. Excellent birding, multi-habitat, historical venue. John Herrgott, 248-766-9575, or aka_hiker@yahoo.com, for details.

7/20 Holly Sweat, Swim and Picnic. 11am. Enjoy a 3-mile, moderately paced hike then jump into the lake we just walked around! Wooded, rolling terrain. Bring a brown bag lunch and something to share for the picnic. Meet in Bloomfield Hills behind the CVS pharmacy on the S.E. corner of Woodward & Square Lake Rd. (northeast end of lot). Cindy, 248-336-2984.

7/26 (Sat) Heritage Park Hike and Picnic. 9:30am. Let’s walk the trails of this Farmington Hills park early so we can spot the birds and summer wildflowers as they wake up. About a 4 mile hike through the forests, meadows and rivers edge, looping back to the nature center. Bring your lunch and beverage for a picnic after the hike and meet in Farmington Hills Heritage Park in the visitor center lot. Turn west off of Farmington Rd. (between 10 and 11 Mile) and left at 1st road. Look for Sierra signs. Phil, 248-797-2885.

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August, 2008
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8/3 Addison Oaks Park Hike. Noon. Join us on a 4-5 mile, moderately paced hike in this scenic county park in northeast Oakland County. Park has two lakes; spring fed ponds, woods, and varied terrain. Meet in Rochester Hills on the west edge of the Meijer’s (Rochester Road and Auburn – just north of M-59) parking lot at the north end. Optional restaurant stop after. Park entrance fee; non-resident premium. Sudha, 248-219-3326-C.

8/9 - 8/17 Isle Royale Backpack Adventure. We will make a 40-mile traverse in 6 days on this wilderness island using the Greenstone Ridge Trail. Challenging hiking, for the experienced backpacker. Animal sightings are some of the best in the state, as are the grand vistas from the ridge top trail. Trip limit 6 people. John Herrgott, 248-766-9575, aka_hiker@yahoo.com for details.

8/10 [E] Greenmeade Historic Park. 1pm. We will ramble the short trails of this park, and then visit the numerous historic buildings in this little known museum village in Livonia. Guides are available to explain the history and architecture of the village. Bring a picnic lunch for after our tour. Meet in the parking lot of Greenmeade – on Newburg Rd just south of Eight Mile Rd. on the west side. Entrance fee - $4. Look for our leader: Liz Allingham, 313-583-0151.

8/17 [E] Lake Erie Metropark Lotus Hike. 9am. The American Lotus has made a remarkable comeback in the bays of this Metropark. We will start our 5-mile hike on the shores of Lake Erie, going at a moderate pace, and tour the wetlands and bays that hold a treasure trove of wildflowers – especially the lotus in bloom. Then we turn inland to hike the nature trails, visit the nature center, and return to the water near the boat launch. Bring a picnic lunch, drink and cameras. Meet behind the Dearborn Centennial Library, south side of Michigan Ave. just east of Southfield Fwy. Meet at west end of parking lot. Joanne, 248-932-5370; Phil 248-797-2885.

8/24 Hike the Hickory Hills Trails. 9:30am. Waterloo R.A. is the largest state park in the lower peninsula. This trail starts at the Gerald Eddy Discovery Center and passes through an oak – hickory forest. We will hike at a moderate pace for 5-6 miles with the possibility of extending the hike 1-2 miles. So – lace up your hiking boots, for and given pathway will point us to pure Michigan nature. Bring water and a smile, restaurant stop after. Meet in Livonia between the (former) Wal Mart and Jiffy Lube (near Jeffries) on the southwest corner of Middlebelt and I-96. Ewa Roszczenko, 734-756-5362 or ewarosz@yahoo.com.

8/30 (Sat.) Proud Lake Hike. 11am. Hike about 5 miles at a moderate to brisk pace in this level, wooded park along the Huron River. Bring water & boots; hike goes rain or shine. Interesting bogs and river views as summer ebbs. Optional restaurant stop after. From I-96 exit 159, follow Wixom Rd. N. 7 miles; use parking lot beyond ranger station. Tom Griebe, 248-349-8782.

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September, 2008
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9/20 [E] Wolcott Mill Hike and Quilts. 11am. No – they don’t necessarily go together. But today we will hike about 5 miles of the nature trails of this Metropark, then go to the mill building for a display of the original and antique quilts on display. Learn the meanings of the various patterns from the docents. Meet in Sterling Heights at Metro-Pkway (16 Mile Rd) and Van Dyke, (south east corner) in the SMART parking lot between the banks. Restaurant stop after. JoEllen, 586-431-3104.

9/20-21 Manistee River Trail Backpack. (ask). This will be a 20 mile loop of pure hiking and camping enjoyment. We will hike up and down the riverside trail, seeing whitetail deer, great blue herons, spectacular views of the river valleys and waterfalls. Also – two unique bridges: an arched timber bridge and a suspension bridge – a must see that links the MRT with the NCT. This loop is a backpackers paradise! More details?. Ewa Roszczenko, 734-756-5362 ewarosz@yahoo.com, or John Herrgott, 248-766-9575, aka_hiker@yahoo.com for details..

9/27 (Sat) Maybury State Park Hike. 11am. Let’s enjoy the rolling hills, mature beech and oak tree woodlands and the historic TB sanatorium sites as we hike 3-4 miles at a moderate pace. Rain or shine, dress accordingly. Entrance fee. Meet at the park concession bldg, Eight Mile Rd. entrance, 1.5 miles west of Beck Rd. (and Northville); 5 miles west of I-275. Restaurant stop after. Tom Griebe, 248-349-8782.

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October, 2008
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10/05 Crooked Lake Hike. 9:30am. Let’s enjoy the Crooked Lake trail in this paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in Waterloo - Pinckney Rec. Area. We will hike only about 5 miles of the 36 mile trail, going at a moderate pace up and down the hills of the forest and enjoying the views of the lakes we pass. We might extend our hike up to 1-3 miles on the Losee Lake Trail – depending on interest. Wear good hiking boots, bring water, trail snacks and as always a smile. Meet in Livonia between the (former) Wal Mart and Jiffy Lube (near Jeffries) on the southwest corner of Middlebelt and I-96. Restaurant stop after. Ewa Roszczenko, 734-756-5362 or ewarosz@yahoo.com.

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