Author Archives: lakelady72

On Sunday, November 6, 2022, the InterReligious Task Force on Central America & Colombia (IRTF) will hold a special online gathering, co-sponsored by NEO Sierra Club, to mark the 42nd anniversary of the ultimate sacrifice made by two Cleveland women in El Salvador (Jean Donovan and Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel), along with Maryknoll Sisters Ita Ford and Maura Clarke. The four women paid with their lives for their decision to stay in solidarity with poor, marginalized victims of the US-sponsored armed violence, which eventually claimed the lives of 75,000 Salvadorans and the led to the mass exodus of 1 million refugees.

The November 6 event will focus on current developments in El Salvador and feature guest speakers, including a human rights lawyer and representatives from different El Salvadoran communities. This is an opportunity to learn not only about El Salvador but also about the social justice movement in Cleveland and how it relates to environmental issues.

For more information about the event and to order tickets, please go to http://commemoration2022.eventbrite.com.

On September 28, 2022, NEO Sierra Club co-sponsored a screening of the documentary film, The Erie Situation, at John Carroll University. The film deals with toxic algal blooms in Lake Erie, highlighting both causes and consequences of the blooms. The screening was attended by over 80 persons and was followed by a panel discussion. A recording of the panel discussion can be found on YouTube here, or watch below:

We encourage everyone to view the recording and see the film if you have not already done so. All of us need to understand how industrial agriculture is causing the algal blooms and threatening the health of everyone living near the lake.

RETURNING to CLE for ONE NIGHT ONLY – The Erie Situation – A film about the toxic mix of big agriculture, politics, and water security rights.

WED., 9-28-22 – 7PM at John Carroll University’s Dolan Science Center/Donahue Auditorium

FREE TO THE PUBLIC

For updates and reminders, register here: http://bit.ly/3zY1kdO

To learn more about the film and Lake Erie’s algal blooms, click here https://www.theeriesituation.com/

Sponsored by: Northeast Ohio Sierra Club & JCU Department of Sociology

Download the flyer here.

The next meeting of the NEO Sierra Group’s Rainforest Committee will be held on July 28, 2022 at 7 PM via Zoom.  Travis Vineyard of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will be discussing the Zoo’s efforts to protect Andean bears both at the Zoo and in their natural, South  America habitat.  Please register below for this  presentation and join  us for a unique insight into one of the Andes’ iconic species.

Register here: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7013q000002JXYpAAO

Lecture: “Native Trees and Plants for the Urban Landscape” by Garrett Ormiston
When: Saturday, June 25 from 11 am – 12 pm with discussion to follow
Where: Berea Public Library, Large Meeting Room

The urban environment poses a unique set of challenges for plants including pollution, salt run-off, poor soils, and invasive species. Join us as we learn about the many native plants that are well-suited to face these urban challenges, and how you can incorporate them into your own projects.

Garrett Ormiston is the GIS Specialist and Manager of Preserve Operations in the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Natural Areas Division. He oversees the Museum’s land conservation work, provides coordination and support for the Museum’s stewardship and invasive species management efforts, and assists with conservation education initiatives including promoting the use of native plants for landscaping and restoration projects.

A park cleanup of the Huntington Reservation and beach in celebration of Earth Day. The weather was sunny and 80 degrees with a nice breeze at the shore. The park was busy and everyone was in great spirits.

Organized by Northeast Ohio Sierra Club in partnership with Lake Erie Nature and Science Center, BayArts, and Bay Village Green Team. Hosted by Cleveland Metroparks at Huntington Reservation, and Lake Erie Nature and Science Center. Coffee and treats were donated by Mojo Coffee and More.

I thought the event went very well. It was the first cleanup Sierra Club has organized in Northeast Ohio since about 2018, and the first largely organized by volunteers since our Edgewater “Trash and Pancakes” events more than a decade ago. I must give special credit to Emily Obringer who handled the paper work, publication, and online registration. Also a special thanks to Chad Heck for his extra efforts to help us with our remote support table at the beach parking lot as well as our registration located at the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center.

We registered 103 people on our campfire event page and an additional 12 at the event. The total attendance was 85 people including our event volunteers. There were 10 attendees helping with event organizing by working at registration, supplies, collecting and tallying bags, and directing participants. We collected 60 bags or buckets of trash and one tire.

I had many positive comments and everyone I spoke with were smiling. The common complaint was that there was not much trash to pick up. I am sure this is music to Chad’s ears. Certainly, Chad deserves high praise for the great job he and his staff is doing at making this park a great experience for all. I know some people put in extra effort to find trash in hillsides and vegetation. I also heard that it was a rewarding experience when park visitors thanked them for their efforts. A group of teens even brought a tire they found on the beach all the way to the registration site with great pride and enthusiasm (pictured). Thanks to Solon High School for your participation.

If there is a better way to celebrate Earth Day I can’t imagine what it would be!

Steve McPhee
NEO Sierra Club

Join Sierra Club Northeast Group at an Earth Day Clean Up on Sunday, April 24th from 10am -12:30pm! We will be cleaning up Huntington Beach and the trails surrounding the waterfront. Please dress appropriately, dress in layers and prepare for inclement weather, wear toe-covering boots/shoes, and/or items you don’t mind getting dirty. Gloves will be provided, but please bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Water and snacks will be provided as well. This event is put on in partnership with Bay Village Green Team, BAYarts, and Lake Erie Nature & Science Center.

Signup Instructions: Sign up here, and also, please fill out this online waiver prior to the clean up for all participants 18 and older. Here is the waiver for those younger than 18 (please have your parent or guardian fill this out).

Bring: Reusable water bottle. Closed-toe shoes. Dress in layers.

Additional Directions: Directions to specific meeting location and online waiver will be sent out prior to event. Please check your email prior to event.