Central Iowa Sierra Group hopes to see you at these upcoming events!

 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21: Public Program, 7 p.m.

Grace United Methodist Church, 37th and Cottage Grove

Natural Resource and Outdoor Recreation Campaign

Speaker:  Marian Gelb of Iowa Environmental Council

Iowans will have an opportunity in November 2010 to vote in support of a constitutional amendment establishing a trust fund to preserve Iowa’s natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities.  This trust fund revenue will aid in conservation of Iowa's soils and improve water quality and natural areas in Iowa, including parks, trails, and fish and wildlife habitat.   Funding for conservation programs and outdoor recreational opportunities is currently subject to a fluctuating state budget.   The Trust Fund would provide a permanent and protected source of funding for Iowa’s natural resources, in addition to annual state budget allocations.  A broad range of programs would be enhanced by the Trust Fund, including REAP (Resource Enhancement and Protection program), local conservation programs, watershed protection, lakes restoration, trails, natural resources management and agriculture and land stewardship.  Marian Gelb, Director of Iowa Environmental Council will be giving the presentation.  Come and learn more about this exciting opportunity to invest in our natural resources!  Central Iowa Sierra public programs are held 7-9 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 37th & Cottage Grove, just north of I-235 in Des Moines.  Contact Jane at 223-5047 or [log in to unmask] for more information. 

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

International Day of Climate Action

Scientists say that 350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere is the safe limit for humanity.

Learn more about 350 at: http://www.350.org/desmoines

 

On October 24th, millions of people from across the United States and the globe will participate in an international day of climate action . In Des Moines, a "Climate Carnival" will be taking place at the John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center where kids and grownups are invited to have fun while learning about the importance of 350. The Carnival will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Activities include: 350 Limbo, 350 Beanbag Toss, Coal Plant Knock Down, Polar Bear Mask Coloring, Call Your Senator Phone Booth, Wheel of Warming, "The Lorax" cartoon, excerpts from the National Geographic documentary "Six Degrees Could Change the World," and presentations from local climate activists.  Bonus features include: vegan food, belly dancers, a juggler, a walking/talking snowman (costume), a walking/talking pelican (costume). And don't Forget: add your handprint to help complete the 12 foot Earth before you sign a postcard to your senator.   On Saturday, October 24, take a break from your regular activities and join other like-minded climate activists in your community.  Location Information: John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center, 1200 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa

 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28: REAP Meeting, 7 p.m.

The Regional Resources Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Assembly Meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 28th at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Des Moines Izaak Walton building located at 4343 George Flagg Pkwy. Your local legislators are slated to be there, and this is your chance to let your voice be heard for REAP.  Please attend and learn more about REAP.

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7:  WATER UNDER SIEGE

Saturday, November 7th   FREE. 9:30 a.m. to Evening

A one-day film festival that delves beneath the surface to present full length films, documentaries and short subjects about the water around us, the way it impacts our health and our planet's health.  Hear from experts about Iowa waterways, legislation affecting our water quality, and ways you can get involved in protecting our water.  Learn about issues of privatization, access, and water infrastructure.  Co-sponsored by Women's International League for Peace & Freedom's Water Course, Central Iowa Sierra Club, Eagle View Sierra Club,  Iowa Environmental Council Iowa, Citizens for Community Improvement and others...  

WATER UNDER SIEGE begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Des Moines Central Libary until 4:30 p.m. when the festival moves to the nearby Pappajohn Center.  *Please see the agenda below or contact Jane at [log in to unmask] or 515-223-5047 for details.

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14: Alaska Activist Training

9:15 - 2:00 pm (Lunch will be provided but RSVP required)

Des Moines Central Library, 1000 Grand Avenue

Alaska Wilderness League invites you to Activist Media Training in Des Moines IA. This training is designed to bring individuals together from the Upper Midwest region and will be focused on using the media to further our message. There will also be a briefing for updates on the current legislative issues affecting wild Alaska, including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the Tongass National Forest, and Teshekpuk Lake among others, in light of the new administration.   The training is free and open to those who are interested in learning more about the issues facing Alaska or seeking to improve their grassroots skills. All levels of activists are welcome! Please RSVP to Lois@alaskawild.org with the names of any attendees by November 6 as we need a final count for lunch.

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14: Alaska Wilderness

Voice from the North, 2:30 - 4:00 pm

Des Moines Central Library 1000 Grand Avenue

Voice from the North is a documentary film about the Gwich’in Nation of Northeast Alaska and Northwest Canada and its reliance on the Porcupine caribou herd to meet the nutritional, cultural and spiritual needs of the people. In 1988, the increasing threat of proposed oil and gas development on the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge led elders to call upon the chiefs, which led to the establishment of the Gwich’in Steering Committee to speak with one voice in opposition to oil and gas development in the birthplace and nursery grounds of the Porcupine Caribou Herd. The film captures the spectacular scenery of the Brooks Range and the Coastal Plain, the caribou migration, with pictures and voices of the Gwich’in people. Lois Norrgard, Upper Midwest Field Staff for the Alaska Wilderness League, will follow the film with a short presentation about new drilling threats in the Arctic and lead a discussion about the film and where we are today with America's Arctic Refuge.  Thanks for keeping Alaska wild.

 

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7:  WATER UNDER SIEGE SCHEDULE

FREE. 9:30 a.m. to Evening

 
9:30am               Liquid Assets  (90 min.)  Cities and water infrastructure issues.
                        Introduced by Des Moines Water Works.  Followed by Q&A.
                        DES MOINES CENTRAL LIBRARY
 
11am                        Information Break…  
 
11:15am             Trilogy: Building a Culture of Conservation Iowan to Iowan:
Water Is Life, We All Have A Place In The Watershed, Reclaiming Stewardship  (25 min.)
Introduced by Central Iowa Group Sierra Club.
Q&A to follow guided by Video Producer Jacqueline Comito of Iowa Learning Farm at ISU. 
 CENTRAL LIBRARY 
 
11:45-12:15            Lunch Break  -  
 
12:15pm            Poisoned Waters (120 min.) A Frontline Special
                        Introduced by Iowa Environmental Council.  Followed by Q&A with
IEC Water Policy Expert Susan Heathecote speaking about
legislative initiatives ahead concerning Iowa’s Impaired Waters.
CENTRAL LIBRARY
 
2:30pm            The Meatrix (30 min.) An animated look at how factory farms affect
                        the water quality in states like Iowa.  Introduced by Iowa Citizens for
                        Community Improvement with Q&A following the film about local
factory farm issues and upcoming Rally Days.  CENTRAL LIBRARY
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3:00pm            Addicted To Plastic (90 min.) Consequences of our plastic use as
shown in 12 different countries, along with some surprising solutions. 
Introduced by Metro Waste Authority.  CENTRAL LIBRARY
 
4:30pm            Break … Information Distribution… and Instructions for Reconvening
                        at 5pm at The PAPPAJOHN CENTER at 1300 Locust St. for the next
                         film. 
 
4:45pm            The Story of Stuff (20 min) and/or Virtual Gallery of Chris Jordan’s
                         arresting photography that proclaims the incredible impact of simple
             life choices.  Room 208 at The PAPPAJOHN CENTER, introduced by
Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom. 
 
Cash bar for wine and soda/pop while people get resettled in the new location.
 
5:15pm            Call to order -- MARCHING ORDERS FOR WATER FOOTSOLDIERS - Strategies Going Forward: A Realistic Plan for Protecting Iowa Waterways – Dialogue with light refreshments.  Room 208 The PAPPAJOHN CENTER at 1300 Locust St.  Cash bar for wine/soda.  Warm Buffet FREE. 
 
7pm            Lobbying Workshop with Video & Role Playing Exercise  – Room 208
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