Platte Valley Sierra Club Group will be partnering again this year with Western Nebraska Resources Council to host a June service outing. The outing this year will be held June 12th-14th. We will be staying at Smith Falls State Park campgrounds. Our objective will be to enhance the rare aspen stands chances of survival, by eliminating deadly invasive competition (cedars etc.). Our agenda includes a canoe trip on Sunday in the Niobrara River [free for volunteers].

Since this is a group of volunteers, no camp passes are needed. You will need a 2009 State Park Permit for your car. This June outing has always been a delightful outing and an eye opener for folks who have never been to the area. For the non-chain saw users, please bring loppers or bow saws. As last year, the food will be provided. Volunteers are coming from as far as Idaho to not miss this outdoor eating experience. Some necessary items to bring are - hat, gloves, sleeping bag, long sleeve shirt and pants, insect repellant, enthusiasm, sun lotion and chain saw/loppers/or bow saw. Some optional items you may want to bring are folding chair, swim suit, sunglasses, binoculars and camera. Tents, boots and rain gear may make the venture more comfortable. Folks under 19 may only use chain saws w ith their parents present.

Those that arrive Thursday evening, or early Friday, will have a chance to assist with DNA sample collection of the aspens. An aspen community, in Nebraska, nurtures/compliments a larger diversity of fauna and flora than any other plant community within the state. It will be possible for most of you to add new butterfly, bird, or insect species to your checklists. The results of this outing will compliment the target goals of our Nebraska Natural Heritage Project. We will be on the alert for sensitive and rare fauna and flora, so bring your camera.

This outing qualifies towards community service hours, if needed, for students.

Please contact me for car pooling and for more information.

The Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is an important bird resting area along the Mississippi Valley Flyway. There is a large body of water, similar to Iowa's DeSoto NWR, with a ten mile paved road all the way around it. The ride is flat and we will be able to stop at short trails leading down to the water's edge to have a look at wildlife, so bring your binoculars. Please see the above links for historical information and park maps. Optional extra hiking after main ride to an observation tower; let me know at time of RSVP if interested and bring a lunch. There is no entrance fee to the NWR, but a Sierra Club Outing fee of $1.00 per person is paid to hike leader.

What to Bring:

• Dress for the current weather and possible weather changes that day
• Wear layered clothing and bring a wind shell and rain gear.
• Tennis and street shoes will be fine.
• Bring at least two liters of water, snacks/Lunch. Sun protection is a must-hat, sunscreen lotion, sun glasses, etc.
• A repair kit with the ability to fix a flat tire is recommended.

Getting There:

• Address: 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA
• From I-29 North: Take EXIT 61A toward CRESENT - Turn RIGHT onto OLD MORMON BRIDGE RD/CR-G37 E.
• From 1-680 North: We will take I-29 South through Iowa to Missouri, getting off in St. Jo and following the signs west towards the river.

If you plan on going please RSVP with first and last name, phone number, and email so you can be called in case of cancellation to:

Bob Goetschkes, MVG Outings Chair
bobbygoetschkes@hotmail.com
day: 402-326-1775 (must dial 402)
home:402-614-4788