
What we’re about
MDOH
Do you like being outdoors and active? Give us a try. We are outside four seasons of the year with lots of hiking, some canoeing, camping and x-c skiing.
This Meetup is a project of the local Sierra Club Group--Southeast Michigan Group (SEMG), a part of the Michigan Chapter of National Sierra Club, one of the oldest environmental activist organizations in the US. The project is designed to give metro-Detroiters outdoor experiences with the hope that they will be motivated to be more concerned about our natural environment and perhaps decide to join Sierra Club.
At each outdoor activity, participants are asked to sign a liability waiver and pay a $1 fee which helps cover the cost of the Meetup website and other SEMG Outings Committee expenses.
Important information about how MDOH operates is at the Details section, below. Please read it before participating. Also read the activity description and assess your ability/preparedness to complete the activity.
While the summary of the outing may say that "location information is not available," in reality, it is ALWAYS in the description of the outing. Simply click the "more" link at the end of the description; there is usually a link to a Google map.
Questions? Contact the leader who is listed in the activity description (Note: the leader may not be the same as the host). Don’t wait until the night or morning before as all leaders are not "connected" 24/7 (and some don't offer a public cell number).
No pets or electronic gear (please limit cell phone use to "essential").
If you ride-share, share the cost of gas and any admissions (Note: nearly all parks require a season pass or an admission fee).
DETAILS
Leaders
Your organizers and leaders are volunteers with informal and formal training, experienced in taking people to the places we know and love the best. We each have differing interests and the outings that each of us leads reflect this. Some events are strictly hiking, some stop to smell (and ID) the roses, some look for birds, some focus on natural history. We also do some canoeing, backpacking, biking and cross-country skiing.
Personal Responsibility
Each participant needs to be responsible for his or her own safety by accurately judging whether they are fit for the activity they are interested in. Hikes generally are from 4-6 miles long, lasting from 2-3 hours, usually with a couple of rest/water/trail snack stops. Hikes with birding or botanizing generally are shorter and slower. Longer hikes, 8-10 miles are faster with fewer stops. A reasonable amount of fitness is necessary even for the slowest, shortest hikes. Three miles in the woods even at a slow speed is different - and harder - than a 2-hour walk on sidewalks/streets/bike paths. Hills, roots, rocks, mud and other natural features require a certain amount of stamina and balance. Children are welcome with a responsible adult, if they are able to behave appropriately and complete the activity.
Meeting Places and Costs
The meetup starts at a meeting place (often a shopping center) where people can leave their car if they decide to travel together to the trailhead. After the activity there often is an optional restaurant stop, which gives another opportunity to get to know your companions. If you ride with someone, you are expected to share in the cost of transportation and group admittance fees. Sierra Club also requests a $1 donation per person to help with our committee expenses. (There may be additional fees for outings longer than one day). Please note that the official start of the activity is at the trailhead and not the meeting spot – this is for liability reasons.
Basic Guidelines
(1) arrive on time for the meeting; departure follows after signup and announcements
(2) come dressed appropriately: sturdy footwear; water; snack; sunscreen/insect repellant; hat; raingear. Inappropriate clothing or gear may affect others’ enjoyment of the activity and may put you and them in danger.
(3) be aware that a 2 hour hike can take considerably longer even without unexpected delays so plan accordingly: driving time, gearing up, pit stops, hiking, pit stops, gearing down, driving home
(4) always stay behind the leader and in front of the “sweep” in voice communication range
(5) in order not to interfere with others’ enjoyment of our natural environment, electronic/communications gear should be left at home; cell phones should be silenced and their use strictly limited (emergencies, not grocery lists!)
(6) if you need a bathroom/water/snack/rest break, let the leader know so all can stop and avoid leaving you behind. Besides, there are probably others who need the break, also.
(7) if you are falling behind, call up to the person ahead to get the leader to stop/slow
(8) Follow all the usual rules listed by our public parks.
Liability Waiver
All participants must sign a comprehensive liability waiver acknowledging that they are responsible for their own well-being and absolving others of liability. This is necessary because there are inherent risks in outdoor activities in which injuries or damages can occur from:
• natural causes
• obstacles and hazards
• insect or animal bites
• toxic plants
• medical emergencies without easily obtainable medical care
• actions of other persons
We are a committee of the local Sierra Club (Southeast Michigan Group [SEMG]) and have been doing outings in metro-Detroit for many years. This meet-up is our latest – and most high-tech – means to share our program with other outdoor-lovers. Our website is www.sierraclub.org/michigan/southeast-michigan .
Many of us are also involved in conservation and environmental issues with the Club – it will be up to you to decide if your interests also go in that direction. If they do, we would be glad to help you get connected to the right folks.
Do you like being outdoors and active? Give us a try. We are outside four seasons of the year with lots of hiking, some canoeing, camping and x-c skiing.
Joanne7925, MDOH Organizer
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Base Lake Farm Hike with Farmland Preservationist Barry LonikBase Lake Farm, Washtenaw County, MI
Join us for a scenic 2-to-3-mile hike and guided tour of Base Lake Farm on May 17th, a beautifully preserved 204-acre farm in Webster Township, led by renowned farmland preservationist Barry Lonik. This diverse landscape,
protected under a conservation easement, including 180 acres of prime agricultural soils, 18 acres of
woodlands, and six acres of wetlands—all safeguarded from development.Owned by Bill Brinkerhoff and Kathy Sample, the founders of Ann Arbor’s Argus Farm Stop, the farm is part of
a 554-acre block of permanently protected land. Barry Lonik will walk us through the property, sharing insights
on land conservation, farmland preservation, and the ongoing efforts to keep Washtenaw County’s natural
spaces green and thriving.With over 30 years of experience in land conservation, Lonik has played a pivotal role in preserving thousands
of acres across Michigan. He has led groundbreaking initiatives, securing over $250 million in public funding for
land protection and recently closed his 100th preservation project.🔭 Bonus! Bring binoculars if you have them—early spring migratory birds are often spotted in this area!
After the tour and hike, those interested may gather for lunch at a nearby restaurant to continue the conversation.
Registration:
Base Lake Farm Hike (Washtenaw County)Meeting Time and Location:
Base Lake Farm Outing, 7861 Strawberry Lake Road, Webster Township, MI. Please arrive at 9:45 a.m. so we can begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. on the hike.Hike Leader:
For questions, call or text hike the Southeast Michigan Group of Sierra Club leader Ken Jacobsen at (248) 302-8275.Participation Details:
For all our hikes, please remember to bring comfortable hiking shoes, a water bottle, snacks, and appropriate clothing. Participation in Sierra Club activities requires registration and acceptance of a waiver, which you can complete online at the link above. Electronic copies of the required waiver are available online or by request and will be accepted automatically by signing-in to the event.Cancellation Policy:
The hike will proceed rain, snow, or shine. However, if an Extreme Weather Warning is issued by the National Weather Service, the hike will be canceled for safety reasons.Park Pass Information:
When visiting a Michigan State Park, a Recreation Passport is required. The cost per vehicle is $14 when purchased during license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State. Entrance to Metroparks requires a $40 annual pass or a $10 day pass. You may be able to purchase a day or annual pass at the park entrance booth.Location:
Location Name: Base Lake Farm Outing
Address: 7861 Strawberry Lake Road, Webster Township, MI - Stoney Creek Metropark Nature Center Trails Hike4300 Main Park Dr, Utica, MI
Join me for a 6-mile hike at the Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center Trails on Sunday, May 25, 2025. May is a beautiful time to explore Stony Creek. Along the way, we’ll take a couple of breaks to enjoy the scenery and hopefully spot some wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds like ospreys, bald eagles, bluebirds, titmice, cedar waxwings, orioles, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and both song and tree sparrows. The trails will also be lined with spring wildflowers, including white trillium, trout lilies, jack-in-the-pulpit, rue anemone, and Virginia bluebells. It’s a perfect time to get outside and enjoy nature—I hope you can join us!
Meeting Time and Location:
We will meet in front of the Nature Center building by 10:45 AM and hit the trail promptly at 11:00 AM. A 2025 Metroparks Vehicle Permit is required for entry—both daily and annual passes are available for purchase at the toll booth. Restrooms are available at the Nature Center.Registration Link:
Stoney Creek Metropark Nature Center Trails HikeHike Leader:
For questions, call or text hike leader Sudha Ganesh at (248) 219-3243.Participation Details:
For all our hikes, please remember to bring comfortable hiking shoes, a water bottle, food, and the season’s weather appropriate clothing. Participation in Sierra Club activities requires registration and acceptance of a waiver, which you can complete online at the link above. Electronic copies of the required waiver are available online or by request and will be accepted automatically by signing-in to the event.Cancellation Policy:
The hike will proceed rain, snow, or shine. However, if an Extreme Weather Warning is issued by the National Weather Service, the hike will be canceled for safety reasons.Park Pass Information:
When visiting Michigan State Parks, a Recreation Passport is required. The cost per vehicle is $14 when purchased during license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State. Entrance to Metroparks requires a $40 annual pass or a $10 day pass. You may be able to purchase a day or annual pass at the park entrance booth.Hikes are free and open to the public. However, sometimes we do activities that require a fee which would be noted in the description of the event.
Location:
Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center
4300 Main Park Dr, Utica, MI 48316
Latitude: 42.713267
Longitude: -83.071522Sierra Club Southeast Michigan Group Leader Info:
Ken Jacobsen (Outings Chair)
Mobile: 248-302-8275
Email: sierra.club.semg@gmail.comSudah Ganesh
Mobile: 248-219-3243
Email: sganesh3243@gmail.com - Annual Green Cruise from Ferndale: 2 Bike Rides: Detroit and Northern SuburbsNeeds location$20.00
REGISTER HERE: https://www.bikereg.com/green-cruise
THE RIDES: Saturday, August 9, 2025
-8am 41-mile to Belle Isle and back; Pace- 17+ mph 1st group; 14-16 mph 2nd group. Please do not join the 17+ mph group if you are not a highly accomplished bicyclist. If you have doubts about riding with the 17+ group, please consult the ride leader BEFORE the ride starts.
-9am 22-mile to Birmingham and back; Pace - 12 mph
-Start and stop point for both rides: Ferndale Project Brewery, 567 Livernois, Ferndale, MI 4822TICKETS:
-Pre-paid tickets for either ride are $20 (no fee);
-Day-of-event tickets are $25 (no fee) payable by cash or credit card
-Register here: https://www.bikereg.com/green-cruiseDETAILS/INFORMATION:
-The Sierra Club liability waiver is part of online registration or filled out day-of-event.
-Rain-or-shine; there is no rain date.
-41-mile Belle Isle route on Strava will be similar to the 2024 route. Look for the ride named 2024 Green Cruise 22mi (8/1/2024 https://www.strava.com/routes/3254536107164802386
-If you sign up online for the incorrect ride, don't worry. Simply join the intended ride.
-The 2025 Green Cruiser of the Year will be recognized
-Free pre-ride repairs provided by Sullivan’s Continental Bike Shop
-Competent ride leadership and a no-drop ride
-Are you an experienced ride leader who can help lead the 22-mile ride? Contact Jerry Hasspacher [jhasspac@gmail.com](mailto:jhasspac@gmail.com)BEFORE-EVENT SNACKS AND COFFEE:
-7:30 am: snacks provided by the Sierra Club
-Ferndale Project will have coffee for sale.GREEN CRUISE IS A FUNDRAISER FOR BLUE HERON HEADWATERS CONSERVANCY: a non-profit safeguarding the headwaters of the Flint, Clinton, Shiawassee, and Huron Rivers since 1972 https://www.blueheronheadwaters.org/
FREE PARKING:
-There is no metered parking around Project Ferndale.
-Parking is also available at the First United Methodist Church of Ferndale, 22331 Woodward Ave (at Leroy) Ferndale, MI 48220, one mile from Project Ferndale.GREEN CRUISE ON FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/GreenCruise/
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to support green transportation and enjoy an active day of cycling with like-minded individuals. Grab your tickets now and let's pedal towards a greener future!
All questions may be directed to Jerry Hasspacher at [jhasspac@gmail.com](mailto:jhasspac@gmail.com)