Future Events

Foothills Sierra Club Program - Author and Journalist Mick Scott Observations of Urban Wildlife

Thursday, November 14, 2024, Bethabara Visitor Center, 2147 Bethabara Road · Winston-Salem, NC

Winston-Salem native Mick Scott is a keen observer of urban wildlife. Its survival and health are dear to his heart and one of several topics highlighted in his book "Stardust and Scar Tissue," published last year by Press 53. He'll discuss and display some of his observations during our meeting.

Scott worked in the Winston-Salem Journal’s editorial department for 20 years, the final five of those as editorial page editor. During that time, he churned out thousands of editorials and opinion columns on tight deadlines and received numerous first and second-place awards from the N.C. Press Association. We will have announcements at 7:00 followed by our program.

Past Events

Foothills Group Conservation Dinner/ Discussion

Thursday, October 24th · 6:30pm

During this important election year, environmental issues are front and center in our minds, and the need could not be greater for sound, science-based environmental decisions among our policymakers. Join us as we learn about the important conservation issues facing our state and nation, while enjoying fine Thai cuisine. We will gather at Cha-Da Thai 420 Jonestown Rd · Winston Salem, NC
For more information, contact johnccalhoun@bellsouth.net

Thursday, October 10, 2024 - Foothills Group Program Jean Chamberlain and Owl’s Roost Wildlife Education Birds

Join us Thursday, October 10th at the Foothills Sierra Club Program with guest speaker Jean Chamberlain and the Owl’s Roost Wildlife Education Birds.  Owl’s Roost Wildlife Education is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to promoting respect and appreciation for North Carolina’s wildlife.

Originally incorporated in 1983 as Owl’s Roost Wildlife Sanctuary, the organization was revamped in 2019 as Owl’s Roost Wildlife Education, whose current managers  refocused the organization’s purpose toward education. Owl’s Roost Wildlife Education promotes respect and appreciation of native North Carolina wildlife through improved understanding of the natural history and habitat of native wildlife. The focus is to share information and knowledge and promote cooperation and professionalism among members. 

Please join us at 6:30 p.m. in the picnic shelter at the Bethabara Visitor Center, 2147 Bethabara Road · Winston-Salem, NC, for our social and refreshments. We will have announcements at 7:00 followed by our program.

 As John Muir intended, the more you know about wildlife and our natural heritage the more you will want to protect it. 

Thursday September 12, 2024 - Potluck and Foothills Group Program Getting to Know Timber Rattlesnakes

Everyone is invited to join us as we welcome our new NC Sierra Club Chapter Director Chris Herndon to begin our program season. Bring a dish to share at our potluck at 6:00 p.m. Beverages will be provided. announcements and John Sealy’s Presentation, Getting to Know Timber Rattlesnakes will begin at 7:00. We will meet at the Bethabara Visitor Center, 2147 Bethabara Rd, Winston-Salem, NC

John Sealy’s presentation will cover the life history, distribution, and conservation status of the Timber Rattlesnake in western North Carolina. There will be discussion of the conservation projects underway in North Carolina as well as information regarding what to expect and how hikers should respond when they encounter rattlesnakes in the wild.

John Sealy has enjoyed a lifelong interest in Timber Rattlesnakes and initiated North Carolina’s first Timber Rattlesnake study utilizing radio telemetry in 1989. He is actively involved in conservation, education, and research involving the species and is currently conducting research projects involving NC State Parks, The Blue Ridge Parkway, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the US Forest Service/Pisgah National Forests, and the Wildlands Network. He has published articles concerning Timber Rattlesnake conservation and recently served as an editor and coauthor of The Timber Rattlesnake: Life History, Distribution, Status, and Conservation Action Plan. John earned undergraduate degrees from Elon College and the University of North Carolina Greensboro, and a Master of Science in Biology from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. Retired from UNCG as a biology lecturer, John is married with two daughters and three fabulous grandchildren.

Foothills Group Conservation Dinner/Discussion, Thursday, June 27th, 6:30 pm at Cha Da Thai Restaurant, 420 Jonestown Road.    

         In this pivotal election year, it has never been more crucial that we stay informed on current issues affecting the environment.  Join us as we review the latest happenings in the state legislature, as well as local, regional and national conservation concerns, while enjoying fine Thai cuisine. Everyone welcome!  For more information, contact John Calhoun, Foothills Group Conservation Chair at johnccalhoun@bellsouth.net.

The NC Sierra Club Foothills Group and Wild Ones of Central North Carolina Invite You to a Special Program

Thursday, June 13th, 6:30 - 8:00 pm

On June 13, 2024, Dr. Shaleen Miller, Sustainability Director for the City of Winston-Salem, presents Natural Landscapes for Healthy Ecosystems. Dr. Miller will provide an overview of the role of the Department of Sustainability in protecting the environment and fostering the healthy growth of the city. She will discuss the critical role green spaces play in fostering the ecosystem resilience of the city and the health of its inhabitants. Dr. Miller will describe a new City of Winston-Salem ordinance that expands residential allowances to maintain Natural Landscape Areas, an initiative that she has spearheaded. She will explain the requirements of this initiative and why native plants are so very important. 

 The program will be held at the Historic Bethabara Visitor Center located at 2147 Bethabara Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106.  Refreshments start at 6:30.

This event is free to the public. However, registration is recommended to secure seating. This is the link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/natural-landscapes-for-healthy-ecosystems-with-dr-shaleen-miller-tickets-918731539767.

Discover Historic Bethabara Park

With the Foothills Group Thursday, May 9th

 Come join us for an exciting adventure at Historic Bethabara Park with the Sierra Club! Explore the rich history of this beautiful park while enjoying the great outdoors. Our knowledgeable guide will lead you on a journey through time as you discover all that this historic park has to offer. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the past. We will meet at the park's Visitor Center at 6:45 p.m. The tour will be from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., and after the tour we will gather at the picnic shelter for social time. We will meet outside the Bethabara Visitor Center, 2147 Bethabara Rd · Winston-Salem, NC Hope to see you there!

Thanks to everyone who donated items and their time to make our yard sale a success!

Sierra Club Foothills Yard Sale RETURNS!

Saturday, May 4, 2024

PARKWAY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - WINSTON SALEM
1000 YORKSHIRE RD, WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA 27106

Sierra Club is looking for your donations
We politely ask that all items be gently used
(no holes, no stains, no worn out springs)
So! Clear your clutter and give it to us
We'll sell it to support the causes we must!
We need your donations, but we don't need them today,
We need you to save them instead of giving them away.
We accept donations on May 2nd and 3rd from 8 am to 8 pm at the church. Our Yard Sale is on the 4th!
We thank you so much, from the bottom of our hearts but need to remind you this can't be written off (these donations are not tax deductible).
Parkway Presbyterian Church - Winston Salem
1000 Yorkshire Rd, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27106
Contact Foothills Group Chair Debra Demske at email debdemske@gmail.com for more information and to volunteer to help with the yard sale.

Thursday, April 11, 2024 - 6:45pm - at the Historic Bethabara Visitor Center

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a national treasure, meandering through 469 miles of the Appalachian Highlands, revealing stunning vistas, rugged mountains, and pastoral landscapes, while protecting a diversity of plants and wildlife, and preserving the region's cultural heritage.   

       Jordan Calaway, Chief Development Officer of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, will speak on the organization's mission and history. She will also share updates on three initiatives supported by the Foundation, the Blue Ridge Parkway's philanthropic partner, to help protect the natural resources in America's most visited national park unit.

 We will meet Thursday, April 11th at Bethabara Visitor Center, 2147 Bethabara Rd · Winston-Salem, NC. Social time is from 6:45 - 7:00, followed by announcements and our program. We hope to see you there!

Foothills Program Meeting - “Water and the Circle of Life”

Thursday, March 14, 2024 - 6:45pm - at the Historic Bethabara Visitor Center

Please join the Foothills Group of the NC Sierra Club for "Water and the Circle of Life", a presentation by Robby Abou-Rizk. Robby has served many years as an advocate for clean water in our local streams and rivers. He has been a member of Trout Unlimited for over 30 years and has held various board positions for the past 10 years in Winston-Salem’s Blue Ridge Trout Unlimited chapter. Robby’s presentation will include the factors impacting water quality degradation and wildlife diversity in our watershed, and what we can do to ensure a better future for our fragile water resources. 

 We will meet at Bethabara Visitor Center, 2147 Bethabara Rd Winston-Salem, NC. Social time begins at 6:45 p.m. followed by announcements and our program at 7:00. We hope to see you there.

The slides for this program can be seen here - Water and the circle of life.pptx

Foothills Group Conservation Dinner/Discussion Voting for the Environment

Thursday, February 29th at 6:30 pm, at Cha Da Thai Restaurant, 420 Jonestown Road, Winston-Salem, NC  27104

Voting for the Environment:  In this historic election year, the health of our environment is definitely on the ballot, with consequences for future environmental policy from wetlands protection to combatting climate change. Sharing his perspective will be Dan Besse, who has advocated for public health and the environment on the state and local level, for many years. Dan currently serves as a Forsyth County Commissioner and is a past City Council member and is also a writer and analyst for the N.C. League of Conservation Voters. Dan will discuss environmental issues that are at stake in this year's election, as we strive to elect leaders who will protect the earth. Join us for delicious Thai cuisine and lively conservation discussion. For more information, contact John Calhoun, Foothills Conservation Chair: johnccalhoun@bellsouth.net. 

NC Foothills Sierra Club Members Meeting 2024

Thursday February 8th 6:30-8:45pm

Old Town Park Community Center

4550 Shattalon Road, Winston-Salem 27106

All members are strongly encouraged to join in for a planning meeting to kick off 2024. We already have great speakers scheduled for the next few months meetings, but we need to come together to set our other program priorities, and form committees to accomplish our goals. We will focus on our Yard Sale in May; ideas and plans for outings and hikes; our political involvement on the national, state, and local levels. This is your opportunity to share your ideas and suggestions and actively take part. What would you like to see accomplished this year?

Light refreshments will be served.

Foothills Program Meeting, Thursday November 9 - Bill Blancato’s Workshop: The En-ROADS Climate Change Simulator

For the past ten years Bill Blancato has volunteered with Citizens’ Climate Lobby to build support for legislation that will reduce the greenhouse gas emissions which are causing climate change. Bill's writings about climate change and carbon pricing have appeared in the Winston-Salem Journal, Charlotte Observer, Greensboro News & Record, and other papers. He has also participated in dozens of meetings about the issue with Congressional offices.
On November 9, Bill will lead a workshop with the En-ROADS climate change simulator which was developed by MIT and Climate Interactive in Asheville. With the En-ROADS climate simulator we can explore the effectiveness of different strategies to limit global warming. For example, how impactful is planting trees? reducing coal use? electrifying the transportation sector? putting a price on carbon pollution?
We will have light refreshments and social time from 6:45 - 7:00, followed by announcements and our program. We hope to see you there.

Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 6:45 pm
Bethabara Visitor Center
2147 Bethabara Rd · Winston-Salem, NC

Foothills Group Conservation Dinner/ Discussion

THUrsday, OCTober 26, 2023 · 6:30 PM

Cha Da Thai Restaurant, 420 Jonestown Road Winston-Salem, NC 

In today's technologically-driven world, we have an urgent need to connect with and care for our natural surroundings. Dr. Siham Muntasser is President of The Wild Ones Central North Carolina chapter, which promotes environmentally sound practices to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Join us as Dr. Muntasser discusses the Wild Ones' mission and plans, while we also review the most recent conservation issues on the state and national level, and as we enjoy fine Thai cuisine.

For more information, contact johnccalhoun@bellsouth.net

"Building Sustainability - a Conversation with Dr. Stan Meiburg"

Foothills Group Program - Thursday, October 12th, 6:45 pm at the Bethabara Visitor Center, 2171 Bethabara Rd · Winston-Salem, NC

Building Sustainability - a Conversation with Dr. Stan Meiburg

Dr. Meiburg is the Director of the WFU Graduate Program in Sustainability, having come to WFU after a 39-year career as an EPA administrator. He is also Co-Director of the Andrew Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability at WFU, and he brings a unique historical understanding to the great challenge of our time: building a sustainable environment. Dr. Meiburg will be interviewed by Foothills Conservation Chair John Calhoun, followed by a question-and-answer session with the audience. We will have light refreshments and social time from 6:45 - 7:00, followed by announcements and our program. We hope to see you there!

Foothills Group Pot Luck Dinner and Social

Thursday, September 14th at 6:30 pm

Join us at the Historic Bethabara Visitor Center

2171 Bethabara Rd · Winston-Salem, NC 27106

Please join us Thursday September 14th for an evening of fellowship, food and conversation hosted by the Foothills group of the NC Sierra Club at Historic Bethabara Park. This is our group's first gathering after a summer break. The potluck dinner and social will begin at 6:30 pm at the picnic shelter next to the visitor center. We welcome new participants and friends from our environmental partners. The meal will be followed by an update and discussion of upcoming Foothills and friends events and conservation issues. Looking forward to seeing everybody.

Foothills Group Conservation Dinner and Discussion

Thursday, June 29th at 6:30 pm

Cha Da Thai Restaurant, 420 Jonestown Road Winston-Salem, NC 

As awareness grows that our health and welfare depends on keeping our planet healthy, now is a great time to educate ourselves and advocate for protecting our environment. Our guest will be Maggie Burns, Civic Engagement Organizer with the N.C. Conservation Network, who will discuss their important outreach and advocacy work.  We will also review current environmental issues, while enjoying delicious Thai cuisine. For information, call (336) 995-4084 or johnccalhoun@bellsouth.net. 

Foothills Group of the NC Sierra Club Program Meeting

 Meet the Elkin Valley Trails Association

Thursday June 8 · 6:45pm – 8:15pm

Join us at the Historic Bethabara Visitor Center

2171 Bethabara Rd · Winston-Salem, NC 27106

Since 2011, the all-volunteer Elkin Valley Trails Association has built an impressive and beautiful network of over 20 miles of trails in the Elkin Valley. They maintain a section of the Mountains to Sea Trail, while planning for additional trails, including a route from Elkin to Stone Mountain State Park. The program has become a model of community engagement in trail-building and a magnet for outdoor activities and community events.

Bob Hillyer and Bill Blackley with the ETVA will discuss the group's accomplishments in trail-building, as well as plans for future trails.

We will have light refreshments and social time from 6:45 - 7:00, followed by announcements and our program. We hope to see you there!

Thanks to Dave Head, Planning Program Manager for NC Division of Parks and Recreation, for a great presentation in May. The slides from his talk on May 11, 2023 can be seen here:

Copy and paste to your address bar:

https://1drv.ms/b/s!AmPuT9h9aVORiJtCpFeq50pd1Qk5vg?e=Lz4ojp

Foothills Group of the Sierra Club Program Meeting - Thursday, May 11 6:45 - 8:15pm
Dave Head, Planning Program Manager with the NC Division of Parks and Recreation

In-person meeting at Historic Bethabara Park Visitor Center, 2147 Bethabara Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106

Please join us for our first in-person meeting in three years! Our guest will be Dave Head, the Planning Program Manager for the NC Division of Parks and Recreation. Dave will be speaking about current and future planning for our state's parks and trails. He will also touch on ways our state parks will be celebrating 2023 as NC's Year of the Trail.

In his job with NC State Parks, Dave runs the planning program which is responsible for all planning that is done for the park system. This includes master plans, general management plans, planning concepts, the systemwide plans and state trail planning among other special projects. 

Dave Head has spent 30 years in the planning field. He started his career at Connecticut DOT in the planning division where he focused on bicycle and pedestrian planning to make communities safer for non-motorized transportation. Since his move south in 2016, he has worked with NC State Parks planning spaces so that everyone can enjoy the outdoors. He loves to be outdoors and spends much of his spare time walking and hiking through parks in NC and around the country. He, his wife Stacey, and son Tyler, have visited many National Parks. Bryce Canyon and Grand Teton National Parks are his favorites. 

We will have light refreshments and social time from 6:45 - 7:00, followed by announcements and Dave’s presentation. We hope to see you there!

Elk Knob State Park - Year of the Trail Hike

Saturday, May 6, 2023 - 8:30am

Join us for a Year of the Trail Elk Knob State Park day hike 3.8 miles total with 961.3 elevation gain. There will be Trillium and Trout Lilies in bloom on the trail. This ia a moderate day hike. Bring water, lunch, and rain gear and hiking footwear. For more information contact Joel Wooten at joeltotopmountain@gmail.com or call before 8:00 Pm at 336-466-1314.

Lewisville Earth Day - Saturday, April 29, 2023 - All day

Shallowford Square - Town of Lewisville, NC

The first Lewisville Earth Day (LED) celebration will be held on April 29, 2023. The LED, a convenient reminder to use LED bulbs to conserve energy, will coincide with our Special Recycling event on David McKee Street (adjacent to Shallowford Square). You'll be able to bring us non-curbside recyclables and TerraCycle items as part of the ECSC event, visit various environmental vendors with Earth Day knowledge, and pick up a free LED lightbulb. There will be snow cones and music, too!

18th Annual Piedmont Earth Day Fair - Saturday, April 22, 2023

Piedmont Environmental Alliance

10AM - 4PM WINSTON-SALEM Fairgrounds

The biggest Earth Day celebration and one-day environmental education event in North Carolina!

The Piedmont Earth Day Fair would not be possible without the support of our incredible SILVER Sponsors. Thank you Bashavia Gardens, Duke Energy, FirstHand Climbing, Habitat Forsyth, HanesBrands, Piedmont Land Conservancy, Preservation Forsyth, Reconsidered Goods, Salem Academy and College Winston-Salem Alumnae Club, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, North Carolina Sierra Club Foothills Group, Summit School, Truliant Federal Credit Union, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Winston-Salem, Woshbox, WXII 12 NEWS and Yadkin Riverkeeper!

This month's topic will be “The Avian (Bird) Flu”. Nathan Gatto, who owns Wright's Backyard Birds on Country Club Road, will be our guest speaker. Nathan studied Biology and Ornithology at Western Carolina University and has had a lifelong interest in birds. He will explain what Bird Flu is, and why we need to be concerned about it – how is it spread by birds? Can it spread to other wildlife, to humans, or to pets? How is it affecting the poultry industry besides the price of eggs? What lies ahead?

 Please join us ONLINE on Google Meet.

Click on this link to attend:  meet.google.com/qti-dyuj-xdu

John Deem on Climate Change and Environmental Justice

Thursday, March 9, 2023 – NC Sierra Club Foothills Program Meeting
7:00 – 8:30 pm

Google Meet joining info:

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/xkj-zupo-yik

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 718-578-4572 PIN: ‪921 282 264#

John Deem has been the climate change and environment reporter at the Winston-Salem Journal since November 2021. His work is funded by a grant from the 1Earth Fund and Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. Deem’s reporting has focused largely on the impact of climate change on the Triad; how the region’s residents, companies and governments are responding (or not) by moving to electric vehicles, solar power and other more sustainable energy options; and environmental justice issues including the Winston Weaver fire and severe erosion tied to timber clearing at Smith Reynolds Airport.
Deem is a native of Toledo, Ohio, and a graduate of the University of Toledo but has spent more than half his life in the Carolinas, working as a reporter and editor for newspapers in both states. Most recently, he served as editor of the Statesville Record & Landmark and Mooresville Tribune.

The recording of our NC Sierra Club Foothills Group Program Meeting: Electric Vehicles is now available:

vvx-uvjm-hpr (2023-01-12 19:07 GMT-5)

Open in Drive

Electric Vehicles

NC Sierra Club Foothills Group Virtual Program Meeting

Thursday, January 12th, 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Gayle Goldsmith, lawyer and environmental activist, will lead a discussion about electric vehicles. She will discuss alternative transportation in general and electric vehicles and charging in particular. Gayle will describe what it is like to actually own an EV and why she will never go back to gas.

Join the meeting via Google Meet at:

 https://meet.google.com/vvx-uvjm-hpr

Climate Provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act

Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 7:00 PM: NC Foothills Group of the Sierra Club Virtual Program Meeting

Cynthia Satterfield, Executive Director of the North Carolina Chapter of the Sierra Club will speak on the major climate provisions included in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. This landmark federal law is the most comprehensive federal legislation dealing with climate change mitigation in US history, but its specific climate-related provisions are little known by most Americans. Cynthia will be joined in the presentation Melissa Cordell, a policy intern with the state chapter this year.

Join meeting via Google Meet:

https://meet.google.com/pqn-mrcy-ecf

Piedmont Legacy Trails

NC Foothills Sierra Club Virtual Program Meeting - Thursday, October 13, 2022, at 7:00 PM

Mary Rosa, Piedmont Legacy Trails Coordinator for the Piedmont Land Conservancy, will provide updates on trail preservation and protecting our special places. PLC has helped protect land around historic Bethania, Brown-Knight Preserve in Stokesdale, Yadkin Memorial Park, and at Crossnore off Reynolda Road in Winston-Salem. Mary joined the PLC team in 2022 and is passionate about the environment, nature, and helping to create and preserve trails for all to enjoy.

Google Meet joining info

https://meet.google.com/tdg-vohc-tct

Forsyth County and City of Winston-Salem Parks Update

NC Foothills Sierra Club Virtual Program Meeting: Thursday September 8, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
We are pleased to announce that Christopher Weavil from the Forsyth County Parks Office and Renata Owens from Winston-Salem City Parks and Recreation will be speaking at our September 8th meeting. They will focus on plans and issues concerning the new Belews Lake Park, the new multi-use event center and park in Tobaccoville, Long Creek Park, and Quarry Park. 
Q&A will be welcomed

Via Google Meet

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/adh-iqkr-fbs

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 240-775-0110 PIN: ‪633 666 766#

Please join us for a virtual presentation from Dr. Russell Smith, Winston-Salem State University Professor of Geography in the Department of History, Politics & Social Justice, and the Faculty Lead for the Spatial Justice Studio at the Center for Design Innovation.

Thursday, June 9, 2022 - NC Sierra Club Foothills Virtual Program Meeting

The Winston Weaver fire made clear issues regarding environmental justice here in Winston-Salem. Dr. Smith will be introducing the concept of Spatial (In)justice, providing examples of spatial injustice and steps to create a more spatially just future, especially concerning environmental geographic inequities in our communities.

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM EDT  Online event

Use the link: meet.google.com/uhb-uofq-cct

Foothills Group Pot Luck Dinner and Social

The NC Sierra Club Foothills Group invites one and all to join us for a potluck dinner social at shelter #5 Miller Park (near Queen Street) on Thursday evening, May 12th, from 6:00 – 8:00. Bring friends, family, a covered dish, your favorite non-alcoholic beverages, and any recreation equipment you enjoy --frisbees, balls and gloves, kites, etc. Miller Park features a paved walking path, horseshoe pits and bocce ball courts. We look forward to an outdoor in-person gathering after two years of virtual meetings!

Yadkin Riverkeeper Initiatives and an Update on Water Quality Impacts of the Weaver Fertilizer Plant Fire

Thursday, April 14, 2022: 7:00 - 8:30 pm - NC Foothills Group Sierra Club Virtual Program Meeting

Yadkin Riverkeeper, Edgar Miller, and Riverkeeper Assistant, Grace Fuchs, will provide an update on the water quality impacts of the recent Winston- Salem Weaver Fertilizer and what YRK is doing to address other threats to the Yadkin River. They will touch on YRK's outreach and advocacy initiatives and talk about the Riverkeeper's work to make enhancements to the Yadkin River State Trail Blueway, including updated online and printed paddle trail maps.

Use the link: meet.google.com/qaw-bsay-gzh

A Tour of Sungold Farm

Thursday, March 17, 2022: 6:00 - 8:00 pm:  NC Sierra Club Foothills Group in-person meeting, A Tour of Sungold Farm

Join us for our return to in-person meetings!  Following her experience with the Peace Corps in Mali, Natalie Sevin was inspired to pursue sustainable agriculture.  Since 2014, she has been owner/operator of Sungold Farm, providing a variety of fresh vegetables at the Cobblestone and Fairgrounds Farmers Markets.  As the growing season approaches, join us for an in-person tour of Sungold, an "ecoganic" farm, and learn about Natalie's approach to growing vegetables in a sustainable way.  Sungold Farm is located at 1200 Neva Lane, just off NC 109 (Thomasville Road.), about 10-15 minutes from downtown Winston-Salem.

National Sierra Club's current COVID-19 outings guidelines:
"Participants going on a Sierra Club outing are potentially on a trip with individuals vaccinated and unvaccinated. It is your choice to attend the outing knowing this information. The leader cannot and should not reveal the status of participants' vaccination or reject a participant based on their vaccination status."

Winston-Salem’s Bee City USA Program and City Sustainability Initiatives

February 10, 2022: 7:00 – 8:30 pm: Foothills Sierra Club Virtual Program Meeting

Jennifer Chrysson has been with the City of Winston-Salem for 14 years, serving in the marketing and operations departments. Join her as she discusses the Bee City USA framework, what actions the city has incorporated, and the role you can help in saving pollinators.

 Helen Peplowski has been the Director of Sustainability for the city since 2018. She will be speaking on some of the city sustainability initiatives, including progress on renewable energy and improving food access for the community.

Meeting via Google Meet here: https://meet.google.com/wpv-skzh-xmt

Preserving our Natural Heritage:  Highlighting New Land Conservation Projects by Piedmont Land Conservancy

Thursday, January 13, 2022 · 7:00 – 8:30pm: Foothills Sierra Club Virtual Program Meeting
Ken Bridle, Ph.D., a Botanist and Biologist, is the Stewardship and Inventory Director for Piedmont Land Conservancy. Ken will review PLC's recent, exciting projects in acquiring ecologically sensitive, natural heritage lands in the Piedmont, as well as ongoing projects and plans for the upcoming year. Please join us for this enlightening program. 
Google Meet joining info:
Virtual meeting link: https://meet.google.com/nvg-dufd-ozo

The Blue Ridge Chapter of Trout Unlimited on Protecting Trout Habitats

Thursday, November 18, 2021

Please join us virtually on Thursday, November 18, 2021, for a presentation from Robby Abou-Rizk, president of the Blue Ridge Chapter of Trout Unlimited, highlighting their work to protect our cold water streams and trout habitats in western N.C.  He will focus on the alarming increase in clear-cutting of forests along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the resulting damage to several pristine streams and rivers, and the campaign to stop the destruction of our mountain streams. Google Meets info:
Foothills Virtual Program Meeting
Thursday, November 18: 7:00 pm
Virtual meeting link: https://meet.google.com/jhw-uykp-rty

Fall Color Hike in the Knight-Brown Preserve

Saturday, October 30th

Join us for a leisurely family friendly hike in the fall colors of the hardwood forest. This area is a preserve of the Piedmont Land Conservancy (PLC). PLC is a major land preservation group for the piedmont area. We will hike the four trail loops of just over three miles and rated moderate. The Knight Brown Nature Preserve "showcases a wooded valley, two gently rippling streams, many different types of ferns".
We will meet at 9:30 in the preserve parking lot.
Participants must contact Henry Fansler at hbjfansler@windstream.net and thereby agreeing that you are aware of the length and rating of the outing and are able to complete the outing. Participants will be required to sign the Sierra Club waiver.
Due to the COVID-19 precautions, and to ensure a "walk in the woods" experience, we ask that you practice social distancing. Wear a mask if you wish.

Local Efforts in Combating Climate Change

Thursday, October 14, 2021 - Foothills Virtual Program Meeting

Please join us for a virtual presentation by Rajesh Kapileshwari, Principal Officer of Ethos Engineering. Raj has been active in the field of energy and resource conservation for more than 25 years. As a professional engineer, he primarily focuses on the design of sustainable and energy-efficient facilities. He regularly speaks at professional workshops and seminars and has presented papers at several conferences. He will be sharing with us his thoughts about climate change, including local efforts to address this critical issue and what he sees as important next steps in the fight. Google Meets info:
Thursday, October 14 · 7:00 – 8:00pm
Virtual meeting link: https://meet.google.com/wrc-icxb-drz

A Virtual Conversation with the Film Maker Behind "Life in the Sacrifice Zone

Thursday, June 10, 2021: Virtual Program Meeting

Please join the Foothills Group of the NC Sierra Club on June 10th at 7 PM for a conversation with one of the key filmmakers of the recent documentary "Life in the Sacrifice Zone". The film documents the years-long fight to protect the mostly African-American community in Stokes County from toxic waste emitted and stored by Duke Energy at their coal-fired electric plant at Belews Creek. This virtual meeting is free and open to anyone.
This is a virtual event via Google Meets. Here is the meeting link: https://meet.google.com/cuu-qayo-cds

Introducing the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act

 Thursday, April 8, 2021 - Virtual Program Meeting

Please join the Foothills Group of the NC Sierra Club on April 8th at 7 PM for a presentation by Bill Blancato, Regional Director of Citizens' Climate Lobby. He will be discussing the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, a bipartisan effort to collect a fee from the producers of fossil fuel energy at the source and re-distribute that fee to families. This is a virtual event via Google Meets. Here is the meeting link: meet.google.com/nxm-yyzv-rtz

Join the Great Backyard Bird Count 2021

Thursday, February 11, 2021 - Virtual Program Meeting

Join us for the Club Foothills Group Virtual Program Meeting -- "The Great Backyard Bird Count 2021: How You Can Participate" presented by Nathan & Sarah Gatto, owners of Wright's Backyard Birding Center. Join us virtually to learn how you can participate in this year's event.
From GBBC: "Each February, for four days, the world comes together for the love of birds. Over these four days we invite people to spend time in their favorite places watching and counting as many birds as they can find and reporting them to us. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations."
Social time from 7:00 - 7:15. Presentation will begin at 7:20. Email Dave Fairall at dafair@aol.com to register.

Wednesday 20 January - Sunday 31 January 2021: Forest Bathing Hike on Hanging Rock State Park’s Riverbluffs Trail

While the Foothills Group can not yet offer guided hikes due to COVID-19, we can offer a self guided alternative for the remainder of the month of January. The trail is located off the Indian Creek Trailhead at the Dan River access parking lot, at the end of Flinchum Road. The trail is a 1.3-mile loop and is rated easy, making it perfect for a thoughtful forest bathing hike. With the leaves off the trees, it is a perfect time to see the bluffs and the Dan River.

Hanging Rock State Park Riverbluffs Trail

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020 : The Foothills program and ExComm meeting for this evening have been canceled. Family Services has closed their facility to outside users due to the risks imposed by Covid-19. We regret the inconvenience.

Thursday, March 12, 2020: Aspen Stevanovski, a Wake Forest University student and a Carnivore Biologist will speak about her current research on Eastern Coyotes in the Reynolda Gardens woods and Pilot Mountain State Park. She supports carnivore coexistence, education, and research through POUNCE, a conservation group she founded. 

For more information, contact Dave Fairall at dafair@aol.com.
Family Services Forsyth County
1200 S Broad St · Winston-Salem, NC
• Social 7:00
• Announcements: 7:20
• Program: 7:30 - 8:15

Thursday March 5, 2020 : Join our Meet and Great Green Drinks Winston-Salem!
How does the Foothills Group of the Sierra Club EXPLORE, ENJOY, and PROTECT the planet?  We still follow John Muir’s method of getting folks outside so that they will help us protest their special places. Come hear about what we are doing locally.
Are you an environmentalist looking to connect with like-minded friends in Winston-Salem? We want to hear more about what you are doing.
Join local environmental organizations for drinks, community, and conversations at the monthly Green Drinks Winston-Salem. A portion of each drink (not actually green!) will benefit your favorite environmental non-profits.
Time: 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Place: Fiddlin' Fish Brewing Company
Where: 772 Trade St NW · Winston-Salem, NC

Jordan Calaway of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation

Program Meeting - Thursday, February 13, 2020
"In support of the Blue Ridge Parkway, we create a sense of community and spirit of stewardship to address the challenges faced by this national treasure. With your help, we ensure cultural and historical preservation, natural resource protection, and educational outreach now and for future generations."
For more information, contact Dave Fairall at dafair@aol.com.
Family Services Forsyth County
1200 S Broad St · Winston-Salem, NC
• Social 7:00
• Announcements: 7:20
• Program: 7:30 - 8:15

Saturday, December 21, 2019: Foothills Annual Hanging Rock State Park Holiday Hike
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and join us for a hike. We will hike portions of the Lake, Chestnut Oak, Magnolia Spring, Cooks Wall (to the House Rock), and Wolf Rock Trails. We will hike from wetlands to ridge line. These trails will give you an idea of how important our state parks are in preserving North Carolina's natural heritage as well as preserving a place of peace and solitude. Bring water, lunch, rain gear and wear hiking footwear. We will be back in town by afternoon. The hike is 5 miles and is rated moderate. To join us, you must contact Henry Fansler at (336) 473-0283 or hbjfansler@windstream.net. Note that the Sierra Club requires all outings participants to sign a standard waiver.

Friday, December 6: Join us for the Foothills Holiday Party!
Where: the home of Marilyn Stemp: 229 Brambleton Court, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Time: 6:00-10:00pm
It has been a busy year defending our conservation achievements and working to elect representatives who will protect our natural heritage.  Now it is time to PARTY!  Bring your favorite holiday food to share.  It is BYOB, but other beverages will be available.

Thursday December 5, 2019:  Join Us and Our Friends for our Meet and Great Green Drinks Winston-Salem!
How does the Foothills Group of the Sierra Club EXPLORE, ENJOY, and PROTECT the planet?  We still follow John Muir’s method of getting folks outside so that they will help us protest their special places  Come hear about what we are doing locally.
Are you an environmentalist looking to connect with like-minded friends in Winston-Salem? We want to hear more about what you are doing.
Join local environmental organizations for drinks, community, and conversations at the monthly Green Drinks Winston-Salem. A portion of each drink (not actually green!) will benefit your favorite environmental non-profits.
Time: 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Place: Fiddlin' Fish Brewing Company
Where: 772 Trade St NW · Winston-Salem, NC

Friday, November 29, 2019:  Celebrate Green Friday on Hanging Rock State Park's Ruben Mountain Trail
Join us as we hike the Reuben Mountain trail in Hanging Rock State Park just to be outside on Green Friday! Instead of shopping, you will be able to enjoy the views available now that the trees have lost their leaves. You will also see some of the interesting rock formations. The hike is 5.7 miles that includes the 2.9 mile Reuben Mountain Trail and the 2.8 miles on the Troys Den Trail. The hike is rated moderate.
You will need to bring water, rain gear, and lunch. You will need hiking footwear and remember to dress in layers. To join us, you must contact Henry Fansler at (336) 473-0283 or hbjfansler@windstream.net for meeting location details. Note that the Sierra Club requires all outings participants to sign a standard waiver.

Saturday, November 23, 2019:  Wolf Rock and New MST Section in Stone Mountain State Park Hike
We will hike 5 miles on a new section of the Mountain To Sea Trail in the Wolf Rock area. This section is rated easy. You will need rain gear, hiking footwear, water and lunch. For more information call before 9:00pm at 336-466-1314 or email at joeltotopmountain@gmail.com. Note that the Sierra Club requires all outings participants to sign a standard waiver.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019:  FILM: “SEA OF SHADOWS” with discussion to follow7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Temple Emanuel 201 Oakwood Drive · Winston-Salem, NCThis film, directed by Richard Ladkani and produced by Walter Köhler, is filmed in Mexico's Sea of Cortez. The vaquita, the world's smallest whale, is near extinction as its habitat is destroyed by Mexican cartels and Chinese mafia, who harvest the swim bladder of the totoaba fish, the "cocaine of the sea." Environmental activists, Mexican navy and undercover investigators are fighting back against this illegal multi-million-dollar business, as they go up against drug cartels and illegal traffickers to save the most endangered whale on Earth.