Newcomers Potluck Saturday for Those Interested in Joining Sierra Club

Hiking, conservation, restoration: That’s what the Sierra Club’s all about. Anyone interested in joining the club can meet members of the club’s Pasadena Group at a Newcomers Potluck on Saturday, June 2, 5 to 8 p.m., at a club member’s backyard.

The Pasadena Group is one of dozens in the Sierra Club’s Angeles Chapter, which covers Los Angeles and Orange counties. The potluck allows newcomers to get acquainted not only with the Pasadena Group, but with other Sierra Club groups and sections, such as the Forest Committee, Natural Science, Wilderness Adventures, Camera Committee, Backpacking, and Sierra Peaks.

Pasadena Sierra Club outings range from walking tours of Pasadena and South Pasadena neighborhoods and historic homes, to trail hikes of three to 10 miles in the San Gabriel Mountains.

All Sierra Club outings have two qualified leaders, at front and rear, trained in First-Aid. In the spring, several 3-mile evenings Arroyo hikes, including two in June, offer hikers a background on the Arroyo Seco’s history and a look at plans to upgrade trails there.

The Pasadena Group also holds 10 monthly Wednesday evening programs a year at Eaton Canyon Nature Center, covering topics from inspiring urban youth to get outdoors, public involvement in environmental regulation, climbing adventures from Mt. Everest to St. Helens by a veteran climber, to climate change issues and policies from Sacramento to Washington.

On Wednesday, June 6, the program will be an illustrated description by two experienced Pasadena Group leaders of some easy and moderate hikes from trailheads in Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, and Arcadia. All Wednesday evening programs are free and open to the public. Doors open at 7 p.m. for socializing and refreshments, and the program begins at 7:30 p.m.

The Eaton Canyon Nature Center is at 1750 N. Altadena Drive, in northeast Pasadena.

As environmental protection and strong political leadership are all part of the Sierra Club’s activities, the Club endorses candidates at the local, state and national level, with occasional mention at public programs and endorsement lists online.

For Saturday’s potluck, bring a salad, entree or dessert; drinks will be provided.

To RSVP, call Don Bremner, (626) 794-2603, or email donbremner@earthlink.net by June 1.

For more information about the Sierra Club, visit www.angeles.sierraclub.org. To learn more about the Pasadena Group, visit www.sierraclub.org/angeles/pasadena.