Latest News

Updated 4/02/2013

See a complete list of all Osage Group events, outings and meetings here

Looking for a walk, hike or other outdoor activity? Go to http://www.meetup.com and search for the "Columbia Walking and Hiking Club". You can join the group to get email updates about planned hikes and walks. Greg Leonard, one of our members, is a leader of this group.

Osage Group is endorsing several candidates for the April 2 election. For mayor, we support Sid Sullivan. In the Third Ward race, we like Karl Skala; and in the Fourth Ward race, we are rooting for Ian Thomas. We feel these candidates are the best choices to promote the ideals of the Sierra Club. We urge you to vote on Tuesday; it's likely to be a squeaker and these candidates need your vote. If you want to contribute to any of the aforementioned campaigns, please see their individual websites at these links: Sid Sullivan, Karl Skala, Ian Thomas

Randal Clark is now leading wildflower hikes every Thursday night starting at 5:30 p.m. Those interested should meet at the Devil's Icebox parking lot at Rock Bridge State Park. The hikes usually last until dark and are at a slow pace, rain or shine.

April 13, 2013, 10:00 a.m. Saturday; Wildflower Hike in Mark Twain National Forest. Meet at Pine Ridge Campground located 10 miles east of Ashland on Route Y at 10 a.m. We'll drive or carpool from the campground to the trailhead. Hike will take a minimum of two hours hiking time, driving time, plus time to look at wildflowers and there should be plenty. Carpool from Columbia, meet at Stephen's Lake Parking lot between 9 and 9:15. Contact Tom Lata at 573-489-2302 for additional information or for possible cancellation based upon weather or hiking conditions.

April 23, 2013; 7:00 p.m. Tuesday; Friends Room of the Daniel Boone Public Library: "700 Tons of High-Level Nuclear Waste Are Stored at the Callaway
Nuclear Plant.  Should We be Concerned?"   A Senior Scientist for
Physicians for Social Responsibility will discuss this topic and other
environmental concerns posed by nuclear plants. The
public is invited.  Sponsored by the Sierra Club and League of Women
Voters.

May 18, 2013; 6:00 p.m. Saturday; Pot Luck Party and Silent Auction: On Saturday, May 18 at 6pm, the Osage Group will have its annual Silent Auction Fundraiser and Potluck Party. This is our most popular event ,as well as our major fundraiser. The food is always delicious, everyone has a great time, and best of all, and the funds help support our conservation issues. Bring a dish to share and whatever you want to drink. Donations for the auction are gratefully received. Except for large items of furniture, any item too good for a garage sale is appropriate. In the past, our donations have included household items, glass-ware, books, artwork, gift certificates from local merchants, vacation stays, etc. If you have an item to donate but cannot attend, call Marion at (573)875-2916 and we will arrange pickup. Also, we will store items until the date of the auction as space allows. If you do not have an item to donate, come anyway. Donators please try to arrive by 5 p.m. to give us time to mark and set up your item(s). We hope you can come and help support the Osage Group. The famous Ken Midkiff doll will again be auctioned off to a lucky winner! Directions: Home of Marion and Harman Dickerson, 3651 S. Ben Williams Rd. From Columbia, take Hwy. 63 South to the AC/Grindstone Parkway exit. Go left (east) 3.8 miles. Take a right onto Ben Williams. The house is the first one on the right past the little creek. It is a brown brick ranch.

June 15, 2013; 10:00 a.m. Saturday; Bicycle ride on the Katy Trail: Start at McBaine at 10:00 a.m., ride to Rocheporte and back for a total of 17 miles, or an additional 10 miles to Cooper's Landing for those who want to go further. Contact Tom Lata at 573-489-2302 for additional information or cacancellations due to weather.

The Osage Group is on Facebook - visit us there soon and join our page for updates on events.

Do you know about the Osage Group Listserv? Members can request to join it by sending an email to Stan Silvey. Lots of local members are on the listserv - this is where we discuss local environmental issues, and is another place you can get information about local outings, events, and meetings. Stan's email address is silveys@missouri.edu