Welcome to the Sierra Club San Gorgonio Chapter

Serving the Inland area of Southern California, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Tuesday, June 5 "Astronomy in the National Parks"

Tyler Nordgren

The June 5 chapter meeting features Tyler Nordgren speaking on his photographic journey to the nation’s national parks as outlined in his book “Stars Above, Earth Below: a guide to astronomy in the national parks. He will also speak on related topics in star gazing, popular astronomy and astronomical research. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at the San Bernardino County Museum, 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands.

Tyler Nordgren is an astronomer and Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Redlands in California. He earned his BA in Physics from Reed College and a MS and Ph.D in Astronomy from Cornell University.

In 2004 he was part of small team of seven astronomers and artists who converted the Spirit and Opportunity Mars Rover camera calibration targets into functioning sundials and saw them land safely in Gusev Crater and Meridiani Planum.

He continues to be involved in scientific research and outreach to the public. All told, this work has taken him from Alaska to Australia and the Hopi Reservation to the downtown streets of Rome.

Since 2007 Tyler has been a member of the National Park Service Night Sky Team working closely with astronomers and park rangers around the country to protect our park's dark skies and promote astronomy education through their continued enjoyment.

In 2009 the Acadia Night Sky Festival featured an exhibit of his award winning photographs depicting the night sky above the nation’s parks.

Programs Begin at 7:30 p.m.

San Bernardio County Museum Redlands

Leadership Training - June 2-3

Becoming a Chapter Outings Leader is easy

Our annual training required to lead Sierra Club outings is fast approaching. I’m sure all chapter members are familiar with our outings program, but you may not be aware of where you fit in. It’s a misconception that outings leaders need to be fit athletes into strenuous outdoor recreation. In fact our greatest needs are somewhat the opposite.

Our members constantly request more outings that are very easy. They ask about outings designed for them and their children and many inquire about special interest outings such as those emphasizing photography, natural science or other outings such as canine outings. One of our greatest needs is outings that take members to places of special conservation importance.

The training takes place at the Sierra Club-owned Keller Hut near Running Springs and includes courses in Outings Administration, Map and Compass, the Psychology of Leadership and Environmental Considerations. Sunday, the second day is a field exercise depicted in the photograph.

Applicants need to be at least 18 years old and current members of the Sierra Club. There is a $34 fee for the Sierra Club Outing Leader handbook, the Chapter’s Leader Manual, continental breakfast Saturday and Sunday, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and the use of the facility.

For an application you may e-mail ralph.salisbury@sangorgonio.sierraclub.org or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Ralph Salisbury, 2995 Floral Ave, Riverside, CA 92507.

Outings leaders are special and really enjoy their experiences; consider becoming one.

San Gorgonio Outings Calendar APRIL 1 - JUNE 30

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