Environmental Education Fundraiser at Clair Tappaan Sept. 20-22

Environmental Education Fundraiser for Underserved Kids at Sierra Club’s Clair Tappaan Lodge Sept. 20-22, 2019

Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune will be speaking at the event on September 21

NORDEN, CA (Sept. 16, 2019) –Sierra Club’s Clair Tappaan Lodge (CTL) will host its annual fundraiser weekend Sept. 20-22—OUTDOORS FOR ALL. Monies will go towards a grant fund that enables underserved youth to participate in environmental education programs at the lodge. Help us get kids out into nature to lower stress, strengthen health, build self-esteem, improve academic performance, and build community ties.

Weekend activities include guided hikes, social gatherings, and great food. Come on Saturday to hear Michael Brune’s talk on the importance of environmental education for all, buy local art with all proceeds going to the lodge fund, listen to Celtic music, sit down to a gala dinner, and win raffle prizes, all in a lovely Sierra setting.

“We believe that access to nature should be respected as a basic human right,” said Jane Risk, chair, CTL Committee Environmental Fund Review Team. “Spending time in nature can lower stress, strengthen health, build self-esteem, improve academic performance, and build community ties. Our parks, public lands, waters, and wildlife are public assets; they are not a luxury but are vital to our individual and collective wellbeing…” said Jane Risk, chair, CTL Committee Environmental Fund Review Team.

The educational programs at Clair Tappaan and nearby Hutchinson Lodge are led by Sierra Club Inspiring Connections Outdoors along with two non-profit groups—Gateway Mountain and Headwaters Science Institute. Representatives from Gateway and Headwaters will be at the fundraiser to talk about their programs.

• Inspiring Connections Outdoors
• Gateway Mountain Center
• Headwaters Science Institute

This Sierra Club volunteer-run program exposes inner-city youth to the wonders and joys of the Sierra Nevada in the winter, educating them about the ecology, biology, hydrology, and entomology of the area.

This program aims to foster a sense of wonder, connection, and curiosity about nature in children of all backgrounds. Their adventure programs balance field science instruction, hiking, and reflection, emphasizing active learning that is cooperative, fun, and provocative.

This outdoor science program is designed around independent research projects mixed with outdoor adventure experiences to give students the empowering experience of designing and implementing their own original research projects. Potential topics include wetland wildlife, fire ecology, host parasite relationships, environmental chemistry, forest succession, geology, and the impact of human history on local ecology.

The full fundraising weekend—two nights at the lodge, all meals (including vegetarian options,) and all activities—costs $220 for adults and $150 for children.

Come for the Saturday afternoon extravaganza—painting instruction by local artist Susan Barry (1 p.m.) music by Celtic Joy (3 p.m.), a presentation by Gateway Mountain Center (5 p.m.), a gala dinner (6 p.m.), Michael Brune’s talk (7 p.m.), and the art auction, and raffle—for only $85 per person.

Call 530-426-3632 for reservations or fill out a reservation form online.

For those who can’t come to the fundraiser but wish to donate, you can make a check payable to Sierra Club Foundation and note that the donation is for Clair Tappaan Lodge’s Environmental Education Fund. Checks can be mailed to: Clair Tappaan Lodge, P.O. Box 36, Norden, CA, 95724.

For more information go to www.clairtappaanlodge.com/events.

EDITORS: Click here for photos.

About Clair Tappaan Lodge

Clair Tappaan Lodge is a historic mountain retreat—originally built by Sierra Club volunteers in the early 1930s—nestled in the woods near Donner Lake, California. With accommodations for up to 145 guests, the lodge is the perfect home-base for year-round recreation and relaxation in the Sierra Nevada. The friendly, casual atmosphere, proximity to endless outdoor recreation opportunities, and affordable nightly rates make Clair Tappaan the perfect rustic getaway to the Truckee-Tahoe area. With a rich history and a wide variety of programs, the lodge has played an important role in introducing people to the outdoors and providing a safe and friendly environment in which to do so. Learn more at www.clairtappaanlodge.com

About Basecamp Hospitality

Basecamp Hospitality is a collaboration between independent, privately owned, award-winning park, resort, retail, and event management companies based in Red Bluff and Fairfield, California. Since 1975, the companies under Basecamp Hospitality brand have been providing our superior level of service and commitment as concessionaires to our partners in local, state, and national agencies. Basecamp Hospitality has been managing Clair Tappaan Lodge for the Sierra Club since 2018. Learn more at www.basecamphospitality.com

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