Quilting for Community
Lisa di Bartolomeo and CJ Helenski started a project to bring our community out during the cold, dark, winter nights here in Morgantown. Beginning with an event in early January, where 56 people joined the project by watching a Ted Talk by Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (tinyurl.com/talks-with-ayana) about finding joy in fighting climate change. They since have begun a quilting project, with the intent of finishing a Log Cabin quilt by Earth Day (April 22). They would then display it around the state to spark conversations about environmental advocacy. Lisa says: " If you have ideas about where we could display the quilt near you, or if you’d like to help start a quilting effort in your community, please contact me (lisa.dibartolomeo@sierraclub.org). Let’s cover our state in beautiful quilts to demonstrate that the Sierra Club is part of our communities and show that West Virginians are ready to move beyond coal to a clean-energy future."
See the Sierra Club West Virginia Chapter web pages and Facebook for more information.
West Virginia Botanical Garden
See here for events at the West Virginia Botanical Garden.
Let's Talk Thursdays with Mon Co SWA
March 12 - How We Achieve Zero Waste Events
March 19 - Tips to Protect Watersheds, Nonpoint Source Pollution, and Environmental Stewardship
All Sessions are Zoom meetings on Thursdays from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Registration is required. Information on these events can be seen here.
Morgantown Community Gathering Concerning Electricity Bills December 2025
On December 1st the WV Sierra Club, in coalition with West Virginians for Energy Freedom, held a free community event to discuss issues relating to the rapid and dramatic rise in electrictity rates. This event was a chance to connect with neighbors, share experiences, learn more about the forces driving up energy costs, and explore how everyday West Virginians can speak up for fairness and real solutions. It was noted that "Whether you're feeling squeezed by rising bills or simply want to help fight back on behalf of your community, you'll leave the meeting more informed, more empowered, and part of a growing community that believes we all deserve affordable, reliable energy." These issues were presented and discussed. The West Virginians for Energy Freedom has a petition available for signing that is termed "West Virginia Ratepayers Bill of Rates". For more on this and to sign the petition go here.
Morgantown Environmental Gathering November 2025
Information by Candice Elliot. On November 6, the Monongahela Group of the Sierra Club West Virginia Chapter welcomed the public to "An Evening of Conversation with Local Environmental Voices" at First Presbyterian Church of Morgantown to hear a brief message from Delegate Evan Hansen (D-Morgantown) as well as introductions from 15 local environmental groups. About 50 people enjoyed a chili dinner prepared by volunteers and, after hearing from the various representatives, broke up into smaller groups to brainstorm common goals. Attendees left with more awareness of common challenges and goals facing environmental activists and the opportunities for collaboration among the organizations.
Ice Cream Social July 2025
Our annual Ice Cream Social took place on July 5 at Palatine Park (aka East Marion Park) in Fairmont.
WV Chapter Kicks Off “Toxic Tour” of Coal-Powered Plants July 2025
On July 12—a hot, sunny Saturday morning—fourteen intrepid explorers went to Granville in Monongalia County, WV, where they met up and carpooled to Longview and Fort Martin power stations. There Jim Kotcon explained the process of burning coal, the mechanics of power plants, the many environmental effects of the toxins spewed by the power plants, and other interesting facts. The trip was a great opportunity to meet local Sierra Club members and to share curiosity and concern for where our power comes from—both literal power (electricity) and figurative power (our members and our movement). Further tours are planned including: Grant Town (Marion County), Harrison (Haywood, Harrison County), John Amos (Winfield, Putnam County), Mitchell (Moundsville, Marshall County), Mountaineer (Letart, Mason County), Mount Storm (near Bismarck, Grant County), and Pleasants (near Belmont, Pleasants County).
Sierra Club Links
Mon Group Facebook page
Eastern Panhandle Group Facebook page
West Virginia Chapter web pages and Facebook page
Main organization web pages and Facebook page
Contact us at SCWVMG@gmail.com