Sierra Club has been offering outings since 1901, the same year John Muir, naturalist, author, wilderness preservation advocate, and founder of the Sierra Club said, "If people in general could be got into the woods, even for once, to hear the trees speak for themselves, all difficulties in the way of forest preservation would vanish."
Sierra Club outings are led by volunteers. These volunteers work meticulously to scout, plan, and share their discoveries so we can enjoy a passionate experience that can have moments matched by little else in our lifetimes: an experience that ignites parts of ourselves deeply.
Please be sure to thank these volunteers whenever you can, letting them know how important their work is.
Is this your first time on a Sierra Club outing?
Sierra Club outings are a great way to experience the outdoors and meet people with similar interests. You do not need to be a Sierra Club member to participate in our outings.
Your outings leader will greet you at the beginning of each outing, ask you to read and sign a liability waiver, and answer any questions you might have. Be sure to bring appropriate clothing, footwear, and equipment that is either noted in the outing announcement or is suggested in any pre-event communication sent by the leader. Pets are not allowed unless specifically indicated in the outing description. No firearms or radios are allowed but good stories and humor are most welcome.
Volunteering for the Sierra Club
Become a Certified Outings Leader
All Sierra Club outings are organized and led by certified leaders. These leaders are volunteers and work hard to plan and lead extraordinary events. If you love being outdoors, planning events, and working with people, then you could find outdoor leadership a very enjoyable and rewarding experience. The Sierra Club offers free training to help you obtain certification.
Information about Outings Leader Certification
Contact the Outings Chair about training and leadership opportunities
Have environmental or wildlife expertise?
Contact the Outings Chair about co-leading an outing No Sierra Club certification needed
Local Service Outings - Bolin Creek Stewardship
3rd Saturday - Bolin Creek Trail. Please join us in this exciting Sierra Club project in the heart of Chapel Hill. Our Bolin Creek habitat restoration project is over ten years old now. Significant improvements are visible along the Greenway but there is much, much more to do. We are removing invasive exotic plant species that have made a mess of the lower level flora in the riparian corridor. Privet is the main culprit, but elaeagnus, wisteria, mahonia, kudzu and other bad actors are all present and squeezing out the desirable Piedmont natives.
This is a long-term project, and we need many more volunteers. It’s hard work, but very rewarding. The difference is visible immediately, and the effect is long lasting.
This is a work outing, and so isn't appropriate for small children. Please bring work gloves, clippers, loppers, trowels, shovels, and any water or refreshments you may need.
In fall, winter, and spring, (we take off June, July and August in deference to ticks, chiggers and our brutal summer heat) we meet at 9:00 on the third Saturday of each month at the Greenway entrance on Bolinwood Drive, just off Hillsborough Street in Chapel Hill. Please contact Bill Bracey at bill_bracey@yahoo.com or 919-619-2160 if you are interested in participating.
Becoming a Sierra Club Member
Although you do not need to be a member to participate in local outings, we encourage you to join the Sierra Club. Your membership contributions and/or donations help the Sierra Club with activities involving the preservation of wild places which can lead to a variety of ways you can enjoy the outdoors.
We Would Like to Hear From You
If you to have an questions or suggestions regarding outings, please contact the Outings Chair.