Reflections on a Decade with the Grand Canyon Chapter
By Jennifer Martin-McLeod
When I joined the staff of the Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter, my son, Justice, was ten years old. We were blessed with a shared life of abundant passions–involvement in our church, martial arts, music, his school and my career, and the ever-essential quiet moments enjoying nature, books, our home, and each other’s company. So much has changed since then, in my life and in the world. My ten-year anniversary managing the Water Sentinels Program brought about myriad reflections and a wave of gratitude.
What stands out most is the people I’ve had the privilege of working with. Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. They’re the ones who show up to monitor and restore rivers, inform their communities, and push for policy changes to protect Arizona’s waterways. What I love most about them is their curiosity and commitment. I’m lucky to say they’re not just volunteers I coordinate. They’re friends who enrich my life and inspire me as they care for Mother Nature.
Sandy Bahr, our Chapter Director, has been a big part of my journey, too. She has an exceptional ability to focus on what matters most while navigating the messy, complicated world of environmental policy. She’s unrivaled in the depth of her knowledge, and passionate about Arizona’s wild places. Her fierce dedication, regardless of obstacles, is a great example for us all. She has always supported my growth and my needs both within and apart from the organization. I jokingly refer to her as my “work mom,” and she is a great one.
I will always be grateful for how the Chapter has supported me through so many stages of life. When I started, I was a single mom raising a ten-year-old. The Chapter gave me the flexibility I needed to be present for my son while still contributing to this important work. Since then I’ve lost beloved friends and pets, gotten my black belt, travelled around the world, watched my son grow up and move out on his own, and married the love of my life.
In many ways, I’ve grown up with this program. The person I was at the beginning is not the person I am today. Life has shaped me in ways I never could have imagined–through gifts, trials, multiple rebirths, and an ever-deepening understanding of what it means to stay true to my values. Those values–caring for the natural world, fostering community, and working for justice–are what drew me to the Sierra Club in the first place, and they’re why I’m still here.
In these alarming times, my work is an anchor. It’s not just about protecting rivers and streams, though that’s essential. It’s about creating a sense of connection–to each other, to the natural world, and to a future where people and planet can thrive together.
After all these years, I’m more grateful than ever to call the Sierra Club my home. It’s a place where I’ve been able to evolve, contribute, and belong. And as I look ahead, I know the work will continue to matter–not just to me, but to all of us who call Arizona home.