Throughout our History
For more than 120 years, the Sierra Club has been guided by a simple and timeless principle: explore, enjoy, and protect the planet. Years before the founding of the Sierra Club, many of its future leaders and supporters were traveling the mountains of California and sharing with others the wonders they found there. In 1892, the Sierra Club was incorporated "to explore, enjoy, and render accessible the mountain regions of the Pacific Coast; to publish authentic information concerning them," and "to enlist the support and cooperation of the people and government in preserving the forests and other natural features of the Sierra Nevada." These three purposes, recreational, educational, and conservationist, constituted the Club's motives, means, and final object.
Over the years and as times changed, so did the outings. Because conservation, education, and recreation are linked, this change in Club purpose was, and still is, reflected in the nature of the Club's outings. From hiking the Sierras to rafting the scenic rivers of the United States to enjoying urban green spaces - what remains constant throughout our history, is that outings have been instrumental to the growth and longevity of the Sierra Club.
Today, we have come to understand that spending time in nature can lower stress, strengthen health, build self-esteem, improve academic performance, and build community ties. Ensuring everyone can engage with nature helps us transform feelings of awe and wonder into a deep sense of responsibility to steward and protect our shared public land, water, and wildlife. In short, connecting people with nature is for the benefit of both. This is at the forefront as we continue to lead outings that bring people together to play and experience the outdoors, inspiring conservation ethics and action.
Attend Local Outings
From the chapter to any of our 6 local groups across Wisconsin, Sierra Club’s trained volunteers lead a wide range of outings: picnics, day hikes, community building, bicycling, skiing, paddling, bird-watching, conservation-oriented activities, and forays into the remaining natural areas of our major cities are just some examples.
If you enjoy being outdoors and would like to be in the company of others, I encourage you to attend any of our local outings this year. It's a great way to connect with others who also want to spend time outdoors and protect our environment. Our leaders are trained by the Sierra Club to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. You can find outings and events near you by checking out the Sierra Club Calendar at https://www.sierraclub.org/wisconsin/calendar. Be sure to check back regularly. New opportunities will be posted as they are planned.
Become an Outings Leader
To keep a robust outing program well into the future, we need leaders. If you love the outdoors or have special places or activities you'd like to share with others, consider becoming an outing leader. As an outing leader you are the bridge that helps connect the people and places in your community. To learn more about how you can become a trained outings leader, contact heather.wittrock@sierraclub.org.
Heather Wittrock, Volunteer Coordinator