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On the national level, the Sierra Club is a fairly high profile advocate for environmental causes � protection of the country�s woodlands, water sources, and air often have strong backing from the activist group. Founded in 1892 and with a current membership totaling over 700,000 people, the organization has fought through the decades for preservation of the wildlands of many national parks, including Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Sequoia, and the Florida Everglades. They also are strong proponents of reducing America�s dependence on foreign oil and guarding against the abuses that lead to global warming.But the Sierra Club is really a grassroots organization, with local and state chapters all over the country. While local chapters certainly maintain a dedicated voice in national political affairs, much of the work on the local level involves a very simple plan � educate people and help them engage with the natural world around them by means of experiencing mountain hikes, coastal strolls, leisurely walks, enjoyment of urban greenspaces � whatever is available in each local area. Wenoca, the Western North Carolina Sierra Club, is an active chapter that sponsors regular club outings into the mountains, regular meetings, and a newsletter that keeps its members up-to-date on the latest local, state, and national environmental news. It is not necessary to be a member of the Sierra Club to participate in the group�s outings. Past hikes have included overnight trips in the Great Smokies National Park, day hikes to the Looking Glass area of the Pisgah National Forest, and treks on the Mountain to Sea Trail. Group outings are an ideal way for anyone who is new to the outdoors to become acclimated to proper clothing, shoes, safety issues, weather, and trail locations, as well as meet new people who share similar interests. For more information, please visit Wenoca�s web site, http://www.wenoca.asheville.nc.us (Image provided by Sierra Club.)
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