America's Oldest Environmental Organization Wants People to GET OUT

Founded by America's most well-known and influential naturalist and conservationist, John Muir, the Sierra Club is the oldest, largest,and most influential grassroots environmental organization in the country, with more than 1.3 million members and supporters. Muir, who served as the Club's president until his death in 1914, started the Sierra Club in 1892 with several supporters to “do something for the wilderness and make the mountains glad.” Since then, the Sierra Club has been exploring, enjoying, and protecting the wild; practicing and promoting the responsible use of the planet's ecosystems and resources; and educating and enlisting people to protect and restore the quality of the environment.

Last week, the Sierra Club launched a new campaign called GET OUT to urge people to get outdoors. Muir believed that if people were brought outside and fell in love with the wilderness, they would be inspired to protect it. Throughout the month of April, the Sierra Club is offering opportunities for those who care about the environment to spend more time in nature and connect with other outdoor enthusiasts.

According to the Club's executive director Michael Brune, “The GET OUT campaign is all about demonstrating support for environmental protection, getting involved in community activities, and taking time to enjoy and explore the great outdoors.”

As part of the GET OUT campaign, the Sierra Club has launched hundreds of events around the country such as local outings, service events, rallies, and online engagement opportunities, all designed to allow people to explore, enjoy, and protect their community. The Club has also produced a special video wherein Michael C. Hall, Shailene Woodley, Octavia Spencer, Dermot Mulroney, and more share their favorite ways to get out and explore, enjoy, and protect the earth. Further, local donation checkpoints will be set up across the country so the public can drop off their gently used outdoor apparel and gear. The items will be sold on eBay to raise funds to support Sierra Club chapters and groups.