Hiking

Last legislative session our leaders almost did the right thing. They very nearly passed a Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights, which would set the stage for connecting every New Mexico child with the outdoors. There was no real reason this bill didn’t pass, other than lack of time.

Why do we even need a Bill of Rights that gets our children moving outside?

By Kristina Ortez de Jones, Southwest Youth Representative

John Muir loved the outdoors, and when the Sierra Club was founded back in 1892, outings to special places in the Sierras inspired passion among the Club’s early members. Outings have always been a special part of the Club, and it’s been integrated with two of Sierra Club’s Youth Programs.

Check out these cool videos from Still Reel Productions, LLC.

Bisti - northwest New Mexico

Bosque Del Apache - central New Mexico

The Wave - Coyote Butte North - Utah

Our intrepid Badlands explorer, Mike Richie, made a major effort in October and November to introduce these spectacular badlands to more individuals through a series of independent Saturday and Sunday hikes every weekend, drawing many newcomers as well as those already hooked by these other-worldly landscapes.

This spring President Obama created the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative. This weekend leaders from the Department of Interior, Department of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency met with New Mexicans in Albuquerque to learn about our views of this program. This is my viewpoint on this issue.

• We should all increase our use of the world-class outdoors opportunities that exist here in New Mexico.
• The Federal government should provide new, expanded, and better protected public lands.
• Increase opportunities for youth in the Great Outdoors.
• Support local economies by investing in public lands.
• Manage all public lands to comprehend climate change.

Saturday, July 24.
Hike Sawyer's Peak ~9mile RT, interesting warblers and ladybugs. Margot Wilson (575-744-5860).

The Sierra Club's National Outings Program has announced its Outstanding Leaders for 2009. Gene Goldberg and David Van Winkle, both of Santa Fe, were amongst those recognized by National Outings Director Tony Rango. Rochelle Garrett, also of Santa Fe, received this award for 2008.