The Hudson Mohawk Group of the New York state’s Atlantic Chapter Sierra Club recently announced the creation of a committee to serve Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton and St. Lawrence counties. Sierra Club’s members aim to explore, enjoy and protect the wild places of the earth.

Monica Gray, Sierra Club Hudson Mohawk Group Chair in Albany, said the new organization will provide North Country members and area residents with opportunities to engage in a wide range of Sierra Club activities, including hikes and educational projects.

The committee formed when a contingent of Sierra Club members approached the Hudson Mohawk Group to ask for help in creating a Sierra Club presence in the North Country. The new committee’s initial interests include public education and member actions on issues related to environmental toxins, pollinator protection, regenerative agriculture, invasive species and water quality. Committee Chair Wayne Miller added that the committee seeks to provide a variety of activities including hikes and outings in northern New York.

Additionally, the committee looks to actively support ongoing efforts aimed at restoration of northern lakes, rivers and streams. Miller expressed confidence that the resources of the Sierra Club will provide critical support in the success of this and other activities.

“The creation of the Northern Watersheds Committee provides a new avenue for the SC to better serve the hundreds of Sierra Club members in our area,” he added. “More importantly, it opens new avenues for members and prospective members to more fully enjoy and protect the remarkable natural wealth all around us.”

This nascent cadre has already implemented phase one of a water quality sampling program in area surface and drinking waters, outlined an outings program and launched a membership drive in the region.

Anyone interested in Northern Watershed’s programs or in joining Sierra Club can visit their website at sierrablubhmnw.org.

The Sierra Club was founded in California in 1892 by naturalist and explorer John Muir with the mission to “explore, enjoy and protect the wild places of the earth.”