Sierra Club Statement on the Passing of Toshi Seeger

For Immediate Release

July 12, 2013

Contact Jeff Tittel, 609-558-9100

Sierra Club Statement on the Passing of Toshi Seeger

"The Sierra Club is saddened by the loss of Toshi Seeger. Our hearts and condolences go out to Pete Seeger and his family. She was a wonderful woman who did so many great things. They had a beautiful marriage and it was a wonderful love story. She was Pete's muse and inspiration, but also kept him organized. She was a committed activist who worked for peace, social justice, and the environment."

"In 2011 we received the Toshi and Pete Seeger Wetlands Preservation Award for "our outstanding efforts and accomplishments in wetland preservation. Recognizing our shining example, leadership, and valiant work." Toshi and Pete Seeger's passion for wetland protections started while driving down the Turnpike seeing the Meadowlands realizing its importance and need for protection. Every year they host a concert to bring awareness to the importance of wetlands and recognize individuals and organizations who are working to protect them. When Pete did the concert for us last November he wanted the concert up in Bergen Country so he would not be more than an hour away from Toshi since she had been sick for awhile."

"They lived in the Highlands overlooking the Hudson River and were committed to preserving the forest watershed, cleaning up our rivers, as well as protecting our wetlands. They had a great life together accomplishing some very important and wonderful things. She was always at his concerts and by his side whether it was at the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington or a benefit concert in 1984 Pete Seeger did in Ringwood to help protect the mountains around the Wanaque reservoir from sprawl development. She will be missed and left an important legacy not just for the environment, but for this country and for the world," said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.

 --  Nicole Dallara, Outreach Coordinator  New Jersey Sierra Club  145 W. Hanover Street Trenton, NJ 08618 609-656-7612