By Chris Herndon
Chapter Director
In my first official communication to you as Sierra Club’s North Carolina Chapter Director, I’ll start by saying thank you! Thank you for the work you do each day to advance environmental stewardship in the state we love. And thank you for inviting me to join you on this worthy journey.
Upon my first visit to the Triangle in 2019, I was immediately taken by the tree density. It was early spring and everything already seemed so lush. As I explored the region, I quickly fell in love with the regional parks and greenways, not to mention the easy access to so many beautiful beaches and marvelous mountains. These natural amenities are why I chose to live in North Carolina.
Not one to be a passenger, since moving to North Carolina I’ve intentionally sought ways to improve access to open spaces for current and future residents, which has led me to volunteer with several greenway, park and trails groups in the Triangle.
Joining the Sierra Club in this role is a natural extension of that work. I’m grateful to apply my 25-plus years of experience leading teams, engaging stakeholders, and increasing capacity in ways that amplify the work of tens of thousands of members and supporters like you here in North Carolina.
While the aforementioned quality of life afforded by our state’s geography is a big reason 11 million residents and 43 million annual visitors chose North Carolina, our government and business sectors often fall short in protecting our people and our corner of the planet. Thankfully, we have a legacy of residents rising up to speak truth to power.
North Carolina is recognized as the birthplace of the environmental justice movement because, in 1982, residents in Warren County boldly rose up to protest the intentional dumping of thousands of tons of PCB-ridden soil in predominantly Black communities. Fast forward forty years and the work continues to this day as NC residents fight against chemical waste in the Cape Fear River and for clean energy generation.
Let’s lean into this legacy as we face current headwinds that politicize our right to water that is free of deadly "forever chemicals," to air that is free of carcinogens and pathogens from industrial agriculture, and to healthy rivers and wetlands that absorb our legendary storms and mitigate the harm they bring to our communities.
Mindful of the Sierra Club mission to "explore, enjoy and protect the planet," we work with you to safeguard iconic public lands like the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests. We speak up for species like the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale that breeds off our coast, and migrating waterfowl that pass through the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. And through our local Groups' programs and outings, we help all North Carolinians to learn about and get out into the natural world around us.
As I talk to volunteers, team members, and our environmental partners, I see so many reasons to be hopeful. Sierra Club is unique because of grassroots advocates like you in every pocket of this great state.
We're a respected and influential voice during election seasons like the one that's now upon us, as voters turn to our endorsements for well-informed guidance at the ballot box – a place that a high percentage of Sierra Club members can be found on election day.
Our duty now is to meet people where they are and inspire them to join us while we shape this movement in ways that include them. How can our Sierra Club community better engage people in exploring nature, advocating to protect the earth’s ecosystems, and investing in this work in ways that build our capacity for impact?
I’m honored to steward N.C. Sierra Club’s work at this critical time. I’m eager to put your priorities for our Earth into action. And I look forward to celebrating more impactful wins with you soon!
Make it a meaningful day!