Name: Chris Benz
Member Since: 2008
Leadership Position: Current Chair and Treasurer of Napa Group
Areas of Interest: Climate Change, Transportation
Residence: Napa, Napa County
Q: How and when did you first become involved with Sierra Club?
A: A: I was on a backpacking trip in the Sierras with Linda Brown who has served on the Napa ExCom for years. She suggested I run for the ExCom. I did and began serving in January of 2014. It is as fun—and as challenging—as Linda promised.
Q: How has your involvement with Sierra Club changed your life?
A: Serving on the Napa ExCom has been a crash course on how land use issues effect the environment in Napa County. I pay attention now—to everything!
Q: What is one of your fondest memories participating in a Sierra Club event or activity?
A: Last year on Earth Day, I worked the Sierra Club booth at Napa’s Earth Day festival. We gave a Climate Change Quiz with chocolate Earth balls for prizes. The local kids were very enthusiastic, and it was inspiring to meet so many Napa residents who are concerned about the local environment.
Q: What do you see as Sierra Club’s fundamental role in your community?
A: Speaking for the environment and for wild places, protecting their right to exist.
Q: What is your favorite thing about living in Northern California?
A: Our great outdoors. And of the outdoors: our mountains. And of our mountains: Mt. Shasta—a truly magical place.
Q: Where in the outdoors would we most likely find you?
A: On a Napa Land Trust hike! They take place year-round, all over Napa County.