MOUNTAINS - RESOURCES
Inspired By The Magnificent Majesty Of Mountains
“Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than what we could learn from books.”
“There are two kinds of people -- Beach People and Mountain People. Beaches are fun but mountains are divine. You get the exercise climbing them and the challenges and joys of hiking to summits, often with the reward of a beautiful well-earned view. You get the comfort of being surrounded by trees in the lower elevations and the inspiration from vast expansive views higher up. All of this while you’re often enveloped in crisp clean air. It’s breathtaking. We take only pictures and we leave only footprints in the mountains.”—Jonathan Sprout
“The mountains are calling and I must go.” —John Muir
Here are some excellent organizations working to preserve and protect our mountains.
The Sierra Club Foundation promotes climate solutions, conservation, and movement building through a powerful combination of strategic philanthropy and grassroots advocacy. The Foundation is the fiscal sponsor of the Sierra Club’s charitable environmental programs.
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.
Conservation International protects the nature we all rely on for food, freshwater, and livelihoods.
The Nature Conservancy conserves the lands and waters on which all life depends. Every acre they protect, every river mile restored, and every species brought back from the brink, begins with individual support which helps make a lasting difference around the world in 79 countries and territories.
Forest Holidays has a wonderful guide for child learning activities in the outdoors. Children love playing in nature’s playground. They love gloriously muddy outdoor adventures. They love to explore further than the eye can see. They love to discover wildlife as they go. Nature is good for us. It’s good for us mentally and physically. Getting back to nature allows us the chance to relax and reconnect with the wider world around us. And while time spent outside is good for everyone, it’s most important in the development of children. Connecting with nature is key to creativity and curiosity.
The Earth Times aims to provide current environmental news coverage and green blogs to give the background information needed to better understand what can sometimes be enormously complicated and controversial environmental issues.
American Rivers protects wild rivers, restores damaged rivers, and conserves clean water for people and nature.
Appalachian Mountain Club was founded in 1876 to promote the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails of America’s Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. These resources have intrinsic worth and also provide recreational opportunities, spiritual renewal, and ecological and economic health for the region. Because successful conservation depends on active engagement with the outdoors, they encourage people to experience, learn about, and appreciate the natural world.
The Adirondack Council carries out programs that include a commitment to responsible education and constructive advocacy, partnerships and respect for all, innovation and excellence, and commitment to the future.
Adirondack Mountain Club members help others play in, discover, and explore the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York while working to protect them. Jonathan is a member and big fan of this group of dedicated nature lovers.
Mountain Area Preservation’s mission is to preserve the Truckee-Tahoe, California/Nevada region’s mountain character and the natural environment for present and future generations.
Founded in 1931, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy (formerly the Rocky Mountain Nature Association) is a nonprofit organization supporting Rocky Mountain National Park. When you support the Conservancy, you’re supporting one of our national treasures for generations to come. Jonathan has lived in, played in and helped protect the Rocky Mountain National Park region since 1974.
Sonoma Mountain Preservation has been speaking for Sonoma Mountain since 1993, advocating for open space, recreation, and scenic preservation.
The mission of the Appalachian Mountain Club is to foster the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. They envision a world where natural resources are healthy, loved, and always protected, and where the outdoors occupies a place of central importance in every person’s life.
American Hiking Society Hiking Resources: Get the information you need to feel confident on your next hike.
American Alpine Club, since its founding in 1902, has been a force in helping safeguard America’s wild landscapes and natural treasures. They focus on critical issues facing climbers and outdoor recreation nationally, such as keeping public lands pristine, wild, and open to human-powered recreation. Everyone at the AAC finds great joy and meaning in climbing, and they are committed to a thriving outdoor community sustained by healthy mountains and climbing landscapes for generations to come.
Great Smoky Mountains Association supports the perpetual preservation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, U.S., and the national park system by promoting greater public understanding and appreciation through education, interpretation, and research.
Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics provides research, education, and initiatives so every person who ventures outside can protect and enjoy our world, responsibly.
The Mountaineers are fierce advocates for wild places. Their conservation advocacy focuses on protecting public lands and responsible recreational access, including engaging future generations.
National Parks Conservation Association works to protect and enhance America's National Park System for present and future generations.
Alpine Club of Canada works toward the preservation of mountain regions and their flora and fauna. They support the conservation of alpine environments and regularly advocate to protect the places we love.
The Backpackers Club in the UK is for anybody who enjoys lightweight camping. The aim of the club is to promote and encourage backpacking.
The Wilderness Society works to unite people while protecting America’s wild places.
Environmental Defense Fund is one of the world’s leading environmental organizations. They’ve been driving results for more than 50 years.