Publications

AMC Outdoors, May 2002

By Katharine Wroth

When taking an AMC group on a trip, most leaders avoid their local landfill. But not Jack Schempp. Last year, along with his Narragansett Chapter Conservation Committee Co-Chair Linda Pease, Schempp shepherded 25 curious chapter members to a landfill in Johnston, R.I. The tour was part of an increasing — and increasingly popular — program of events run by the committee. This year's lineup includes a bird sanctuary cleanup, a visit to a sustainable materials "demo house," and a series of naturalist trainings for leaders.

Mixing hands-on conservation with recreation is a formula that works, says Schempp. People think of conservation as "dull and technical," he says. "But we have fun — enthusiastic leaders, stimulating outdoor locales, plenty of interaction, and, of course, refreshments."

Schempp also leads hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing trips to most of the New England states each year, as well as Major Excursions — he favors the Northwest for its climate, geology, views, and "humane" trails. He enjoys traveling afar because "you take off your old coat and are exposed to new ideas and perspectives and challenging situations."

Schempp, 65, grew up in Connecticut: "I spent my first 10 years in the woods," he recalls. Years later, he often took his two children canoeing and camping. But then a busy marketing career allowed little time for outdoor activities — even after joining AMC in 1988, he had time for only local bike rides. Now self-employed in Providence, he's able to make time for getting out.

Schempp also spends time serving as vice president of the Environment Council of Rhode Island, a coalition of 40 groups including the AMC. The group gives an award in the name of the late Senator John Chafee to community groups working on conservation projects, from reducing water consumption to creating a refuge for piping plovers. "In a time when much of the environmental news is bad," Schempp says, "it's heartening to see projects by local citizen groups continue to flourish."

—Katharine Wroth is Senior Editor of AMC Outdoors.