About Our Match Supporters: Marty Wallace and Ed Kane
What’s your favorite way to be outdoors? Favorite place(s)?
Our outdoor activities cover a wide range and it’s impossible to pick a favorite. In the winter, it’s cross-country skiing. In warmer months, Ed loves to paddle and bike, while I am more of a hiker. We also spend quite a bit of time on the water sailing both in coastal New England and in the Caribbean or Florida (in the winter). I hike just about anywhere but began hiking in the White Mountains and still go up there regularly to revisit favorite spots. There’s something about that landscape, from the rocks and roots to the hobblebush and trillium in bloom, the ferns and moss…. it never gets old.
Why did you get more involved with AMC?
We became members in the late ‘70’s. As I became more aware of the many facets of AMC, from trail work to hiker safety, to the huts, I realized how much my values align with AMC’s mission. We joined the President’s Society around the time that the Maine Woods Initiative began and started going on cross-country lodge-to-lodge trips with the President’s Society. These Maine ski trips have become a much-anticipated part of my winter schedule.
What is it about AMC that you value most?
When you visit any AMC facility, the experience is always enhanced by AMC’s approach. Sometimes that approach is subtle… those posters about snakes and amphibians inside the restroom stalls! Other times, a naturalist is there to answer questions and present a talk. I especially value AMC’s emphasis on promoting safe practices in the outdoors. That’s never far from my mind as I prepare for a hike or a ski.
What motivated you to create a matching challenge this year?
Ed and I recognize that the last few years have been a challenge for many organizations. AMC was severely impacted by the pandemic, with facility closures, program cancellations and more. Even though most of the pandemic related difficulties are being resolved, it’s still a challenging time for AMC. We hope that others will join with us to ensure a bright future for AMC and all it does to promote enjoyment, education, and conservation of the outdoors.
Why is giving to AMC so important?
AMC works hard to create a welcoming and safe experience for folks who want to enjoy the outdoors. It’s also a key player in conservation and outdoor education throughout our region. In addition to conserving over 100,000 acres in the Maine Woods, AMC has been doing scientific research for decades on critical issues like air and water quality – providing invaluable data as we learn more about the effects of a changing climate. AMC education programs serve both urban and rural youth and provide opportunities to learn about and enjoy the outdoors. For all these activities, AMC relies on the support of its dedicated and generous members and donors.