Lexington Native Embarks on Cross-Country Bike Trip for the Environment

Lexington, MA June 26, 2014 – Chris Waters, a Lexington native, and Sam Warton of Malden are showing their dedication to environmental conservation by biking from San Francisco Bay to Massachusetts Bay and fundraising on behalf of Conservation Law Foundation (CLF). During this seven-week ride, which began on May 20th, the pair will travel over 3,000 miles—all to help protect the New England environment they’ve grown up with and love. The two are donating money raised for the trip to CLF, the environmental advocacy organization committed to a sustainable, thriving New England.    

Warton and Waters, who just graduated from UMass Amherst this past May, are both experienced cyclists, but this is their first major trip together. 

Of his motivation for the ride, Warton explained, “I did a cross-country trip for charity with my brother before I went to college. That was an amazing experience, and I’ve wanted to do it again—but this time, I wanted to make it a meaningful end to my college career. That’s why Chris and I began thinking about how to make the trip have a positive impact beyond our own enjoyment.” 

Waters added, “I started road cycling two and a half years ago, and went on my first tour a year ago. I really enjoyed it, and I wanted to take that to the next level and go across the country, and I wanted the ride to have a real purpose.” 

The pair decided that this trip would be the perfect way to give back to the environment they’ve grown up enjoying. From hikes in the White Mountains in New Hampshire to weekends in Maine, the two have always appreciated nature and the outdoors. That’s why the money they raise for the trip—minus personal expenses—will be donated to Conservation Law Foundation (CLF).

Since its founding in 1996, Conservation Law Foundation has worked to protect New England’s environment for the benefit of all people. Using the law, science and the market, CLF creates solutions that preserve natural resources, build healthy communities, and sustain a vibrant economy region-wide.

“I grew up with New England as my playground, and I want to help preserve it, which is very much in line with CLF’s mission of building a sustainable economy where our natural resources are valued,” said Waters. “The work CLF does also has impacts beyond New England, and there is a dire need for national action.” 

Warton, whose brother once interned at the organization, agreed: “I learned that people at CLF are taking a multi-faceted approach to tackling environmental problems—using law, science, and policy making in tandem, which I think is highly effective.”

Both Warton and Waters are excited to have the opportunity to ride through some of the most scenic areas of the United States—like Yosemite National Park, the Rocky Mountains, and the Great Lakes—while making an impact back at home. 

“We are honored that Sam and Chris chose Conservation Law Foundation as the beneficiary of their fundraising for their cross-country bike journey,” said Sue Reid, Vice President and Director, CLF Massachusetts. “I am so impressed that they have channeled their love for New England’s environment into the difficult work of grassroots fundraising for CLF. It is young people like Sam and Chris who inspire many of us at CLF daily, and why we are committed to ensuring that our environment is healthy and sustainable so that people today and future generations can enjoy it as much as Sam and Chris do.”

To learn more about Warton’s and Waters’s trip or to make a donation, please visit their website: http://www.gofundme.com/bay2baybound. Learn more about Conservation Law Foundation at http://www.clf.org/.