New Web Site Unveiled

        by Johanna Zetterberg

As part of a comprehensive plan to increase communication to members and the public, the Angeles Chapter unveiled a completely redesigned website last month. The new website can still be found at its old address, http://angeles.sierraclub.org.

“Our new website represents a breakthrough in communicating our message and presenting opportunities to our members and the general public,” said Jack Bohlka, senior Chapter director. “We are thrilled to present the website as a resource for people who are looking for a hike or outing, updates on conservation issues, suggestions for a responsible, green lifestyle, as well as a whole range of useful information.”

Leading the effort to update the site was the Electronic Communications Committee (ECC), which made the website its No. 1 priority since its inception in the spring of 2003. “It has been no small task coordinating the comprehensive contributions of the 12 volunteers on our committee,” said ECC chair Steve Luner. “We are very proud of our accomplishments.”

Committee members first constructed a site architecture, then designed original templates for the look and feel of the site, and finally filled in the informational content.

The new site will be nearly unrecognizable to those familiar with the old web face of the Chapter. Contemplating the makeover, the ECC opted not to use the design templates available from National but instead create something unique.

Committee member Ann Zumwinkle, an independent web designer-developer, designed the look of the site and built site templates from the ground up. "Essentially, the needs of the site's new information architecture served as a basis for all design and development decisions," said Zumwinkle. "Still, interpreting the natural world for a computer screen is a highly unnatural challenge."

The new website offers something for everyone. Want to find out what conservation campaigns the Chapter is currently running? Click on the Environmental Issues link and read about the more than 30 campaigns that affect L.A. and Orange counties. Interested in asking your community members to join or donate to the Chapter? Just give them the site address and point them to Join or Donate. Under the Outings section is a searchable outings database built by volunteer Ed McCarroll that is based on one developed by Wilderness Travel Course leaders. Here you can search for a trip that meets your needs by filtering through the hundreds of outings offered each quarter. You may also check out selected stories from past issues of the Southern Sierran. For a comprehensive overview of everything the site offers, visit the dynamic site map page, developed by volunteer Nathan Krumm.

Not only can Angeles Chapter members get information from the site, but they can also give it. It’s easy for groups, committees, task forces, or other entities to link their websites to the Chapter’s. Another way to give input to the site is to help provide content for the About the Cover page, which highlights natural objects and locations local to the Angeles Chapter.

In the design phase of the project, the ECC paid special attention to making the site user friendly. “The new website is easier to navigate, more comprehensive, and better looking,” said committee member Will McWhinney. “It’s a great guide to the Chapter’s resources and an excellent source of information on local outings and conservation issues.”

After launching the new site, the ECC took time to celebrate and reflect on a job well done. The ECC will continue to stay active fixing bugs and refining the site, as well as taking on second phase projects for the website such as adding a Press Room page for reporters, a Southern Sierran archive, and map links for outings meeting points.

Your feedback on the Angeles Chapter website is welcome and can be sent to

A special thanks goes out to Sierra Club member Jim G., the Chapter’s first and founding webmaster, who developed, hosted, and supported the site in its earlier version.

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