Gay and Lesbian Sierrans held its December holiday party at Nature Friends LA’s wonderful old lodge building in Sierra Madre in 2023 and 2024, and were planning to return there in December 2025. Jim Angus, the current President of Nature Friends LA, was an early GLS leader. Some GLS regulars are also members of Nature Friends.
When the Nature Friends LA lodge burned on January 8 in the Eaton Fire, we were very sorry to hear about it. We thought GLS TRACKS readers would be interested to learn more about Nature Friends, to learn what has happened, and to hear about their developing recovery plans. So here is a message from Jim Angus.
By Jim Angus
Photos provided by Jim Angus
For over a century, Nature Friends Los Angeles (NFLA) has been a cornerstone for individuals passionate about nature and comradery. Our organization was founded in 1920 by German and Austrian immigrants, part of a larger global movement—Nature Friends International (NFI)—established in 1895. Around the same time, the Sierra Club, founded in 1892, was growing into one of the most significant conservation organizations in the country.
The first Nature Friends clubhouse in California was built in 1914 on a hillside overlooking what is now Muir Woods National Monument in the San Francisco Bay Area. Not long after, Nature Friends Los Angeles (NFLA) was founded in 1920, followed by a third branch in Oakland in 1921. NFLA’s historic clubhouse in Sierra Madre, completed in 1923, stood as a testament to our commitment to nature, recreation, and community. A dance hall addition in 1927 further enriched its role as a vibrant cultural hub.
In 1931, the northern branches built a ski lodge in the Sierra Nevada near Donner Summit, located immediately adjacent to the Sierra Club’s Clair Tappaan Lodge—so close, in fact, that the two lodges share a parking lot. Finally, in 1937, NFLA members constructed a mountain cabin in the San Jacinto Mountains near Idyllwild, which remains a peaceful retreat from modern life.
While our three California branches developed independently, they share deep historical ties with the Sierra Club. Many early Sierra Club members were also involved in the Nature Friends movement, recognizing their shared goals of preserving nature and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities. Today, that complementary relationship remains strong—the Sierra Club has led the way in environmental advocacy and activism, while Nature Friends operates a network of outdoor lodges and social spaces, offering members a unique way to experience nature in a communal setting.
A Place of Inclusion and Tradition
From its earliest days, NFLA has welcomed those who might have been excluded from other outdoor and social organizations. Founded by working-class immigrants at a time when many mountaineering clubs were limited to elite membership, NFLA was built on the principle that nature should be accessible to everyone.
By the 1930s, German Jewish immigrants who had fled persecution found refuge at NFLA, forming a new home within our community. Decades later, the club continued that tradition of inclusivity, welcoming LGBTQ+ members and other marginalized groups well before broader societal acceptance. In recent years, NFLA has been honored to host the GLS holiday parties, continuing our legacy as a gathering place for those who love the outdoors and value community.
The Eaton Fire and Its Aftermath
On January 8, 2025, the Eaton Fire destroyed NFLA’s historic clubhouse, a structure that had stood for more than a century. The loss was substantial—not just in terms of a building, but in terms of what it represented: a space for community, cultural events, and outdoor recreation. Like many properties in California, NFLA did not carry wildfire insurance, as the cost was prohibitively high. The estimated cost to rebuild is between $500,000 and $1,000,000, a challenge given our small membership base.
Unfortunately, the fire was not the end of our challenges. Heavy rains soon followed, triggering mudslides that buried parts of the site. In the days after, NFLA members came together to clear debris, showing the same dedication that has defined this club for generations.
Moving Forward: A Sustainable Rebuilding Plan
Despite these setbacks, NFLA remains committed to rebuilding in a way that is both sustainable and forward-thinking. Our vision includes:
- Fire-Resistant Design – The new clubhouse will be constructed using modern materials and techniques that prioritize fire safety.
- Sustainability – We plan to incorporate solar energy, water conservation systems, and environmentally responsible building materials.
- Accessibility – The new facility will be designed to be more inclusive, ensuring that all members can fully enjoy it.
This is not just about restoring what was lost—it is about creating a space that will serve future generations.
The Role of Nature Friends International (NFI)
NFLA is part of Nature Friends International (NFI), a global network of over 350,000 members across 45 countries. Members of NFLA have access to more than 700 Nature Friends Houses worldwide, providing affordable lodging and outdoor recreation opportunities in Europe, North America, and beyond.
Following the fire, NFLA reached out to NFI leadership with a proposal—not just for support in rebuilding our clubhouse, but for the creation of an international disaster relief fund. Climate-related disasters are increasing in frequency, and NFLA is not the first nature center to face destruction from wildfires, floods, or other extreme weather events. Our proposal is currently under review by NFI leadership, and we are hopeful that it will lead to a long-term strategy for resilience.
How You Can Help
For members of GLS and the broader outdoor community, there are several ways to support our rebuilding efforts:
- Renew Your Membership or Join NFLA – Membership dues directly support our club and give you access to Nature Friends Houses worldwide.
- Financial Contributions – Donations, of any size, will help us rebuild.
- Volunteer Efforts – We welcome support from those with experience in nonprofit law (specifically establishing a California 501(c)(3)), fundraising, community outreach, architecture, environmental sustainability, or trail restoration. Your expertise can play a vital role in helping us rebuild and strengthen our organization.
- Advocacy and Awareness – Sharing our story with others can help us reach a broader network of supporters.
Looking Ahead
NFLA has endured for over a century, not just because of its structures, but because of its people and the values they uphold. The Eaton Fire was a serious setback, but it will not define our future. With the support of our members, our friends at GLS, and the broader outdoor community, we are confident that NFLA will once again be a place where people gather, share experiences, and connect with nature.
For more information, to donate, or to get involved, please visit naturefriendsla.org.
Jim Angus
Nature Friends LA President and Long Time GLS Outings Leader
2/25/2025
