Orrin Henry Bonney

Orrin Bonney was a Houston-based attorney, advocate, and avid mountaineer and hiker. He was a prominent early leader in the Sierra Club’s Houston Group (mid-60s), spearheading grassroots efforts to improve management and set aside wilderness areas with Texas National Forests. He was also involved in work to establish the Big Thicket National Preserve (1974).

Aside from his lobbying work, he helped pioneer the Lone Star Hiking Trail, which has grown since its origins in 1966 to include a 96-mile through-path, plus 32 miles of loop and crossover trails, much of it laid out in Sam Houston National Forest. His many contributions are remembered by the Orrin Bonney Award, the highest recognition offered by the Sierra Club’s Texas chapter.

It should be noted that much of his work was done in tandem with his wife, Lorraine, and involved protection and exploration of the Teton, Yellowstone and Wind River ranges, far from Texas.