On National Public Lands Day (September 26), REI Co-op is donating $1m to support the trails that connect America.
From Sept. 8 to Oct. 2, members, customers and employees can vote online or in REI stores to help decide how a portion of the donation is directed to eligible nonprofit organisations that care for America’s National Scenic and Historic Trails.
Every participating trail organisation will receive funding, with a portion of the funding guided by the vote. Together, these organizations support projects and partners across more than 60,600 miles of National Scenic and Historic Trails, from iconic routes like the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail to local trail segments that connect communities to the outdoors.
“Our national trails give us room to breathe and help us feel connected to nature, to one another and to ourselves, so on National Public Lands Day, we’re giving back to them,” said Mary Beth Laughton, president and CEO of REI Co-op.
“Through this effort, the co-op is turning appreciation into care, and we’re inviting our members, customers and employees to join us. Together, we can help protect and support these trails and strengthen the organizations that steward them.”
The effort is being launched with the Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS), whose network includes organizations working across America’s National Scenic and Historic Trails. Funding will support trail stewardship, volunteer engagement, youth leadership development, conservation advocacy and other efforts that help trails remain accessible, welcoming and maintained for future generations.
“We’re proud to join REI in connecting people more deeply to the trails they love,” said Courtney Lyons-Garcia, executive director of the Partnership for the National Trails System.
“From trail maintenance and volunteer stewardship to advocacy and leadership development, this support will strengthen the projects and partners caring for some of America’s most cherished outdoor places.”
Supporting National Scenic and Historic Trails goes beyond a donation. In September, more than 130 REI stores will host local trail organisations and community groups, helping people discover places to explore, connect with partners in their communities and find new opportunities to volunteer, advocate and care for public lands close to home. Learn more.
PNTS partner organizations will host hikes, stewardship projects, rides and outdoor events around the country, giving people opportunities to get outside and experience firsthand the trails and public lands they are helping support.
Members and customers can stay engaged year-round through the REI Cooperative Action Network and REI Cooperative Action Fund, which advance conservation, civic engagement and community-led efforts that protect outdoor places and expand access to the outdoors.
