Bell’s Brewery Launches Second Annual ‘Go Where the Trail Leads You’ Campaign with Partnership for the National Trails System
Partnership raises money for preservation and encouraged use of national trails
CONTACT: Ashley Wheeler, Partnership for the National Trails System Communication Coordinator, communication@pnts.org
COMSTOCK, Mich., August 30, 2022 – Bell’s Brewery is teaming up with Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS) for the second year in a row to encourage people to enjoy trails across America, and in turn, raise money to protect them.
From Sept. 1 to Oct. 31, 2022, Bell’s will donate $5 for every hour pledged online toward visiting or supporting trails. There are hundreds of thousands of trails throughout the U.S. which offer a convenient way for people to experience the outdoors, explore cities, learn about history, and more. Hours can be pledged for hiking, biking, walking, volunteering for trail maintenance, attending educational events, and other trail activities.
“Sustainability practices and appreciation for the great outdoors has long been a hallmark of Bell’s Brewery, so supporting our colleagues at PNTS is a natural partnership” said Executive Vice President Carrie Yunker. “There are so many trails that exist around us, many of which community members haven’t discovered yet. Enjoying these trails is one of the easiest ways to appreciate nature’s beauty, and it’s crucial that we work to protect them now, and for generations to come.”
This year, Bell’s aims to surpass last year’s donation total of $16,000, hoping to reach $20,000. In addition, Bell’s encourages participants to collectively pledge more than 4,000 hours and exceed the 3526 total hours pledged in 2021.
“PNTS is thrilled to once again partner with Bell’s to increase support and raise awareness for trails. Bell’s shares PNTS’ respect and excitement for trails and other outdoor spaces. They recognize the value of connecting people through shared experiences, whether it be exploring a forest or a city on a trail or relaxing with loved ones over a meal or beverage. A mutual appreciation of the value of connections, both to natural places and to one another, makes this partnership a natural fit. We look forward to working with Bell’s to shine a light on trails for a wider audience of craft beer enthusiasts, and to leverage that increased awareness to promote more resilient and accessible trails for all,” Valerie Rupp, PNTS Executive Director, said.
Go Where the Trail Leads you is just one of Bell’s Brewery’s many initiatives to protect the environment. Tri-annually, Bell’s employees work to clean up a section of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail as part of the brewery’s commitment to Michigan’s Adopt-a-Highway and Adopt a Trail Programs. The brewery is also a member of Brewers for Clean Water, an organization exclusively for brewing companies advocating for clean water protection through federal and state policy.
In addition to protecting ecosystems, Bell’s is committed to company sustainability practices by lowering energy and water usage where possible and reducing waste through recycling. The brewery optimizes energy efficiency through systems like ammonia refrigeration, an 85-ton geothermal heat offset system, a C02 vaporizer to repurpose heat in fermentation and LED lighting in all facilities, reducing energy usage by over 300,000 kWh. Bell’s saves water with practices like utilizing high-efficiency foam traps, which save 15 million gallons of water annually. Finally, Bell’s diversion rate for recycling is 83%, or 99% when spent grain is used as cattle feed.
Pledges for time spent on the trails can be made at bellsbeer.com/trails
Learn more about Partnership for the National Trails System, ways to protect trails, and find trails near you:
ABOUT BELL’S BREWERY
Bell’s Brewery began in 1985 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with Larry Bell, a quest for better beer and a 15-gallon soup kettle. Since then, Bell’s has grown into one of the largest craft breweries in America, distributing to 43 states, in addition to Puerto Rico and Washington DC. The dedication to brewing flavorful, unfiltered, quality craft beers that started when Larry was a home brewer continues today with iconic brands such as Oberon Ale and Two Hearted Ale, as well as Light Hearted Ale and Official Hazy IPA. Bell’s currently brews more than 20 beers for distribution out of its Comstock brewery as well as many small-batch beers that are served at the Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo. Over the years, Bell’s has become an industry leader in safety, quality, and human resources, paving the way for the hundreds of craft breweries across Michigan. Bell’s ongoing goal is to brew thoughtful, creative, and artistic ales, and strives to make craft beer welcoming and open to all. For more information, please visit BellsBeer.com.
ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP FOR THE NATIONAL TRAILS SYSTEM
The Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS) connects and convenes trail organizations and Federal agencies and trail enthusiasts to further the protection, completion, and stewardship of scenic and historic trails.
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