Partnership for the National Trails System Announces Projects Funded by REI’s Donation of $1 million.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – REI’s historic donation of $1 million invested in 29 of the 32 National Historic and Scenic Trails. $500,000 of this donation will be distributed across three project categories: stewardship, advocacy, and education. REI members and consumers voted on which projects categories they preferred. The percentage of votes represents the percentage of total funding that the projects in these categories will receive based on the vote.
Stewardship – 65%
- Anza Trail Foundation, Juan Bautista de Anza NHT
- Interpretive signage projects along the Upper Salinas watershed
- Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Appalachian NST
- Upgrade of the educational exhibit at the Appalachian Trail Visitor Center in Harper’s Ferry
- Back Country Horsemen of America, Continental Divide NST and Arizona NST
- Clearing of downed trees on 25 miles of the Continental Divide NST
- Transport of supplies for volunteer work on the Arizona NST
- Connecticut Forest and Park Association, New England NST
- Development of a new primitive campsite featuring raised tent platforms and a moldering privy
- El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT Association, El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT
- Stewardship work at Lobanillo Swales, Floresville, and Racheria Grande
- Ice Age Trail Alliance, Ice Age NST
- Trailblazers youth program will perform trail stewardship duties to remove debris and prep the trail for the summer season
- Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance, Iditarod NHT
- Mapping the Iditarod Trail in Knik
- Lewis & Clark Trail Alliance, Lewis and Clark NHT and Nez Perce NHT
- Lolo Reconnected - two trail efforts to restore and reconnect 100 miles of the Lolo Trail between Weippe, Idaho and Traveler's Rest, Montana.
- Lewis & Clark Trust, Lewis and Clark NHT
- Katy Trail (248 miles) will be captured in 360 degree camera systems mounted on bicycles.
- North Country Trail Association, North Country NST
- Essential trail repairs that will mitigate the snowball effect of extreme weather & heavy use.
- Oregon-California Trail Association, Oregon NHT and California NHT
- Creation of a Donner Party in Mexico Kiosk at the Lake Point Emigrant Trails Park.
- Improvements to Alcove Spring Park in Northwest Kansas.
- Pacific Northwest Trail Association, Pacific Northwest NST
- Conservation Corps program for essential trail maintenance.
Advocacy – 26%
- American Hiking Society
- Training for organizations and volunteers on trail advocacy.
- Appalachian Mountain Club, New England NST
- Advocacy to protect the Land and Water Conservation Fund
- Arizona Trail Association, Arizona NST
- Training for trail advocates and volunteers.
- Continental Divide Trail Coalition, Continental Divide NST
- Tribal Fellowship Program that cultivates the next generation of trail leaders.
- Florida Trail Association, Florida NST
- Stateside advocacy campaign to bring awareness of the trail to the public.
- Pacific Crest Trail Association, Pacific Crest NST
- Trail Runner program that offers support to hikers on the trail; educates them about the trail and policies.
- Washington Trail Association
- Sending staff and volunteers to DC to advocate for trail issues.
- National Mormon Trails Association, Mormon Pioneer NHT
- Sending interns to DC for Hike the Hill® to learn how to advocate for trails and public lands
- Trail of Tears Association, Trail of Tears NHT
- Youth bike ride with stops for education and advocacy opportunities along the route
- Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association, Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route NHT
- Victory Towns map with recreational opportunity links to trail assets.
Education – 9%
- Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance, Iditarod NHT
- Iditarod Trail to Every Classroom will deliver place-based education about the Iditarod NHT.
- Santa Fe Trail Association, Santa Fe NHT
- Digital Junior Wagon Master Program.
- Trust for Nez Perce, Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) NHT
- Youth Cares for the Nez Perce Trail in preparation for the Sesquicentennial Anniversary.
Trail Apprentice Program
In addition to the $500,000 in programming dollars, the REI gift will fund PNTS Trail Apprentices for 6 National Trails. The Trail Apprentices will work on interpretation, communication, and projects for the trails during the course of their apprenticeship in Spring 2027.
- Ala Kahakai NHT
- El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro NHT
- Pony Express NHT
- Potomac Heritage NST
- Selma to Montgomery NHT
- Star Spangled Banner NHT
ABOUT PARTNERSHIP FOR THE NATIONAL TRAILS SYSTEM
For nearly three decades, the Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS) has been a collective voice, a resource provider, a convener and a hub for exchange, learning, and action for the National Trails System. As the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on the 32 National Scenic and Historic Trails (NSHT), PNTS brings together professionals, leaders and trail and hiking enthusiasts to promote a thriving and accessible National Trails System for all. Find out more at pnts.org
ABOUT THE REI CO-OP
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 26 million members who expect and love the best quality gear and outstanding customer service. In addition to the co-op’s many stores across the country, outdoor enthusiasts can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.
Media Contact:
Nora Kline
Communications Manager
Partnership for the National Trails System
nora@pnts.org
