Partnership for the National Trails System Announces the REI Co-Op‘s One Million Dollar Investment in the National Trails System
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In celebration of our public lands, the REI Co-Op is making a historic investment of one million dollars to our National Trails System. Through collaboration with Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS), the funds will be distributed to designated non-profit trail organizations that steward our National Trails. This investment will support advocacy efforts, stewardship projects, and educational programming across the National Trails System.
The funding will be distributed in two parts:
- Every participating nonprofit trail organization will receive baseline funding to support the continued stewardship of their trail.
- Project specific funding guided by the votes of REI customers and members.
HOW TO SUPPORT THE NATIONAL TRAILS SYSTEM ON NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY
- Visit your local REI and learn about a National Trail close to you. Trail stewards across the country will be tabling at REI stores.
- Attend stewardship events across the National Trails System. Nonprofit trail organizations will be holding projects and events along the National Trails, from hikes to trail clean ups. Find an event near you here.
- Engage in online voting to support trail projects. From September 8 through October 6, REI will be accepting votes from customers and members to guide additional funding based on three categories: stewardship, advocacy or education. Vote here.
“The investment REI is making in our National Trails System will impact trails across the country in every way - from volunteer training, to trail improvements to next generation programs that build support for our National Trails into the future. Funds will also help PNTS with advocacy for our trails during our Hike the Hill event next spring. We thank REI for making this gift to the public in support of our National Trails System as we approach its 60th birthday”
--- Courtney Lyons-Garcia, Executive Director of Partnership for the National Trails System.
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.
