Support your local outdoor clubs & organizations
There are many nonprofit organizations working to conserve the places where we love to relax and play, to encourage increased participation in human-powered outdoor sports, and to advocate for increased funding and protection for natural places.
Support for these organizations can come in many forms. Think about what matters most to you. Is it having a great natural place to play outdoors? Breathing clean air? Having a safe bike route to commute on? Teaching your children to be eco-friendly? Getting your opinion to an elected official? Whatever it is, it’s easy to find an organization aligned with your values! Here are just a few ways to support your local organizations’ efforts:
Become a member.
Membership is a critical source of funding for many nonprofits. In return, you’ll likely receive some great benefits, including membership gifts, access to special events, news and publications, and more!
At VERMONT LAND TRUST, 91% of every dollar raised goes directly toward conserving land. They think about it this way, “I want to enjoy local food, have woods to walk in and places to swim, and see Vermont’s landscape retain its farms and forests; therefore I will become a member of the Vermont Land Trust!”
Get your hands wet and your boots dirty!
Find the perfect project for you, whether you have a few hours or want to make a vacation of it.
American Hiking Society's NATIONAL TRAILS DAY® is the country's largest celebration of trails. This year’s event is June 1, and thousands activities are already planned across the country by nonprofits, land trusts, and city, state, and federal parks.
The Society for the Protection of NH Forests hosts an annual MONADNOCK TRAILS WEEK, a full week of trail work on the slopes of Mount Monadnock, a popular mountain that sees over 100,000 hikers each year.
Make a donation.
You don’t have to be a member to financially contribute to a nonprofit. Donations of cash, product for a fundraiser, or properties that a land trust can sell are all beneficial ways to support a local nonprofit.
For every dollar donated to the ACCESS FUND, 84 cents goes to the programs that support the mission of protecting America's climbing. The other 16 cents goes to administration and fundraising, so that they can raise the next dollar.
Participate in fundraisers and local events.
Seek the Peak, the largest annual fundraiser for the nonprofit MOUNT WASHINGTON OBSERVATORY, welcomes hikers of all ages and abilities to the rugged, windswept trails of Mount Washington in New Hampshire. Since the event was founded in 2001, Seek the Peak has raised well over $1,000,000 for the nonprofit institution to help maintain its famous weather station at the summit and continue researching and educating the public about climate and weather.
The Adirondack Mountain Club hosts the annual Ididaride, a bike event that celebrates the beauty and scenery of the Adirondacks while raising funds for the ADK’s conservation, recreation, and advocacy programs.
Support advocacy efforts
This can take many forms, from spreading news to your friends and family through Facebook, to sending emails and letters to elected officials, to participating in events and rallies. The ultimate goal? Advocate for what you believe in!
An individual can join AMC’s Conservation Action Network to learn about current advocacy efforts.
The AMERICAN ALPINE CLUB uses newsletters, community grants, and climber scientists to further their policy efforts and protect climbing crags for generations to come.
Use their property and buy their products.
Trail and campsite fees, as well as the cost of guidebooks, t-shirts, and other items, are a direct contribution to your local nonprofit.
AMC has an extensive network of lodges and huts. You can hike from hut to hut along the Appalachian Trail, paddle remote ponds on AMC's 67,000 acres of conserved Maine land, or bring the family for a week-long, guided Family Adventure Camp.
The NEW ENGLAND MOUNTAIN BICYCLING ASSOCIATION (NEMBA) sells jerseys, hats, and socks, giving you the opportunity to gear up while supporting their organization.
The bottom line? If land conservation, outdoor recreation, and environmental health are important to you, find a local nonprofit aligned with your values, and support them in any way that makes sense for you. We thank you!