Putting our love
into action
This National Public Lands Day*, we donated $1 million to fund projects and partners supporting over 60,600 miles of trails.
The votes are in!
Together, we’re directing $500,000 to projects and partners across these three categories—supporting more than 60,600 miles of National Scenic and National Historic Trails. The percentage of votes represents the percentage of total funding that the projects and partners in these categories will receive. Thank you for making it happen—and for turning your love for public lands into real, tangible action!
Percentage of votes received
65%
Stewardship
Restoring and protecting public lands.
26%
Advocacy
Policy and legislation in support of all public lands.
9%
Education
Training the next generation of trail leaders.
Explore a few projects receiving funding
Follow your local trail organizations to learn about initiatives happening in your state.
Stewardship
Oregon-California Trails Association will upgrade and improve the Hastings Cutoff, a critical piece of the California Trail’s history, and a stop along the Donner Party’s route. They will build a kiosk featuring maps, journal articles and digital resources about the Donner Party’s journey.
Lewis & Clark Trail Alliance and Trust for the Nez-Perce Trail are partnering on Lolo Reconnected, to restore and reconnect the backcountry corridor- 100 miles of the Lolo Trail between Idaho and Montana, expanding access for hikers and equestrians.
Backcountry Horsemen Association will utilize these funds in the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail to clear downed trees and repair trail that has an existing rut. In addition BCHA will use funding to provide backcountry support along the Arizona National Scenic Trail by delivering water, food and tools using horses so that conservation corps members are not managing heavy loads in addition to the work they are doing along the trail.
Advocacy
Appalachian Mountain Club will send advocates to Washington DC to fight for reauthorization of the Legacy Restoration Fund and to protect the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Florida Trail Association will create public educational materials and toolkits promoting responsible trail use and long-term support for the Florida National Scenic Trail. This is an opportunity to generate statewide support for trail needs and activities.
National Mormon Trails Association will utilize funds to bring interns to Washington DC in the spring for Hike the Hill, the premiere advocacy event for hiking. They will participate in agency and Congressional meetings and learn how to showcase trails for our nation’s decisionmakers.
Education
The Anza Foundation will create an educational video, guided by the local Tribe, focusing on local history, watershed stewardship and a sense of place. This will help youth understand the watershed’s importance, with the video being available to local schools and via the Anza NHT trailhead.
North Country Scenic Trail Association will bring specialized youth corps crews to perform repairs and trail stabilization along the NCT, giving participants hands-on skills while developing the next generation of trail advocates and stewards.
Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance will partner with Bikepacking Roots, Chugach Mountain Bike Rider and Alaska Off-Road Cycling Alliance to create the first-ever Bikepacking Guide for the Iditarod Trail. As final construction of the new long distance bike trail is finalized, this will make the route passable by bike for the first time ever, with the trail start just 45 minutes from REI Anchorage.
Examples are illustrative and do not represent all projects that may receive funding.
More ways you can put your love for public lands into action
REI Cooperative Action Network
Raise your voice for the trails that connect us to the outdoor places we love, helping protect access to life outside, for everyone.
REI Cooperative Action Fund
Join us in supporting nonprofits across the country that are working to create a world where everyone can experience the health and well-being benefits of nature.
Learn, Connect & Get Involved
Visit your local REI for education and inspiration through presentations, events, and service projects.
About National Scenic & National Historic Trails
REI donated $1 million to trails through our collaboration with the nonprofit Partnership for the National Trails System.
National Scenic Trails include iconic routes such as the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, and National Historic Trails commemorate historic paths of travel that shaped the U.S. such as the Oregon Trail, Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, and Trail of Tears. All trails are long-distance routes, with at least one trail in every state.
Get to know a few of our local partners in protecting the public lands we love.
Arizona Trail Association
Dedicated to constructing, maintaining and protecting the Arizona National Scenic Trail, an 800-mile path that traverses deserts, mountains and canyons between Utah and Mexico, connecting diverse landscapes and communities.
Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance
Works to protect, promote and preserve the Iditarod National Historic Trail. The organization celebrates the trail, the story and the community stewardship of the 2,400-mile Iditarod trail network that connects over 40 villages, cities, and ghost towns across Alaska from Seward to Nome.
Ice Age Trail Alliance
Dedicated to conserving, creating, maintaining and promoting the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, a 1,200-mile footpath that follows the edge of the last glacier and connects people to the state’s natural history.
North Country Trail Association
The nonprofit partner of the National Park Service in building, maintaining and protecting the North Country Trail. It’s America’s longest National Scenic Trail, winding nearly 5,000 miles across eight states.
*National Public Lands Day is a registered trademark of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF)
Terms & Conditions
In celebration of National Public Land Day on September 26, 2026 (“NPLD”), REI shall donate $1,000,000 to Partnership for the National Trails System (“PNTS”). Donation shall be made through REI’s Donor Advised Fund administered by the Seattle Foundation and shall be distributed in four portions: (1) $430,000 to be distributed equally amongst participating PNTS Trail Members; (2) $500,000 to a select subset of projects in alignment with the REI Member/Consumer Vote occurring September 8, 2026 – October 2, 2026. The percentage of funds donated to each category will be decided based on the total percentage of votes each category receives; (3) $50,000 to be retained by PNTS for operations; (4) $20,000 to be dedicated to at least 4 National Trails that do not have a currently designated trail partner.