REI Co-op teams-up with Broadway musical Redwood to raise awareness on the healing benefits of nature and conserving the outdoors

Specialty outdoor retailer, REI Co-op, and the new Broadway musical Redwood announce a partnership to celebrate the healing power of nature and highlight the importance of protecting our most precious outdoor places. 

The new show opened last week on Broadway at a pivotal time when a growing body of research demonstrates time outdoors is fundamental for the social, cultural, economic, and individual health and well-being of all people.  

REI and Redwood’s collaboration furthers the important conversation around the connection between health and nature, highlighting simple actions anyone can take to enjoy and protect natural places. Redwood will donate 30% of the sale proceeds of its commemorative co-branded REDWOOD and REI Co-op Thermal Mug to the REI Cooperative Action Fund to support research being done on nature's impact on health. Redwood and REI invite others to take action by visiting ww.REI.com/Redwood. Additionally, a panel discussion will be co-hosted in Manhattan during the spring.  

“One of the themes of Redwood is the importance of nature, and its innate ability to help heal and repair the soul,” said Eva Price, Redwood producer. “We are thrilled to collaborate with REI, who is investing in research and nonprofits to raise awareness of the connection between nature and our health, and grateful to have a partner that can help our audiences with actionable ways to make an impact.”  

Redwood, starring Tony Award-winning actress and singer Idina Menzel, tells the story of a woman whose picture-perfect life is suddenly disrupted by an event that alters everything she’s built. Driven far from the familiarity of home, she finds herself at the foot of California’s ancient redwood forest and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The message underscores the power of nature and the importance of connecting and conserving our natural places. 

“REI shares its passion for the outdoors by inspiring and equipping our co-op members with the gear, apparel, and expertise they need to enjoy time in nature,” said Marc Berejka, divisional vice president of community advocacy and impact at REI. “The benefits of nature are boundless and we are thrilled to work with Redwood to amplify all the ways that nature can strengthen and heal us.”  

Since 1938, REI Co-op has advanced the notion that time outside is fundamental to a life well-lived. Yet today, too many people face barriers to enjoying nature’s benefits and healing power. To help all of us better understand the science linking human health and well-being to nature, REI and the REI Cooperative Action Fund have invested millions in research across the country demonstrating how time outside is good for our kids, for ourselves, friends and families.  

About REDWOOD

About the REI Co-op