REI continues support of National Scenic Trails, invests nearly $645,000 in 2018

SEATTLE, Aug. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of 50 years of National Scenic Trails, REI Co-op is investing a total of $643,000 in 17 nonprofit organizations dedicated to stewarding and maintaining the country's 11 National Scenic Trails. REI has supported these efforts for nearly two decades and since 2002, has invested nearly $3 million in National Scenic Trails.

"Many of these trails offer direct access to outdoor recreation in some of the most scenic parts of the country," said Taldi Walter, REI community and government affairs manager. "By supporting projects to improve access and invest in their future, we're working to make sure these trails can be enjoyed by generations to come."

National Scenic Trails are extended paths of more than 100 miles in length that provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and pass through nationally significant scenic, historic, natural or cultural areas. This year's investment will support trail maintenance and restoration projects across the country to support 11 National Scenic Trails, including:

• Appalachian Trail: REI is investing $48,100 in four nonprofits dedicated to stewarding the Appalachian Trail: Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, Appalachian Mountain Connecticut Chapter, and Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Projects include adding signage and information kiosks, and providing vital repairs to high-use sections of the trail. The Appalachian Trail stretches 2,190 miles and touches 14 states. REI has invested over $780,000 in the Appalachian Trail to date.
• Continental Divide Trail: REI is investing $25,000 in the Continental Divide Trail Coalition to add signage along the trail and support trail maintenance efforts. The Continental Divide Trail runs 3,100 miles from New Mexico to Montana. REI has invested over $340,000 in the Continental Divide Trail to date.
• Pacific Crest Trail: REI is investing $25,000 in the Pacific Crest Trail Association to repair sections of the trail damaged by wildfires in California. The Pacific Crest Trail extends 2,650 miles through California, Oregon and Washington. REI has invested over $284,000 in the Pacific Crest Trail to date.

Beyond grants, REI's investment in nonprofits includes the contribution of volunteer hours and hands-on stewardship. At REI stores across the country, the co-op supports and promotes nonprofits' efforts to engage volunteers in caring for outdoor spaces, and REI employees often join in their causes.

Join the effort

The co-op is inviting members to join in its support of National Scenic Trails and has created a collection of gear and apparel to celebrate 50 years of National Scenic Trails. REI will donate five percent of the purchase price of each item from the collection to provide additional support for nonprofit organizations working along all 11 National Scenic Trails. To shop the collection, click here.

Explore National Scenic Trails

The National Trails System Act was passed by Congress in 1968 and established 11 National Scenic Trails throughout the country. To learn more about National Scenic Trails, REI's contributions, and ways to get outside and enjoy the trails, click here.

About 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 more than 17 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 152 stores in 35 states and the District of Columbia. If you can't visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the free REI shopping app. REI isn't just about gear. You can take the trip of a lifetime with REI Adventures, a global leader in active adventure travel that runs more than 170 custom-designed itineraries worldwide. The REI Outdoor School is run by professionally-trained, expert-instructors who teach beginner-to advanced-level courses about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to—and steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all.

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SOURCE REI