In this feature from Mountaineer magazine, read about the Mother's Day tradition, taking fabulously-dressed climbers to summits around the PNW. One of the Pacific Northwest’s grand traditions - a right of passage for many aspiring mountaineers - is climbing Mt. St. Helens, in a dress, on Mother’s Day. Inspired by the famous 1987 red dress of Kathy Phibbs, photographed and featured on the cover of the Seattle Times, thousands of aspiring summiteers flock to the flanks of Helens each May, donning their Sunday best. But as the tradition has grown and permits have become more restricted, many are taking their dress-game elsewhere.

The outdoor recreation industry is a growth industry that provides 5 million good jobs across the United States. Outdoor recreation jobs sustain economies, increase rural prosperity, improve public health outcomes, and promote environmental stewardship and conservation. Through various initiatives, ORR is working to help industry leaders, policymakers, and prospective workers understand how these jobs provide outstanding quality of life, support conservation goals, strengthen local economies, and connect Americans to the great outdoors. Visit ORR’s Workforce Hub and check out some of the other resources created to support and sustain the outdoor workforce.

The outdoor recreation industry is a growth industry that provides 5 million good jobs across the United States. Outdoor recreation jobs sustain economies, increase rural prosperity, improve public health outcomes, and promote environmental stewardship and conservation. Through various initiatives, ORR is working to help industry leaders, policymakers, and prospective workers understand how these jobs provide outstanding quality of life, support conservation goals, strengthen local economies, and connect Americans to the great outdoors. Visit ORR’s Workforce Hub and check out some of the other resources created to support and sustain the outdoor workforce.

We Are ONE is a national gathering of environmentalists of color, June 25-28 at the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta, Georgia. We are honored to invite you to join us - a community of new and familiar voices - to nurture our communities, activate coordinated action, and mobilize our collective commitment to environmental justice and equity. It takes all of us to meet this moment in history. PGM ONE, Justice Outside, and Next 100 Coalition communities, we’re here to create a space to bring our whole, complex, intersectional selves to heal, connect, ideate, and build a framework for endurant collaboration among Indigenous, Black, and Brown environmental leaders and efforts nationally.

Samish Island Nature and Adventure Camp offers an opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of daily societal racism and micro-aggressions and reconnect with rest, health, peace, each other, and nature. Executive Chef Wayne Johnson manages the kitchen, which becomes a place of discovery, where culturally significant dishes are prepared with love, offering a taste of home and a sense of belonging. The meals we share help make Camp a place where memories are made, friendships are forged, and the spirit of the Black and Brown outdoor community is alive and well. Samish Island Nature and Adventure Camp is the only all-inclusive sleepover summer camp of its kind in the region. It’s a place where culture, adventure, and the natural world come together to create a nourishing, life-affirming experience for everyone present.

Across the country, Tribal Nations and other communities are calling for the protection of their most sacred places. REI Co-op, together with hundreds of organizations and outdoor brands, is joining their call to designate more national monuments to safeguard spectacular natural spaces—for ourselves, and for future outdoor enthusiasts who follow in our footsteps. It’s our shared obligation to protect these places—so we’re harnessing this network’s power to make it happen. Help us urge President Biden to designate more of America’s incredible public lands as national monuments.

Together Outdoors (TO) announces two new grant opportunities for fostering inclusivity and diversity in outdoor recreation:

1. Inclusive Micro-Grant Program: Aimed at supporting small and rural grassroots organizations, this initiative seeks to enhance their capacity in creating a more inclusive outdoor recreation environment. Thanks to foundational support from THOR Industries, TO welcomes contributions from the outdoor recreation community for future grant rounds.

2. Outdoor Pathway Scholarship: In collaboration with the Outdoor Diversity Alliance, TO has launched a program to connect students from underrepresented communities to outdoor and environmental professions. Recipients will receive $5000 in scholarship funding over two years, mentorship, and assistance with job placement in the outdoor industry or environmental field.

Don't miss out on these incredible opportunities!

Get ready for the outdoor experience of the summer at Refuge Fest 2024, where adventure, nature, inclusivity and good vibes collide!

Take advantage of the opportunity to secure exclusive Early Bird tickets for Refuge Fest, the 7th annual outdoor festival held at Tolt-MacDonald Park & Campground from August 16-18. As a gesture of gratitude to their valued newsletter subscribers, the organizers are extending a special offer of Early Bird tickets priced at just $95. Individuals are encouraged to reserve their spot promptly to become integral members of a movement that champions inclusivity, community spirit, and a deep connection with nature.

Join Refuge Fest 2024 now to enjoy the amazing mix of community and nature. Your presence will help make outdoor adventures better for everyone.