The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have given $20 million in grants to 24 critical coastal wetland conservation and restoration projects in 13 states and territories. Partner contributions from state and local governments, private landowners and conservation groups will match an additional $21.3 million in funds through the 2013 National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants Program.
Rockford, MI –Chaco has partnered with the American Camp Association (ACA) to be the exclusive footwear provider for camp counselors and professionals at ACA-accredited camps across the nation. Chaco will also make an annual donation to the ACA’s “Send a Child to Camp” scholarship fund that allows young people to attend ACA member camps.
Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and L.L. Bean have entered into a partnership to support programs that help people, children in particular, get outdoors. L.L. Bean’s contribution will include the donation of seasonal outdoor gear as well as the offering of outdoor programs through the company’s Outdoor Discovery Schools.
Chicago, IL – Avex is supporting Higher Ground Sun Valley organization’s Military Division with donations of water bottles with patent-pending Autospout technology. Higher Ground provides disabled individuals the opportunity to participate in competitive and outdoor activities. The organization’s Military Division employs therapeutic recreation to help injured service members gain the physical skills, confidence and coping strategies necessary to successfully reintegrate into their families and communities.
Salt Lake City, UT – This January at the 2013 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market trade show, Utah governor Gary R. Herbert released Utah’s Outdoor Recreation Vision. The document addresses the value of outdoor recreation for the economy of Utah and gives guidelines and policy recommendations to enhance outdoor recreation and related industries in Utah. For more information or to view the full Utah Outdoor Recreation Vision document, visit utah.gov/governor/docs/outdoorrecreationvision.pdf.
Alameda, CA – The North Face’s Explore Fund grants have completed its second round of awards, totaling more than $140,000 granted to 58 projects impacting more than 80,000 American youth.
The program began in 2010 and has provided over $1 million in grants to inspire youth to get out and explore the outdoors. The Explore Fund spring grant cycle will be announced early in 2013. Information on this cycle’s grantees can be found at www.explorefund.org.
Washington, D.C. – Outdoor Nation is now accepting applications for Paddle Nation Project Grants. The initiative is in its second year and will award $2,500 to at least 20 paddle projects across the U.S. aimed at connecting young Americans with recreational paddling.
Seattle, WA – Not-for-profit organization Splore out of Salt Lake City, Utah and Forest Hills Elementary out of Sidman, Pennsylvania were chosen as winners of Tubbs Snowhoes’ “Get Outdoors” Kids’ Contest.
Splore and Forest Hills will be awarded 30-40 snowshoes, along with Tubbs’ Winter Fit for Kids programming. Splore’s program seeks to get youth outside during the winter 3-5 times per week, while Forest Hill’s programming will reach 400+ P.E. students and after-school program participants. In exchange for the snowshoes and programming, the winners will be sharing their activities and experiences with Tubbs followers.
Boulder, CO – In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, Polar Bottle’s line of benefit bottles for local and national charities is expanding with a new line of American Red Cross bottles that will support American Red Cross disaster relief.