REI Co-op Donating $1 Million to America's National Trails, Invites Members to Participate

Nationwide vote will help co-op allocate funding for trail advocacy, education and stewardship across all 50 states

SEATTLE, Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This National Public Lands Day on Sept. 26, REI Co-op is donating $1 million to support the trails that connect America. From Sept. 8 to Oct. 2, members, customers and employees can vote online or in REI stores to help decide how a portion of the donation is directed to eligible nonprofit organizations that care for America's National Scenic and Historic Trails.

Every participating trail organization will receive funding, with a portion of the funding guided by the vote. Together, these organizations support projects and partners across more than 60,600 miles of National Scenic and Historic Trails, from iconic routes like the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail to local trail segments that connect communities to the outdoors.

"Our national trails give us room to breathe and help us feel connected to nature, to one another and to ourselves, so on National Public Lands Day, we're giving back to them," said Mary Beth Laughton, president and CEO of REI Co-op. "Through this effort, the co-op is turning appreciation into care, and we're inviting our members, customers and employees to join us. Together, we can help protect and support these trails and strengthen the organizations that steward them."

The effort is being launched with the Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS), whose network includes organizations working across America's National Scenic and Historic Trails. Funding will support trail stewardship, volunteer engagement, youth leadership development, conservation advocacy and other efforts that help trails remain accessible, welcoming and maintained for future generations.

"We're proud to join REI in connecting people more deeply to the trails they love," said Courtney Lyons-Garcia, executive director of the Partnership for the National Trails System. "From trail maintenance and volunteer stewardship to advocacy and leadership development, this support will strengthen the projects and partners caring for some of America's most cherished outdoor places."

Get Involved on and Off the Trail

Supporting National Scenic and Historic Trails goes beyond a donation. Throughout September, more than 130 REI stores will host local trail organizations and community groups, helping people discover places to explore, connect with partners in their communities and find new opportunities to volunteer, advocate and care for public lands close to home. Learn more.

PNTS partner organizations will host hikes, stewardship projects, rides and outdoor events around the country, giving people opportunities to get outside and experience firsthand the trails and public lands they are helping support. Learn more.

Members and customers can stay engaged year-round through the REI Cooperative Action Network and REI Cooperative Action Fund, which advance conservation, civic engagement and community-led efforts that protect outdoor places and expand access to the outdoors.

Protecting public lands has long been central to REI's mission. For 50 years, the co-op has invested in stewardship, advocacy and community partnerships that help ensure outdoor places remain accessible, welcoming and cared for. This latest effort builds on that legacy while creating new opportunities for people to get involved and outside.

About the 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 26 million members who expect and love the best quality gear and outstanding customer service. In addition to the co-op's many stores across the country, outdoor enthusiasts can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.

About the Partnership for the National Trails System

The Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS) is a nationwide nonprofit organization that connects, strengthens, and amplifies a vibrant network of partners united to preserve, enhance, and promote America's National Scenic and Historic Trails.

Legal 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.

SOURCE REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)