With the number of people choosing to opt outside skyrocketing, it is no surprise that our public lands are suffering. The pandemic and shutdown have many people heading to nature for healing and solace while, for much of the year, organizations like Friends have been unable to lead volunteer projects leaving public lands suffering as a result. Lucky for us, there are several individuals who go above and beyond for public lands. These anonymous stewards have been filling in gaps and you should join them.

In 2015 REI created the Opt Outside campaign, wherein they closed 143 of their stores on Black Friday, the biggest sales day of the year for many companies, in order to promote outdoor recreation and call attention to unsustainable consumption.