Join Us in Preserving the Beauty of Our Natural World
At Hiking Humanist, our passion for the great outdoors goes beyond the trails we explore. We believe in fostering a deep and meaningful connection with nature, ensuring that its splendor remains intact for generations to come. The breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and serene environments that inspire our hikes are treasures that require our collective care and dedication.
To support this vision, we have partnered with a selection of dedicated charities that work tirelessly to protect our planet’s precious ecosystems, safeguard wildlife, and promote sustainable outdoor activities. These organizations embody the spirit of conservation and stewardship, aligning perfectly with our mission to empower hikers with knowledge and resources for responsible exploration.
We invite you to explore the table below, which highlights each charity’s unique contributions to preserving nature and enhancing outdoor experiences. By supporting these incredible organizations, you are directly contributing to the health and longevity of the environments we cherish. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact in our shared journey to protect and celebrate the natural world.
Together, let’s tread lightly, give generously, and ensure that the beauty of our trails remains vibrant and thriving for all who seek solace and adventure in the embrace of nature.
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”
— John Muir
Charities Supporting Nature, Wildlife, and Outdoor Activities
| Charity Name | What They Do | How They Help Nature | How They Help Wildlife | How They Support Outdoor Activities | Area Served | Website | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Nature Conservancy | Works to conserve lands and waters globally through science-based strategies. | Protects critical ecosystems, restores habitats, and combats climate change. | Supports wildlife protection laws, and engages in habitat restoration projects. | Maintains trails and protected areas for sustainable outdoor recreation. | Global | The Nature Conservancy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sierra Club Foundation | Promotes environmental conservation and advocacy through grassroots initiatives. | Promotes sustainable land management, and protects forests from deforestation. | Protects natural landscapes, and advocates for renewable energy and conservation policies. | Organizes outdoor activities like hikes, clean-ups, and educational programs. | USA | Sierra Club Foundation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics | Educates outdoor enthusiasts on sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact. | Develops and promotes Leave No Trace principles to reduce human impact on nature. | Ensures that outdoor activities do not disturb wildlife through education. | Provides training and resources for responsible hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. | USA | Leave No Trace | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| World Wildlife Fund (WWF) | Focuses on conserving nature and reducing the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth. | Implements large-scale conservation projects, combats deforestation and climate change. | Protects endangered species, restores habitats, and promotes biodiversity. | Supports sustainable tourism and outdoor activities that respect wildlife. | Global | WWF | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| American Hiking Society | Advocates for the preservation of hiking trails and promotes hiking as a healthy activity. | Implements large-scale conservation projects, and combats deforestation and climate change. | Collaborates with other organizations to ensure trails are wildlife-friendly. | Enhances hiking infrastructure, organizes events, and provides resources for hikers. | USA | American Hiking Society | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rainforest Alliance | Works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices. | Works to protect trail environments, and prevent overdevelopment in natural areas. | Protects habitats for countless species, engages in reforestation projects. | Encourages eco-friendly outdoor activities that support rainforest conservation. | Global | Rainforest Alliance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Friends of the Earth | Advocates for environmental justice, conservation, and sustainability through campaigns and education. | Protects natural resources, combats pollution, and promotes sustainable practices. | Supports initiatives to safeguard wildlife habitats and combat poaching. | Promotes outdoor activities that are environmentally responsible and sustainable. | Global | Friends of the Earth | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Conservation International | Partners with communities, governments, and businesses to protect nature for humanity. | Preserves critical ecosystems, addresses climate change, and promotes sustainable development. | Protects wildlife through habitat conservation and anti-poaching efforts. | Integrates outdoor activities with conservation goals, promoting eco-tourism. | Global | Conservation International | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| REI Co-op (Non-Profit Initiatives) | Although primarily a retail cooperative, REI engages in numerous conservation and community initiatives. | Funds conservation projects, supports trail maintenance, and advocates for public lands. | Partners with wildlife organizations to protect habitats and species. | Ensures the preservation of parklands, promotes sustainable management practices. | USA | REI Co-op | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) | Advocates for the protection and enhancement of national parks in the USA. | Advocates for climate policies, and funds environmental initiatives. | Protects wildlife within national parks through habitat conservation efforts. | Enhances visitor experiences by maintaining trails and facilities for outdoor activities. | USA | NPCA | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Earthjustice | Provides legal representation to protect the environment and public health. | Engages in litigation to enforce environmental laws and regulations. | Protects habitats and wildlife through legal advocacy and policy work. | Supports the creation and maintenance of protected outdoor areas. | USA | Earthjustice | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Protect Our Winters (POW) | Focuses on combating climate change and protecting winter sports and outdoor recreation. | Advocates for climate policies, funds environmental initiatives. | Protects mountain habitats crucial for diverse wildlife species. | Promotes sustainable winter outdoor activities and education programs. | USA | Protect Our Winters | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| The Trust for Public Land | Works to create parks and protect land for public use. | Acquires and preserves land for conservation and public enjoyment. | Maintains habitats within parks to support local wildlife. | Develops trails, parks, and recreational areas for outdoor activities. | USA | The Trust for Public Land | Provides grants for outdoor programs, and organizes community hikes and events. |
Regional Charities Supporting Nature, Wildlife, and Outdoor Activities in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and California
At Hiking Humanist, our commitment to preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of specific regions is unwavering. While national and global organizations play a vital role, local charities have an intimate understanding of the unique ecosystems and communities within Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and California. These regional organizations are instrumental in safeguarding our local environments, supporting wildlife, and promoting sustainable outdoor activities that resonate deeply with our hiking community.
Below is a supplementary table showcasing esteemed regional charities dedicated to these causes. Each organization is evaluated based on their impact, transparency, and effectiveness, and is given a rating out of 5 stars to help you make informed decisions about where to contribute your support.
| Charity Name | What They Do | How They Help Nature | How They Help Wildlife | How They Support Outdoor Activities | Area Served | Website | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Open Lands | Works to protect natural areas and open spaces in Utah through land conservation. | Acquires and preserves open spaces, promotes sustainable land use. | Protects wildlands from development, and promotes conservation policies. | Provides trails and preserves for hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation. | Utah | Utah Open Lands | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Nevada Wilderness Coalition | Advocates for the preservation of Nevada’s wilderness and natural resources. | Preserves habitats, and works to protect endangered species in Nevada. | Conserves desert habitats, and promotes sustainable practices in desert regions. | Maintains trails, and supports recreational activities in redwood forests. | Nevada | Nevada Wilderness Coalition | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum | Combines zoo, botanical garden, and museum to educate and conserve desert ecosystems. | Develops and maintains trails, and organizes outdoor conservation events. | Protects desert wildlife through education and conservation programs. | Offers guided hikes, educational outdoor programs, and nature trails. | Arizona | Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Save the Redwoods League | Focuses on the protection and restoration of redwood forests in California. | Protects native plant ecosystems, and combats invasive species. | Preserves wildlife habitats within redwood ecosystems. | Protects and restores redwood habitats, and promotes sustainable forestry. | California | Save the Redwoods League | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| California Native Plant Society | Dedicated to the conservation of California’s native plants and their habitats. | Protects water resources, and combats pollution in the Grand Canyon area. | Maintains habitats that support native wildlife reliant on plants. | Educates the public about native plants through hikes and workshops. | California | California Native Plant Society | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Grand Canyon Trust | Works to preserve and protect the Grand Canyon ecosystem through advocacy and conservation. | Preserves habitats for Grand Canyon wildlife, and promotes biodiversity. | Conserves critical natural areas, and promotes sustainable urban planning. | Enhances visitor experiences with sustainable trails and educational programs. | Arizona | Grand Canyon Trust | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Wasatch Front Conservation | Focuses on protecting the natural resources and outdoor recreation areas in Utah’s Wasatch Front. | Protects Sierra Nevada ecosystems, and promotes climate resilience. | Protects wildlife corridors and local species through habitat preservation. | Develops and maintains parks and trails for hiking, biking, and outdoor activities. | Utah | Wasatch Front Conservation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sierra Nevada Alliance | Dedicated to preserving the Sierra Nevada region through conservation and advocacy. | Preserves the Mono Lake environment, and ensures sustainable water use. | Maintains habitats for diverse wildlife species in the Sierra Nevada. | Supports sustainable outdoor recreation and trail development in the Sierra Nevada. | Nevada | Sierra Nevada Alliance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Friends of Mono Lake | Works to protect Mono Lake’s unique ecosystem and water quality in California. | Preserves the Mono Lake environment, ensures sustainable water use. | Protects migratory bird habitats and unique species in Mono Lake. | Promotes responsible outdoor activities around Mono Lake. | California | Friends of Mono Lake | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Your Support Makes a Difference
Every step we take in nature is a testament to its beauty and resilience. By supporting these incredible charities, you help ensure that our natural landscapes remain vibrant, our wildlife thrives, and outdoor adventures continue to inspire and heal. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the world we love to explore.
Thank you for being a part of the Hiking Humanist community and for your unwavering commitment to preserving the wonders of our natural world.