At REI, active stewardship means getting one's hands dirty. For our store and employee-supported service projects efforts, we work with local nonprofit organizations and land managers, and invite our members and customers to join us in support of our local communities and the outdoors. In 2006 REI recruited nearly 24,000 volunteers in environmental stewardship projects—a 65 percent increase over the previous year. These volunteers contributed 90,274 hours of sweat equity to public lands, parks, trails and waterways.

We also use our giving dollars to extend the reach of REI's service efforts nationally. We achieve this through specific local on-the-ground stewardship efforts and national stewardship partnerships. Both local and nation programs include close ties with REI retail stores and employees in our communities. And we promote stewardship by making it easier to connect with volunteer organizations, and recognizing and rewarding inspirational steward leaders from across the country.