Love Your Public Lands?

Get Involved With Us: October 19-24, 2009

Find out how to keep America's best idea alive. Inspired by the PBS film, The National Parks: America's Best Idea, REI stores across the country are hosting special events October 19-24, 2009.

Meet local advocates for open spaces, sign up to volunteer, and start giving back to the nature nearest you.

Enter to win a DVD copy of The National Parks: America's Best Idea when you attend a "Get Involved" event!

Keeping America's Best Idea Alive

To fuel the excitement generated by Ken Burns's The National Parks: America's Best Idea, REI stores hosted 77 "Get Involved" events in October, 2009. The meetups brought together hundreds of customers, employees and representatives from local parks and conservation groups.

In Illinois, Oakbrook Terrace staffer and professional photographer Dan Nicholas shared images from his quest to visit every national park in the U.S. Meanwhile, Portland customers and employees teamed up to remove invasive species at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.

The "Get Involved" series was the largest national event of its kind in the co-op's 71-year history. REI stores host outdoor volunteer opportunities year-round. Curious? Find out what's happening at the store nearest you.

The First Park Rangers

The Buffalo Soldiers

The Buffalo Soldiers were regiments of African-American cavalrymen who served as the word's first park rangers. James Mills, a ranger interviewed in The National Parks: America's Best Idea, tells their story. Hear the story of the Buffalo Soldiers in America's national parks.

Volunteering and REI

Giving back to conservation causes and outdoor recreation is a time-honored REI tradition. Last year, through REI grants and volunteer efforts, we:

  • Donated $3.7 million in funding to 429 nonprofits
  • Funded 1.5+ million volunteer hours
  • Maintained more than 6,500 miles of trail and 14 thousand acres of land

Ready to join us?

Find volunteer opportunities near you with Volunteer Match. Find volunteer opportunities near you with Volunteer Match.

REI is a proud supporter of director Ken Burns' documentary series, The National Parks: America's Best Idea. Catch the 6-week series on your local PBS station starting September 27.

Watch a preview of The National Parks: America's Best Idea (24:49). Watch a preview of The National Parks:

America's Best Idea (24:49).

Explore Your National Parks With REI

From the Grand Canyon to the Great Smoky Mountains, REI Adventures takes you hiking, climbing and paddling in more than 20 national parks.

See all REI Adventures national parks trips. See all REI Adventures national parks trips.

National Parks Conservation Association

Become an e-advocate for America's national parks—all from the convenience of your computer!

Take action with the National Parks Conservation Association. Take action with the National Parks

Conservation Association.

Shop National Parks Products

Planning a trip to a national park? Pick up maps and guidebooks at REI. Plus, check out our fun park-inspired merchandise. National Parks Monopoly, anyone?

Maps, games, books and more. Maps, games, books and more.

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