Public Lands Archives | REI Co-op Journal

West Ridge Nature Preserve: A Hidden Oasis at One of Chicago’s Busiest Intersections

Seth Putnam//September 21, 2018

There are precious few places in Chicago where you can truly lose yourself in green space. West Ridge Nature Preserve is one of them. Read More...

How Vela’s Perspective, Experience Could Benefit Our National Parks

Jenni Gritters//September 12, 2018

On August 31, 2018, President Donald Trump named Raymond David Vela as his pick as the 19th director of the National Park Service (NPS). Read More...

13 Public Lands You Might Have Missed

Aer Parris//September 7, 2018

Instead of going to the parks everyone knows about this National Public Lands Day, why not hit some less-crowded gems? Read More...

Your Guide to Understanding Public Lands

Aer Parris//September 7, 2018

In the last few years, the term “public lands” has been spoken about with increasing regularity. But what exactly are public lands? Read More...

Here’s How You Can Support the Land and Water Conservation Fund

Aer Parris//September 4, 2018

In one month, a 54-year-old bipartisan program that helps conserve our public lands will expire, unless Congress takes action. Read More...

Man looking at Denali with a copy of a book in hand

One Writer’s Quest to Introduce Kids to Our National Parks

Hilary Oliver//August 29, 2018

A look at Kate Siber's book, National Parks of the U.S.A., which is fiilled with facts about the national parks—from Death Valley to the Virgin Islands. Read More...

"You have an existential question, which is: To what extent do humans intervene in wilderness?" --David Lamfrom, director of NPCA’s National Wildlife Program. (Photo Credit: Gemina Garland-Lewis)

What the Removal of Mountain Goats from the Olympics Tells Us About Wildlife in National Parks

Gemina Garland-Lewis//August 21, 2018

After roaming Washington's Olympic Peninsula for nearly 100 years, mountain goats will soon be transferred and relocated to the North and Central Cascades. Read More...

Wildfire in Glacier National Park Prompts Closures, Evacuations

Michelle Flandreau//August 14, 2018

Montana’s Glacier National Park is the latest national park to be impacted by wildfires this summer, including the Howe Ridge Fire. Read More...

The Mendocino Complex Fire. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service.

As California Wildfires Rage, Recreation Is Put On Hold

Julie Brown//August 10, 2018

With 14 wildfires burning across California authorities have shut down huge swaths of public land. Part of Yosemite National Park is closed indefinitely. Read More...

Montana’s East Rosebud Creek Named New Wild and Scenic River

Aer Parris//August 7, 2018

Stunning scenery, great trout fishing, pulse-quickening whitewater rafting and waterside recreation like hiking and climbing make Montana’s East Rosebud Creek stand out. On August 2, 20 miles of the waterway became the nation’s newest wild and scenic river. Read More...

Natchez Trace Trail

REI Staff//August 3, 2018

The Natchez Trace Trail follows the footsteps of some of earliest inhabitants of North America. Discover history in motion with 70 miles of trail and 444 miles of paved parkway—part of the broader Natchez Trace area. Read More...

North Country Trail (NCT)

REI Staff//August 3, 2018

Tick off seven states along the North Country Trail—the longest continuous trail in the National Trails System. At 4,600 miles in length, there is plenty to discover. Read More...