REI is once again supporting the work of the Wildwoods Foundation with a grant to help fund the Full Circle program for elementary school classes. Wildwoods will be among the grantees honored at an awards reception to be held at the Audubon Center at Debs Park on Thursday, September 24.
The Wildwoods Foundation is especially proud to be supported by a company with a mission that so closely aligns with our own.
Annually, REI dedicates a portion of its operating profits to help protect and restore the environment, increase access to outdoor activities, and encourage involvement in responsible outdoor recreation. REI employees nominate organizations, projects and programs in which they are personally involved to receive funding or gear donations.
"During the Full Circle program, we invite REI staff to each class prior to their trip to the Santa Monica Mountains for a pre-trip classroom presentation about Leave No Trace practices," said Executive Director Dwain Wilson. "As a result, these students have a deeper understanding of the fragile ecosystem they are entering. We notice a profound difference in the on-the-trail behavior of students who participate in this presentation versus that of prior students. The REI classroom visit has become an important part of the Full Circle program and it's definitely something that we want to continue."
