Sometimes even the most pristine places need a little TLC. Take Yosemite National Park. Nestled among California’s Sierra Nevadas, Yosemite National Park includes nearly 1,200 square miles of tall waterfalls, deep valleys, ancient giant sequoias, beautiful meadows, and a vast wilderness. Much of this land is cared for by a team of incredible park rangers and staff, but with more than 4 million visitors annually, an extra pair of helping hands can make a huge difference.
One of our favorite annual traditions is the Yosemite Facelift volunteer event, celebrating its 15th year! Each year we send a group of Toads to the Valley to join fellow outdoor companies for a weekend of trash-picking and TLC. The event is organized by the Yosemite Climbing Association, a 1% For the Planet member and longtime supporter of Yosemite conservation.
We set out early Friday morning – Anthony, Drew, Wendy, Steve, Michaela, and baby Dylan – up Mist Trail. Teetering on the side of rock staircases, we carefully collected forgotten plastic water bottles, flyaway wrappers, and even some very old socks (Cheryl Strayed, was that you?). On a gorgeous hike, we took time to appreciate Mother Nature’s insane beauty and tried to do our part to leave her a little better than we found her.
All told, volunteers at this year’s event removed a total of 8,745 pounds of micro trash!But it wasn’t all work and no play – there were panel discussions, live music, epic hiking, and family dinners. It was a great weekend spent doing good and sweet baby D’s bright eyes said it all – conservation of our public lands is good for plants, animals, and all living things. See you next year Yosemite!
PS – Camp tacos are a Toad favorite. Easy, delicious, and as spicy as you want ‘em. Here’s our favorite recipe.
One of our favorite annual traditions is the Yosemite Facelift volunteer event, celebrating its 15th year! Each year we send a group of Toads to the Valley to join fellow outdoor companies for a weekend of trash-picking and TLC. The event is organized by the Yosemite Climbing Association, a 1% For the Planet member and longtime supporter of Yosemite conservation.
We set out early Friday morning – Anthony, Drew, Wendy, Steve, Michaela, and baby Dylan – up Mist Trail. Teetering on the side of rock staircases, we carefully collected forgotten plastic water bottles, flyaway wrappers, and even some very old socks (Cheryl Strayed, was that you?). On a gorgeous hike, we took time to appreciate Mother Nature’s insane beauty and tried to do our part to leave her a little better than we found her.
All told, volunteers at this year’s event removed a total of 8,745 pounds of micro trash! But it wasn’t all work and no play – there were panel discussions, live music, epic hiking, and family dinners. It was a great weekend spent doing good and sweet baby D’s bright eyes said it all – conservation of our public lands is good for plants, animals, and all living things. See you next year Yosemite!
PS – Camp tacos are a Toad favorite. Easy, delicious, and as spicy as you want ‘em. Here’s our favorite recipe.
