The Conservation Alliance has planned the first Keep It Wild Day at the upcoming Outdoor Retailer trade show in Salt Lake City. On Wednesday, August 4, eight Conservation Alliance members will host conservation organizations in their trade show booths.
The grantees will ask participants to take action to protect a specific place. People who take action at six of the eight booths will be entered into a drawing for one of two large gear packages donated by Alliance members. The day will conclude with the Keep It Wild Party, 4:30-6:00 PM at the KEEN, Inc. booth.
The party will feature live music by the Outdoor Industry All-Star Band.
Members hosting organizations are: Black Diamond; Eagle Creek; Horny Toad; KEEN; Kelty; Osprey; Patagonia; and The North Face. Participating organizations are: Alaska Wilderness League; American Rivers; American Whitewater; National Parks Conservation Association; Nevada Wilderness Project; Save Our Canyons; Save Our Wild Salmon; and Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.
“We look forward to giving trade show attendees the opportunity to take meaningful action in support of important conservation efforts,” said John Sterling, Conservation Alliance Executive Director. “We'll announce the results of the day's efforts at the Keep It Wild Party, and should have plenty to celebrate.”
The Conservation Alliance will distribute 'passports' to each booth. Once a participant takes action, the grantee will stamp the passport. Those who complete at least six of the eight actions will be eligible for the prize drawing. People can pick up passports – which double as invitations to the Keep It Wild Party – at The Conservation Alliance Breakfast on Wednesday, August 4, 7-9 AM at The Marriott, Salons F-I. Passports will also be available at each participating booth.
Keep It Wild Day begins with The Conservation Alliance Breakfast, which features a talk by historian Douglas Brinkley. Brinkley's most recent book, Wilderness Warrior, details Theodore Roosevelt's contributions to conservation in America. Brinkley is working on a new book about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. During his presentation, Brinkley will trace the arc of American conservation history from Roosevelt to the current effort to protect the Arctic Refuge.
“We encourage our friends at the trade show to spend the day with us,” said Sterling. “Come to the breakfast, learn from Douglas Brinkley, pick up your passport, take action throughout the day, and cap things off with a great party at the KEEN booth. We believe conservation should be fun.”
