Wild Keeper Spotlight: Caylah

Everyone meet Wild Keeper Caylah! Caylah has been a part of the Wild Keeper program for 7 terms and is based in Ohio. She grew up in a small town in the country and shares, "the outdoors was always a part of life! My childhood consisted of playing outside with my friends, camping, and chasing fireflies. My parents were the ones who instilled my love for the great outdoors."

Her favorite ways to explore outside are going on nature walks and kayaking! An area local to her that she loves is Hocking Hills State Park, "because it feels like a best kept secret with mystical views and unique trails." When we asked her about an experience that has shaped her relationship to the outdoors she said, "moving to Arizona and living there for 8 years changed me in many ways. It is a different type of beauty and living there opened up my world view to all kinds of different perspectives, cultures, and environments."

Caylah shared with us about her experiences in the outdoors reflecting, "I have faced struggles as a plus size woman in the outdoors. There’s a stigma that you must look a certain way to be be able to look the part of an active hiker. I’ve struggled to find size inclusive brands. Thankful for companies like Keep Nature Wild that are thoughtful in their gear."

She voiced her care for land conservation saying, "while millions of acres of land are protected under federal conservation laws, some politicians are attempting to revoke the protected status of national monuments and state parks. We must fight for protected lands to remain protected for the sake of the environment and the well-being of future generations."

One thing she'd love to suggest for everyone to look into it would be "learning how to live simply. I’ve been on a journey to learn how to use what I have and cut back on the unnecessary purchases. In a world of overconsumption we could all truly benefit on getting back to nature and off our screens."

Learn a little more about Caylah and her experience as a Wild Keeper below! 

Keep Nature Wild: What is your favorite thing about being a Wild Keeper?

Caylah: Being able to spread awareness for my passion and making new like minded friends along the way.

KNW: What has picking up trash outdoors done for you? 

C: It made me realize that even the small things add up and that even though I’m only one person my actions matter and people are watching me take action. One person’s kindness can make a real difference and inspire others to do the right thing in the process.

KNW: Roughly how many pounds do you think you've picked up since you became a Wild Keeper?

C: I believe it would be around the 400 lb mark.

KNW: What goals do you have for this year? (or beyond?)

C: My personal goal is to continue to be a light for others and to treat nature with kindness wherever possible.