Calling all Nature Lovers! Our 30 Day Challenge was such a success, we wanted to share this theme with you too. Take some time to go out this month and observe native and invasive species in your area. Look up the native plants in your area and ones that are not meant to be there. Research what an invasive species is and why it is so dangerous to your surrounding natural spaces! What to do this month? Research your close surroundings and what a native v. invasive species is, plant a native species, volunteer to remove invasive species, soak up an outdoor space near you by justbeing outside! A deep breath in an outdoor space is important! Remove litter from outdoor spaces, these plants and ecosystems will thank you!

Let’s show some love to our local water sources and ways to be more mindful and sustainable. Look up where your local water comes from, how far away from you is it? How far does your water source travel to get you what you need? How much water does your area use for agriculture, landscaping, pools and more? Let’s think of ways to sustain our water:Plant a rain garden for catching stormwater runoff from your roof, driveway, and other hard surfaces, Use a low flow shower head and faucet aerators, turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, use pasta/cooking water to water your plants, use reusable water bottles and let’s not forget — picking up litter when we see it so it doesn’t wind up in our local waterways and ultimately, our oceans!

It’s our birthday month and we want to celebrate all the good vibes we get from getting out in nature and doing good! For SIX years we’ve been leading cleanups, inspiring community and getting outside to leave nature better than we found it — together. SIX years of volunteerism, picking up litter and making fun apparel to go with it. We wouldn’t be here without you all. Let’s celebrate together by picking up at least SIX pounds of trash this month, eating your favorite dessert or treat for us, joining a cleanup (or hosting your own!) and taking an intentional minute outdoors to say “thank you” to these beautiful spaces we get to explore.

Our publics lands offer us spaces to camp, bike, hike, kayak, picnic, rollerskate, climb, run… we can enjoy these beautiful areas in so many different ways. With this access also comes responsibility, and we want to take this month to care for these public lands that offer us so much. Learn more about the public lands in your area, sign up to volunteer locally to give back, pick up litter from public spaces you enjoy and frequent and invite your friends and family to join you!