Women have always played a key role in wilderness. Figures like Marjorie Stoneman Douglas and Margaret “Mardy” Murie ensured the conservation of environmental treasures. Authors like Robin Wall Kimmerer and Carolyn Finney have helped stretch our minds on the cultural importance of nature. Countless others have taken on incredible feats of strength, from setting fastest known times on the trail to paddling the entire lengths of mighty rivers.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month this year, we’re proud of the many women within our brand ambassador community who inspire us each day to get out there. We’d also like to take this time to highlight five organizations making a big difference for women in the outdoors. We hope you’ll join us in supporting these groups, and share some of your own favorites with us!

1. Native Women’s Wilderness

The mission of Native Women’s Wilderness is: “To inspire and raise the voices of Native Women in the Outdoor Realm. To encourage a healthy lifestyle grounded in the Wilderness. To educate Natives and non-Natives on the rich beauty and heritage of the Ancestral Lands beneath our feet.”

Check out its website for more information, including how you can support No More Stolen Sisters, a campaign looking to end the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigineous Women.

2. Camp Founder Girls

Camp Founder Girls is America's first historically Black summer camp for girls, established in 1924. Now a program within Texas-based Black Outside, Inc., Camp Founder Girls provides an immersive week-long overnight camp experience centered on bravery, confidence, creativity, and strength.

You can learn more about the group’s impact and history on its website.

3. Brown Girls Climb

The mission of Brown Girls Climb is: “to promote and increase visibility of diversity in climbing by establishing a community of climbers of color, encouraging leadership opportunities for self-identified women climbers of color, and by creating inclusive opportunities to climb and explore for underrepresented communities.”

Visit its website for great information on accessible and affordable climbing memberships for women and femmes of color climbers and engaging and educational community events for everyone.

4. SheJumps

SheJumps is a nonprofit with a mission to increase the participation of women and girls in outdoor activities. The organization offers programs to girls, women, and nonbinary people of all ages in everything from mountaineering to wilderness first aid.

Check out its website to see how you can support the organization or otherwise get involved with its programs.

5. Hike It Baby

Woman-founded, Hike It Baby focuses on caregivers of young children. The nonprofit “creates opportunities and removes barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside.”

Take a look at its website for events and resources near you or any of the new parents in your life.
March 22, 2021 — Korrin Bishop