New crew, same mission. Since 2017, the Granite Gear Grounds Keepers have removed almost 30,000 pounds of trash from trails, beaches, parks, waterways, and public lands. The majority of that is micro trash, including bar wrappers, bottle lids, and toilet paper.
In 2022, the selected 15 Grounds Keepers will continue to work at this mission of leaving every space they encounter better than they found it. Team member, Retha Charette, has a goal of picking up 1,000 pounds by the end of the year. This year’s diverse crew of 15 Grounds Keepers will be supported by these sponsors: Sawyer, Astral, Food for the Sole, Katabatic Gear, Kula Cloth, Hikers Brew, Lava Linens, UCO, and Hibear.
Grounds Keeper Heather Daigle, said, “When it comes to #leaveitbetter there is plenty of work to be done and I see cleaning up public spaces as a way to hold myself accountable in my larger commitment to learning how to better honor the lands I visit and the peoples who have and continue to steward them, as well as how to improve accessibility and safety for all who seek to spend time outside.”
Out of hundreds of applicants, the Grounds Keepers were chosen based on its passion for the outdoors, cleanup goals, commitment to DEI initiatives, and outdoor experience. With the collective mission to leave our planet better, the new 2022 team includes: Felicia Kemp, Charette, Bradlee Jeffrey, Carmen Pérez, Whitney Christen, Andrew Stone, Rachel Shoemaker, Daigle, Dru Falco, Amity Quinones, Yolande Webster, Julie Hukriede, Quang Vo, Peg Keiner, and Kaitlin Musser.
“Every year, our Grounds Keeper team continues to make a positive impact on their communities and the outdoors. What started as a few hikers picking up trash along their thru hikes, has become a nation-wide effort of love and leaving it better. At Granite Gear, we’re honored and humbled to assist the Grounds Keepers in this mission.” says Granite Gear’s General Manager, Rob Coughlin.
Visit www.thegroundskeepers.org to learn more about the team.
