Rose Burke
The Mountaineers has a long and rich history as a regional leader in conservation, education, stewardship, and advocacy efforts, and we need your help to continue moving the needle on conservation education, stewardship, and advocacy.
An Evening of Advocacy
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center
6-9pm
Free onsite parking
Dinner | Drinks | Community | Conversation
Advocacy at the Intersection of Outdoor Access & Conservation
It is no secret that our trails and parks are busier than ever. As more people find joy and belonging outdoors, many of our beloved natural places are beyond strained. Standing at the intersection of conservation and outdoor access has become more challenging. The Mountaineers and our partners are grappling with tough questions with no easy answers:
- How do we equitably manage increased visitation to public lands such as Mount Rainier National Park?
- In a time of overcrowding, how can we be responsible recreationists and educators?
- How do we best protect our natural landscapes and respect tribal treaty rights and lifeways?
At An Evening of Advocacy, we will be discussing these questions with a panel of public land managers, recreationists, and conservation advocates. Hear from Kevin Skerl, the Deputy Superintendent at Mount Rainier National Park about the National Park’s challenges to maintain public access while meeting the demands placed by increased visitation; from award-winning Mountaineers Books author and NW trails and hiking expert, Craig Romano, about balancing the joy of recreating with the challenges of trail overuse; and from Kitty Craig, Urban to Wild Director at The Wilderness Society, about how to ensure equitable access to parks and public lands by reducing barriers to outdoor access. The conversation will be moderated by Betsy Robblee, The Mountaineers Conservation & Advocacy Director.
This year’s An Evening of Advocacy is being held at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, the United Indians of All Tribes headquarters and regional Native American cultural center, adjacent to Seattle’s Discovery Park. Before the program, enjoy dinner, beverages, and community, while taking in the Sacred Circle Art Gallery and tribute to the founder and Native American community organizer, Bernie Whitebear. Dinner will be provided by Chef Liiv of Liiv For Flavor Catering with a delectable menu inspired by local and Indigenous foods from the Pacific Northwest.
At The Mountaineers, we have always been fierce advocates for the natural world. Thanks to early Mountaineers, we helped to protect and establish Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Today, our work is made possible through philanthropic support to provide conservation education, stewardship programs, and conservation advocacy on behalf of the natural landscapes that make our adventures possible.
This work cannot happen without the support of Mountaineers members and donors who elevate our three conservation mission priorities:
EDUCATION | STEWARDSHIP | ADVOCACY
Ticket sales, sponsorships, and donations at An Evening of Advocacy will provide crucial support to The Mountaineers Conservation & Advocacy Fund. You can make a meaningful impact by attending this event or with a direct donation today.
Registration deadline is September 14
For more information about this year’s event, please contact development@mountaineers.org. Interested in sponsoring this event? Contact Rose Steller Burke at roseb@mountaineers.org or call 206-521-6020.
