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INSPIRED BY PACKING IT OUT
WE

A group of individuals who commit to cleaning up 300+ miles of public lands in 2023

LEAVE

You'll find us on long trails, waterways, section hikes, local trails and public parks from sea to shining sea.

IT

If we can carry it, or get help lugging it out, we do our best to remove it from the wilderness and put it where it belongs.

BETTER

In 2022, the team picked up over 11,237 pounds of trash from public trails and waterways around the country.

Total pounds of trash removed from trails and parks since 2017:

40,422

(The majority of that is micro trash - bar wrappers, bottle lids and toilet paper.)

OUR STORY

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After taking a major dose of inspiration from the Packing It Out team, who we befriended at Appalachian Trail Days in 2015, the

Grounds Keepers Program was born!

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Through the creation of the program, we (at Granite Gear, with additional team sponsorship from our sponsors!) can support even more hikers who want to “Leave it Better” and pack out trash as they hike long trails and parks and paddle waterways and lakes around the country.

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For 2023, we have selected 10 new Grounds Keepers.

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Every Grounds Keeper has previously completed a thru-hike or various sections of hikes and paddling trips, has a passion for Leave No Trace ethics, is strong in mind and body, puts DEI initiatives first, and is committed to doing their very best to pick up as much trash as possible while outdoors.

 

WHAT ARE THEY ROCKING ON TRAIL?

  • We’ve outfitted the Grounds Keepers with a specific kit: 1 multi-day backpack or 1 portage pack, 1 Stuffsack of their choice, 1 Toughsack, and a trash scale

  • Meals from Farm to Summit

  • Eco 5-Piece Mess Kit and Utensils from UCO

  • All-Day Adventure Flask from Hibear

  • Custom Kula Cloth

  • Coffee from Hikers Brew

  • Apparel from Appalachian Gear Co.

  • Apparel from Katabatic Gear

  • Shoe of choice from Astral

  • Squeeze filters and insect repellent from Sawyer Products

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We hope that this program inspires others to value our outdoor areas and pack out trash as they enjoy the great outdoors. When trash is in our wild places, it’s everyone’s responsibility! Follow along to see the pounds of trash picked up, and catch Grounds Keepers on Instagram. Join us and use #TheGroundsKeepers for a chance to be highlighted!

Grounds Keepers In Action

Grounds Keepers In Action

Play Video
Cleaning up our planet
The thing is, this beautiful planet of ours needs to be cleaned up
Our recent BWCA trip and a note from The Wilderness Guide Riblet Jenkins (our VP)_ ⠀_⠀_When I first
Reptar Trash
O R G A N I Z E on every level
The 4,500 mile bike tour has come to an end! 1 steel trailer, 2 steel bikes, 4 tired legs, 9 total t
_When the weight goes down, the fun goes up!_ -Warner _Springs_ Monte_We recommend that thru-hikers
Amanda Jameson
Our BWCA glampsite ⛺️_⠀_👆🏽 the link _savethebwca to order a copy of the Year In The Wilderness boo
Reminiscing on the time we met this crazy crew at Appalachian Trail Days in 2015
When trash is in our public lands, it's everyone's responsibility
KHeart
CREATED BY
PARTNERING WITH
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PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
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MEET US

CURRENT AND PAST GROUNDS KEEPERS

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