RANGE Magazine by RANGE

Issue Seven

Summer 2017

t h i s p i e c e i s pa r t o f a n o n g o i n g s e r i e s c e le b r at i n g t wo o f m y favo r i t e t h i n g s : wo m e n a n d n at u r e . t h e wo m e n a r e s o u r c e d

C O LLAG E BY C H R I S TI N A MA N N AT T

f r o m v i n tag e m e n â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s m ag a z i n e s a n d t h e b i t s o f s k y , o c e a n a n d g r a s s c o m e f r o m b ac k i s s u e s o f n at i o n a l g e o g r a p h i c . r e m ov i n g t h e wo m e n f r o m t h e i r o r i g i n a n d r e t u r n i n g t h e m to n at u r e a llow s m e to c r e at e a wo r ld t h at i s f r e e f r o m t h e m a le g a z e

publisher

RANGE

RANGE ISSUE SUMMER

e ditor ial di r ector

2017

THISISRANGE.COM

Jeanine Pesce

@THISISRANGE

jeanine@thisisrange.com

#RANGEMAG

art di r ector

de s i g n e r

Jonathan Cammisa jon@thisisrange.com designer

Dominique Negron manag i ng e ditor

Alex Gomes alex@thisisrange.com e ditor

Nina Stotler nina@thisisrange.com social media

ON THE COVER “THE FEELS, WHITE SANDS PART I”

ma r k e t i n g

KRISTEN BLANTON + MATT JOZWIAK

Lisa Dougherty

@HELLOAMERICA

lisa@thisisrange.com

contr i b utors

i l l u s t r ato r s

artists

Katie Boué, Lisa Dougherty,

David Buckley Borden,

Alex Gomes, Emily Anne Gray,

Jonathan Cammisa, Jeremy Collins,

Renae Hetzer, Shanti Hodges,

Heather Day, Carson Davis Brown,

Tessa Love, Charles Post,

Eric Dobbins, Gina Esposito,

Nina Stotler, Jeff Thrope

Brendan Leonard, Ben Kopp,

photog raph e rs

Christina Mannatt,

Kristen Blanton, Kat Borchart,

Christine Mitchell Adams,

Liz Clark, Andy George,

Jay Nelson, Ashley Scheider,

Kipp Hinkley, Matt Jozwiak,

Hallie Rose Taylor, Lane Walkup

Mikael Kennedy, Eva Kolenko,

s pecial s hout-out to

Max Lowe, Brian Merriam,

Julie Atherton, The Dirty Gourmet,

Michael Persico, Nicole Potts,

The Field Scout, Molly Gavin,

Charles Post, Simone Schiess,

Cooper Gill, Vanessa Hellmann,

Amanda Leigh Smith

JP Jones, Protect Our Winters, Caleb Woods

h ug e than ks to ou r sponsors

CORDURA®,

VASQUE,

FILSON,

ONE

ELEVEN,

AIRBLASTER

AND

MIZU

Waterc olor by H allie Rose Tay lo r

FO R E W O R D Activate + Organize

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.â&#x20AC;? - Unknown

he outdo or industry is woke. We are charged. We are alive and aligned. United by shared passion for promoting positive change, our Summer/Fall 2017 issue is dedicated to conservation and community. Mother nature is our moral compass and as stewards of the land, we must use our medium to convey a constructive message to the masses. This means leveraging our influence as an industry to go beyond campaigns and marketing slogans, uplifting those around us, and defending the places we hold near and dear to our hearts. We chose words, images and art to further this movement with stories that speak to the conservation of public lands, sustainable ranching and fair trade manufacturing, as well as to olkits for the modern outdo or activist. Join us as we advocate for the environment and those responsible for populating, preserving and providing for this beautiful planet.

-Jeanine Pesce, Founder

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Not Beef, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Conservation.

The nexus of rangelands, ranching and conservation in the 21st century Images + Words by Charles Post

angelands comprise 53% of the American West. We often speed through these landscapes on road trips at 80 mph and associate them with ranchers, cowboys and vast herds of Angus, Beefmaster, Charolais or Hereford cattle. But in fact, this high desert sea of grass and sagebrush supports an entire native ecosystem: plumes of songbirds, tides of pollinators, and migrating raptors, elk, desert bighorn, mule deer, sage grouse, sandhill cranes, pronghorn and indigenous bison. These landscapes are some of the most vital and misunderstood patches of Earth we have in America.

They are North America’s last wild corners: remote, well off the beaten path, bordered by barbed wire, and frankly uninviting. What is often overlooked by non-ranchers, i.e. about 98% of America’s population, is that the men and women who live within these working landscapes are some of the nation’s greatest stewards. The rest of us must also keep in mind that individuals in the ranching community land on a spectrum of achievement like anyone else—some are the best stewards imaginable, others have room for improvement. For the sake of giving credit where credit is due, let’s celebrate Colorado’s Ranchlands, a ranching and range management company founded by a family that epitomizes stewardship with an ecologically guided approach to living and working in harmony with the natural world. Duke Philips IV, a fourth generation rancher who became the leader of Ranchlands at 29, is now a seasoned veteran with two sets of crow’s-feet etched by countless rays of sun and ribbons of dry wind. During my visit to Zapata Ranch in Mosca, CO, he sat on a worn steel gate with eyes cast down the long dusty chute brimming with the chestnut fur and broad horns of two dozen bison, just a sliver of a wild herd hovering around 2,500 in total. Once a year, these bison owned by The Nature Conservancy and managed by Ranchlands are rounded up to ensure the herd will never exceed the carrying capacity of the land. When an excess amount is identified, they are either relocated throughout the 300,000 acres Ranchlands manages across the American West

or sold to other ranches to potentially end up on the market at stores like Whole Foods. Duke has the unique privilege of leading Ranchlands into a future of a rapidly changing planet whose global population is simultaneously detached from but reliant upon the resources of our natural world. As his father once told

“While beef is the currency of ranchers, conservation is the currency of Ranchlands.” 7

me when speaking about the company, “While beef is the currency of ranchers, conservation is the currency of Ranchlands.” These words perfectly capture the approach that has defined their signature on the land and dedication to operating with an open-door policy to promote understanding of ranching as a vital spoke in the vast wheel of conservation across America. To encourage ranching education for the public at large, Filson is partnering with Ranchlands this summer on an experience pairing the open range lifestyle with the brand’s commitment to unfailing goods. The Rangelands x Filson camp is a retreat offering an opportunity to spend a day in the saddle, attend workshops in painting or birding, and explore during hunting and fishing excursions. While staying in custom tents designed by Filson, guests will be treated to an escape on a 90,000-acre cattle ranch and a look at what it means to call the outdoors both your office and home in the heart of the American West.

Head over to Filson.com for more Filson Life stories.

he rhythm of adventure knows no bounds. It inspires a fluid motion from one environment to the next and encourages us to fulfill our need to stay active, to keep moving. It’s a 2:00 a.m. wake-up call to hit the trail for your first splitboarding trip. It’s wading upstream in search of new waters to fish. It’s racing a setting sun while bouldering in the high desert. And sometimes it’s as simple as a blissed-out parking lot session after surfing with friends. The trick to transcending from one adventure to the next? Well, the Ninja Suit by independently owned brand Airblaster knows a thing or two about that.

is a pivotal piece of performance wear for snowboarding’s top athletes. While it’s rooted in action sports, the Ninja Suit is also becoming a camp kit essential for outdoor enthusiasts. By constructing the suits with a natural fiber Woolverino blend, which dries two times faster and is 45% stronger than Merino, Airblaster has broadened the versatility of traditional base layers. Clever innovations like a 350-degree waist zip prove the Ninja Suit is a carefully considered design for the active outdoor lifestyle. Combining convenience, comfort and technical performance, it’s no wonder we’re seeing more of our friends opt for this long underwear around the fire. The latest Ninja Suit collection will be available in October from myninjasuit.com, backcountry.com and Evo.

Born in the Pacific Northwest in 2006, the Ninja Suit has bridged the gap between action sports and outdoor adventures for over a decade. As the original one-piece base layer, the Ninja Suit

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he RANGE community is uniquely committed to protecting and preserving wild places, a dedication stemming from genuine love for our favorite trails, canyons, beaches and rivers. Our readers, contributors, friends, families and supporters are endlessly inspired by the beauty of the outdoors and always looking for ways to do more and be better. Making meaningful purchases, especially of products that are actively designed to waste less, has become a way of life. Quite a bit of attention has been given to ethical and sustainable clothing manufacturing, but few brands are addressing responsible design of the watches worn by both urban and outdoor adventurers. By recently launching a line of completely solar-powered timepieces, the U.S.-based watchmaking experts at Fossil are eliminating wasteful batteries, a notoriously toxic disposable. The One Eleven brand is named in a subtle nod to exploration and the nearly uniform distance of 111 kilometers between degrees of latitude across the globe, paired with a classic northern arrow map symbol.

One Eleven's Creative Director, Marty Christiansen, is a passionate outdoor enthusiast, and his vision of an attractive timepiece offered with both modular leather and durable nylon straps was key to the development of this unique concept. As he explains, "We wanted to create a brand for fellow outdoor enthusiasts who like to explore both on and off the grid. Our solar-powered watches charge the best in natural light so we saw this as an open invitation for people to get outdoors, share their adventures, and follow along as we take ours." The watches get a boost from the sun, but their Japanese movements are also powered by artificial light, allowing for continuous charging regardless of how much time you get outdoors. While eliminating the worry of plugging in or replacing a battery, current styles add 5 ATM water resistance, which will increase to a fully swimmable 10 ATM with new product to be released in the fall of 2017.

Streamlined functionality was a key goal for the team at One Eleven while they built out the collection, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re keeping it stylistically simple as well. Pared-back, unisex colors are done in genuine leather with stainless steel cases to be available in two sizes, and a new woven field strap is coming out soon for that off-the-grid option. Acknowledging that the path to total sustainability is a long one, the brand is committed to transparency and using recycled packaging as well as direct-to-consumer distribution at the beginning of their journey. RANGE is thrilled to see so much movement in the right direction this season, as brands like One Eleven stand up for outdoor enthusiasts by making better decisions in production to address the issues we care about and giving us the kind of thoughtful designs we've always wanted. All existing styles and news on upcoming releases available at www.111watches.com, with major updates coming up this September. n i n a s tot le r

Why J Every

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2020 by Jeff Thrope

ob Jungmann’s company, Jungmaven, is not your ordinary T-shirt brand. His mission goes m u ch d eep er t h an o u t f i t t i n g t h e gen eral p u b l i c i n Made in the USA products. Rob, an environmentalist and a leader in the hemp movement since the early ’90s, wants everyone in hemp by 2020. Rob and I live in the same neighborhood in eastern Los Angeles, and instead of bumping into each other while running around the lake, buying cookies at the local grocery store, or listening to a Sunday afternoon country music concert, we made real plans to sit down and talk about the benefits of a very controversial plant.

We A s k e d Hemp is one of the most durable natural fibers on Earth, requiring no irrigation, pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or GMO seeds. Where is it legal to grow?

What kind of natural dyes do you use on Jungmaven shirts? The natural dyes we have worked with include indigo, walnut and cochineal. Sales are not strong with natural dyed pieces due to their higher price tags.

It’s legal to grow just about everywhere in the world, from France to Russia to Thailand. It’s just not legal to grow across the USA.

Can you tell us more about your Hemp 2020 initiative?

Cotton uses more insecticides than any other crop. What are some of the reasons we should be investing in industrial hemp instead?

From our calculations, by working with hemp since 1994, we’ve taken approximately 684 tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere, saved approximately 1 billion gallons of fresh water, and prevented 500,000 pounds of pesticides, insecticides and fertilizer that would have eventually ended up in our food and water supply if our production were 100% cotton. Our “everyone in a hemp tee by 2020 initiative,” Hemp 2020, makes it easy for people to participate in the promotion of legalizing growing hemp and all the benefits that come with it.

Hemp i s an i ncredi bl e phyt oremed i a t i on plant, meaning that it helps restore balance and cleans soil, air and water that might be contaminated with hazardous chemicals. In addition, hemp helps sequester excess atmospheric carbon to help reverse climate change and clean the air we breathe. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges the Millennial generation has to work on. Where do you get your hemp? We buy all our hemp from a state-of-theart futuristic-looking facility in China, which appears more like a semiconductor fabrication plant than a mill.

Illustratio n by Ben Kop p

CORDURA x Carhartt

Im a g e s b y Andy G e org e

Meet The Makers:

s CORDURA® brand celebrates its 50th Anniversary and Carhartt rings in 128 years manufacturing American-made workwear, we take a moment to reflect on the durable bonds binding the two brands together. Since Hamilton Carhartt founded Carhartt in Detroit in 1889, the headquarters has only moved 10 miles, a location from which members of the family still run the company and the apparel is designed. Over the past 15 years, the Carhartt facilities in Kentucky and Tennessee have made more than 80 million garments and accessories, positioning the brand as a leader in stateside production of rugged workwear.

When Carhartt introduced CORDURA® fabrics into their commercial line in the fall of 1998, it was a defining moment for both iconic brands. We had the opportunity to speak with Carhartt Brand Archivist and Historian Dave J. Moore as part of the Meet the Maker series about some of the early products made strong with CORDURA® fabric. He noted that the 1998 Carhartt Extremes line featuring CORDURA® fabric, including coveralls, bib overalls and outerwear, are still in today’s Extremes product line 19 years later. Speaking from a historical perspective, Moore believes the introduction of the Extremes line with CORDURA® was a huge moment of innovation and evolution for Carhartt. “It was the

logical next step to upping the game on our Arctic Wear. “CORDURA® fabric really took the Extremes line to the next level.” Moore also tracked down an article from the archives published in 1999 detailing why Carhartt incorporated CORDURA® brand fabrics into the Carhartt Extremes cold weather line: “When we explored expanding our product line, we chose CORDURA® as the best material out there,” explains Mike Majsak, former Director of Marketing. “It is extremely durable and holds up very well against abrasion and tearing. Its tight weave also pairs nicely with our water‐resistant coating to repel water and resist wind,” he continued. “We’ve really met and exceeded the expectations of our customers with this product addition.”

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To celebrate the 50th anniversary of CORDURA® and the 100th anniversary of Carhartt’s iconic chore coat, the brands have collaborated on two special-edition styles, a chore coat and an apron, each

“This collaboration is a testament to two rugged brands who together create enduring products for hardworking people.” - Deb Ferraro,VP of Product Development at Carhartt

featuring CORDURA® brand MultiCam® fabric. “CORDURA® fabrics have long played an important role in the makeup of Carhartt’s most durable products,” said Deb Ferraro, Vice President of Product Development at Carhartt. “Both brands are actively building upon a relationship that spans nearly two decades, and this collaboration is a testament to two rugged brands, which together create enduring products for hardworking people.” Bringing the heritage meets innovation story full circle, CORDURA® is combining its cutting-edge, built to last fabric technologies with inspiration from the past to create the next generation of longlasting fabric solutions for those who Live Durable™.

For more info on the history of CORDURA® fabrics, head to www.cordura50years.com.

Hatchet Supply Co.

Hatchet Supply Co. opened its doors in 2013 just when the historic neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights was undergoing major changes. Inspired by this retail opportunity and his love of the outdoors, stemming from his time as an Eagle Scout, owner and native New Yorker Gene Han created a store selling high-quality

gear and lifestyle goods with the younger, more selective generation in mind. We caught up with Gene to talk about opening his shop in Brooklyn, his second Los Angeles location, curating his products, and the evolution of the outdoor industry.

We A s k e d What inspired you to open Hatchet Supply Co. in Brooklyn Heights? I’ve owned and operated a shop called AlumniofNY.com since 2005, which specializes in boutique footwear. My experience buying for that business, as well as my own personal passion for high-quality gear and lifestyle goods led me to open Hatchet Supply in 2013. We’re located about two blocks from the East River. Pier 5 along the waterfront is amazing and I always tell everyone to check it out. We actually opened the shop as re-development was underway, so we saw the changes coming. Brooklyn Heights has always been a historic area with many landmarks, including The Low Mansion, The Herman Behr Mansion, and St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church. It’s just great walking the streets of Brooklyn Heights during work. You also have a store in Los Angeles. How do these two Hatchet Supply Co. locations differ? We weren’t actually looking to open more doors, but during my work trips to Los Angeles, I found an unique space in the Arts District for a great deal. The area was, and still is, undergoing amazing development and

changes and it was impossible to pass up. The two locations stock the same brands, but selections within the brands are curated to each city, mostly due to the huge difference in climates. New York has four distinct seasons, so I can offer gear and apparel for all conditions, whereas in L.A., there are just two seasons, or really just one since it’s always nice, so we accommodate that distinction. How do you curate which brands are sold in the store? What do you look for in products you’re considering, and how do you ensure your shop is environmentally friendly? First and foremost, we curate our shop with apparel and gear that can serve a function for the outdoors and serve it well. Our definition of “the outdoors” is more universal and not pigeonholed to just mean “in the woods.” Rather, it encompasses everything: from being in the elements during your urban commute to traveling or going on a day hike. Everything is curated with that philosophy in mind. For example, when bringing in something like the Battenwear Packable Anorak or the Snow Peak DWR Comfort Pant, I’m not only making sure it’ll look great while casually going about your rainy Saturday in 14

Brooklyn or commuting on the subway to work, but also that they serve a function for you. Because we’re a boutique with a smaller space, we’re limited in the variety of products we can offer, a challenge that ensures we only bring in the best crafted and well-made products. For example, while we can’t offer a huge range of sleeping bags, we sure are proud to offer Western Mountain sleeping bags, all Made in the USA. We also make sure to limit our carbon footprint by using only recycled products internally, and we provide charitable contributions to a few select local conservation organizations. H o w h a ve y o u s e e n t h e o u t d o o r i n d u s t r y e v o l ve s i n c e y o u s t a r t e d in this business? I feel that the outdoor industry has evolved by leaps and bounds in the few years since I started in this business. The market continues to grow and I feel very fortunate to be involved at such a dynamic time. One very clear manifestation of this evolution can be witnessed at Outdoor Retailer. Once solely dominated by huge outdoor brands, the OR show has carefully curated more lifestyle alex gomes brand participants.

Part bike shop, part coffee shop in the Los Angeles Arts District, The Wheelhouse is dedicated to connecting and inspiring everyone who loves to travel on two wheels. You won’t find any pretentious judgments at The Wheelhouse because they believe in community. Biking is for all of us, regardless if you’re a seasoned urban cyclist or a complete newcomer who just loves a cup of August Uncommon Tea. And this entire idea all started with a love story. How cute is that?

Alpha Shadows / London, England

Based in the Peckham district of South London, Alpha Shadows came on the scene in 2015 with an exclusive selection of menswear from some of the raddest Japanese brands, including Boncoura, GOLDWIN and Hatski, and is one of the first or the only stockists for most of these brands outside of East Asia. Alpha Shadows also sells a wide range of artisan home goods such as ceramic and travel mugs, wood trays and an awesome blanket collaboration with Knight Mills. While they’re open Wednesday through Saturday, give them a call before you swing by to ensure they’re around to welcome you inside.

U n c o nve n t i o n a l S h o p p i n g

The Wheelhouse / Los Angeles, CA

Retailers

Serra is not your typical dispensary. Besides offering a luxury shopping experience with locally grown strains exclusive to their store and artisan smoking paraphernalia, their customer service is also top notch. Serra provides docents, aka tour guides, for the marijuana experience, as well as a feelings-based guide to buying the right strain of weed so you can have a personalized high based on how you like to feel. Once you’ve visited Serra for all your cannabis needs, it’ll be hard to return to any ordinary dispensary.

E x p e r i e n c e s fo r U n i q u e I n d i v i d u a l s

R A D

Serra / Portland, OR

Changing Lenses An Interview with Photographer AMANDA LEIGH SMITH

he weight of our political climate has left many of us feeling anxious and asking the question: How will this generation be remembered? One way to find out is through artwork ref lecting the turbulent times we are living in.

So when photographer Amanda Leigh Smith turned her lens towards more politically charged subjects, she had our attention. We sat down with Amanda to learn more about her work as an activist and why she’s documenting today’s most important stories.

We A s k e d You specialize in 35mm fashion and travel photography. What inspired your more recent photojournalistic approach to people and cultural events? When I was a teenager, I aspired to work for publications like The New York Times as a photojournalist. However, in an effort to follow a more practical life path, I studied political science and became a social worker with the goal of becoming a civil rights lawyer. During that period, photography was my outlet for creative expression and escape. I felt the need to keep these identities separate until photography started to dominate my professional life a few years ago. While living in Canada, I worked with a music historian and producer on projects with First Nations musicians, which really solidified my drive to pursue photojournalism and feel like an active contributor to my community. I no longer see photography as my way to escape the harsh realities of the world, but rather as a tool to create awareness, justice and empowerment. Why is it important to you to go beyond taking direct action in demonstrations like Standing Rock and document those advocating for our natural resources? I think it’s important to document people fighting for our natural lands, as well as civil rights issues. I strongly believe they

are interconnected and the media has an immeasurable impact on public interpretation of these issues. The media profoundly shapes our systems of beliefs, and thus our political behavior. I vividly remember coverage of the Occupy Movement in 2011, when so much of the conversation centered on who protested and how they looked to either legitimize or delegitimize their actions based on appearance. I believe it’s important to show the diversity of people involved in social movements, especially images that counter the dominant narrative and challenge stereotypes. If people see an image of a person they can relate to, they might be more inclined to get involved. How has capturing events like Standing Rock influenced you as an artist? Although I had some previous experience with both, Standing Rock was a crash course in journalism and direct action for me. It definitely exposed my weaknesses as a journalist and an artist, and hopefully my strengths as well. A very successful male photographer once told me I must be a skilled manipulator to be a good photographer. I saw his point for commercial photography, however as a documentarian, it’s more important to be a skilled listener and observer. If I were to manipulate any emotions, ideally I’d encourage people to care more about others and the Earth.

How is your approach to shooting political events different? I’m still navigating how to approach news stories, but I try to remove my preconceived assumptions and challenge my own ideology. I aim to operate from a moderate, empathetic place and cover as many perspectives as I can. Photojournalism assignments require speed as well as patience to build trust with the subjects, while commercial work operates in a controlled environment, which could be recreated. With political events, you only get one shot, so you have to make it count. You just shot a documentary for Girl Gaze in Palestine. Can we expect more film projects in the future? My foc u s i s d e f i n i t e l y s h i f t i n g t o wa r d s v i d eo w ork , s o h o p e f u l l y m o r e f i l m p roj ec t s w i l l b e i n m y f u t u r e . I’ v e g o t q u i t e a l i st of t h i n g s u p m y s l e e v e , s o w e’ l l ju st h av e t o wa i t a n d s e e . li sa doug h e rty

"I believe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to show the diversity of people involved in social movements, especially images that counter the dominant narrative and challenge stereotypes." -Amanda Leigh Smith

Warning Signs Empowered Art Education with The Harvard Forest Project “Widow Maker Sign” David Buckley Borden, Dr. Aaron Ellison, Trifecta

t’s often difficult to decipher the intent behind art and figure out what a piece hanging on a gallery wall really means or how the person who created it wanted to make you feel. But when it works, art can be an incredibly effective Trojan horse for education, sparking relevant and accessible discussions for the general public. Cambridge-based artist David Buckley Borden is known for crafting immersive and thought-provoking exhibitions, which promote creative reflection while also spreading vital information about environmental issues. Over the course of both his current yearlong fellowship at Harvard University and partnership with the New England Landscape Futures research project, Borden is addressing how art can help inform ecological decisions among the population at large and encourage them to support long-term stewardship. In collaboration with scientists and ecologists at the Harvard Forest Department, his work is often a twist on iconic items familiar to any outdoor enthusiast: altered trail warning signs, lanterns built from recycled field equipment and fire danger billboards charting current environmental threat levels. Driven by his interest in speculative design and cartography, Borden’s graphic installations are colorful and clear, infusing

“E nviro n me n t al T h r e at S i g n ” D a v i d Bu c k ley Bo r d en

“Wayfinding Barrier No. 2” David Buckley Borden, Dr. Aaron Ellison, Salua Rivero

“Back 40 Eco Monitor” David Buckley Borden

scientific totems like weather sensors with an attention-grabbing pop-art style. Strategically placed on the grounds of the Harvard Forest, the pieces are highly visible and easily understandable triggers to make us think about what’s really going on in the natural world. Some even function as a disturbingly impactful warning of future ecological disaster scenarios, such as Borden’s concept for the “Back 40 Eco Monitor,” an imagined network of sensors to alert you if toxic fallout or industrial smog is approaching your property.

“The Harvard Forest Project is art at its best, spreading crucial facts via emotional outreach to create an empowered world.” In 2017, climate change denial itself is becoming a genuine disaster, but initiatives like these give us a road map to smarter communication and engagement with skeptics. The Harvard Forest Project is art at its best, spreading crucial facts via emotional outreach to create an empowered world. More on David Buckley Borden’s residence is available at davidbuckleyborden.com.

“Global Warming Warning” David Buckley Borden, Jack Byers, Dr. Aaron Ellison

NINA STOTLER

Images c ourtesy Liz Clark

N I P O M O

I n The Family: Sustai nabl e A rti s an- M ad e G o od s"

he Nipomo brand is RANGE’s dream come true—sustainably produced and female-owned, they engage with skilled artisans to create blankets, handcrafted leather straps, visors and sandals in tribute to the color and craft of Mexico. Launched in San Diego by mother-daughter team Elizabeth and Liz Clark, Nipomo was founded through the inspiration Liz gained from watching her mother work with artisans to import pottery and mirrors from her native country.

Explaining the discovery of the brand’s sustainable roots, Liz told us, “When we visited the yarn supplier, we kept seeing a lot of color variation throughout a dye lot and found out the yarns were being made from clothing production remnants. In a world where things are constantly being produced, we feel strongly about creating pieces that are helping communities take waste out of the cycle.” As Nipomo expands and curates new goods to add to their stocklist, they’re excited to create a more expansive line for beach and park life. “The main thing we’ve learned is that it’s always good to see what the makers can do and then slowly introduce your ideas. Creating a partnership takes time, and understanding their process alex gom e s helps all of us build a product we’re happy with.”

Through their brand, Liz is able to share the south of the border color and culture she loves, which she feels is sometimes misrepresented or unappreciated in the United States. Partnering with skilled weavers in central Mexico, Elizabeth and Liz are able to observe the entire production process and watch as they spin each beautiful colorway from a recycled blend of poly cotton and acrylic. 22

Im a g e s c ourt e s y of Re nae He t ze r

So Small Town by Renae Hetzer

aving less plans means more unexpected experiences— and that’s how we like it. Making less mean more has expanded into all areas of our lifestyle, including our latest family adventure at a nonprofit in central California.

in and around the Cuyama Valley through arts and placemaking. They inspire and partner with other small rural communities, raising awareness about specific areas of need. Having never lived in such a small town environment, building and launching the camp at Blue Sky Center was a bit of a “MellenCAMP” experience for us. The camp is a truly inspiring place, with five unique huts designed by architect Mattie Shelton, and it opened numerous opportunities to meet and work with some wonderful people. Meeting campers from around the world, #vanlife folks, the team from Hipcamp, and creating lifelong friendships with the crew at Blue Sky all made for priceless memories.

In October of last year, my husband Brian, our 7-year-old son Townes and I rolled into the Blue Sky Center in our 40-foot GMC bus to pursue a job renovating Airstreams. To our surprise, we discovered we just drove 2,000 miles for a position that didn’t actually exist. We found ourselves in a situation we hadn’t planned for in the small town of New Cuyama, CA. Luckily, we soon discovered a new community via an offer for a different job as desert fellows at the Blue Sky Center, and got to find out what it’s like to live in a food desert despite being surrounded by organic agriculture.

We quickly adapted to small town life and learned how to schedule combination adventure-grocery shopping trips together. During our stay, we were also able to participate in coaching a youth rec basketball team, and volunteered every Friday to teach website and graphic design skills at the local high school. After eight months in the high desert of the Cuyama Valley, we heard the road calling and made our way east.

BSC is an oasis of sorts in the high desert, about an hour and 20 minutes north of Ojai, CA over the Las Padres. Formerly part of ARCO Oil, it has been transformed into a hub of creative ideas and people working to make a difference in the lives of rural Americans. Their mission is to help with land and economy regeneration 23

Image by M ax Lowe

The Open Pass

Subaru Presents a RANGE Group Show

1 982 Subaru Bra t Campe r, Jay N els on

nature by gathering visionaries who believe the arts and the environment go hand in hand. It is a place of flexibility and freedom. A space between moments. A destination for experimentation, where we celebrate imperfect landscapes and conceptual perspectives. It’s where we go to get lost. It is an opportunity to escape the hectic pace of daily life and embrace the profound beauty of being outdoors.

ands down, the RANGE community is one of the coolest, most creative networks out there. We are consistently blown away by our talented friends and family: the painters and photographers, the sculptors, the metal manipulators and more. When we started publishing RANGE Magazine a few years ago, we knew our medium would always be evolving, and we definitely wanted to take our ideas off the page and into real life. Typically, when we come up with a kooky idea, it ends up stashed away in the “one day” folder, which by now is filled with concepts that rarely see the light of day. So when Subaru invited us to crack open that folder of inspiration, we knew we had to go big and let them in on one of our favorites, The Open Pass , a wide-ranging group art exhibit showcasing multifaceted creatives in the outdoor industry.

Inspired by the Subaru lifestyle, the artists selected for The Open Pass , including Heather Day, Jay Nelson, Mikael Kennedy and Jeff Thrope, bring a distinct voice to the global creative community. Each piece is a dimensional reflection of their personal and professional journeys in the studio, outside and on the road. We kicked off the exhibit with a launch party at Alldayeveryday in Los Angeles with tunes by Dukes of Chutney and campfire-inspired bites by Dirty Gourmet. We are confident this group show will be the first of many experimental projects because at the end of the day, we don’t always know where The Open Pass will take us, and exploring the unknown is the heart jeanine pesce of any adventure.

The Open Pass is the abstract expanse that exists between our urban and outdoor identities. It is the intersection of adventure and design, where flora and fauna meet brick and mortar. The Open Pass redefines what it means to draw inspiration from

Observation S tation , Design ers O n H olid ay

Paint and Printed Matter, Jonathan Cammisa

Tie Your Shoe / What I Found on My Walk / Taking Vitamins, Lane Walkup

Thoughts on Flow and Water, Michael Persico

Ca l i forni a F i g ure 3, Mikael Kenned y + Jeff Throp e

T h e O p en P a ss l a unch pa rt y, Los Ang e l e s , CA, Im a g e s b y N i col e Pot t s , Court e sy of Subaru of Americ a, Inc .

Images c ou rtesy o f Prot ec t Our Winters

Act

Clima t

Transf or m n o e into y r e v E g in ha n g e

t s s i v i

Members of the POW Riders Alliance use their passion for the outdoors as leverage and their influence as role models to make this complex issue relatable. By sharing their stories describing how global warming is affecting them directly, they’re educating the next generation of over 60,000 students at school assemblies across America to understand why it’s important to care about this crisis.

f you’re a snowboarder, skier or live in an area that once experienced all four seasons, you’ll notice something is amiss. The snowfall you loved as a child is suspiciously missing from a good part of the winter, and the thriving mountain resorts you frequented from December to March are closed for part of their most lucrative season due to a lack of snow. In 2007, pro snowboarder Jeremy Jones realized something needed to change and founded Protect Our Winters, a nonprofit battling climate change via advocacy, activism and education.

Recognizing that some people just don’t know where to begin in joining the fight, Protect Our Winters created The Climate Activist’s Roadmap on their website, offering a simple guide to contributing to change, from getting in touch with your local politicians to easy steps to reduce your own carbon footprint. We’re living in terrifying times due to the current administration’s climate change denial, so it’s up to all of us to get organized and fight this good fight together. Visit protectourwinters.org to educate yourself, engage your friends, family and community, and advocate together alex gom e s for the health of our planet.

The organization has created a coalition of over 80 professional athletes, including skiers, snowboarders, climbers and mountaineers, who have all witnessed climate change firsthand and won’t stand for it. Protect Our Winters arms them with the latest scientific research and provides a platform to speak out by organizing trips to Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmakers, as well as scheduling appearances around the country at town hall meetings and marches.

“I’ve seen the impacts of climate change first-hand, and I knew that something needed to be done. Even though I didn’t know exactly how to take on this issue, I had a voice in the winter sports community and felt we needed to do something to fight the effects of climate change. In 2007, I founded Protect Our Winters (POW) to engage and mobilize outdoor enthusiasts to lead the fight.” - Jeremy Jones

Shepherdess Holistic Hides Cl

ing the Gap

t Be

n e e

nd a ty i C

Ra n c h

by Tessa Love

Schoorl, a longtime member of the Bay Area craft scene, was already dedicated to the idea of sustainable materials for her own leather goods, as well as a line of organic, American-grown cotton underwear. When Bush suggested they try to source Star Creek hides for their respective projects, Schoorl jumped on the opportunity.

raftswomen Brittany Cole Bush and Laura Schoorl began working as purveyors of ecologically sound sheep hides by chance. Embarking on a search for regionally produced, hair-on leather in order to create clutches, bags and shoes, they found an untapped source of gorgeous hides, as well as a way to close a vast stream of waste in the production cycle.

Bush explains, “I thought, how cool would it be to have the connection of our local product developed from the hides of animals grazing right here in Oakland? And Laura agreed it’d be awesome.”

In retrospect, perhaps the discovery was fate. Several years prior, Bush had come to see herself as a modern-day shepherdess when she helped found Star Creek Land Stewards. By bringing herds of sheep and goats to public and private land, the contract grazing company reduces the threat of wildfire, increases the biodiversity of the land, and produces sustainable meat and fiber. As a hobby, Bush also crafted functional leather accessories, but had never worked with her own hides.

After visiting a meat processing facility in California’s Central Valley to select raw pelts and readying them for crafting with a long-standing, family-owned tannery, Bush and Schoorl saw that the full hides were simply too beautiful to cut up. They knew there would be a market for such a unique product.

“It’s pretty cool and dynamic for this product that comes from ranching to go 36

Im a g e s b y Gina Esp osito + Eva Kolenko

Demand for hides was high, as sheepskin had become a massive decorating trend with big box stores like Ikea and Target peddling cheap, highly processed pieces. Simultaneously, hides from the many sustainably raised animals in California’s food system were a byproduct with no local outlet, baled up and shipped to China to avoid the expense of putting them in the U.S. waste stream.

Desp i t e i n h eren t l i mi t at i on s, b y s e l l i n g a f e w h u n d r e d h i d es at c ra ft fa i rs i n L os A n g ele s a n d t h e B a y Ar e a , Shepherdess Holistic Hides have effectively ended part of a massive waste stream. Although it is only removes a fraction of the byproduct produced in California, their efforts mark the beginning of a more holistic system. “By taking these pelts and getting them into the urban centers, we’re not only selling a beautiful product, but we also have the opportunity to educate urban people about the full circle of honoring these animals that go into the foodshed,” Bush said. “It’s pretty cool and dynamic for this product that comes from ranching to go straight into the urban center. I really love the connection of closing that gap.”

“All these pelts just go to China and are turned into who-knows-what and basically rendered unrecognizable,” Bush said. “A valuable byproduct of the meat industry is essentially lost.” Hides that do make it back intact are processed and tanned with toxic heavy metals like chrome, making them even more unsustainable. And while Bush notes that any tanning process is still “environmentally touchy,” the process she and Schoorl use for their hides is “the most benign tanning process available in the U.S.”

straight into the urban center. I really love the connection of closing that gap.” 37

Illustration by J er emy Co llins

Ad vo c a c y

To o l k i t A G U I D E TO G E T T I N G AC T I V E I N T H E F I G H T TO P ROT E C T T H E P L AC E S W H E R E W E P L AY by Katie Boué

t’s easy to say, “yes, please!” to outdoor advocacy. Protecting the places where you play is a no-brainer, but figuring out where to start and how to get involved isn’t always as clear. We’ve got you covered with a quick guide to getting activated:

Ask yourself: What is the best way to show up and make your voice heard? Where can you make the biggest impact? What issues need you the most? How much time and energy do you have to donate?

Gather your resources: Information is your ammunition in the fight for the outdoors, so arm yourself heavily. Tools like OIA’s Outdoor Recreation Economy reports will help back up your efforts to protect public lands with hard facts. Learn the numbers, memorize the statistics, get informed.

Use your skills: The outdoor community is rich with talent and the fight for public lands needs everyone: graphic designers, photographers, public speakers, athletes and event planners, as well as grassroots lobbyists and volunteers bringing sandwiches to people working overtime at nonprofits. There’s no cookie cutter way to participate in outdoor advocacy–make it your own.

Hit the ground: Take your activism out into the real world. Get involved locally by participating in marches, rallies, sign-making parties and fundraiser events. Attending Outdoor Retailer? We’ll see you at the Public Lands March, starting in the South Plaza of the Salt Palace Convention Center at 4:30 p.m. on July 27.

Get to know your reps: Find out who your repre-

Participating in advocacy is the responsibility of every outdoor enthusiast the moment their boots hit the trail. You have a duty to protect the wild places you recreate in and the movement needs you. Your experience as an activist is all your own, just get involved.

sentatives in Congress are at whoismyrepresentative.com. Follow them on social media, add their phone number to your speed dial, and send snail mail to their office. Reach out often to challenge them on hard issues and to show your support when they get it right.

Il l us t ra t i ons b y C hri s t i ne Mi t c he l l Ad a m s

Outdoor

Ima g e b y Si m one Sc hi e s s

Adapting to the Climb of Life by Emily Anne Gray

ower o f wi l l can o nl y be di sc ov ered a n d d evel o ped thro ugh chal l eng es a n d h a rd sh i p i n l i fe. I was di agno se d w i t h ost eosa r coma , a type o f bo ne cancer, wh en I w a s on l y 11-y e ar s- o l d. A s a very acti ve yo u n g g i rl w h o love d sur fi ng, hi ki ng and runni ng, th i s n ew s c ame a s an utt er sho ck. A fter si x m o nt h s of i n t en se che motherapy treatment, whi ch l eft me so c l ose to de ath, I fel t a deep and scary em p t i n ess i n si d e. I w as then faced wi th the hardest d ec i si on of my lif e : choo si ng between a hi p repl a c emen t or a n a mputatio n. I ul ti m atel y deci ded to g et my l eft le g amput ated thro ugh the hi p. A fte rw a rd s, I fel t lik e all th e thi ngs I l o ved do i ng as a c h i l d w ere a distant m emo ry, and fel t an i mm en se a mou n t of f e a r a bout my future—o r l ack ther eof. H ow ev er, my de sir e and wi l l to l i ve o utwei gh ed t h i s fea r.

Fourteen years and three Paralympic Games later, I found myself on a climbing wall in Brooklyn with the Adaptive Climbing Group. Whether you are an amputee, wheelchair user, blind or have a neurological disorder, climbing will challenge you in your area of “weakness,” and continually test your depth and strength of willpower. That willpower must be seen as a muscle, and needs to be trained and exercised just like any other muscle in the body. In climbing and in life, some “holds” or moments will challenge you more than others. Either way, we need to find a way to turn those crimps into jugs that catapult us forward. And if you fall off the wall and come back as a differently abled person, you simply figure out how to adapt and continue enjoying the climb of life.

Se l f p ort ra i t b y As hl e y Sc he i d e r

Why Family Matters More Than Ever RAISING A GENERATION TO LOVE THE OUTDOORS by Shanti Hodges

about embracing all families: nature is a neutralizer. In nature we are all equal, a fact I’ve observed firsthand from Ohio to Oregon to Anchorage and beyond. If it rains, we’re all getting muddy shoes no matter how fancy our gear. The weather ultimately wins.

considered myself a pretty outdoorsy person when I had my son. Most of my career choices connected to the outdoors and I spent my free time adventuring around the globe to mountain bike, surf and snowboard. But when Mason arrived, I assumed it was the end of my fun days.

What matters is people are kinder to each other in nature. You don’t ask someone you just met about their political views when they pick up your screaming child’s dropped binky. You just thank them and smile. They aren’t questioning your lifestyle choices while offering you a snack on a hike. Everyone wants to help maintain a peaceful trail and if you forget your toddler’s shoes, another parent will step up and offer an extra pair with that knowing “You’ve got this!” nod.

I wasn’t alone in this sentiment. Numerous friends from the outdoor world and beyond said, “Just wait and see. You won’t want to get out there like you did before.” Mason was born at an interesting time in history, during the transition between a president who was very aligned with the outdoors to one who clearly doesn’t feel the same kinship. Our country is feeling divided on so many fronts, and amid this crazy turmoil, I started a little hike group, a club of sorts to keep me inspired to get outside while drawing in new people who felt like their lives had to change because of having a child.

We don’t like to admit it, but the outdoor industry is something of a secret club. A whole country of people are out there who might be interested in an invite to climb a mountain, but we need to take the first step by spreading a picnic blanket at the base of that mountain and inviting them to sit down. Add a snack and a child into the equation and watch how things blossom.

Four years later, after hiking with a thousand families across the U.S., here’s why I think there has never been a better time for the outdoor industry to get serious

BEAR HUGS

by Brendan Leonard @Semi-rad

RANGE asked me for a funny illustration for Issue Seven, and I started to draw all sorts of ideas involving public lands, politicians and Donald Trump climbing Mt. Rainier in that striking all-white tennis outfit, but none of it was that funny. Or fun. So I made this chart instead, a small escape from thinking about all the battles we have in the coming years. I hope you like it. And please write and call your elected representatives so we have places to go see bears in the future.

NATURE CLASSES WITH STINKER & STEWARD

A Playful Collection of Funnies Designed to Remind Us Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Really Going On Illustration + Words by â&#x20AC;&#x2039; Eric Dobbins

Nature, like humor, takes us out of ourselves. It takes us out into the universe, so far out in fact, that we experience a much bigger reality. There is much to learn and much to love! Let us listen to the sounds and learn the lessons from the ancient teacher. Let us join together, care for each other, and care for the Mother that provides for us all. So spread the word! Share these funnies with all the stinkers out there that could use a fat salmon across the face.

SURF TRIPPING

www.mizulife.com @mizulife

ENJOY THE JOURNEY. LEAVE NOTHING BEHIND. 43

@vasquefootwear