Wilderness
Protecting wild places. Reconnecting people. Defending the future
What We Mean by Wilderness
Wilderness isn’t empty land.
It’s land that’s allowed to stay wild, where rivers flow without being told where to go, animals move as they always have, and where humans are guests, not owners. In the United States, National Wilderness Areas are protected by law so these places can stay healthy, open, and alive for generations.
You can find wilderness almost everywhere: high mountains, deserts, forests, wetlands, and coastlines. It exists across state lines, cultures, and politics.
These lands belong to all of us.
A National, Nonpartisan Legacy
Wilderness protection didn’t start as a political trend, it started as a shared belief.
Across the country: Nearly every state has protected wilderness Conservatives and progressives have supported wilderness for decades Hunters, hikers, tribal nations, ranchers, scientists, and families all depend on healthy wild lands
Wilderness brings people together because it speaks to shared values: freedom, responsibility, self-reliance, and respect for the land.
Why Wilderness Matters
1. It Keeps Nature Working
Wildlife has space to survive and adapt Water stays cleaner, air stays fresher Landscapes become more resilient in a changing climate
2. It Helps People Breathe
Quiet places reduce stress and restore focus Outdoor traditions like hunting, fishing, and camping continue Time outside strengthens both body and mind
3. It Carries Stories Forward
Honors Indigenous relationships with land Protects places families return to again and again Keeps local landscapes recognizable, not replaceable
Shared Values, Different Words
People talk about wilderness in different ways
But often mean the same thing.
| Some Call It… | Others Call It… |
|---|---|
| Conservation | Stewardship |
| Climate resilience | Land health |
| Public lands | Our backyard |
| Biodiversity | Game habitat |
Same land. Same outcome. Different language.
At the heart of it all is a simple idea: responsibility without control.
Choose Your Connection
You don’t have to love wilderness the “right” way. You just have to care.
One thing you can do: Support or advocate for funding that protects habitat and access for future generations.
One thing you can do: Visit a wilderness area, follow Leave No Trace, and tell someone why it mattered to you.
One thing you can do: Volunteer your time, skills, or curiosity to care for trails, habitats, or research efforts.
One thing you can do: Learn about a wilderness area near you and support keeping it protected from development.
When People Decide, Wilderness Lives
Developed Area
Without protection, wild places give way to development and lost habitats
Lush forest
This thriving wilderness exists because people chose to protect it
“One decision made the difference.”
Protection isn’t abstract. It’s a choice people make.
Hands on the Land
Wilderness has strong public support, but admiration alone isn’t enough.
Many wild places still face challenges: underfunding, development pressures, and the effects of a changing climate.
Protecting these lands means ensuring they are cared for, managed thoughtfully, and allowed to thrive. Laws and protections matter, but so do the everyday choices we make as visitors, neighbors, and stewards.
Wilderness doesn’t protect itself.
People do.
3 Tiny Acts, 1 Big Impact
You don’t need hours. Just intention.
Sign a Petition
Share a Story
Learn About a Place
Small steps add up.
Bring One Person
Care grows through experience.
Invite a Newbie
Take a Kid or Friend
Let the Land Speak
Connection → care → protection.
Ways to Connect with Wilderness
Experience It
Visit a local or national wilderness area Hunt, fish, hike, or camp responsibly Support guides and outdoor educators
Learn From It
Learn whose land you’re on Attend ranger talks or community events Follow organizations working to protect wild places
Care for It
Leave no trace Volunteer when you can Speak up for wilderness in your community
A Personal Connection
My name is Kendall Holsomback, born in Boulder, Colorado, now calling San Diego home. Wild places shaped my childhood, filling it with wonder, adventure, and the kind of freedom that sticks with you for life. Being in nature taught me curiosity, patience, and the joy of discovery. The mountains, rivers, and forests were my playground, full of moments that made me stop and just look.
Being in the wild taught me one thing clearly: protection isn’t about fences or rules. It’s about balance, letting the land live on its own terms, letting people experience it, and taking responsibility for what we love. Wilderness reminds me that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves, and that every choice we make shapes its future.
Wild places shape our character and nurture our communities. Caring for wilderness is caring for ourselves.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
Volunteer: Join us in our efforts to promote environmental awareness and sustainability in your community. Whether you have a few hours or a few days to spare, your help is invaluable!
Partner with Us: If you're part of a nonprofit, business, or government organization, consider partnering with the Environmental Alliance for collaborative projects or events. Together, we can make a bigger impact!
Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest news, events, and ways to participate in our initiatives.
Attend Events: Participate in our upcoming events and awareness days. Check our calendar for dates and details.
Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network. Follow us on social media and help us raise awareness about environmental issues.