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  • On tour with Dave Matthews Band and The Dreaming Tree wines

    May 15, 2012 By David Madison

    Governing Council member Dave Matthews

    Credit: Chris Burkard

    What do Dave Matthews, California winemaking and wilderness conservation have in common? Quite a lot these days. We’re excited to announce that The Wilderness Society will host a booth with our new charitable partner The Dreaming Tree wines at this summer’s Dave Matthews Band concerts.  Read more

Latest Posts

Diving into Español, rivers and TWS: The 411 on our first Public Lands Fellow

May 24, 2012 By Annette Kondo

Fabiola Lao on a San Juan River trip (before the raft tipped over...twice!)

Credit: Michael Carroll

Fabiola Lao is the first Public Lands Fellow at The Wilderness Society.  Since June 2011 she has been based in the Los Angeles office working on the San Gabriel Mountains Forever campaign. As her year comes to an end, and before she heads to the Sierra Club to continue working on San Gabriel Mountains Forever, Fabiola dished about her fellowship at TWS. Region:  California Read more

A sneak attack on wilderness: Legislation that hurts backcountry sportsmen looms in the U.S. Senate

May 22, 2012 By Jamie Williams

Moose cooling off in lake

Credit: John McCarthy

So many of our memories are made when we spend time with our favorite people in our favorite wild places. Now, a bill that passed the U.S. House of Representatives threatens those memories. H.R. 4089 is a sneak attack on wilderness disguised as a pro-hunting bill. It would fundamentally undermine existing protections for some of our nation’s backcountry destinations, including wilderness areas: Read more

The Western Arctic's beautiful place with an ugly name

May 22, 2012 By Tim Woody

Alaska’s Western Arctic contains a 23-million-acre tract of some of the most stunning wildlands on Earth. It teems with migratory birds, caribou, polar bears, wolves and other wildlife, but is cursed with what may be the ugliest and most ill-fitting name of any wild landscape: the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. Region:  Alaska Read more

Surefire way to beat gas prices

May 16, 2012 By David Moulton

Gas Prices

Credit: Paulo Ordoveza

The Memorial Day long weekend is coming up, and you’ve probably noticed that gas prices have leveled off from their high prices a few months back.  In fact, prices are now 20 cents per gallon lower than they were a year ago. Whether you’re going to the beach or to the mountains (or maybe a place like the Vermillion Basin), the break at the pump couldn’t have come at a better time for many American families.  Read more

Protecting the future of America’s wild places

May 15, 2012 By Alan Rowsome

Crooked River in Oregon

Credit: BLM

Places like the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, and Yosemite are well known.  Places like Ironwood Forest, Hurdygurdy Creek, and the Crooked River might not have that same name recognition, but each have unique natural values as wild places we must protect.  In order to do that, Congress needs to step up. Read more

Wilderness Society's Big Birding Day soars

May 13, 2012 By Barbara Hawke

Birding in Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park

Credit: Photo by Barbara Hawke

A half-dozen birders exclaim with pleasure- it’s a Blue Grosbeak, resplendent in lapis blue with russet bars on its wings. We’re exploring the ancient and fascinating landscape of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park, seeking birds on sandstone cliffs, in cottonwood groves and lurking in desert greasewood. Our trip is one of many being enjoyed by visitors from around the country as part of the Ute Mountain-Mesa Verde Birding Festival. Read more

Berryessa Snow Mountain bill introduced. Help thank its champions!

May 11, 2012 By Paul Spitler

A quiet pool along N. Fork Cache Creek near Spanish Ridge

Credit: Tuleyome

If you live in or are visiting the Bay Area or Sacramento, just about 100 miles away you can experience the incredible lands, creeks, wildlife and recreation activities at Berryessa Snow Mountain. Read more

Keeping public lands and western communities safe from irresponsible “fracking”

May 8, 2012 By Neil Shader

Gas well

Credit: BLM

“Fracking.”  It’s a bit of a dirty word – pumping millions of gallons of water, toxic chemicals, and sand into a well to free up oil and gas far below ground.  Its widespread use is causing concerns from communities and conservationists worried about the effects it could have on water and land. Read more