June 25, 2009

Legendary Wilderness Crusader Doug Scott to speak at Rock/Creek on June 26th

REMINDER: This event takes place TOMORROW, THIS FRIDAY. Please come out! It's going to be a great opportunity to learn about saving our wilderness areas and to hear some of the history behind our American wilderness. Oakley has stepped up to provide some catering, so we'll have some food available. Please RSVP so we know how many are coming, but don't let that keep you away if you haven't been able to RSVP.

It takes an act of Congress to designate specific areas of land as forever protected "Wilderness" lands. Our natural, untouched resources are seemingly the most neglected areas by mankind. However, once land is selected, maintenance and preservation is reinforced, prolonging the existence of precious acres all across the nation.

In this current economic time of budget cuts and expenses causing a decrease in advocacy, what will the future be for our unprotected lands? Who will speak for them?

Come join Rock/Creek at the Two North Shore location on Friday, June 26th at 6pm to hear the answers to all these questions and more, as we welcome Doug Scott, a nationally recognized author and Policy Director for the Campaign for America's Wilderness. Rock/Creek has the privilege to host an evening of discussion and a book signing with this transformational public figure, as he talks attendees through his history with Wilderness campaigning, community support, and instruction on how to help pass along a gift to future generations.

Doug formerly managed a local environmental group in the San Juan Islands of Washington State, worked at The Wilderness Society, and for 17 years for the Sierra Club, including as conservation director and associate executive director. Doug was involved in enactment of the Eastern Wilderness Areas Act (1975), The Endangered American Wilderness Act (1978), the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness (Idaho, 1980), The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (1980), and the California Desert Protection Act (California, 1994), among others. Doug's status as a wilderness crusader takes him all around the United States for workshops, panel discussions, book signings, and radio talk show appearances such as the Dian Rehme Show, this past March.

Mark your calendars, and don't miss out on this eye-opening experience, free to the public however, RSVP is required below.
You may also RSVP by calling Rock/Creek at 423.266.8200 ext: 1112. Leave a message with your Name, Number, and Number of expected attendees

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 4:15 PM | Comments (0)

June 15, 2009

Rock/Creek Helps Connect and Protect Trails on Lookout Mountain

Today Rock/Creek and Patagonia announce a $1,000 donation to the Lula Lake Land Trust. The money will aid in the completion of the long awaited "Connector Trail" from Lula Lake to Cloudland Canyon State Park.

To date, Rock/Creek and Patagonia have contributed $10,225 toward preservation of this land. Adelaide Bratcher, Development Head for the Lula Lake Land Trust, comments on the partnership: "We initially approached Dawson and Marvin at Rock/Creek with the partnership because they sell gear to help get people outside, and they care about land preservation. They offered, without hesitation, to volunteer time and money for trails to be built with a future in public access. From past to present, so much has been accomplished for the community because of people like Dawson and Marvin, and the values they represent."

Dawson Wheeler, co- owner of Rock/Creek says, "We have deep roots in the Chattanooga area and we want this support of Lula Lake to have a lasting impact for years to come. We will continue to aid in the betterment of this beautiful area and look forward to increased public access to the natural resources on Lookout Mountain."

Bratcher explains that final approval with Georgia government agencies is still pending, but with donations such as this one from Rock/Creek and Patagonia, progress toward permanent access is evident. The most recent donations of time and money resulted in the construction of the High Point Trail and its use last year in the inaugural Rock/Creek Lookout Mountain 100K race, which also became the longest trail race in Tennessee history. This race offered a venue for runners to see the beautiful vistas and appreciate the wilderness areas that the Lula Lake Land Trust is striving to connect and protect. The next race to take place on the property will be the first day (June 19th) of the 3-day Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race. For more information on these races, visit http://www.rockcreek.com/trailseries/

About the Lula Lake Land Trust:

The Lula Lake Land Trust is a non-profit organization which promotes land conservation practices by maintaining an environmental preserve, fostering educational and research opportunities, and protecting significant animal and plant life in the Lula Lake area. The Trust maintains portions of land in the northwest corner of Georgia created by the Rock Creek watershed where two water fall systems feed the small lake and offer more than six miles of hiking trails.

Historically, the land was unmonitored and disrespectful practices of mining, clear cutting, and garbage dumping threatened its natural sustainability. Mr. Robert M. Davenport purchased segments of property in 1958, establishing the core acres of property to The Lula Lake Land Trust.

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer based in Chattanooga, TN. Rock/Creek was named 2009 Online Retailer of the Year by Backpacker Magazine and SNEWS and was listed as a Top 25 Retailer by Outdoor Business for 2008 and 2009. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, travel and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association. For related articles on Rock/Creek, visit www.rockcreek.com/media/

Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:23 AM | Comments (0)

June 1, 2009

Rock/Creek Raises $5,000 for The Boonies at 3rd Annual Scenic City Trail Marathon

(Chattanooga, TN)- Locally-owned specialty outdoor retailer Rock/Creek today announces a $5,000 donation for The Boonies, the latest in a string of donations stemming from the Rock/Creek Trail Series. The Boonies will use the money to help run future events as well as secure access to single track trails. These funds came from last Saturday morning's third annual Scenic City Trail Marathon and Half Marathon, presented by Vasque PROJECT and Rock/Creek. Other contributing sponsors include SmartWool, Marmot, The North Face, and Hammer Nutrition. Local sponsors include Greenlife Grocery and Cleveland Toyota.

Threatening clouds and the forecast rain held off just long enough for the 183 half marathon and 73 marathon finishers to come across the line. The race took place on the trails around TVA's Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility. Compared to 2008, the race saw 25% growth in half marathon runners and 62% growth in marathon runners.

The course makes this a fast race, and this years' winner set a new course record. Rock/Creek Race Team Member Matt Sims cruised through the cloudy weather for an overall winning time of 3:11:47; nearly 27 minutes faster than last years' Marathon time of 3:38:04. Sims had this to say: "I am pleased with the race and I did exactly what I wanted to do. My hope was to stay with the lead group for the first loop and then try to gain ground through miles 17 through 24. This section is the more difficult and I figured it would be a good place to get ahead. It was a great course and a quality event."

Brenda Simril from Chattanooga battled it out on the course and placed first overall female with a time of 3:52:55. Second male overall was Josh Hite from Cookeville, TN with a time of 3:17:46 and Brenda's husband and owner of Simril Multisport Coaching, Coach Lee Simril placed third in 3:25:35. Dreama Campbell, also of Chattanooga, placed second female overall with 3:58:32. Cheri Fine from Atlanta, GA placed third female overall with a time of 4:00:53.

In the half marathon, Theodore Towse of Nashville took first in 1:29:18, just 3 minutes shy of last year's winning time and the current course record of 1:26:51. Sam Linhoss from Chattanooga and Jonathan Warner from Ringgold, GA were less than a minute apart. Linhoss placed second male in 1:30:41 and Warner placed third in 1:31:11. Taking the women's title, Jan Gautier from Chattanooga finished with a time of 1:39:13 followed by Theresa Saupé from Murfreesboro, TN in 1:44:30. Rock/Creek employee Deborah Jones from Hixson, TN finished third in 1:49:55.

Race Director Jonathan Mobley enjoyed the race, as he explains: "It was a great race overall. You could feel the excitement at the start line coming from a group of runners, far surpassing the number of participants in last year's race. It is encouraging to see the Rock/Creek Trail Series grow and I look forward to seeing more people experience these races in the future. I am extremely grateful to the volunteers, the sponsors, and the Vasque PROJECT for giving their time and resources to make this race possible."

The course runs along the perimeter trail of Raccoon Mountain, a TVA pumped-storage facility, and is a low impact single track created by SORBA (Southeast Off-Road Bicycle Organization). The trails offer declines, straight-a-ways, a rock bridge bypass, and hill climbs, making it one of the best trail running and mountain biking locations within 25 minutes of downtown Chattanooga.

Proceeds from both events go to The Wilderness Trail Running Association (aka The Boonies) and will be used for future trail races, trail maintenance, and sustainability efforts in the Cumberland and Southern Appalachian Mountains. A portion of the money raised will go to help with SORBA's trail building efforts. $2,000 of the total came from Vasque's PROJECT Thanks, an initiative that has been developed to drive awareness and donations to marquee nonprofit groups working to preserve trails across the country. The Vasque PROJECT is an effort, through nation-wide sponsorship of trail races, to foster competition, community, and stewardship. Through PROJECT Thanks, Vasque PROJECT event directors encourage partners to donate a portion of race fees to trail preservation or similar philanthropic groups in their local area. The Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k on October 3rd and The Lookout Mountain 100K & 10K on December 19th will also be part of The Vasque PROJECT.

The Scenic City Trail Marathon is part of the increasingly popular Rock/Creek Trail Series, a year-long trail running race series with 9 race dates and 13 distance options. The race attained national recognition this year with runners representing 10 states. The next event in the series is the Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race, taking place on June 19, 20, and 21. For more information on the series, visit http://www.rockcreek.com/trailseries/

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer based in Chattanooga, TN. Rock/Creek was named 2009 Online Retailer of the Year by Backpacker Magazine and SNEWS and was listed as a Top 25 Retailer by Outdoor Business for 2008 and 2009. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, travel and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association. For related articles on Rock/Creek, visit www.rockcreek.com/media/

Posted by Mark McKnight at 3:18 PM | Comments (0)

May 15, 2009

Rock/Creek Race Team Member Matt Karzen Runs for a Cause

For over 20 years, Rock/Creek has encouraged our customers to make a difference in the world. We are passionate about community outreach and open our resources such as blogs, event postings, and advertisements to share our neighbors' efforts. Rock/Creek works for positive change in the community through monetary pledges and tangible support, not to call attention to ourselves, but to raise awareness of the impact we can all have in the world.

In this spirit, we wanted to "hand over the microphone" now and post the following from our friend and Rock/Creek Race Team Member, Matt Karzen:

"Friends - On July 25, 2009, sometime well before sunrise, I will commence to put one foot in front of the other, and run the length of the Georgia Appalachian Trail (76 ish miles) straight through, as a fundraising effort for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation

This organization provides educational opportunities through grants to the children of fallen U.S. Special Forces operators - a most worthy cause. Each of these children have sacrificed a parent so that we may be a bit more secure here in the United States. The SOWF organization's purpose is to be an avenue to help us help them. Please consider making a generous donation to this cause - you can do so by going to my sponsorship web page at www.firstgiving.com/gaatrun. I am donating $500.00.

Those of you who enjoy epic adventure, I would love to have some company for all or part of the run, or if you simply want to enjoy the north Georgia mountains for a while. I sure could use the help of someone meeting me at the various places where the AT intersects civilization with some food and drink... Any and all support is welcome and appreciated, but the most important thing you can do is contribute to the cause by making a financial donation.

A very small percentage (7.5% or so) of each donation made on the Firstgiving website goes to Firsgiving to help them absorb their costs, but ALL other funds received go to SOWF. If you would rather make a donation by check, you can mail it to me and I will forward all funds to SOWF. Please email me if you would like to make a donation by check or if you are interested in participating along the way.

Please email me, these kids need and deserve our help.

Thank you all for taking the time to consider this, and definitely spread the word!"
-Matt Karzen

email: mjkarzen@bellsouth.net.

Good luck Matt! Thanks for all you're doing for the foundation. Again, please help out by donating online at: www.firstgiving.com/gaatrun. You can check on Matt's fundraising progress with the widget below. We'll also post updates here as we hear more about the run.

For further information about Special Forces Warrior Foundation check out this short video >

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 5:05 PM | Comments (0)

April 22, 2009

Keen wins 3rd Annual Rock/Creek Environmental Stewardship Award

In honor of Earth Day, Rock/Creek Honors KEEN with 3rd Annual Environmental Stewardship Award.

Chattanooga, TN, April 22, 2009 -- Rock/Creek today announces KEEN as the 2009 recipient of the 3nd Annual Rock/Creek Environmental Stewardship Award.

Rock/Creek, a Chattanooga-based independent outdoor retailer, created the award to celebrate Earth Day and recognize one vendor's efforts to reduce environmental impact. Broad criteria for selection include: manufacturing and design innovations, waste reduction, elimination of hazardous chemicals, recycling, and reducing energy consumption.

KEEN joins previous award winners Patagonia and Chaco in being recognized as environmental leaders by Rock/Creek.  

Rock/Creek Marketing Director Mark McKnight describes the process: "KEEN's bold action to reduce their environmental footprint as well as the transparency with which they have analyzed their own operations through their sustainability 'Report Card' is worthy of notice. In the end, their focus on creating community and focusing on the customer as the reason behind their sustainability efforts made them the best choice for the 3rd Annual Rock/Creek Environmental Stewardship Award."

"It is rare to have a company so motivated to get involved with local retailers and support local community.  KEEN has really become a user-friendly company in regards to fundraising and campaigning their cause," explains Rock/Creek co-owner, Marvin Webb. "In addition to their global environmental efforts, KEEN has supported the Rock/Creek Trail Series, which helps us build trails and secure access here in Chattanooga."

Jeff Weathersbee, the Sales Representative accepting the award on behalf of KEEN, shares his enthusiasm: "This is awesome!  We (KEEN) really appreciate the recognition and we are excited to be a part of such a great relationship with Rock/Creek.  KEEN has been a proud partner with Rock/Creek for many community programs."

Rock/Creek carries KEEN's Harvest Mary Jane shoe as well as the Pettygrove Hand Bag, both made from recycled rice paper found on the floors of Asian factories. Rock/Creek also has KEEN shoes and bags made from recycled aluminum, recycled polyester, as well as a special leather called Low Impact to the Environment Leather (LITE), created by Keen with German-owned leather tannery located in China. KEEN also has aggressive goals for replacing diesel and coal-fired electric power with hydroelectric power.

For more information on sustainable materials, low-impact gear and clothing, as well as Rock/Creek's own environmental initiatives, visit http://www.rockcreek.com/earth-day/

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.

###

Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:05 PM | Comments (0)

April 10, 2009

10% Off Chacos + We'll Donate $5,000 for Access

Sale Sandals Fleece Jackets Casual Shoes

Day Packs Hiking Boots Performance Shirts Jackets

Sign Up to Win Gear Sign up today for a chance to WIN a North Face Green Gear Package Click here to Sign Up >

	Men's Chaco Z/1 Sandals > Women's Chaco Z/1 Sandals > Women's Chaco ZX/1 Sandals > Men's Chaco Z/2 Sandals > Women's Chaco Z/2 Sandals > Women's Chaco ZX/2 Sandals >

Photo: "Southeastern Climbers' Coalition board member Gus Fontenot many years ago on the Steele classic Monopoly Arete."

Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:23 PM | Comments (0)

April 9, 2009

Rock/Creek and Chaco Commit to Raise $5000 to Reopen Climbing Area

Chattanooga, TN (PRWEB) April 9, 2009 -- Independent outdoor retailer Rock/Creek and specialty footwear manufacturer Chaco have partnered with the Southeastern Climbers Coalition to raise $5,000 toward the purchase of a long-closed climbing crag in Steele, AL. A portion of the proceeds from every Chaco Performance Sandal sale at Rock/Creek from now until Earth Day will be donated to this effort. Talented filmmaker Josh Fowler and photographer Andrew Kornylak donated their time to produce a video introduction to the Steele story. The film is currently posted online: www.rockcreek.com/steele/.

Historical photo of Gus Fontenot, Southeastern Climbers Coalition board member, climbing the Monopoly Arete in Steele, AL, over 20 years ago.

"We've been working on this project for a little over 8 years now without much success... luckily this past fall, we talked to the right landowner at the right time," explains Southeastern Climbers Coalition president Brad McLeod. "We have 120 days to raise all the funds, so we're teaming up with Rock/Creek and Chaco to make that happen."

Chad Wykle, Chaco Sandals sales rep and long-time defender of climbing access, elaborates: "As soon as we found out about this project, both Chaco and Rock/Creek literally jumped at the chance to work again with the SCC. Chaco as a company, has had a long 20 year history of making incredible footwear for the outdoor consumer. In that 20 years, we have also been committed to the core, to protecting and preserving our natural resources."

Rock/Creek co-owner and Signal Mountain resident Dawson Wheeler explains why Rock/Creek would take on a project like this: "Rock/Creek has taken a position a number of years ago that we want to leave a legacy behind. What we want to be able to look back to is our neighbors. 'How did we impact our neighbors and how did we impact our community at large? ' and you can look back and go, 'See this area; Chaco paid for this area to be here.' This is building ownership and it's also what we should do."

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer based in Chattanooga, TN. Rock/Creek was named 2009 Online Retailer of the Year by Backpacker Magazine and SNEWS and was listed as a Top 25 Retailer by Outdoor Business for 2008 and 2009. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, travel and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association. For related articles on Rock/Creek, visit www.rockcreek.com/media/.

###

Posted by Mark McKnight at 9:47 AM | Comments (0)

Rock/Creek's Two North Shore Location Now LEED Certified

Chattanooga, TN (April 8, 2009) -- The Two North Shore shopping center has officially been approved to be Chattanooga's first LEED Certified retail development, officials said.

The consultant team from Energy Ace noted that Two North Shore is one of the first developments of its kind in the state of Tennessee.

Meleah Smith of Two North Shore said, "This historic accomplishment basically means that Two North Shore has been created from the ground up with the goal of making our community environment more sustainable, pure and enjoyable. Based on each particular sustainable and renewable element of the development, the United States Green Building Council is now finalizing how high a level Two North Shore's certification will reach."

Rock/Creek's Mark McKnight said, "Rock/Creek wants to look back at a practical history of commitment, a legacy of conservation and community development, and we believe that Two North Shore fits in with those principles. It's built on what used to be an industrial wasteland, and the interventions that have been done actually reduce the property's environmental impact. We're collecting rainwater instead of creating more runoff and we're re-using materials instead of relying on all virgin materials."

In keeping with Two North Shore's commitment to take care of and enjoy the earth's resources, officials are celebrating their Second Annual Earth Day Festival Saturday, April 25. The day will include free blow-up games, artisans displaying and working on art created from recycled materials, awards for a children's art competition about taking care of the earth, outdoor yoga classes, many wonderful green (earth-friendly or sustainable) products, opportunities to learn about green groups improving the community, the chance to learn about Two North Shore's cutting edge environmentally friendly LEED certified building, lots of organic and locally grown food, education on Village Wolkswagen's low emission vehicles, and more.

"I'm very proud of the shopping center we've created, not only because it is the first LEED certified shopping center in Chattanooga, but because it's so unique," noted Two North Shore property manager Krista Steere. "Shopping at Two North Shore is an experience like nothing else you'll find in Chattanooga.

Two North Shore is located on the north side of the river on Manufacturers Road just over the Market Street or highway 27 bridges from downtown.

Rock/Creek has been operating in its Two North Shore location since October 2, 2007. For photos of the move from the old location, visit Rock/Creek's flickr photostream.

About Rock/Creek

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer based in Chattanooga, TN. Rock/Creek was named 2009 Online Retailer of the Year by Backpacker Magazine and SNEWS and was listed as a Top 25 Retailer by Outdoor Business for 2008 and 2009. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association. For related articles on Rock/Creek, visit www.rockcreek.com/media/.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 9:26 AM | Comments (0)

April 7, 2009

Join us in the Summer of Steele

Chaco and Rock/Creek - Summer of Steele from Andrew Kornylak on Vimeo.

For over 20 years, the spectacular cliff line near Steele, AL has been closed to climbers.
 
Rock/Creek has committed to raise $5,000 for the acquisition of this climbing area in order to re-open it to the community.

A portion of every Chaco Performance Sandal sale through Earth Day goes toward this goal.

 

Join us in “The Summer of Steele”
Shop for Chaco Sandals > 

Posted by Mark McKnight at 9:25 AM | Comments (2)

March 24, 2009

Rock/Creek & La Sportiva Offer You the Chance to "Give Greenback$"

Rock/Creek and La Sportiva N.A. (makers of technical climbing, mountaineering, Mountain Running® and hiking footwear) announce the launch of their Giving Greenback$ campaign. For each pair of La Sportiva Hiking, Mountain Running® and Approach shoes sold at Rock/Creek, La Sportiva will donate a $1 to one of three charitable organizations: the Carbon Fund, The Conservation Alliance and Global Water.

"By partnering with La Sportiva on Giving Greenback$, we will be able to offer our customers the chance to make a difference today, one dollar at a time," says Mark McKnight, from Rock Creek Outfitters. "As a member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, Rock/Creek's number one priority is to provide a quality experience to our consumer base. In addition to offering great products from a great brand, Greenback$ provides our customers the chance to support quality organizations promoting environmental change directly."

La Sportiva's "Giving Greenback$" campaign is a partnership with participating retailers from the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance (GOA), a group which unites independent outdoor retailers and promotes the experience of outdoor enthusiasts across the United States.

As a part of the Greenback$ program, Rock/Creek is now offering such La Sportiva products as the Fireblade, Crosslite, Imogene, Wildcat, Cascade, FC 3.0.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:19 PM | Comments (0)

January 12, 2009

Voices Against Mountaintop Removal Mining

Biker gives Appalachian towns a voice
Trip is to protest mountaintop removal mining

By Brittany Moore

Sam Evans wants the voices of Appalachian families near coal mining sites to be heard, so he's cycling to Washington, D.C., to hand-deliver protest letters written by mining communities.

"The bike ride for me is just a way to take the voices of the people who aren't being heard right now and take them to Washington, D.C.," said Evans, a third-year law student at the University of Tennessee. He plans on leaving Tennessee Jan. 9 and arriving in Washington, D.C., Jan. 20.

Evans won't be alone for the 750-mile trip. Missy Petty of Conservation Fisheries Inc., a nonprofit organization that rescues endangered fish species, will join him for the first half of the trip.

Evans and Petty plan to stay in homes close to coal mining sites to see for themselves the impact mining has on nearby communities, then gather letters protesting mountaintop removal mining. Evans will hand-deliver the letters to the Natural Resources Defense Council, which will give the letters to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

"We just want people to be aware of what's going on in their own backyards and want them to care," Petty said.

According to Evans, a sludge pond similar to the one that broke in Kingston on Dec. 22 rests above an elementary school in West Virginia.

"If it breaks it'll bury the school," Evans said. "It's just another sludge build waiting to happen, and the people have been trying to address that for years."

Petty agreed.

"There have been people killed in these communities, and they're drinking water that's polluted, and because they're poor, no one's hearing their voices," she said. "Because Sam and I are able to get out and ride our bikes we're going to reach out to, I hope, you know, the nation." Evans said he's flown over areas impacted by mountaintop removal mining in West Virginia.

"It's not just hundreds of mountains," he said. "It's reaching the point to where it's thousands."

Petty said they've "been getting the word out to a lot of mountaintop removal groups" about their trip. "We know there are ways to mine without destroying the tops of mountains," she said.

Follow Sam's progress and learn more about mountaintop removal mining online at the Voices Against MTR website.

Sam is a former Rock/Creek employee who started a bike taxi during his time in Chattanooga.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 9:40 AM | Comments (0)

January 8, 2009

Rock/Creek Donates $2,000 to Signal Mountain Cross Country Team

Today Rock/Creek announces a $2,000 donation to Signal Mountain High School's Cross Country team. The donation came from money raised at the 7th Annual Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k Trail Race, which took place the first weekend of October. The money will be used to purchase timing equipment for the team, which will in turn allow the school to host events on the trails adjacent to their property. "The beautiful surroundings on Signal Mountain will truly be showcased by opportunities provided by Rock/Creek, and we look forward to hosting races and having more student participation as excitement about our program continues to grow," explains school principal Eddie Gravitte.

The StumpJump race raised a total of $9,000, with $3,500 going to the Cumberland Trail Conference (CTC), $3,500 to the Wilderness Trail Running Association (The Boonies), and the remainder for this gift. The CTC administers and has constructed the Cumberland Trial, which runs right behind the High School. The Boonies helps facilitate the Rock/Creek Trail Series races through volunteer work as well as trail building and maintenance. The StumpJump takes place on the trail, starting and finishing at the new High School. In addition, the Cross Country team uses the trails for training. These three groups have formed a healthy partnership that ensures the vitality of trails on Signal Mountain and elsewhere.

Rock/Creek also has provided sponsorship throughout this inaugural season. As Les Hegwood, the team's coach, explains, "Rock/Creek and our team have formed a tight partnership in which the kids on my team have been outfitted from head to toe with some of the greatest technical trail running apparel around. They have assisted in hosting the StumpJump 50K, a race included in the Rock/Creek Trail Series, and will have the finest racing clock and timing equipment around all because of the generous monetary gifts from Rock/Creek." Rock/Creek provided wicking technical t-shirts from Mountain Hardwear, along with running hats and visors for the team.

The cross country program has seen a strong start in its inaugural year. Hegwood elaborates: "As I reflect on our inaugral cross country season in which the boys earned a trip to the state meet- having finished as runners up in the region- one phrase comes to mind: 'taking off.' I saw the kids surpass personal best after personal best and really come into their own as runners this season. Without the support of Rock/Creek and the great people associated with the team, our season would not have been half the success it was."

Dawson Wheeler, co-owner of Rock/Creek and a Baylor graduate, presented the $2,000 check to Hegwood, and shared his enthusiasm for the High School: "Although I went to Baylor and this is a brand new school, I'm thrilled to support these guys because they're my neighbors and they're doing so much to raise the profile of Signal Mountain's wild spaces. Tennessee ranks #44 in spending on education, and as obesity and poor health are on the rise, it's becoming increasingly important to include outdoor recreation as a part of public education. Public-private partnerships are a proven way to help increase the quality of education for our youth."

Whorton echoed the enthusiasm of Wheeler and Hegwood, pointing to the difficulty of the trails on Signal Mountain as a factor in the team's success: "By training on these challenging and beautiful trails, these runners are building a strong base that will allow them to compete with the best runners in the state. I think Signal Mountain High School will quickly earn a reputation for being a very tough team to beat, and once we complete their course, only the bravest high schools will show up for meets here."

For more information on Signal Mountain High School:
http://www.signalmountainhighschool.com/

For more information on the Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k:
http://www.rockcreek.com/stumpjump/

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to enacting positive change in the community and for our environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.

###

Posted by Mark McKnight at 1:48 PM | Comments (0)

January 6, 2009

Save Stringer's Ridge

The Times-Free Press had a good article posted up on Christmas day about the work being done here in Chattanooga, Tennessee to help secure Stringer's Ridge as an urban forest and recreational area for public use. The land, a prime 92-acre tract located downtown right behind the new Two North Shore Rock/Creek location, has been up for sale for some time. Developers once proposed a dense residential development that would have chopped the top of the ridge off and destroyed much of the canopy. Public outrage led the developer to abandon that plan, and now the Trust for Public Land (TPL) has been working with the owner, Jimmy Hudson, to acquire the land for public use. TPL has secured $1.9 million for the project, but they need $2.5 million to make the purchase happen. Some plots of land could still be sold to cover the shortfall if necessary.

The T-FP article talked about how the Wilderness Trail Running Association (The Boonies) and the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) have already talked to TPL's Rick Wood about what to do with the property. Here's an excerpt from the article:

Ultimately, [SORBA] envisions about seven miles of bike trails on the ridge, [Jeffrey Schaarschmidt] said. As for sharing the trails with runners, he said he did not see any difficulties.

Randy Whorton, president of the Wilderness Trail Runners Association, said the groups have started a "single-track alliance" based on the fact that many trails in the area are shared between hikers, bikers and trail runners. He said he could envision a system of trails along the ridge where both bikers and runners could share walkways, while other trails could be individualized for the two groups' needs.

"I think it's going to come out well," he said. "It has to. This is an opportunity to have wilderness right in our downtown."

Larry Zehnder, the city's Parks and Recreation administrator, said Stringer's Ridge offers a prime opportunity because it could offer hiking opportunities to visitors staying in downtown Chattanooga.

"In this case, they could easily take an afternoon walking along the ridge," he said. [See full article online]

If you'd like to make a pledge to the project today, visit the TPL page for Stringer's Ridge >

Photo courtesy Trust for Public Land.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 9:28 AM | Comments (0)

December 12, 2008

Help Us Save Utah's Redrock Wilderness

The following message from long-time environmental advocate, Robert Redford, urges Americans to protest President Bush's plan to auction off Utah's Redrock wilderness to oil and gas speculators on December 19. We're sharing this with Rock/Creek's customers in a hope that you'll help us defend the open spaces we all enjoy.

http://www.nrdcactionfund.org

Dear Friend,

No one voted on Election Day to hand over Utah's Redrock wilderness to oil companies.

But the Bush Administration cynically chose that very day to advance an outrageous plan that will sell off leases for some 300,000 acres of spectacular Utah canyonlands to oil and gas speculators.

While America was voting for Barack Obama and his vision of a clean energy future, Bush and Cheney's underlings were conspiring to plunder one of the crown jewels of our natural heritage for their fossil fuel cronies.

Please register your own opposition right now.

http://www.nrdcactionfund.org/wilderness_giveaway

The auction of Redrock country will take place on December 19. At stake are world-renowned vistas near Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, as well as near Dinosaur National Monument. The highest bidders will earn the right to turn vast tracts of pristine wilderness into industrial wastelands.

It's bad enough that Bush officials went behind the backs of the American people with this disastrous scheme. But what's worse, they didn't even tell their own National Park Service until after the fact.

In my mind, this theft of our heritage goes beyond the cynical -- it's criminal. What will be left to give to our children and their children if we allow this administration, in a parting shot, to destroy our legacy of public lands for short-term gain?

I hope you're as angry as I am about this blatant land grab, because we've got to stop it -- and we have to act fast. The NRDC Action Fund is mobilizing more than one million Americans in an outpouring of protest over the coming days.

Send your own message of opposition immediately. Tell the Bush Administration that you will not allow it to destroy one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

http://www.nrdcactionfund.org/wilderness_giveaway

We'll automatically send copies of your message to your two Senators, your representative, and to the Obama transition team, which has signaled their opposition to this disastrous attack on our Redrock heritage.

The Bush Administration is racing to complete the auction of our lands before Inauguration Day, which will make sales difficult to reverse.

We must fend off this land grab now -- before the oil and gas companies can lay claim to the spoils.

Those spoils include stretches of Desolation Canyon, which has been proposed for national park status. Bush's own Interior Department describes the canyon as "a place where a visitor can experience true solitud -- where the forces of nature continue to shape the colorful, rugged landscape."

The very idea of oil and gas operations invading these remote sanctuaries -- which have remained untouched for millennia -- is deeply upsetting. Once the dirty deed is done, our wilderness can never be restored. That's why I'm asking you to help us sound the alarm and organize now.

Tell the Bush Administration to cancel the Redrock auction. Remind them that we the people are the rightful owners of this majestic wilderness and that we won't stand for its destruction.

http://www.nrdcactionfund.org/wilderness_giveaway

And thank you for joining with me and the NRDC Action Fund to save these beautiful wildlands for all future generations.

Sincerely,

Robert Redford
NRDC Action Fund

P.S. After you send your own message of protest, I'll let you know of an easy way to spread the word to your friends and family. With only 10 days to mobilize one million Americans, I'm counting on you to rally everyone you know to speak out and save this precious wilderness from destruction.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 2:02 PM | Comments (0)

December 11, 2008

"Heart of Stone" Climbing Access Film (Watch the Full Version!)

This is the full, high-def version of Andrew Kornylak & Josh Fowler's new movie. As Climbing magazine noted, "Heart of Stone debuted at Rock/Creek in Chattanooga, TN, during the Triple Crown - Stone Fort Finale on December 5th and 6th, 2008 to crowd of close to four hundred and the crowd response was nothing short of amazing." Word has it the film will also be picked up by a rock climbing film series, so it might show on the big screen in a town near you soon. We'll post details here as we have them.

Heart of Stone - HD from Andrew Kornylak on Vimeo.

It's no secret that the Southeastern US has some of the best rock climbing in the country. Grassroots organizations like the Southeastern Climbers Coalition and the Carolina Climbers Coalition are gaining and preserving access to this treasure in a unique way - by buying it. the annual Triple Crown Bouldering Competition - the largest outdoor climbing competition in the world - is at the center of this access revolution. This new film celebrates what many are calling a Golden Age of discovery and stewardship in the South. It's a look at the miraculous mix of activism, generosity and respect for tradition, in the Heart of Stone.

"Heart of Stone is the first film that takes the focus away from superstars, grades and the glory and puts it back where it belongs, on the local community, retailers and climbers that work tirelessly to keep the crags open and open the ones closed. Rock/Creek needs to take some of the credit here even though they won't ask for it; because it's the local businesses that make it happen in each of these SE communities.

Jim Horton and Chad Wykle have created a competition series that is the pride of the industry and one that needs to be taken to the rest of the nation so that others may carry the torch in their region. It blows me away at each of these comps, just how many people will open their wallets in order to open more crags and protect the ones we have here in the SE. I had a 10 year old boy empty his piggy bank at this last comp to buy raffle tickets for Yellow Bluff. The rest of the nation needs to learn what is happening here and how to duplicate the banding together of community, local business and land managers/private land owners for the sake of preserving our open spaces for all to use.

Access is the holy grail of climbing and the SCC, CCC, NRAC and Access Fund have done a tremendous job over the last 10 years to secure more new climbing here in the SE than anywhere in the US."

--Kurt Smith

Posted by Mark McKnight at 3:01 PM | Comments (2)

November 25, 2008

Heart of Stone Climbing Film Premieres at Rock/Creek

Heart of Stone Climbing Film Premieres at Rock/Creek Friday December 5th

November 25, 2008 (Chattanooga, TN) - Rock/Creek and The Triple Crown Bouldering Series proudly present an exclusive premiere showing of the highly anticipated climbing access film-- Heart of Stone-- a film by Andrew Kornylak and Josh Fowler. Rock/Creek invites the general public to their retail location at Two North Shore in Chattanooga, TN for the premiere. The store will close at 7:00 pm on Friday, December 5th and doors will open at 7:15. The show will start promptly at 7:30 PM EST.

Heart of Stone investigates a critical point in rock climbing history in the southeast, while celebrating the many fantastic rock climbing resources that the Southeast has to offer.

As Kornylak explains, "the film celebrates what I think is the beginning of a golden age of discovery and stewardship of the amazing treasure of rock we have in the Southeast. The grassroots climbing community here is a miraculous mix of activism, generosity and respect for tradition: the Heart of Stone."

After the presentation of the film, acclaimed climbing athletes/activists Tommy Caldwell, Beth Rodden-Caldwell, Lisa Rands, and Kevin Jorgeson will speak with the audience about the current state of climbing access in the southeast and across the country.

It's no mystery that the Southeast holds some of the best rock climbing in the country. From uncountable fields of immaculate sandstone, granite, gneiss and quartzite boulders, to fantastic buttresses of steep, single pitch crags, to valleys filled with giant multi-pitch granite domes, the South simply has it all for the rock climber.

However, unlike the Western United States, most of the land of the Southeast is privately owned, with much of the remaining property being managed by State and National Parks. Rock climbing in the Southeast has become a matter of relationships between the climbing community and land managers.

Historically, climbers as a group have been known to the general public as conservationists...and simply excellent stewards of land. The number of rock climbers participating in the sport has increased dramatically over the last ten years, however. This increase in the number of climbers and the popularity of some of the rock climbing resources has placed a strain on some of the natural environments where climbers recreate, and as a result have placed the relationship between climber and land manager at risk.

Active local non-profit climbing organizations like the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition, the Carolina Climbers' Coalition, and regional activists are struggling to find a common voice for the entire climbing community--a voice that is steeped in the historical tradition of respect for the environment and the private landowner, but also one that advocates a spirit of adventure.

Please join us at the debut of this film at Rock/Creek's Two North Shore location. For directions and more information on our stores, visit: http://www.rockcreek.com/customer_service/locations.asp

A trailer for the film can be viewed online:
http://blog.rockcreek.com/archives/heart_of_stone_a_film_about_climbing_access_in_the_southeast.html

If the link is broken, try:
http://tinyurl.com/5eu24k

For more information on the Triple Crown Bouldering Series, visit:
http://triplecrownbouldering.org/

High-res photography available upon request.

Contact:
Mark McKnight
423.643.1528
mark@rockcreek.com

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to enacting positive change in the community and for our environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.

###

Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:40 PM | Comments (0)

October 24, 2008

"Heart of Stone" a film about Climbing Access in the Southeast

Heart of Stone, a film about Climbing Access in the Southeast from Rock/Creek on Vimeo.

Check out the 'Heart of Stone' trailer....a production from Andrew Kornylak and Josh Fowler. See the full feature release at the Triple Crown finale at The Stone Fort/LRC. The focus of the film is Climbing Access in the Southeast. In addition to the release, attendees will have an opportunity to listen to discussions lead by top climber/activists Lisa Rands, Tommy Caldwell, Beth Rodden-Caldwell, Kevin Jorgeson, and other regional activists regarding the state of rock climbing access. Come join us for a full viewing of the film and candid discussions about the future of climbing access.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 3:06 PM | Comments (0)

October 15, 2008

AAC's "Chattanooga on the Rocks" Event Oct. 18th

Come join the American Alpine Club for a gathering that will include climbing, beer and prizes. Chattanooga on the Rocks: Strikes Back will be happening in Chattanooga on Saturday, October 18th. The event will be a day of climbing at The Stone Fort (formerly Little Rock City) and an evening hanging out at the Market Street Tavern. Come on down to socialize with current AAC members as well as the local climbing community at large. If that's not incentive enough, there will be drink specials, discounted memberships, climbing movies playing in the background, and tons of prizes (both a cheap raffle and a silent auction, all with tons of great gear and tchotchkis). To participate in the climbing portion, please show up to Rock/Creek for a 10:00AM departure. To participate in the after-party, please show up at the Market Street Tavern at 7:00PM. See the attached poster for more details. If you have any questions regarding the event, please email me at max.poppel@gmail.com.

(Click on the image to the left for a larger version of the poster)

Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:31 PM | Comments (0)

October 13, 2008

$9,000 Raised for Trails at 2008 Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k

Locally-owned outdoor retailer Rock/Creek makes $9,000 donation for trails from the 8th Annual Rock/Creek StumpJump, a 50k and 11 mile trail running race that took place on the Cumberland Trail in Signal Mountain, Tennessee.

October 9, 2008 (Chattanooga, TN) - Rock/Creek today announces a $9,000 donation for trails. The Chattanooga-based retailer raised the money at the 8th Annual Rock/Creek StumpJump this past weekend. $3,500 will go to the Cumberland Trail Conference (CTC) for their ongoing work on the 300-plus-mile long Cumberland Trail. The Trail, still under construction, stretches across the state of Tennessee from Chattanooga to Cumberland Gap.

Another $3,500 will go to The Wilderness Trail Running Association (The Boonies). Their mission is to promote trail running as a cornerstone to optimum health and as an avenue to adventure by focusing on expanding trail access, building new trails, maintaining existing trails, and organizing great trail races. The remaining $2,000 will go to the new Signal Mountain High School Cross Country team for work on their cross country course, which Boonies members will help construct.

The Rock/Creek StumpJump has become one of the largest ultramarathon-distance races in the country. This year's race took place on Saturday, October 4, 2008. Over 200 runners finished the 50k and 170 finished the 11 mile race. Runners came from across the country and the world, with runners representing 25 of the 50 states as well as Micronesia, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Canada.

"Once again we had a great race" said Dawson Wheeler, Signal Mountain resident and co-owner of Rock/Creek: "We were able to raise significant funds this year and we look forward to building many miles of new trails. We could not have had this level of success without generous donations from our sponsors and the hundreds of volunteer hours contributed to the race."

Rock/Creek Race Team members fared well in the 50k race, with team members taking several top spots: John Anderson from Boulder, CO (originally of Signal Mountain) won first place in the 50k. Michael Green came in second. Jaclyn Greenhill won the women's division.

Other top finishers: Kevin Johnson of Ogden, UT finished third; Ryan Mittwede from Ridgeland, MS finished fourth. In the women's division, Abby Zeveloff from Carrboro, NC came in second, Lisa Purul from Panama City Beach, FL took third. Liz Lee of Knoxville, TN took fourth. Masters winners were: Phil Canning of Atlanta, GA; John Cobbs of Birmingham, AL; Tom Remaley of Cosby, TN; Marty Coleman of Marietta, GA.

Rock/Creek employee Deb Jones took first in the female division of the 11 mile race. Race team member Cathi Cannon took fourth.
Other 11 mile finishers included: Mark Lundblad of Swannanoa, NC (Team Inov8) took first. Tom Borschel from Idaho Falls, ID (Team LaSportiva) took second. Third went to local Sam Linhoss. Fourth, Jim Wueste from Atlanta, GA. Casey Malone of Memphis, TN came in as second place female. Lucie Becus from Cincinnati, OH took third.

Before the race, on Friday, October 3, Rock/Creek hosted the general public for a Vendor Fair and served 400 racers and family members for a catered carbo supper at their new store at Two North Shore on Manufacturers' Road. This family-friendly event showcased the race's sponsors and also served as a packet pick-up for racers. In addition, Dr. Charley Cropley from Boulder, Colorado gave a talk on natural foods and healthy nutrition for endurance activities.

Also on Friday live seamstresses worked to turn customers' old cotton t-shirts into sustainable shopping bags through the Icebreaker and Rock/Creek Bagging Cotton program. The promotion continues through the end of the month. Customers are invited to bring their old cotton t-shirts into Rock/Creek's Two North Shore location now through October 31st. Rock/Creek will transform the tee into a reusable shopping bag and customers will receive $10 off an Icebreaker pure merino top of their choice. For more details visit http://www.rockcreek.com/icebreaker/baggingcotton.asp

Sponsors of the race include SmartWool, Mountain Hardwear, Salomon, Hammer Nutrition, La Sportiva, The North Face, Greenlife Grocery, Vasque, Deuter, KEEN, CamelBak, Southern Spring Water, Inov8 and Trail Runner Magazine. Next year's event will take place on October 3, 2009.

Photography available to the media by request.

For registration information, results and photography, please visit http://www.rockcreek.com/stumpjump/

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to enacting positive change in the community and for our environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.

###

Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:59 AM | Comments (0)

September 18, 2008

Friday the 19th is National Park(ing) Day

There are good and bad ways to bring awareness to your cause, and I think the Trust for Public Land has found a creative and positive way to draw people's attention to the importance of urban parks. They've declared Friday, September 19th National Park(ing) Day, and they're encouraging you to turn a parking space into a temporary urban park. The Trust for Public Land has done quite a bit of great work in Chattanooga's renaissance as a city. They've been behind the Chattanooga Greenways Program, working hard with local authorities and land owners to fund land acquisition, city planning, and maintenance of parks. The key feature of the program: Chattanooga's Riverwalk, a 12-mile urban trail linking Coolidge & Renaissance Parks on North Chattanooga to the Bluff View Art District, UT Chattanooga, and Amnicola Highway all the way to the Chickamauga Dam. The Riverwalk links our new Two North Shore store as well as our Down Under store on River Street, and is also how I bike to and from work.

Get involved, check out the Trust for Public Land National Park(ing) Day Web site >

SAN FRANCISCO, 9/15/2008: On National Park(ing) Day - Friday, September 19 - volunteers in more than seventy cities across the U.S. will create more than four hundred temporary parks in public parking spaces. The goals of the event, according to organizers, are to celebrate parks and promote the need for parks in America's cities.

National Park(ing) Day is sponsored by The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national conservation nonprofit, based on an idea conceived by REBAR, a San Francisco art collective. Friday's second annual National Park(ing) Day will see the creation of single park destinations in such cities as Kenosha, Wis., and Ardmore, Penn., while volunteers will create dozens of parks in several cities, including Tucson, Lake Worth, Fla., and San Francisco, which will feature the first Wedd(ing) Park.

For a full list of cities, maps, and descriptions, visit tpl.org/parkingday.

"By turning parking spaces into instant parks, National Park(ing) Day creatively demonstrates how much our cities need parks," said Will Rogers, TPL president. "Across America, cities are renewing their investments in parks, because civic leaders have come to recognize that close-to-home parks, gardens, and playgrounds are essential if we are to have cities that aren't just livable, but lovable."

In 2007, National Park(ing) Day spawned more than 200 new parks in more than fifty cities nationwide and around the world.

Photos from last year's event, as well as a full list of cities with maps and details is available online at tpl.org/parkingday.

National Park(ing) Day 2008 is a concept created by San Francisco art collective Rebar in 2005 to re-imagine the potential of the metered parking space. In 2006, in collaboration with TPL, REBAR founded "PARK(ing) Day": a global exploration of the creative potential of streets.

The Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national, nonprofit, land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, community gardens, historic sites, rural lands, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than two million acres nationwide. TPL depends on the support of individuals, corporations, and foundations.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:37 PM | Comments (0)

August 22, 2008

Cumberland Trail Conference Seeking Volunteers

The Cumberland Trail Conference is seeking volunteers to help build a bridge spanning Big Possum Creek.

August 28-September 4: bridge building Big Possum Creek. During this time period, volunteers are needed to bring in lumber, rebar, concrete, and the tools needed to build the bridge foundations. I have several people that have offered to help get the material back to the bridge site on 4-wheelers. Once the material is at the site, volunteers are needed to construct the foundations. Camping will be available at the Possum Creek campground on Lee Pike. The CTC will pay for the campsites and will provide meals (it will be camp food, sorry nothing fancy). If you are interested in helping with this first step in building the Big Possum Creek bridge contact Amanda Leamon at Amanda.Leamon@frontiernet.net.

The Cumberland Trail Conference is a 501.3c whose mission is to "build, maintain, provide activities on and promote the Cumberland Trail, a scenic trail along the Cumberland Plateau between Chattanooga and Cumberland Gap, in order to help preserve the historical and cultural heritage of Tennessee, conserve natural resources, provide educational and recreational opportunities and connect local communities.

Visit the Cumberland Trail Conference website for more information and maps of the Cumberland Trail.

Posted by bradmcallister at 11:38 AM | Comments (0)

August 7, 2008

Vote the Environment Video from Patagonia

Vote the environment this Fall. Video from Patagonia.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 2:44 PM | Comments (0)

August 4, 2008

Ruling Goes Against Commercial Removal of Rock From State Park

Chalk one up for the good guys! Late last week the Tennessee Court of Appeals struck down a decision by a lower court that would continue to allow a unobstructed access to minerals on lands owned by the State.

This is great news for hikers, backpackers and land conservationists in the area. Those who have been on the Soddy Daisy segment of the Cumberland trail have seen the destruction that these unfettered mining practices can do.

The full story behind this case is a little confusing, as is normally the case when mining rights come into question. To simplify, Tennessee law states that land rights are separated into two different categories; surface and mineral. Surface rights include the right to harvest trees from the land and the right to develop public accessible trail systems. Mineral rights include the right to mine minerals below the surface. Certainly there is an inherent conflict. How does the owner of the mineral rights get to their precious minerals without disrupting the surface? At what point does accessing mineral rights violate the owner of the surface rights?

This conflict was the source of a case that the State of Tennessee brought against a Florida based mining company in 2007. The State claimed that the owner of the mineral rights, Lahiere/Hill Partnership, violated the State's surface rights when they destroyed 70 to 100 yards of the Cumberland Trail while harvesting limestone. The State of Tennessee promptly filed suit. The case was first heard in the Hamilton County court system in 2007. The initial ruling by Chancellor Frank Brown allowed mining on public lands to continue. The state appealed and the case moved to the higher Appeals Court. Last wednesday, the Appeals Court made the decision to send the ruling back to the lower court on the grounds that the original court ruling misclassified stone as a mineral. Based on precedent setting documents and cases, Tennessee minerals include coal, iron, oil, gas, and precious metals. The classification does not include stone.

The ruling certainly doesn't solve all the issue related to strip mining on the Cumberland, but it is a step in the right direction.

Both
Nashville's Tennessen and Chattanooga's Times Free Press have articles on the case.

A similar issue has arisen on the federal level. Currently mining on federal lands, such as in national forests, is governed by laws that were written in 1872. These laws state that mining is the best use of land and allows mining companies full access to precious metals without having to pay royalties on the materials that they remove. It has essentially been a free ride for mining companies for over 130 years. The House of Representatives passed a bill that would update the antiquated laws. Now it is up to the Senate to agree on an update before the bill is signed by the President. More information on the modernization of the 1872 Mining Laws can be found in a previous blog post.

It is vital that we tell our Senators how important it is that we protect our lands from undue destruction of our public lands. We must show that our voices are stronger than the millions of lobbying dollars spent by private mining interests. Senator Bob Corker is on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. It is this committee that is assigned with putting together a bill that will be presented to the Senate floor. Please contact Sen. Corker and express how important it is to protect our lands.

Posted by bradmcallister at 10:46 AM | Comments (0)

August 1, 2008

20% Off Chacos Through August 2nd

donate shoes, get 20% off Chacos Rock/Creek and Chaco invite you to swap your old (but clean) shoes, sport sandals or boots for a 20% discount on new Chaco Sandals. We’ll donate your old shoes to those in need and keep them out of landfills. how to give back… 1)  Use coupon code “CHACORECYCLE08” at checkout by August 2, 2008 to Save 20% on your new Chacos.    shop for Chacos >       2)  When you receive your Chacos, put your old shoes back in the box and send them to us by August 31. 3)  Enjoy your summer with a new pair of Chacos and the knowledge that you’ve made a difference in someone’s life. shop Chaco >

The original value of your donated shoes should be roughly equivalent to that of your new pair of Chacos. Coupon does not apply to Chacos already on sale, but we’d still love to have your shoes to send. 

where will my donated shoes go?

Footwear donated from the 2008 campaign will support the elimination of Hookworm anemia in Sub-Saharan African villages.

It has been estimated that as many as 1 in 3 people in Sub-Saharan Africa are affected by Hookworm anemia. The hookworm, a soil-born parasite, enters through bare feet and resides in the small intestine of its host. Within the intestine the hookworm feeds off its host supply. If the parasitic condition is left untreated, severe anemia and malnutrition will result. The condition will slowly advance until a blood transfusion becomes necessary for the infective individual’s survival.

In developing nations the cost of transfusion is often prohibitive and risky. Prevention, through the use of protective footwear, has been proven to prevent hookworm anemia.

Through the 2007 Chaco recycling program an entire village in Uganda was outfitted with shoes—a simple solution that completely eliminated hookworm anemia in the village.

In previous years the program has also supported communities in India and Nepal. Chaco’s program has also impacted communities closer to home. After hurricane Rita devastated the Gulf Coast region in September 2005, Chaco and participating retailers collected over 400 pairs of recycled footwear to distribute to displaced hurricane victims in affected areas of Louisiana.

Thanks to all those who donated to the 2007 program. This was our best year so far, with well over 100 pair of shoes recycled.

thank you for making a difference!

shop Chaco >

Please Send Your Donated Shoes to:

Rock/Creek
CHACO RECYCLE PROGRAM
4250 Benton Drive, Suite D
Chattanooga, TN 37406

1-888-707-6709
info@rockcreek.com

Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:51 AM | Comments (0)

July 28, 2008

Antiquated Mining Laws Need Reform. Contact Sen. Corker Today.

A lot happens in 136 years. Since then Edison won the first patent on the light bulb, Ford set up his industry changing assembly line, World Wars have been fought, voting rights have been granted to women and minorities, and computers and cell phones have changed the way we do business. Certainly a lot has changed, but unfortunately, a lot hasn't.

In 1872, the government of an expanding nation was in search of ways to entice adventurous explorers and entrepreneurs to head west and cultivate dangerous lands on the other side of Mississippi. With grand visions for the future of a young nation and the storied abundance of natural resources that were embedded in untouched lands, congress enacted a law permitting miners equipped with pick and shovel to excavate hard rock minerals without paying royalties on the precious metals that they removed. It was a decision that laid the foundation for the future of the young nation.

A lot has changed in the mining industry in those 136 years. Individual miners have been overcome by multi-million dollar corporations. Picks and shovels have been replaced by fleets of heavy, highly efficient and productive machinery. Advanced technologies have granted the ability to dig quicker, deeper and in more areas than was ever imaged possible. Additionally, fueled by unprecedented demand, prices for the commodities have risen exponentially and pushed profits to levels surpassed by very few industries. All this has begun to strain our public lands - with blazing efficiency mining claims in some regions have grown 80% in recent years.

Unfortunately, a lot hasn't changed in the mining industry. The unbelievable truth is that the federal law enacted in 1872 is the very same law that governs the industry today! Much like in 1872, mining organizations are still not required to pay royalties on any of the precious metals and other valuable materials that they extract. Relative to the amount of realized profits, companies pay very little for the land they mine on. The price tag for each acre of land that mining companies privatize is a scant $5. The next time you are filling up your gas tank, think of what $5 gets you. Not quite the same purchasing power it had back in 1872. And here is the kicker! Think that companies are require to clean up the mess they make, well don't count on it, not according to the antiquated law passed in 1872.

It is irrational and irresponsible that the same laws that governed the nascent industry more than 130 years ago still govern today. Many in congress are finally coming to this realization. Late last year the House of Representatives voted to pass the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007. This act institutes a requirement for companies to pay royalties, authorizes the denial of mining permits if undue environmental degradation is anticipated and requires land managers to balance other valuable land uses with mining. (Under the current law, mining is considered the land's highest value and thus trumps all other activities. Under the House's proposed law recreational activity, species protection, biodiversity preservation, water quality conservation and other uses would be put on par with mining).

Now that this important law has passed the house, it is onto the Senate where members will decide if the bill will ever reach to desk of the President. At this point it it unclear where the Senate's support will lie. Because of our participatory democratic government you can help. Support from Tennessee's two Senators is important to the future of the bill and the future of our lands. Sen. Corker's support is particularly important. He is a member of the Energy and Natural Resource Committee, and it is this committee who will first review the bill before it goes to the Senate floor. Please contact Sen. Corker and ask him to support modernization of the antiquated 1872 Mining Law.

Many Tennesseans remember the environmental disaster that occurred at Copper Basin because of irresponsible mining. Help protect our lands, and our tax payer dollars, by learning from the past and demanding that the 1872 Mining Law be updated.

Posted by bradmcallister at 4:59 PM | Comments (0)

July 24, 2008

Vacation Local (Loco!)

Gas prices are up, atmospheric carbon is mounting, schedules are tight and budgets are tighter. Add in the fact that airport security is a pain and that now you have to pay to check your bags, its no wonder why many have decided to forgo the 2008 summer vacation season altogether. Vacations have become a strain. But they shouldn't be, nor do they have to be. The key is to look local.

Sure, there is a certain status associated with long distance travel. When you live east of the Mississippi, its all about heading west. Climb the Rockies, surf California, hike the Redwoods, mountain bike Utah. When you live out west its all about leaving the country. Now, don't get me wrong, I believe there is certain inherent value in experiencing every thing this country and the planet has to offer (I spent many years vagabonding on a soul search for that value) but to only have grand views of far distances is, paradoxically, near sighted.

Its amazing to me how many people who are so well traveled are limited in what they know about local opportunities for adventure and personal growth. This is especially true here in the southeast where opportunities for outdoor vacation and recreation are plenty. We live in the county's hotbed for natural diversity, a diversity that is only matched by the world's most tropical rain forests. Dedicated rock climbers come from all over the world to test their skills on southeastern rock. Miles of hiking trails, underground caverns and navigable rivers add to the lure of the region.

We've all seen a similar tend in the food market. People have been advocating eating local foods and buying local goods for years now. The products are healthier, they support the local economy, they have less of a environmental footprint and they reconnect people to their immediate surroundings. With four dollar a gallon gas prices and astronomical fees on airline tickets, its time to take the this local philosophy one step further, its time to start advocating local vacations.

Save some gas (and some carbon)

What hurts most about long distance road trips? Is it the $4.00 a gallon gas that empties your pocket faster than it fills up your tank, or is it the knowledge that each mile driven compounds a growing global problem. For me its a little of both. Air travel, though necessary in many cases, is particularly bad for global climate change. It has been estimated that nearly half a pound of carbon per passenger per mile is emitted during a flight. Doesn't sound like much but it does add up when you consider how many miles the average flight is and how many passengers are packed into each plane. Whatever your perspective, you benefit from driving less to your destination. I've crunched a few numbers and have come up with a few "one-tank" trips. These are valuable vacation opportunities that require only one tank of gas for a round trip drive. Since Rock/Creek is headquartered in Chattanooga, the city will be my origin for all of the listed trips. If you don't live in Chattanooga, no problem. There is plenty of fun to have right outside your back door. Get out a map and compass, do a little research and I guarantee you will find some enticing trips that will have you packing your bags in no time. Who knows, you may even find that the money you save on airfare might just be enough for that new play boat you've been eying.

On average cars and trucks in the sold in the United States get 300-350 miles per fill up. Since your going on vacation and weighing the car with gear, dogs and kids I'll go with the lower of the two estimates. So if you live in Chattanooga where does that 300 miles get you? All of these trip will get you there AND back on one tank of gas...if you decide to come back that is!

Chattanooga to Great Smokey Mountain National park (133-153 miles): Ah the smokies, no area in the United States has a more dense and diverse population of flora and fauna. Its a meca for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiast of all kinds. There are plenty of activities including bike touring, fishing, hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing and camping. The area will certainly keep you busy and, since it is so close you will have plenty of opportunity to return time and time again.
From Chattanooga the Gatlinburg Entrance, 153 miles. The Townsend entrance is 133 from Chattanooga. You'll want the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps' Great Smokey Mountain National Park map to plan your trip. Also, Hiking Trails of the Smokies is a comprehensive guide to the official trails of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, covering 149 trails with detailed narratives. Includes a full color, all-park trip planning map plus 165 trail profile charts.

South Cumberland State Park (70 miles): One of America's oldest state parks, the Cumberland State Park received its prized designation way back in 1938. Inside the park there are plenty of opportunities for both land and water activities. Camp and hike; canoe, fish or swim. Paddle boats and other equipment can be rented at the the park and there are excursions for both large families and solo travelers. Trails vary by degree of difficulty and duration, so you're sure to find something that will work for everyone in your group. Falcon Guide's Hiking Tennessee has a section dedicated to hiking in the state park. The area is also nationally known as one of the best rock climbing sites in the US. The Dixie Cragger's Atlas will help you plan if your heading into the park to climb. If you need a break from outdoor recreation, be sure to check out the Homestead Museum which documents the life of the 250 families that were the original homesteaders of the land.

Ocoee River (75-100 miles): When the summer Olympics came to the southeast in 1996, the Olympic committee had many choices when they were deciding where to hold the whitewater kayaking events. Ultimately the decision was made to hold the events on the Ocoee river. The river is a mecca for all levels of paddlers. For those who are not into the rush of bombing down rough rapids, there is the option of watching the excitement from the safety of the river bank. There are also plenty of hiking and camping options in the area. A quick google search turns up many cabin renting options as well.

Lost Sea, Sweetwater, Tenn (74 miles): Hey got a few young ones you need to keep safe and entertained. Only 74 miles from Chattanooga, The Lost Sea is America's largest underground lake. A glass bottom, naturalist led boat ride offers visitors a unique tour of the lake. Also available are guided caving tours. Kids can pan for gold and gemstones. Leave your Sunday best at home, you will get down and dirty in the caves. Quick drying warm clothing is your best bet. North Face has a great line of durable technical clothing for the whole family.

Those that need a little reprise from the wilderness after a long and active outdoor vacation can stop by any one of areas major southern cities. Visit cities such as Nashville, Knoxville, Atlanta, Huntsville and Birmingham to get a jolt of southern big city life at its finest. Each City is unique but all offer good music, southern style food, and great night life.

And if your not from here (or even if you are), DON'T FORGET CHATTANOOGA. Disney rated the city one of the 50 best for family vacation fun. CBS featured Chattanooga as one of 4 top "Green vacations" (a list that included the Galapagos Islands) and in 2001 Outside Magazine named Chattanooga one of the 10 best outdoor cities in the country.

Recently more accolades have come Chattanooga's way. Outside again placed Chattanooga high on its list of best outdoor cities and Rock & Ice named the city the nation's number one for rock climbing.

Part of the outdoor allure of the city is the hundreds of miles of trail running possibilities throughout the area. Miles and miles of trails zig-zag and traverse the 3 mountains that surround the city. If you're a trail runner and thinking about heading to town, be sure to join one of the 9 races that make up the Rock/Creek trail series. In partnership with the Boonies Wilderness Trail Running Association and other local businesses, the trail series is dedicated to raising money for trail building, maintenance and other forms of low impact outdoor access. Whether your a beginning trail runner or a long-distance veteran there is a race in the series for you. Complete scheduling for the series can be found on RockCreek.com.

Next steps:
Regardless of where you plan to go the key to a good trip is education and preparation. Be sure to get yourself a guide book and maps for the region you are visiting. Need some more info? A great place to start is by contacting your local tourist information resource. Here in Chattanooga that's the Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. If your vacation goals include outdoor fun and adventure we would love to recommend a few great places for you. Stop by one of our stores or visit us online at www.rockcreek.com. We will do what we can to prepare you for your epic vacation. Don't feel silly if you don't know of a particular gem in an area that you have lived your whole life. No one can possibly know all the opportunities that exist in any region, particular one as rich as ours.

Posted by bradmcallister at 4:01 PM | Comments (0)

July 23, 2008

Trail Running Article in Chattanooga's Times Free Press.

Is trail running catching on in Chattanooga? You betcha it is! Chattanooga's local paper, The Times Free Press, seems to agree. Last week the newspaper released a great article on the trail running scene in Chattanooga. The article has some superb tips for those just getting into the sport, including the importance of owning a good pair of trail running shoes. Below is a blurb from the article. If you are interested in the entire piece you can find it on the Times Free Press website.

From the Times Free Press, July 17th 2008.

With some of the world's best -- and most accessible -- running trails in Chattanooga, it's no surprise the city's trail running community is taking off.

"I think people are starting to get out and say, 'This is really great stuff,'" said Randy Whorton, president of Chattanooga's Wilderness Trail Running Association.
This year, Rock/Creek Outfitters and the Wilderness Trail Running Association are sponsoring more local trail races than ever.

Four new races were added, including a 50k event billed as "the most difficult trail race anywhere in the country."

"It is beyond challenging," Mr. Whorton said. "It's in the middle of nowhere on a section of the Cumberland Trail that hardly gets any traffic, with hard climbs, plenty of roots and rocks and stream crossings."

Nationally, trail races and long-distance "ultra running" races are the fastest-growing activities among runners, said Mr. Whorton, a 47-year-old vice president of Chattanooga-based Earthscapes.

Today, "the Boonies," as the local Wilderness Trail Running Association is known, has about 65 members. Ninety-eight people subscribe to its message board.

The Scenic City's advantage, and its challenge, is a wide range of trails literally out many residents' back doors.

Posted by bradmcallister at 2:23 PM | Comments (0)

July 21, 2008

Calling all Boulderers! Help Open Bouldering at Cloudland Canyon

This article was originally posted on SCC's discussion board. Reposted here with permission from Brad McCloud, SCC Board Member and Treasurer

There is an opportunity to possibly open climbing and bouldering at Cloudland Canyon near Lafayette, in northwest GA.

Cloudland has been closed to climbing for years due to lack of park management/supervision and supposedly lack of rescue capabilities.

The world famous climber/boulderer, John Gill, was photographed climbing in this area many years ago in his book "Master of Rock" by Pat Ament.

But there is a chance to possibly open this area if we have enough (positive) public comment and support. We really need to get the word out and do whatever we can to take a proactive and positive stance associated with this effort - and it will happen.

We need you to either go by the Cloudland Canyon park and fill out a comment card or fill out one online.

On the comment card state something to the effect that....

"We respectfully request that climbing be opened within Cloudland Canyon. This area is a great climbing and bouldering resource and should be open as it is a State Park. Other climbing areas around the state of Georgia are currently open (Tallulah Gorge, Rocktown, Zahnd Natural Area and Panola Mountain) as climbing is a recognized as a legitimate recreational by the State. We also understand that rescue may be a concern but we would like to point out that the Walker County Fire and Rescue is a well trained world class rescue group that is located only miles away. It is also our understanding that the Cloudland Canyon ranger staff has 5 DNR high angle rescue personnel on staff, and nearby Dade County GA rescue staff is also capable.

Please reconsider opening this great resource for climbers to enjoy."

You can change the text as needed - but please keep it upbeat and positive.

Fill out a comment card here online and submit via the internet (easy - takes 45 seconds)
You can use the text above (modify slightly if you can).

Fill out the online Comment Card.

More info on Cloudland Canyon can be found on the Georgia State Parks website.

About Cloudland Canyon:
Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, this is one of the most scenic parks in the state, offering rugged geology and beautiful vistas. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek, and elevation differs from 800 to 1,980 feet. The most spectacular view into the canyon is found near the picnic area parking lot; however, additional views can be found along the rim trail. Hardy visitors who hike to the bottom of the gorge (including a 600-step staircase) find two waterfalls cascading over layers of sandstone and shale into pools below. (For visitor safety, wading in pools and climbing on waterfalls is not allowed.) Cottages are located near the canyon edge, while the park's walk-in campsites provide exceptional privacy for tents. Outdoor lovers should not miss this park's spectacular scenery.

About the SCC:
The Southeastern Climbers Coalition is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to preserving climbing access in the Southeast. We started in 1993 when a group of climbers banded together to help out with ongoing access issues at Sunset Rock, atop Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The group had positive results from the start and went on to sponsor cleanups and trail days of climbing areas, raise money to purchase land and to keep climbing areas open for future generations. SCC volunteers are climbers from Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolina and the Ozarks who have joined forces to resolve local climbing access issues. The Southeastern Climbers Coalition aims to provide an ongoing means for climbers throughout the area to come together and respond effectively to access threats to crags, as well as the impacts of increasing use.

Posted by bradmcallister at 11:15 AM | Comments (1)

July 18, 2008

Chaco and Rock/Creek Partner in Footwear Recycling Program. Donations to Support Developing Countries.

Take a step against poverty. Trade in your old but usable clean shoes for a 20% discount on a new pair of Chaco footwear. Your trade becomes a donation as Rock/Creek and Chaco will send the shoes to third-world communities in need. The shoes can be donated online or in any of Rock/Creek's Chattanooga, TN stores. Customers can donate any brand or model of shoe, as long as it is a clean, usable, and well constructed piece of footwear. Online instructions for donation can be found on Rock/Creek's Chaco Donation page. The program will begin on July 18th and continues until August 2nd.

This year marks the forth consecutive year of Chaco's recycling campaign. Since the start of the program in 2004, Chaco and the company's recycling program partners have distributed nearly 15,000 pairs of sandals to poverty stricken areas of the globe. Rock/Creek joined the recycling partnership in 2005 and since then the store's loyal customers have donated more than 320 pairs of old shoes. This support makes Rock/Creek one of Chaco's top donating partners.

"We're pleased that Rock/Creek will again apply their passion and commitment to our recycled shoe promotion. Our joint effort to provide shoes to those in need can and has made a difference to thousands of people." said Ann Ellinger, Sr. Marketing Coordinator for Chaco.

SHOES SAVE LIVES

Footwear donated from the 2008 campaign will support the elimination of Hookworm anemia in Sub-Saharan African villages. It has been estimated that as many as 1 in 3 people in Sub-Saharan Africa are affected by Hookworm anemia. The hookworm, a soil-born parasite, enters through bare feet and resides in the small intestine of its host. If the parasitic condition is left untreated, severe anemia and malnutrition will result. The condition will slowly advance until a blood transfusion becomes necessary for the infective individual's survival. In developing nations the cost of transfusion is often prohibitive and risky. Prevention, through the use of protective footwear, has been proven to prevent hookworm anemia. Through the 2007 Chaco recycling program an entire village in Uganda was outfitted with shoes--a simple solution that completely eliminated hookworm anemia in the village.

In previous years the program has supported communities in India and Nepal. Chaco's program has also impacted communities closer to home. After Hurricane Rita devastated the Gulf Coast region in September 2005, Chaco and participating retailers collected over 400 pairs of footwear and distributed them to displaced hurricane victims in affected areas of Louisiana.

"Sustainability typically is defined as the long term balance between the environment, the economy and the needs of society. By offering customers the ability to recycle old footwear through donations to developing countries, and purchase a new pair of shoes at a discounted price, the program touches on all three corners of sustainability. This is certainly a model program for all companies considering sustainability initiatives," said Brad McAllister, Sustainability Adviser for Rock/Creek.

Rock/Creek and Chaco have partnered several times in the past on business oriented sustainability initiatives. In April, Rock/Creek was approached by Chaco and the Arbor Day Foundation to run a special tree planting campaign. During National Arbor Day weekend, a tree was donated for every pair of Chaco sandals purchased at Rock/Creek. Over 300 trees were planted through the partnership. The promotion, dubbed "Buy One, Get One Tree," ultimately supported the planting of over 800 trees.

Additionally, Rock/Creek and Chaco are currently offering limited edition Chaco Z2 sandals. $20 from the purchase of each sandal supports low impact, responsible climbing access through donation to the Southeast Climbers Coalition (SCC). To date, the sandal purchase program has raised over $20,000 for climbing access, including a $10,000 donation to the SCC in 2007. The limited edition sandals can be purchased at any one of Rock/Creek's Chattanooga stores or online. More information on the limited edition Chaco sandals can be found online at Rock/Creek.com

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.

Posted by bradmcallister at 11:06 AM | Comments (0)

July 15, 2008

Florida Native Completes 3-day Circuit at 2008 Stage Race, Participant Entry

Capt. Scott Griffith sent us this narrative after running all three stages of the 2008 Rock/Creek Mountains Stage Race. Enjoy and if you have a story that you would like to submit send it to media@rockcreek.com

Maybe I should have said no.

I received an e-mail from Lisa Purul eleven days before the race. That gave me just enough time to get in my one long run five days out and then start my taper. For those not familiar with this race, it's a three-day, staged trail race. Each day, runners traverse approximately twenty miles on the scenic trails just outside of Chattanooga, TN.

I should have read the description on the website more thoroughly before agreeing to the race. I still don't know how far we really ran, but it was long and more challenging than any of the hills we have around here. The trails were on Lookout Mountain, Raccoon Mountain, and Signal Mountain. From the recurring "mountain" theme, I should have been a little more leery.

I replied to Lisa's e-mail with a "yes," and Lisa, Paul Brannon, and I headed off to Chattanooga. While Lisa and I were planning to run the first two days of the race, Paul planned only to run one of the days.

For being a small race (probably not the largest budget), you could not have asked for more. Chad Wamack, one of the Rock Creek Racing Team members, arranged our heavily-discounted lodging at a very nice hotel in the middle of Chattanooga. Luckily for us, he also agreed to meet us after breakfast each morning so we could follow him to the race sites without getting lost. I've run the Marine Corps, Chicago, and Boston Marathons and never received such an accommodating reception.

After arriving at Lookout Mountain for the first day's race, we met Kris Whorton--inarguably an accomplished runner. She was the official cat-herder for the race, making sure everything went off smoothly. By the start of the race, she already knew everyone's name, proving a keen attention to detail. Her bio can be found at www.rockcreek.com/raceteam/#kris.

Off we went the first day, following a bicycle escort for the first bit of the course until we hit the trails. Chad told me the bike would drop me; so, naturally, I had to stay with it until it turned off. And I did. And I paid for it.

After we hit the trails, I had no idea where we were going. I figured I would just follow the guys in front of me. Bad plan. Apparently, the leaders didn't know the course that well, either, so we took the scenic route. The good news was that the back-tracking was downhill. For those who are wondering, getting lost two miles into a twenty-mile race is not a good start. After that, we were a little more careful and paranoid about following the trail. We continued past the aid station/gummy bear stop (they must have known I was coming) and ran out to Covenant College. When you drive into town, you can see the college perched on top of the mountain, a vantage point that affords it a great view of its surroundings.

Up the mountain, down the mountain, up the mountain, down the mountain.

With .6 miles to go, you hit the one water crossing. You could go around it, but that would be no fun--especially with the photographer sitting there yelling at you to go through it. So I went back and splashed in the water. It probably didn't help the race time, but I had fun.

On day two, Chad led us out to Raccoon Mountain, described as a flat and fast course. In fact, the course was supposed to be so flat that the official course description included no elevation profiles. Never trust a Tennessee designation of the word flat. The course was hilly enough and overgrown enough that the most mileage anyone recorded on their Garmin was 12.6. The trail was eighteen miles long, plus detours. It was, however, faster than the previous day. The highlight of my weekend came on this day, when I passed one of the mountain bikers on an uphill stretch. As day two came to a finish, I waited for Paul and Lisa. Despite his aforementioned plans to run only one of the race days, Paul crossed the finish line. Lisa followed in short order, and both formed a consensus to hang up their shoes for the rest of the race.

For our third day, Chad led us out to Signal Mountain.

Wait a minute...didn't we only plan to run two days?

Signal Mountain was, by far, the hardest of the trails. Fortunately, everyone was sufficiently well-rested after the flat course the day before. The times were slow, but you don't get to run trails like this in Florida. At one point, the trail dead-ended into a rock face where the trail simply went up. The pace varied from less than a crawl to running full-blast through sticker bushes and thorns where you couldn't see the rocks and roots you were tripping over. By the end of the day, only twenty-six of the thirty-four people that started the race at Signal Mountain finished. About sixty people raced at least one of the races. Paul ran all three races, beating Lisa in only one of the three. He did, however, finish just ahead of her in the overall standings, which made his day. Lisa was second overall woman. And I had fun.

The 2008 Stage Race benefited The Boonies (Wilderness Trail Running Association). Now part of the Rock/Creek Trail Series, this year's stage race was an incredible experience. It was presented by Rock/Creek and sponsored by Mountain Hardwear, SmartWool, and La Sportiva. Participants received a technical Wicked Tee from Mountain Hardwear. Prizes and raffles were provided as well. For more information on the Rock/Creek Trail series and for dates of future events visit. http://www.rockcreek.com/trailseries/default.asp

Posted by bradmcallister at 2:47 PM | Comments (0)

July 9, 2008

Rock/Creek & Greenlife present a River Conservation Night at the IMAX Center, July 17th

Rock/Creek and Greenlife is proud to present a special private viewing of the IMAX film, Grand Canyon Adventure 3D, River at Risk. The event is scheduled for Thursday, July 17th. Proceeds from the night will benefit the Tennessee Aquarium's conservation programs. In addition to full admission film, tickets include complementary Atlanta brewed Sweetwater Beer and hors d'oeuvres from local grocer Greenlife. The event begins at 6:30 with a welcome reception in the IMAX Theater's lobby . The theater is located at 201 Chestnut Street. The private showing of the 3D film will follow the reception. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Rock/Creek's North Shore location and at neighboring Greenlife Grocery. Both are located in the Two North Shore shopping plaza on Manufacturers Road.

The spectacular film, Grand Canyon Adventure 3D, is featured worldwide in select IMAX 3D Theaters and is produced by Macgillivray Freeman, the world's largest distributer of giant screen films. The film showcases the stunning aerials and unique action sequences that millions of Freeman followers have come to adore. Like other Freeman Films, Grand Canyon Adventure pulls the viewer into the heart of one of the world's richest and most awe inspiring ecosystems. For this particular film, the viewer is introduced to some of the perils that face the Earth's most fragile life support system, its great rivers.

Once one of the world's mightiest rivers, the Colorado is currently under threat of overdevelopment and unsustainable resource use. Today agriculture and development intercept the the river before its natural journey to the Gulf of California is complete. The once expansive Colorado River Delta is now only a trickle and supports but a fraction of the diverse plant and animal species it once did. Grand Canyon Adventure follows environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., anthropologist and author Wade Davis, and their two daughters as they navigate the waters of the Colorado River through the 277 mile long Grand Canyon. The goal: to bring awareness to the treats that the Colorado River, and many of the world's other rivers, face. In addition to the visual and auditory thrills that viewers have come to expect from IMAX films, audiences will learn how they can help threated rivers through conservation and restoration projects. With impassioned narration by Robert Redford and music by multi-Grammy Award winning Dave Mathews Band, the film promises to stimulate the environmental fervor within outdoor recreational users, conservationists and film fanatics of all types.


This special event is a unique opportunity for Chattanoogan residents to simultaneously support both the Tennessee and Colorado Rivers. Area residents are well familiar with the value of protecting the life sustaining capabilities of America's grandest rivers. News stories, such as Atlanta's drought and current water crisis, highlight this fact. In addition to its role as a major attraction for both Chattanoogan residents and visiting tourists, the Tennessee Aquarium serves as one of the region's most effective education and conservation based organizations. For more information on the efforts of the aquarium and how you can get involved locally, check out the Tennessee Aquarium online.

Rock/Creek and Greenlife's private event is scheduled for one night only; don't miss this chance to support the majestic rivers that make your life, and the life of all other species on this planet, possible. Tickets are limited, so be sure to stop by Rock/Creek or Greenlife to guarantee your entry into the film today.

Posted by bradmcallister at 4:25 PM | Comments (2)

July 7, 2008

Limited Edition Chaco Z2 Benefits Climbing Access

Limited Edition Chaco Z/2 Sandals Now Available!

$20 of each purchase goes to help secure access to climbing areas in the Southeast. To date, over $20,000 has been raised, including $10,000 from last year’s program.

This year’s Chacos are available in two colors: Espresso for men and Blue Ridge for women. They have gone on sale and are currently in stock at Rock/Creek locations in Chattanooga and online.

Shop Women’s > Chaco Sandals Z/2 Limited Edition Unaweep Performance Sandals + Free Shipping $84.95		Shop Men’s > Chaco Sandals Z/2 Limited Edition Unaweep Performance Sandals  + Free Shipping $84.95

See all Chacos at Rock/Creek >

---

“I’ve never worked with a retailer more focused on the conservation and preservation of natural space. Rather than talk about what needs to be done, Rock/Creek puts their money where their mouth is and accomplishes amazing things”   
   
                                                       -Brian Scranton, Director of Marketing for Chaco Footwear

Posted by bradmcallister at 3:37 PM | Comments (0)

June 25, 2008

Rock/Creek Raises Money for Access with Chaco Z/2's & Marmot Driclime Jackets

Building on three previously successful campaigns, Rock/Creek and Chaco will donate $20 to Southeastern climbing access for every pair of Limited Edition Chaco Z/2 sandals sold at any Rock/Creek store or online at www.rockcreek.com.

"I've never worked with a retailer more focused on the conservation and preservation of natural space. Rather than talk about what needs to be done, Rock/Creek puts their money where their mouth is and accomplishes amazing things," said Brian Scranton, Director of Marketing for Chaco Footwear. To date, the sandal purchase program has raised over $20,000 for climbing access, including a $10,000 donation to the Southeastern Climbers Coalition (SCC) in 2007. The 2007 campaign was unexpectedly successful; ultimately three different versions of the sandal were released to meet demand. This year, Rock/Creek and Chaco hope to better last year's unprecedented success. The generated proceeds will again be donated directly the the SCC's efforts to protect climbing access in the southeast.

The initial 2004 campaign raised $3,000 toward the purchase of Laurel Knob, a multi-pitch granite dome in North Carolina. Proceeds from 2005, a total of $8,000, went to closing the note on the Boat Rock bouldering area. Located within Atlanta city limits, Boat Rock provides daily recreational activity for many of Atlanta's urban residents. The area was threatened by development until the SCC purchase was made possible by concerned climbers along with corporate sponsors like Rock/Creek and Chaco.

This year's Chacos are available in two colors: Espresso for men and Blue Ridge for women. They have gone on sale and are currently in stock at Rock/Creek locations in Chattanooga and online at http://www.rockcreek.com/chacos/limited-edition.asp

Rock/Creek and Chaco have a long history of cooperative support for outdoor recreation and conservation. In April, Rock/Creek was approached by Chaco and the Arbor Day Foundation to run a special tree planting campaign. During National Arbor Day weekend, a tree was donated for every pair of Chaco sandals purchased at Rock/Creek. Over 300 trees were planted through Rock/Creek. The promotion, dubbed "Buy One, Get One Tree," ultimately supported the planting of over 800 trees.

This year, Rock/Creek will expand their Triple Crown program to include a Marmot jacket with proceeds benefiting the Triple Crown. The jacket, Marmot's popular DriClime Windshirt, will be embroidered on the sleeve with the Triple Crown Bouldering Series logo and will be offered online at a special price. Like the special edition Chaco Z/2 sandals, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Southeastern Climbers Coalition.

"At the 2007 Triple Crown Bouldering series we offered these jackets to the judges and raffled off a handful" said Chad Wykle, co-founder of the Triple Crown Bouldering series, former Rock/Creek employee, and current Chaco regional rep. "They were immensely popular and many people came up to me after the event asking where they could get one. We figured this was reason enough to test the waters and offer the product to Rock/Creek's loyal customers and create revenue for climbing access"

Only 65 of the jackets are available and in-stock at Rock/Creek's Chattanooga stores. They can be purchased online at http://www.rockcreek.com/marmot/driclime-windshirt.asp. The jacket will be available in four colors; lead/flint or stellar blue/tempest for men and black or blue sky/celestial for women.

About the Triple Crown Bouldering Series:

The Triple Crown Bouldering Series consists of events on the first weekend of October, November, and December. The series begins at Hound Ears in Boone, North Carolina. In November, the series will move to Horse Pens 40 in Steele Alabama. The finale will take place at Stone Fort (formally Little Rock City), Chattanooga, TN. More information about the series can be found at http://www.triplecrownbouldering.org/

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.

Rock/Creek and Keen Donate $4,000 for City of Chattanooga Kayak Purchases after Fire
Rock/Creek and Patagonia announce $3100 Grant for LuLa Lake Land Trust
$3300 Raised for the Boonies at 2nd Annual Scenic City Marathon Presented By Rock/Creek and Vasque
Join Rock/Creek And The AHS for National Trails Day June 7 2008
$20,000 Raised For Access At 2007 Triple Crown Bouldering Series
Rock/Creek and Local Outdoor Enthusiasts Improve Sunset Park
$4000 Raised At Rock/Creek Stump Jump
Recycle Your Old Rope

Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:07 PM | Comments (0)

June 17, 2008

Rock/Creek and Keen Donate $4,000 for City of Chattanooga Kayak Purchases after Fire

After a devastating fire that destroyed the City of Chattanooga's kayak fleet, local retailer Rock/Creek and footwear manufacturer Keen put together a matching grant for $4000 to help the City begin to rebuild their kayaking program.

Sometimes the unexpected happens, and when it does, it is the unexpected partnerships that play an important role in rebuilding a community. Such was the case in April of this year when an electrical fire in the "Red Barn" at Greenway Farms turned into a big loss of outdoor equipment for Outdoor Chattanooga's OutVenture program. The Saturday morning fire set the barn ablaze and with it went Outdoor Chattanooga's OutVenture kayak fleet. When the fire was finally controlled a total of 31 boats plus essential equipment such as paddles, personal flotation devices (PFDs) and helmets, were lost.

After the fire, fears began to surface about having to cancel the 2008 kayaking and canoing programs. That fear was becoming a reality when local business leaders from throughout Chattanooga offered a helping hand. After hearing of the fire, Rock/Creek co-owner Dawson Wheeler contacted Outdoor Chattanooga and offered to donate $2,000 to help replenish the supply of equipment. As the extent of the disaster started to be uncovered, it was clear that Rock/Creek's donation would need to be matched by another company to ensure that the summer's programs could continue. Rock/Creek approached Keen, a footwear company based in Portland, OR, about matching the donation to the program. Joining forces with a footwear company to replenish lost kayaking equipment may seem like an odd partnership, but Keen's staple shoe, the Venice H2 Sandal, is highly popular with many professional boaters. Immediately, Keen agreed to match Rock/Creek's $2,000 donation, increasing the combined donation from the two companies to $4,000. To prevent any loss of time, and with the kayaking season quickly approaching, Rock/Creek also offered to allow Outdoor Chattanooga and OutVenture to borrow their rental kayaks and kayaking equipment.

Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield thanked Rock/Creek and Keen: "The community's response to the loss at Greenway Farms has been overwhelming. On behalf of the City, thank you for the generous donation and continued support of the OutVenture program." Dawson Wheeler echoed the mayor's sentiment, thanking Keen and others from the local community for their help: "While we are happy to do what we can for, more importantly we want to serve as a model for other organizations and individuals who will hopefully find a place in their budget to support low-impact outdoor recreation initiatives such as OutVenture."

Rock/Creek and OutVenture's relationship did not begin with this year's unfortunate incident. Rock/Creek employees have often assisted instructors in kayaking and canoing classes hosted by OutVenture. Classes that teach individuals how to roll an overturned kayak are held on Tuesday nights. For more information, contact Outdoor Chattanooga's OutVenture at (423) 842-6629.

Outdoor Chattanoooga was formed in 2004 after a series of public meetings hosted by the city. The OutVenture program followed shortly after and specializes in community outreach programs that aim to get people active in the local environment. One such program, that was on the verge of being canceled after the fire, is the Rapid Learning Whitewater Kayak Camp that teaches Chattanooga's youth the fundamentals of safe and enjoyable whitewater paddling. OutVenture offers both day and weekend trips. More information about OutVenture's programs can be found at http://www.outdoorchattanooga.com/

Rock/Creek has been working closely with Chattanooga's outdoor community for more than 20 years. In addition to the Company's efforts with public entities such as Outdoor Chattanooga, Rock/Creek has also awarded grants to locally run private groups. Recently, Rock/Creek, in conjunction with Patagonia, donated $3,100 to the Lula Lake Land Trust. This donation supports an expanding trail network that will ultimately link lands protected by the land trust with Cloudland Canyon State Park. Rock/Creek aims to support responsible, minimal impact access to the outdoor world that will help to educate tomorrow's stewards of the planet. Rock/Creek's environmental statement can be read at http://www.rockcreek.com/customer_service/environmental.asp.

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 9:01 AM | Comments (0)

June 3, 2008

Rock/Creek & Patagonia Announce $3100 Grant for Lula Lake Land Trust

Contact:
Brad McAllister
Media Assistant & Sustainability Advisor
Rock/Creek
423-266-8200 ex. 1112
media@rockcreek.com

In a continued commitment to provide local, low impact access to the outdoors, Rock/Creek, in conjunction with Patagonia, announces a $3,100 donation to the Lula Lake Land Trust. The grant money awarded supports a growing trail network aimed at linking the Land Trust’s protected land with Cloudland Canyon State Park.

Adelaide Bratcher, Development Head for the Lula Lake Land Trust, commented on the partnership: "The Lula Lake Land Trust is fortunate to work with Patagonia and Rock/Creek because of the dedication shown by these two businesses to this organization. Without the help of Patagonia and Rock/Creek, new trails, accessibility to the public, and events like this upcoming trail run would be impossible. We at Lula Lake, cannot thank Patagonia and Rock/Creek enough."

To date, Rock/Creek and Patagonia have donated $9,225 to the Lula Lake Land Trust’s efforts. The most recent donation goes to the development of the High Point trail. On December 20th the newly created High Point trail will be the venue for Chattanooga’s longest trail run. The inaugural run of the historic Lookout Mountain 100k trail race will be presented by Rock/Creek, and Vasque, and will benefit The Wilderness Trail Running Association (The Boonies). In addition to the 100k main event, the day will also feature a 10K race for those interested in participating in a shorter run. More information about the Lookout Mountain 100k Trail Race can be found on the event website: http://www.rockcreek.com/lookout/

Grant awards are not the only method by which Rock/Creek supports the Land Trust. Rock/Creek further assists the non-profit organization by working directly on the trail system. Members from The Boonies and Rock/Creek employees take weekly trail building trips to the area. Once completed, the High Point and Cloudland Canyon Connector trails will open up 1000 acres of pristine public land to low impact recreational uses. The protected area is in the heart of the ancient Appalachian mountains and encompasses one of America's most diverse ecosystems. Users of the trail will be blessed with an intimate experience within a unique system of flora and fauna.

Lula Lake Land Trust was established in 1994 by the will of Mr. Robert M. Davenport. Since the Trust's inception, it has focused on preserving the natural beauty of the rock creek watershed through education, research and conservation. The trust protects species such as the threatened Virginia Spiraea, a flowering shrub that is classified in the rose family. Virginia Spiraea was previously known to exist in only one other area of North Georgia. Rock/Creek has a long history of supporting Lula Lake Land Trust through financial assistance and grassroots support. Dawson Wheeler, co-owner of Rock/Creek, shares his enthusiasm for the project: "Lula Lake Land Trust has a long history of land conservation on Lookout Mountain. We're proud to be involved with their visionary project linking the front of Lookout with Cloudland Canyon. This corridor links two key wilderness areas and opens access for hiking, trail running, and other low-impact uses."

Please see Rock/Creek Outfitters' environmental statement for more details on the company's commitment to responsible outdoor recreation. http://www.rockcreek.com/customer_service/environmental.asp

For photos from Lula Lake Land Trust, see Rock/Creek's flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockcreek/sets/72157594240850537/

Information on the efforts of Lula Lake Land Trust's effort can be found at http://www.lulalake.com


About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.


##

Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:28 PM | Comments (0)

Join Rock/Creek and the AHS for National Trails Day June 7, 2008

Join the American Hiking Society, the Wilderness Trail Running Association, Rock/Creek and the National Park Service in celebrating National Trails Day at the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park on Lookout Mountain.

We will be working on the Bluff Trail near Sunset Rock, restoring the trail to its original location.

Parking is available at Point Park and the Presbyterian Church of Lookout Mountain with shuttles to the Sunset Rock parking lot. We will begin the ½ mile to the trail work area at 9am.

Water, snacks and tools will be provided. We have some gloves available, but please bring a pair if possible. Please wear long pants and sturdy shoes.
RSVP to: Carla Hilling, Volunteer Coordinator for the American Hiking Society chilling@americanhiking.org or 423-266-2507

Hope to see everyone there!

If you're not in the Chattanooga area, check out the American Hiking Society's National Trails Day Web site to find an event in your area >

Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:20 PM | Comments (0)

April 25, 2008

Buy One Get One TREE with Chaco Footwear

This Arbor Day Weekend, April 25-27, purchase any regularly priced Chaco footwear at Rock/Creek and the Arbor Day Foundation will plant a tree in our National Forests.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:47 AM | Comments (0)

April 22, 2008

Go Green This Earth Day

	Buy One Get One TREE For a National Forest > Mountainsmith Recycled Day Pack  > SmartWool, made from Annually-Renewable Merino Wool > New KEEN Vegan Shoes & Sandals > prAna Yoga Gear & Climbing Clothing > Kavu Bamboo & Organic Clothing >
	$1500 Raised for Trails at Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race The first race in the Rock/Creek Trail Series raised $1500 for trail building & maintenance The series consists of mountain running events from 5 miles to 100k, including the StumpJump 50k and the Rock/Creek River Gorge Race.

Photo c. Ty Milford, courtesy Chaco. Rock/Creek doesn't recommend getting in a washing machine to get clean & green!

Posted by Mark McKnight at 5:24 PM | Comments (0)

Patagonia Wins Rock/Creek Environmental Stewardship Award

In honor of Earth Day, Rock/Creek Outfitters Honors Patagonia with Environmental Stewardship Award.

Chattanooga, TN, April 22, 2008 — Rock/Creek announces Patagonia, of Ventura California, the 2008 recipient of the 2nd Annual Rock/Creek Environmental Stewardship Award.

For those of us who do not know much about this environmentally-conscious company, it all started with one man, Yvon Chouinard. In order to reduce impact on the big walls that he and his friends were climbing, Yvon started to forge pitons in his parent’s garage. During his years in Yosemite, Chouinard pioneered a new method of climbing. Word soon got out that “clean” climbing was the way of the future, and the company that would later become Patagonia soon took off. The company traces its roots to low impact equipment and clothing and they continue to come up with revolutionary methods that not only have influenced the clothing industry, but also have inspired corporations and businesses to do their part to reduce their impact on the environment.

Patagonia’s enthusiasm for environmental concerns and its pledge to protect undomesticated land and water are among the many reasons Patagonia is this year’s recipient. Patagonia, along with Chaco, has sponsored many of Rock/Creek’s environmental initiatives including the Lula Lake Land Trust. The money that has gone to the trust helps in their mission to create a network of conservation properties that will ensure protection and enhancement of local water quality along the Rock Creek watershed on Lookout Mountain.

Adelaide D. Bratcher, Head of Development at Lula Lake expresses, "We've enjoyed working with Patagonia through Rock/Creek because of the dedication shown by these two businesses to our organization. Without their help, the processes of trail building and making the property more accessible to the public would be at a standstill. We, at Lula Lake, cannot thank Patagonia and Rock/Creek enough."

Patagonia also created a nonprofit organization called 1% for the Planet. Businesses who join the organization pledge 1% of their sales (not profit, but actual sales- regardless of whether they report a profit or not) to environmental organizations that are approved by 1% for the Planet. This means that every piece of clothing sold, part of the purchase goes directly back to environmental issues.

One of their newest initiatives is called the Common Threads Recycling Program. This program allows customers to recycle their old worn out polyester fleece or Capilene performance base layers back to Patagonia, who in turn sends them to a factory in Teijin China. There they have worked closely with the fabric makers and are able to convert the unusable garments into virgin fibers and eventually new clothing. The program continues to expand. Not only can you donate retired Capilene but also Polartec fleece, (from any company), Patagonia organic cotton tee shirts, and nylon 6 products with the Common Threads tag. Recycling these fibers saves 76% of the energy and 71% of the CO2 emissions that would have been produced from virgin materials.

Patagonia’s ongoing dedication to environmental issues and to improving access to outdoor recreation areas compelled Rock/Creek to give the second annual Environmental Stewardship Award to Patagonia. “Environmental issues have always been at the heart of Rock/Creek,” explained Rock/Creek co-owner, Marvin Webb. “Patagonia has really stepped up to the plate over the years, helping us fund large projects so we have an even stronger impact within our region. They have not only supported us in our own programs, but they have also actively come to us with new ideas for local and global initiatives.”

Matt Sims, Sales Representative for Patagonia, stated, “The partnership between Rock/Creek and Patagonia is the perfect example of two companies sharing the same vision of environmental awareness and coming together to not only to improve the community, but also to educate the public on environmental stewardship.” " We have donated about $15,000 to environmental efforts Rock/Creek has taken on since 2005." Mr. Sims continues, “We are thrilled to accept this award, and are excited to continue to support Rock/Creek with regional environmental labors they diligently take on.”

Rock/Creek congratulates Patagonia for setting high standards of environmental stewardship within the outdoor industry. “As the need to preserve the environment becomes clearer, we hope to see more companies raising the bar and proactively educating their consumers,” said Webb. “Part of our mission at Rock/Creek is to teach our customers about Leave No Trace practices in the backcountry. Really, Leave No Trace should apply to the way we all live and work day to day, and to the way companies in our industry do business.”

For more information on sustainable materials, low-impact gear, and Rock/Creek's environmental initiatives, visit http://www.rockcreek.com/earth-day/

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.

About Patagonia:

”Our definition of quality includes a mandate for building products and working with processes that cause the least harm to the environment. We evaluate raw materials, invest in innovative technologies, rigorously police our waste and use a portion of our sales to support groups working to make a real difference. We acknowledge that the wild world we love best is disappearing. That is why those of us who work here share a strong commitment to protecting undomesticated lands and waters. We believe in using business to inspire solutions to the environmental crisis.” –Patagonia Mission Statement

###

Posted by Mark McKnight at 1:07 PM | Comments (0)

March 12, 2008

Video: Environmentally-Sensitive Shopping Area

This is a bit old now, but I just found this video on the new Rock/Creek store on the North Shore of downtown Chattanooga, TN. In it, the developer talks about how the building recycles rainwater for irrigation, the contractor used recycled timbers and other materials, and purchased materials produced locally where possible, reducing the overall carbon footprint for the project. Enjoy!

The reporter mistakenly credits the building with having attained LEED certification. In fact, the certification will not happen until the entire project has been completed. (Although we're on track to receive the certification, and I'll definitely post here when we do).

See photos of the new store on flickr >

Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:41 PM

November 12, 2007

Rock/Creek, Local Outdoor Enthusiasts Improve Sunset Park

Close to 50 volunteers show up for a weekend of trail maintenance & development in historic Sunset Park on Lookout Mountain, TN. Rock/Creek obtains funding through Chaco & Patagonia in conjunction with the SEC, NPS, Access Fund, Earthscapes & others.

Chattanooga, TN - This Saturday, close to 50 volunteers gathered at Sunset Park, a segment of the Chickamauga/Chattanooga National Military Park located atop Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, to complete several different trail maintenance projects.

Spearheaded by the Southeastern Climbers Coalition and the National Park Service, the day was sponsored in part by The Access Fund, Rock/Creek, PMI, Earthscapes, Black Diamond Equipment, with grants and funding provided by Patagonia and Chaco. Climbers joined with trail runners, hikers, and other trail users to improve the existing trail and repair sections that had been damaged.

Projects completed include the mulching of a significant portion of the Mountain Beautiful Trail below the headwall, the repair and establishment of waterbars, steps, rock walls and belay spaces in high traffic climbing areas, repair and painting of the information kiosk at the base of the headwall, and the closing off of several trail cuts deviating from the Mountain Beautiful Trail.

The majority of the volunteers worked from 8 AM until noon, breaking to enjoy lunch from Mojo Burrito. At that time, trail day prizes were drawn for, and included a 60m rope from PMI, Chaco sandals, Black Diamond equipment, and Nalgene bottles from the Access Fund. Afterwards, a core group worked until well after dark on Saturday, and representatives from Rock/Creek, PMI, Earthscapes and the Southeastern Climbers Coalition worked again on Sunday to ensure completion of the needed mulching and area clean up.

Dawson Wheeler, Signal Mountain resident and owner of Rock/Creek, explained: "It was great to see the various user groups coming together to improve this beautiful resource. We need to continue to communicate between user groups and nonprofits as Rock/Creek, the Wilderness Trail Running Association, SEC, SORBA, the Trust for Public Land, and others all have similar goals: to get people outside more often to enjoy human-powered, low-impact sports."

Randy Whorton of Earthscapes Mulch engineered a solution that involved blowing mulch from a blower truck at the parking lot about 500 feet down the trail and over the side of the headwall. Over 20 cubic yards of mulch were used, and as Whorton explains, the labor and cost savings were enormous compared to hauling bags of mulch that are commercially available: "How much labor did that save? It's phenomenal. Hundreds and hundreds of bags of mulch would have been used... it would have taken weeks to get all the bags down the trail with 50 volunteers." In addition, by using local organic matter collected curbside by the City of Chattanooga, this process cut down on fossil fuel emissions associated with purchasing commercially bagged compost that often comes to Chattanooga from North Carolina or as far away as Kentucky.

Samantha Christen, the Sunset Park Representative for the SCC and coordinator of the event, emphasized the importance of the volunteers and sponsors: "Many thanks and much appreciation go out to the National Park Service for all of their support, encouragement and hard work, and to The Access Fund, Patagonia, Chaco, Black Diamond Equipment, The Southeastern Climbers Coalition, Rock/Creek, PMI, Earthscapes, Covenant College Outdoor Club, The McCallie School and all of the individual local and regional climbers who came out to support this effort; all of your support, hard work, valuable time and dedication help preserve and beautify this historic area."

Photography available on flickr:
http://flickr.com/photos/rockcreek/sets/72157603109734728/

Join the Southeastern Climbers Coalition online:
http://seclimbers.org

Learn more about the historical significance of Sunset Park:
http://www.rockcreek.com/articles/climbing/sunset-rock.asp

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 5:57 PM

Sunset Rock History

Samantha Christen, the Southeastern Climbers Coalition's Sunset Park Area Representative, gives us a history lesson and exorts us to do our part for the area:

Reverence.  While typically a phrase often associated with churches, graveyards and other such hallowed ground, this is not a word that readily comes to mind when referring to Sunset Park; however, it should. 

Established between 1890 and 1898 by Civil War Veterans, the sites that we collectively know as the Chickamauga/Chattanooga National Military Battlefield (CCNMB) became the first National Military Park in the nation, with the sole purposes of preserving our nation's history and memorializing the catastrophic battles which took place in this region. 

In the planning stages, great care was taken by these Veterans to ensure the accuracy of facts on the placards, signs and monuments, battle and skirmish sights, and even cannon placement.  Because these men and women took the pains that they did, the territory included within the CCNMB offers a surprisingly accurate look into our country's past through many venues and sources.  Spread over two states and 4 counties, the Park is not only the oldest and largest National Military Park in the United States, but also home to one of the most historic climbing areas in the Southeast: Sunset Park.

It was because of Sunset Park that a more recent battle took place between the NPS and the climbing community and the Southeastern Climbers Coalition came into being.  Climbing in general has always been considered extreme.  A renegade sport pursued by only the most cavalier of personalities, those who climb at Sunset are no exception.  From the early development of the 1940's, through   the 1960's with pioneers such as Tom Martin and Tom Kimbro, into the 1970's and 1980's and the likes of Rob Robinson, Stan Wallace, Bill Smith, Forrest Gardner, Chris Chesnut and the Eiseman brothers (who never would take ME climbing as a kid…), and to the present, climbing at Sunset remains for most the standard to which traditional climbing in the Southeast is held.  

It was at Sunset where the region's test pieces went up.  In their day, Alpha Omega, The Pearl and Jennifer's World were the test pieces of their grades; other routes in the Park have the distinction of being the first of their grade in the region.

Unlike anything else in the Southeast, the climbing at Sunset, while for the most part only single pitch, is superb; the rock quality unparalleled; the grades stout; the view from the anchors indescribable (especially on a crisp fall afternoon); both the routes and the bouldering (surprise!!) incredible; and the proximity to downtown Chattanooga absolutely priceless (we should be sponsored by MasterCard…!)  The aura being incomparable to anywhere else; Sunset is special.

In recent years, there have been innumerable, and growing, complaints to the Rangers at Point Park regarding climbers and climber behavior; there have been equal numbers of remarks made among the climbing community regarding the Rangers.  Unfortunately, though we definitely are not the only user group to enjoy the natural resources of Sunset Park, we are most often the scapegoat due to our high visibility. 

The lack of understanding by climbers of the historical significance of the CCNMB, and more particularly of Sunset Park, from the point of view of the National Park Service contrasts greatly with what we climbers view as the historical significance of Sunset Park.  In order to maintain the privilege of climbing in this historic area, we must be good stewards of our resources and good ambassadors of our sport.  Please help us to foster and maintain good relations with the National Park Service and with the individual Rangers by honoring the Park regulations which are posted on all kiosks and are available online:

Continue reading "Sunset Rock History"

Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:35 PM

October 11, 2007

$4000 Raised at Rock/Creek StumpJump

400 Ultrarunners attend 7th Annual Rock/Creek StumpJump 50K, contend with difficult course, record heat, and raise $4000 for the Cumberland Trail Conference.

Contact:
Mark McKnight
423.266.8200 ext. 1113
mark@rockcreek.com

Chattanooga, TN, October 10, 2007 -- Four hundred trail running enthusiasts weathered unseasonably hot and humid conditions at Saturday's Rock/Creek StumpJump 50K. The 7th annual race sold out months in advance. "Despite the heat, this was probably the best StumpJump we've put on so far," said Race Director Jamie Sanders; "We were happy that it sold out early and that we were able to expand this year's race to accommodate increased demand." The heat did take it's toll, with over 20 runners pulling out of the race. It's doubtful that anyone set a personal record this year. Matt Karzen, veteran ultrarunner and Rock/Creek Race Team member, summed it up well: "StumpJump 2007 was the toughest 50K I've run. The topography makes it a challenge, but the unseasonably warm temps this year made wise pacing and diligent hydration key. I didn't do either very well, and boy did I pay for it. Luckily the beauty of the course, including ridgetop views of the Tennessee river, martian-like rock formations and shadowy drainages out of Narnia, kept me smiling. I had a great time and I'll be back for sure."

Continue reading "$4000 Raised at Rock/Creek StumpJump"

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:02 AM

September 24, 2007

Recycle Your Old Rope

Rock/Creek, a Chattanooga-based specialty outdoor retailer, partners with Sterling Rope to keep used climbing ropes out of landfills through launch of new rope recycling initiative at this year's Triple Crown Bouldering Series. Contact: Brooke Scott 423.266.8200 ext. 1111 brooke@rockcreek.com Chattanooga, TN, September 21, 2007 -- As a continuation of their Redemption Initiative, Sterling Rope is launching a rope recycling program in partnership with Rock/Creek, ClimbingGear.com, and the Triple Crown Bouldering Series. Starting in October and running through the end of the year, Sterling will be collecting and recycling used ropes of any brand and rewarding those who participate with a discount on a brand new rope. Sterling feels that in cooperation with climbers, they can make a strong impact in the amount of old ropes that get needlessly tossed into landfills each year. Why recycle your rope? Here are just a few of the many reasons: 1) Keep the rope out of a landfill! 2) Keep climbers safe 3) Receive a 20% off your next Sterling Rope purchase Sterling and Rock/Creek are encouraging climbers to bring their old dynamic climbing ropes (60m minimum, any brand) to the Sterling Rope booth at any of the Triple Crown bouldering events or to any Rock/Creek store location in Chattanooga, TN. A Sterling Rope representative or Rock/Creek employee will collect the old ropes to be recycled and in exchange give those who participate (1) 20% off coupon for a brand new Sterling Rope which can be redeemed online at www.rockcreek.com, www.climbinggear.com, or at any Rock/Creek Outfitters store. In addition, those who donate at the Triple Crown events will be entered into a drawing to win a free custom-designed "Triple Crown" Sterling Rope. A drawing will be held at each event. After collecting the retired ropes, Sterling will consolidate them into containers and send them to their recycling partner who re-pelletizes the nylon. From there the nylon is made into things like carpet fuzz, coat hangers, and all types of everyday household items. As a general rule of thumb, most manufacturers suggest that any rope be retired after 5 years in service and 10 years after the manufacturing date. However, these are just general guidelines; some ropes may need to be retired earlier depending on usage and a number of other variables. "After climbing nearly 30 years, I am personally excited about the chance to take my old ropes and put them back into use as recycled nylon products," said Kurt Smith, veteran climber and SE representative for Sterling Ropes. "For too many years we threw away all our old ropes, but now we have alternatives which can support a more sustainable use of our resources." Smith will be the MC at this year's Triple Crown Bouldering Series. The event, now in its fifth year, has swiftly grown to be the largest bouldering series in the world and attracts many of the nation's elite climbers. This year's series kicks off in October beginning with Hound Ears in Boone, NC, moves on to Horse Pens-40 in Steele, AL, and then concludes at the Stone Fort (formerly Little Rock City) in Chattanooga, TN. The dates for each event are set for October 6 -- Hound Ears, November 3 -- Horse Pens 40, and December 1 -- Stone Fort. Drop boxes for recycled ropes will be available at all of the Triple Crown events and at Rock/Creek store locations starting October 6. Smith concluded with a message to all Triple Crown participants: " I look forward to seeing each of you and all your retired 60m ropes at the Triple Crown events! Thanks for your support." About Rock/Creek: Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is a specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. ###

Posted by Mark McKnight at 1:37 PM

July 13, 2007

Rock/Creek & Patagonia Sponsor Sunset Rock Trail Work

Rock/Creek and Patagonia recently awarded a grant to the SCC for their ongoing trail work at Sunset Rock up on Lookout Mountain. This is the latest of a series of gifts Rock/Creek and Patagonia have been making for years to maintain access to climbing areas and other backcountry resources. At Rock/Creek, we use outdoor retail as a platform to encourage all people to get outside, become active, and enjoy our open spaces. Our charitable giving underscores this message by driving specific, measurable, and lasting progress towards greater accessibility to the backcountry.

From our friends at the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition:

Rock Creek Outfitters of Chattanooga, TN. and Patagonia have teamed up to award a grant of $1,000.00 to help fund upcoming Sunset Rock trail days. Trail work began in the main climbing area in 1993 and continued steadily through the years to minimiize erosion, replant native vegetation and cut off splinter trails.

In recent years there has been an upsurge of local climbers working to keep Sunset Rock in good shape. Samantha Christen has stepped up to lead the trail day crews and working directly with Sunset rangers Dennis Curry, John Housch, and Rob Turant, along with students from GPS, McCallie School, and Covenant College). Last years' work included reducing erosion and repairing hot spots at "Jefferson Airplane" and "RJ Gold" as the group added top-soil, native plants and natural sandstone pavers. We greatly appreciate the help of the climbing volunteers and the support of the National Park Service in this effort.

While a large part of our mission is to provide customers with products to keep them safe and comfortable in the outdoors, we at Rock/Creek feel a strong duty to preserve the natural areas where we recreate and reduce our impact on the environment. These issues have always been at the heart of Rock/Creek. We have, therefore, committed ourselves to leadership in the outdoor industry and the larger community, especially with regard to environmental stewardship and improving access for outdoor recreation.

Find out more:

Read our Environmental Statement >

Rock/Creek Honors Chaco with Environmental Stewardship Award >

Rock Creek and Chaco Raise $8000 to Make Boat Rock a Green Space >

Chaco Recycling Initiative Benefits Himalayan Communities >

Posted by Mark McKnight at 1:12 PM

June 14, 2007

Chaco Offsets Early Show Travel with Wind Credits

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance members are currently attending the "Early Show," a sort of mini-trade show where Grassroots members and their vendor partners have a few days in Snow Bird for line shows and other business before the madhouse of OR in August. Grassroots just announced that Chaco has offset all members' travel to and from the show through Native Energy.

I was impressed that the release recognized that offsets are "not a total sustainability solution for the Early Show event," but rather part of a larger sustainability program for the show. Specifically, the money Chaco donated will go to an interesting program where Midwestern farmers are given the opportunity to purchase, with the help of capital from Native Energy, wind turbines that provide for their energy needs without relying on fossil fuels. The press release has a few more details:

Chaco and the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance chose to buy offsets from Native Energy for a number of reasons. First, Native Energy is known for its transparency, and the entire offset purchase amount will go toward a Native Energy project called “Farmer-owned Distributed Wind Turbines.” This project was chosen because it benefits independent farmers who have been working family-owned, heritage farmlands for multiple generations. Native Energy was also selected because of the depth of resources it offers to businesses of all sizes. The Grassroots Outdoor Alliance and Chaco are actively encouraging the membership to incorporate other sustainability services from Native Energy into their retail businesses as well as communities and events, as the organization takes collective steps toward educating its membership about sustainable business practices. The Early Show will include an educational overview on Native Energy for its membership to facilitate this connection.

Turns out, even the location (Snow Bird resort in Utah) has an environmental slant, and recently won sustainability awards from both the EPA and a ski industry group. Check out the Grassroots Blog for full details.

Rock Creek is a proud member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, and we're encouraged to see the group take a leadership role in the ongoing improvement of our industry. Check out our environmental statement for more on what we're doing to reduce the harm we cause.

Read more about how Chaco and Rock Creek are working together for sustainability through a custom Chaco sandal program >

Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:51 PM

May 16, 2007

Wanna Bike to Work Tomorrow?

"A bike, a camera, and tons of fat cells to burn..." With a subtitle like that, Portrait of a Velocipedist is certain to be an interesting blog. Ryan Coulter, one of our e-commerce fulfillment managers, has started to chronicle his daily bike commute from the Southside to our warehouse on this photo blog. Check it out!

While you're there, think about whether it's possible to trade your car in for a bike commute. After all, this is Bike Month, and Thursday (that's right, tomorrow!) is National Bike to Work Day. What better time to start? You'll save the air a few tons of pollutants every year, and you might learn something new about your city. I started biking to work regularly a few years ago (now I walk, because I've moved so close to the office that I have to create the illusion that I'm actually going "away" to work, and biking is just too quick). It's amazing the different things you see on a bike that you just don't have time to see in a car. I love walking and cycling because they're on a human scale, and you can interact with other people face to face, something that's impossible in a car.

Do you bike to work? Walk? Unicycle? Let us know. We're collecting stories about how you, our customers and readers, have changed your lifestyles in order to reduce the harm you cause to the environment. We've already had some interesting stories about things like Tyvek wallets, and we're looking for more! E-mail them to Mark [at] rockcreek.com, and you could earn your fifteen minutes of fame right here on the Rock Creek Chronicle.

Thanks to the folks at the MotionBased Blog for the heads up on Bike Week.

Hey, why not pick up a sweet RockCreek Hincapie jersey for your daily commute?

Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:38 PM

May 14, 2007

Rock Creek Sponsors Successful TN River Gorge Trust Fundraiser

The Tennessee River Gorge Trust, Outdoor Chattanooga/OutVenture and Rock Creek Down Under partnered once again to bring back the much anticipated Kayak for Conservation.
“It was the perfect day for a paddle” said Outdoor Chattanooga’s Executive Director, Philip Grymes. Overcast skies and a calm wind made way for 55 kayaks streaming down the Tennessee River.

Participants were shuttled to the Suck Creek boat ramp to begin the eight mile adventure. Mid-way, paddlers stopped at the historic Pot Point Cabin to enjoy a delicious lunch donated by Greenlife Grocery and ice cold drinks thanks to Coca-Cola Bottling Company. After exploring the grounds, the cabin and getting re-fueled, everyone re-entered their boats to begin the last stretch of the paddle.

Rock Creek Down Under was the place to be during the “Post Paddle Party!” In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, lime garnished beverages, chips & salsa, guacamole dip and cubed spicy cheese were some of the favorites as the silent auction was underway. Michelle Melton won the ever-so-popular “date night” basket which had gift certificates to both 212 Market and Rhythm & Brews. Bill Lefton was the high bidder on several items including a sports watch donated by Rock Creek Down Under. Holly McWhorter won the overnight stay at the Beautiful Pot Point Cabin while the Park Family left with a 5 day trip to Florida! The North Shore, Southside, St. Elmo & Downtown Baskets were all favorites, along with all the fabulous books donated by, A Novel Idea, Rock Point Books & All Books!

“The collaboration the Trust has with Rock Creek Down Under & Outdoor Chattanooga is such a great fit” said Julie Beach, TRGT Business & Development Director. “They have the expertise, gear and equipment while we have this great recreational resource protected for all to enjoy… ‘Tennessee’s Grand Canyon.’”

ALL proceeds from this event go to support the mission of the Tennessee River Gorge Trust… to enrich our community by conservation of the Tennessee River Gorge through land protection, education and the promotion of good land stewardship. To get advance notice of events like this, join the TRGT today! Visit our web-site for more information: www.trgt.org.

For details on Rock Creek's environmental commitment, read their environmental statement

About Rock Creek Outfitters:

Rock Creek Outfitters, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is a specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock Creek Outfitters provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:12 AM

May 4, 2007

Yakima Going Green

I just heard about Yakima going green for Earth Day this year, and I think it's great. We've worked with Yakima for years, and have been developing that relationship lately, with the addition of our online Yakima Rack Configurator, for example. So I was excited to find their new Web site, yakimapayback.com.

Earth Day comes around but once a year, and it's a great time to sit back and consider our impact, our "footprint" in this world. I've noticed that since Earth Day this year, we've seen a rash of "green" marketing. Unlike previous years, however, it doesn't seem to be fading away very quickly. Imagine a huge holiday based not on consumerism for consumerism's sake (like, um, that one in December, for example- which I happen to love just to put the record straight). Imagine a holiday based, rather, on ethical consumption. This idea has taken hold pretty deeply, and it makes sense to me. We're going to eat, live, work, and play... so why not do it with a consciousness of how each activity affects the rest of the world? If you can choose a better product that will not have to be replaced as often, or choose to purchase from a company that gives back to local access issues, why not do it? I guess the only other option is voluntary extinction, and I'm not really on board with that one.

Here at RockCreek, we've always been focused on the philosophy of "Leave No Trace," and it applies just as much to our daily lives as it does to use of the backcountry. So it's always nice when you can live out your environmental commitments in your home, at work, and at play. One way you can do that is by supporting companies that are conscious of the fact that their business causes environmental harm, and that take that knowledge and use it to make a concerted effort to reduce that harm.

On this front, Patagonia has led the way since the old hard man days before I was born. But more companies are getting on the environmental bandwagon, and while we can't assume they're all doing it with the kind of idealism embodied by the Yvon Choinard's "do no harm" philosophy, I think it's a good thing that more companies have stood up and acknowledged their impact on the rest of the world. Instead of running from this realization and trying to hide the harmful sides of business, some companies have stepped up to the plate and have begun to look closely at their operations and have begun to actively offset the harm they cause. We should applaud these companies for their guts and for starting down a difficult road.

Here's what Yakima says about their new Planet Payback program:

At Yakima, we’re dedicated to helping people get out and enjoy this great planet of ours. Unfortunately, carbon dioxide emissions, a leading cause of global warming, are rearing its ugly head like Medusa on a bad hair day. And that has the potential to make our planet decidedly less enjoyable for everybody. (Except kayakers who always wanted to paddle around downtown Manhattan, but let’s assume they’re in the minority here.)

So as a responsible company, we were forced to look at ourselves in the mirror. And our first thought was, “Dang, we dress spiffy.” But then we were like, “Holy smokes. We’d better do something about all the carbon dioxide heating up Earth’s atmosphere.”

For us, that means we are finding ways to reduce our waste, aggressively recycle and change our distribution strategy to limit fossil fuel consumption.

Then, we focus on offsetting our “carbon footprint” with the help of our friends at Carbonfund.org. Under the Planet Payback program, every Yakima product’s carbon footprint has been measured, and then offset through a donation to Carbonfund.org. These donations support a combination of renewable energy, reforestation and energy efficiency projects that reduce carbon dioxide emissions locally and globally.

Check out the site- there's a carbon footprint calculator and links to information about offsetting your impact. You can even vote for your favorite environmental effort, which gives you a voice in how Yakima uses their enviro money. Hooray Yakima! Kudos to you guys.

Shop for Yakima Racks at RockCreek.com >>
Check out our new Yakima Rack Configurator for a perfect fit >>
Read about other environmental efforts at RockCreek >>

Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:43 AM

May 3, 2007

Today is DIY Day: Do it for the Planet!

I've decided that today is DIY day at Rock Creek. The theme of creative re-use seems to be popping up everywhere I turn today, so I had to share some things I've come across. I just got an email from a customer, Kevin Gantz, from Atlanta, GA, who made a Tyvek wallet from a template on instructables.com and put one of our ClimbingGear.com stickers on it, and it's sweet!

So after that I got the Gear Junkie newsletter with this article on baking your own energy bars. Personally, with my cooking skills, I wouldn't risk it, so I stick to Larabars that I buy at our downtown store. But it sounds like fun, and the guy says they taste great.

Someone else sent me this link to a Wired magazine article about Timbuk2 developing a new fabric out of old plastic bags. I actually was given a strap pad made of these recycled bags a few weeks ago and they are very, very cool. The one I got has a San Francisco Chronicle masthead kind of melting across the back.

All that reminded me of an interview I had yesterday where someone was asking about our environmental initiatives, especially around packaging materials. As a follow-up to that, I called and had a discussion with our fulfillment and customer service manager, Clark Luckmann, about efforts he's making to make our packaging more environmentally-friendly. We've always re-used boxes and packaging materials that come in from our vendors, which has essentially eliminated the need to purchase plastic bubble wrap and other padding materials.

Years ago, we made an effort to resize our cardboard boxes to use less materials. We cut down the size of the box we send shoes in, using at least 20% less cardboard. Months ago, we switched over to plastic shipping bags for most of our small packages- basically anything that will not crush or break, like jackets, t-shirts, pants, etc. These plastic bags have a much smaller carbon footprint, and they don't take up nearly as much space in the UPS trucks, planes, and delivery vans, thereby saving on transportation fuel.

Now it's time to push that a bit further, and we're researching plastic bags made of post-consumer waste. These bags are also designed to be re-used, with another sticky flap available so you can put them aside to send your holiday gifts later.

All of that thought brought me back around to another enviro. initiative that we're about to launch. We have these organic cotton totes from Patagonia that we'll be offering very soon. (See the mock-up to the right). If everyone would use bags like these, we could save a ton of plastic from ever being produced.

It seems to me that one of the biggest ways we can reduce our impact on the environment would be to just learn simple DIY tricks like these, and re-use the things we have been conditioned to throw away. Surely there's something else that can be done with that Tyvek mailer, plastic bag, or cardboard box besides throwing it out, or even recycling it. Recycling is great, but it's even better to find some alternative re-use, eliminating even the energy it takes to recycle. Plus it can be fun, and green is hip these days, so you'll look cool while saving the planet. I think the next wave in sustainability will simply be to reduce our waste, or "dematerialize" processes like our friends at Tricycle (who recently wrote a great article about plastic bags) are doing with carpet sampling.

So, I've seen some great replies to our question "How do YOU go green?" Keep them coming! I love hearing about these things, and I'll continue to share them with you as they come along. Just shoot me an email at mark [at] rockcreek.com or reply as a comment here.

Related links:

Read our environmental statement >>

Learn how to recycle your old fleece and polyester clothing >>

See how Rock Creek switched to wind power >>

Posted by Mark McKnight at 1:52 PM

April 30, 2007

Rock Creek cited in Sustainability Article

The local press is starting to notice how an increasing number of Chattanoogans have begun to act on their commitment to the environment. I got a call a week or so ago from a Times-Free Press reporter who was writing this article on "green" business practices in Chattanooga. It came out in yesterday's paper, and has some good points and mentions our new store, which should be finished in another couple months.

The 95,000-square-foot development, which will include a Greenlife Grocery store and Rock Creek Outfitters, is "LEED" certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program of the U.S. Green Building Council.

LEED provides standards for green construction in operation, including site development, water savings, energy efficiency and materials selection. Some of the efforts at Two North Shore include collecting rainwater off the roof for irrigation, and using building materials purchased within 500 miles of the site, decreasing the energy spent on transport.

Among construction workers and developers, the LEED concept is becoming increasingly familiar, said Steve Arnsdorff, founder of CS & Associates, who worked with Chuck Pruett of Greenlife to develop Two North Shore.

"I think (LEED) is become a buzzword in this town, in just 18 months, which is very cool," Mr. Arnsdorff said. " 'Green' was always something that didn't really have any real application to our business, because what did it really mean? But LEED gives you something. It gives you criteria to shoot for."

Read the full story here. (The article mistakenly credits Rock Creek with starting the local chapter of Green Drinks- that was really our friends over at Tricyle).

There's also supposed to be an article on the Environmental Stewardship Award we recently gave to Chaco. I'll keep you updated on that.

If you're familiar with Rock Creek, you'll know that we're a company committed to sustainability, and we're doing what we can to decrease the negative impact our business practices have on the environment. See our environmental statement and enviro. articles online for more information.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:49 AM

April 23, 2007

Rock Creek Outfitters Honors Chaco with Environmental Stewardship Award

April 20, 2007 -- Rock Creek Outfitters announced today that it has awarded footwear manufacturer, Chaco, of Paonia, Colorado its first annual Environmental Stewardship Award.

Chaco’s dedication to environmental issues and improving access to outdoor recreation areas prompted Rock Creek to start the annual award. “These issues have always been at the heart of Rock Creek,” explained Rock Creek co-owner, Marvin Webb. “Chaco has really stepped up to the plate over the years, helping us fund larger projects so we have an even stronger impact within our region. They have not only supported us in our own programs, but they have also actively come to us with new ideas for local and global initiatives.”

Continue reading "Rock Creek Outfitters Honors Chaco with Environmental Stewardship Award"

Posted by Mark McKnight at 1:54 PM

April 17, 2007

$1500 Raised for Cumberland Trail Conference

Rock Creek Outfitters (www.rockcreek.com) announced this week that the Rock Creek River Gorge Trail Race raised $1500 for the nonprofit Cumberland Trail Conference (CTC). According to CTC Executive Director Paul Freeman, Rock Creek's donation will go to the CTC's Spring Build, supporting up to 100 volunteers a day as they extend the Cumberland Trail through the Smokies near Caryville, TN. The Cumberland Trail is a beautiful multi-use single-track foot path that will eventually stretch over 300 miles on the Cumberland Plateau.

About 230 people showed up to run, making this the best turnout in the race's six year history. As race director Jamie Sanders explains, “We’re pleased to have a successful race that draws so many people from across the region." The race took place on a beautiful Spring morning, with the first racers showing up for registration before dawn, and the last racer coming across the finish line by midday.

Rock Creek’s race team finished well, with race team member Geno Phillips finishing third on the 10.2 mile course. Rock Creek employee Clay Werner finished fourth. On the 6.5 mile course, race team members Tom Sell and Jim Farmer took first and second place. The race took place within the Prentice Cooper Wilderness Management Area, the Southern terminus of what will be over 300 miles of backpacking and hiking trails starting in the Cumberland Gap National Park in Kentucky. A comment from Jim Farmer summed up the significance of the race perfectly: "What better way to showcase the work of the Cumberland Trail Conference than to bring 225 people out for a race and on the trail itself?"

Rock Creek believes that supporting the work of the CTC will help to preserve this valuable area for future generations by opening it up for use by trail runners, hikers, and backpackers. Rock Creek's philosophy of environmental stewardship hinges on access to the backcountry, and as Rock Creek President and owner Dawson Wheeler explains, "the work of the CTC dovetails perfectly with our mission to get people outside enjoying our natural resources. We believe that people who have access to the outdoors will naturally become conservationists and will work to preserve the areas where they recreate. It's great to see so many people up here enjoying the natural beauty of Signal Mountain." Both of Rock Creek's owners-- Wheeler and his partner Marvin Webb-- are long-time Signal Mountain residents, and are excited about the opportunity to give back to their local community by supporting events such as this trail race.

Rock Creek would like to thank the race sponsors: Mountain Hardwear, Patagonia, Wigwam, Inov8, Chaco, Oakley and Hammer Nutrition, as well as our partners and volunteers, especially those from the Cumberland Trail Conference and Prentice Cooper, the Chattanooga Track Club, and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.

For more information on the Rock Creek River Gorge Trail Race, visit the race page.

For more information on the CTC's Spring Build, visit the CTC site.

About Rock Creek Outfitters:

Rock Creek Outfitters is a specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock Creek Outfitters provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 7:14 PM

March 7, 2007

Kayak for Conservation: Sign up Now!

The popular Kayak for Conservation event is coming up on Saturday, May 5, 2007. Be sure to sign up now, because this event always fills up quickly and is great fun for a great cause. The Tennessee River Gorge Trust, Outdoor Chattanooga and Rock Creek Down Under have partnered to bring back the much anticipated Kayak for Conservation. Come and enjoy an eight-mile paddle showcasing “Tennessee’s Grand Canyon.”

The Gorge has great ecological and historical value. Kayakers will likely get to witness wildlife such as osprey, great blue heron and red-tailed hawks.

When: Saturday, May 5, 2007
Where: Rock Creek Down Under
Cost: $40 Per Person (must be or become a TRGT member)
Included: Equipment (if needed), lunch thanks to Greenlife Grocery and the
"Post Paddle Party" (includes snacks, drinks and a silent auction).

ALL proceeds from this event go to support the mission of the Tennessee River Gorge Trust… to enrich our community by conservation of the Tennessee River Gorge through land protection, education and the promotion of good land stewardship.

This event is limited and will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Please call the Trust today to reserve your spot!

Julie F. Beach
Business & Development Director
Tennessee River Gorge Trust
(423) 266-0314

26 Years of Protecting "Tennessee's Grand Canyon"

Related Links:

Get information on Local Creeks

Check out the latest Whitewater Kayaks

Go to Whitewater Paddles

Read "A Suck Creek Christmas"

See all Paddling DVDs (aka Kayak Porn)

Visit our Kayaks and Paddling Gear Section

Posted by Mark McKnight at 2:24 PM

March 6, 2007

LRC Trail Day & Mini-Comp

Stone Fort
Bouldering Competition and Clean-Up
Saturday, 9:00am
April 7, 2007

The Plan: Roadside clean-up along the Brow Road and the Clubhouse Road for Montlake. Trail maintenance in the boulder field and update the kiosk.

There will be a small half day mini-competition for those who attend the trail day.
Winners will be the ones who collect the most stars. As in 3 Star Classics!

We’ll have food and refreshments after the clean-up/comp inside the clubhouse.
We’ll also hand out some awards to few hardworking climbers and grunts.

Contact Chad Wykle for more information.
chadwykle@yahoo.com 423.618.4466

Related Pages:

• RockCreek.com's Bouldering Gear Guide
• Preserving Rock Creek Watershed
• RockCreek.com and Chaco Team up to Raise Funds for Climbing Access
• Chaco Recycling Initiative: Recycle Your Old Chacos
• Our Environmental Statement

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:35 AM

February 1, 2007

Funny Video: Patagonia Recycling Program Expanded

I love Patagonia for a hundred different reasons, but now I have reason number 101: check out this video on their expanded recycling program. Timmy O'Neil is hilarious.

We have a box by the Capilene racks at each of our stores if you have anything to recycle. The program now includes Capilene and anything Polartec, regardless of whether it's made by Patagonia. So don't throw away that ratty pair of underwear (or that fleece jacket, or anything else that's made from one of these materials). Recycle it!

Why recycle your old threads? Well, it's simple: synthetic fabrics like Capilene and Polartec are derived from oil, and with the massive amounts of clothing made today, the garment industry consumes a considerable amount of oil. If you choose to recycle, you'll gain the satisfaction of knowing that your old clothing won't end up in a landfill (or on a polluted beach like in the video), and that Patagonia will consume less oil to produce next season's clothing.

Here's what Patagonia has to say about it:

Way too much of what is made these days ends up in the trash at the end of its useful life. At Patagonia, we're working to change that.

In 2005 we launched our Common Threads Garment Recycling Program, through which customers could return their worn out Capilene® Performance Baselayers to us for recycling. We've now added Patagonia fleece, Polartec® fleece from other manufacturers and Patagonia organic cotton T-shirts to our list of recyclables.

Our long-term goal is to take environmental responsibility for everything we make. Please help us by changing your clothes for good.

Thanks to the Piton for the heads up on that.

Related Links:

• Preserving Rock Creek Watershed


• RockCreek.com and Chaco Team up to Raise Funds for Climbing Access


• Chaco Recycling Initiative: Recycle Your Old Chacos


• Our Environmental Statement


• RockCreek.com's Bouldering Gear Guide
  
  
  

Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:31 PM

January 11, 2007

Rock/Creek Helps Raise $8000 for Access to Boat Rock Bouldering Area

Custom Chaco Sandal Program Helps Climbers Purchase Atlanta Boulder Field

Chaco and Rock/Creek Outfitters raise over $8000 in effort to help the Southeastern Climbers’ Coalition gain permanent access to one of the premier bouldering areas in the Southeast. Proceeds from custom Chaco sandal sales go to finalize land purchase.

January 11, 2007 – Rock/Creek Outfitters and Chaco announced this week that their Custom Chaco Sandal Program was successful in raising the funds needed to finalize the purchase of Boat Rock, a woodland area inside the metro of Atlanta with more than a half mile of unique egg-shaped granite boulders.

Continue reading "Rock/Creek Helps Raise $8000 for Access to Boat Rock Bouldering Area"

Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:24 PM

December 14, 2006

Boat Rock Paid Off Through Triple Crown Fundraising

Hey Climbers: I just wanted to pass on some particulars about the finale this weekend--everthing went extremely well, and the weather was absolutely perfect. We raised over $1,200 in climber donations for Boat Rock.

With the help of the Chaco/Sweet Water Event in ATL, RockCreek/Chaco custom sandal sales at TCrown, climber donations at each of the three events (@$3,600), and TCrown donations to Boat Rock, I'm sure we will have raised enough $$ to cover the rest of the BR note.

As soon as we have a tally on the final expenses (buses, catering, printing, tees, et al) we'll make the official Triple Crown donation to the SCC and CCC as well.

We also raised $2,500 for Habitat for Humanity on Sunday--most of the climbers competing at that event also donated their winnings to Habitat--the HFH representative gave major kudos to the SCC and Triple Crown at the pavilion, and especially on Talk Radio and the local tv news. Habitat is certainly a great cause and the donation provided much needed positive PR for the climbing community that reached the general public.

Major thanks came from the clubhouse manager at Montlake on Saturday--they wanted to pass on sincere thanks to the entire climbing community for supporting the golf club--They truly appreciate our help and support up there--

Montlake requested to have some of our guides--Jim and I met with the clubhouse manager today to donate the remaining guides. We'll mail a care package to the Luken's again too--

Continue reading "Boat Rock Paid Off Through Triple Crown Fundraising"

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:50 AM

October 16, 2006

RockCreek Gives $3000 for Cumberland Trail Access

Rock/Creek Outfitters’ annual 50-kilometer StumpJump trail race draws a record number of runners and raises $3000 towards the completion of the Cumberland Trail, a corridor of hiking and backpacking trails spanning over 300 miles through Tennessee and into Kentucky.

Chattanooga, TN (PRWEB) October 16, 2006 – In its 5th year, the Stump Jump 50k and 11 mile trail race hosted by Rock/Creek Outfitters (www.rockcreek.com) was a huge success, drawing over 350 runners from across the country to take part in the event on Saturday, October 7th. The Stump Jump was founded as a fundraiser for the Cumberland Trail Conference's ongoing effort to complete a network of hiking and backpacking trails that, once complete, will traverse over 300 miles beginning in Cumberland Gap National Park (KY) and stretching south across the Cumberland Plateau to Prentice Cooper Wildlife Management Area, just outside of Chattanooga, TN. Today Rock/Creek Outfitters presented the Cumberland Trail Conference with a $3000 check to aid in this effort.

As a public-private partnership, the Cumberland Trail is being built and maintained by a cooperative effort of the CTC and the state of Tennessee. In addition to providing multiple recreational opportunities, this protected greenway will act as a buffer to protect water quality and provide natural habitat for animals.

Dawson Wheeler, co-owner of Rock/Creek Outfitters, remarked “Rock/Creek is proud to be able to make a significant contribution to this cause.” He also praised the support of the local community, “The race would not have been possible without the joint efforts of Nolan Elementary School, Hamilton County Parks Department, the Town of Signal Mountain, John Glass and Scout Troop # 60, as well as a sea of volunteers lead by the Chattanooga Track Club.” In addition to local efforts, the sponsor list was a who’s who of the outdoor industry (see list below). "We absolutely would not have raised this much money for the CTC without the help of our volunteers and sponsors," Wheeler said.

Continue reading "RockCreek Gives $3000 for Cumberland Trail Access"

Posted by Mark McKnight at 2:23 PM

July 18, 2006

Rock/Creek Outfitters Launches Chaco Recycled Shoe Program

Rock/Creek Outfitters and footwear manufacturer, Chaco, Inc., announce this week’s launch of the Chaco Recycled Shoe Program. Rock/Creek, a Chattanooga-based outdoor retailer, is inviting customers to trade in any used (but clean) pair of shoes, boots, or sandals for a 20% discount on a new pair of Chacos. The initiative will last two weeks and will be available to the public through Rock/Creek’s physical and online stores. The shoes that are collected will be cleaned up and distributed to those in need in other parts of the world. Chaco launched the Recycle Program in 2005, and with the help of retailers like Rock/Creek Outfitters, has managed to distribute over 1,500 lightly worn pairs of shoes.

Continue reading "Rock/Creek Outfitters Launches Chaco Recycled Shoe Program"

Posted by Mark McKnight at 2:05 PM

May 31, 2006

Rock Creek Outfitters Leases Space at Two North Shore

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 28, 2006--CS & Associates, an affiliate of Park Mills Properties 2, LLC, announces that it has now acquired the balance of the land needed to build Two North Shore, a 95,000 square foot mixed use project on Manufacturers Road near US 27, anchored by a new Greenlife Grocery store in the North Shore region of Chattanooga. Park Mills' managing partner, Steve Arnsdorff, announced that Rock Creek Outfitters, locally owned by Dawson Wheeler and Marvin Webb since 1986, has signed a lease to occupy approximately 9,000 square feet right next to the planned new Greenlife Grocery store (27,000 sq. ft.). Steve said "Rock Creek is the perfect compliment to Greenlife Grocery. Greenlife is the benchmark in natural and organic foods in this region and their success has been amazing. Both companies are strong regional businesses that have great business models and they help anchor the retail market in the North Shore area of Chattanooga. We are very bullish regarding residential growth in the immediate area of this development and with the property's regional location near Highway 27, these new stores will better serve their existing and future customers".

Continue reading "Rock Creek Outfitters Leases Space at Two North Shore"

Posted by Meesh Smith at 9:45 AM

May 17, 2006

Update on Lula Lake Grant

Elsewhere on this blog we mentioned the grants given to the Lula Lake Land Trust by Rock Creek Outfitters, Chaco Sandals, and Patagonia to help replace a bridge that had been washed out by high waters last spring. Lula Lake just released this follow-up with a photograph:

Dawson Wheeler, owner of Rock Creek Outfitters, presented Adelaide Bratcher, Head of Development for the Lula Lake Land Trust, with checks from Patagonia and Chaco Sandals, two outdoor gear companies, as well as the locally-based Rock Creek Outfitters.

The grants came just in time to finish up the bridge that had been damaged by heavy rains last year. Speaking of the gifts, Mrs. Bratcher noted: “We were very fortunate to have Boy Scout Troop 191 help rebuild this bridge as part of an Eagle Scout Project. That and the generosity of Mr. Wheeler and his vendors are what help us continue to fund our ongoing maintenance needs and projects at the Lula Lake Land Trust."

Click here to read more about Rock/Creek Outfitters' committment to the environment.

Rock/Creek Outfitters is a brick and mortar outdoor retailer with a presence on the Web at RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com and specializes in gear and apparel for a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, paddling, camping, and travel.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:33 PM

April 24, 2006

RockCreek Switches to Wind Power for Earth Day

PrAna’s Natural Power Initiative Replaces Traditional Energy at Rock/Creek Locations
10 April 2006

Chattanooga, TN- In honor of Earth Day this year, Rock/Creek Outfitters (RockCreek.com) has partnered with the prAna Natural Power Initiative and is proud to announce that all the power used by Rock/Creek’s retail operations now comes from green-e certified wind power. As the PNPI literature states, “Wind generated power is a clean, renewable source of energy which produces no greenhouse gas emissions or waste products. prAna is an ancient sanskrit word which is often defined as pure energy, vitality of the spirit and most notably breath.” It naturally follows that wind energy would be perfect for such a company, and its retail partners. “Rock/Creek Outfitters is excited to participate in this important program,” said Dawson Wheeler, owner and President of Rock/Creek.

In order to facilitate the switch from traditional power, prAna has committed to purchasing 6 million kilowatt hours of US EPA approved Renewable Energy Certificates or “Green Tags.” Because generating electrical power from wind sources still costs more than the more harmful but cheaper traditional methods, these Green Tags provide a much-needed financial incentive for energy producers. Currently only about 2% of the energy produced in this country comes from renewable sources, so efforts such as the PNPI are important to fuel further program development and foster public awareness of alternative energy sources.

Rock/Creek Outfitters has posted signs at its brick and mortar locations that say “100% of this store’s energy use is offset by certified green-e wind generated power,” and we are spreading this message on our Web sites, www.rockcreek.com and www.climbinggear.com as well. Clark Luckmann, Internet Customer Service Manager, echoed the reaction of many Rock/Creek staff members in saying, “It’s important to me that as a company we reduce our ecological footprint, and this is a great step in that direction.”

For our complete environmental statement, please visit www.rockcreek.com/customer_service/environmental.asp. To learn more about prAna’s initiative, visit www.prana.com/naturalpower.

About Rock/Creek Outfitters:

Rock/Creek Outfitters is a specialty outdoor retailer with two decades of brick and mortar experience. We are committed to personal and professional leadership in the outdoor industry and the larger community, especially with regard to environmental initiatives. We use outdoor retail as a platform to encourage all people to get outside and become active. We know that in order to make a positive impact on the environment, we need to share our own love of the outdoors with others. For this reason, our sponsorship and environmental efforts are aimed at permanently improving access to the backcountry.

As a critical element of our environmental mission, we sponsor various charitable foundations (The Southeastern Climbers Coalition, The Access Fund, the Cumberland Trail Conference) and host two major outdoor events each year (the StumpJump 50K trail race and the Triple Crown Bouldering Competition). In the last year, we built a parking and camping area at the Tennessee Wall, one of the best sandstone climbing areas in the nation. We also rebuilt a bridge at the Lula Lake Land Trust to restore access to a trail system running along Rock Creek on Lookout Mountain. We remain committed to the Land Trust’s mission to preserve and restore the Rock Creek watershed on Lookout Mountain.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:54 AM

April 17, 2006

Preserving Rock Creek Watershed

RockCreek.com Partners with Lula Lake Land Trust to Preserve the Rock Creek Watershed

10 April 2006


Chattanooga, TN- As Earth Day rolls around again on April 22nd, we at RockCreek.com have been thinking about ways to celebrate. Last year we established a new tradition of taking this time to share our own commitment to the environment with our customers. We hope that through our efforts to permanently improve access to natural resources, more people will get outside and learn why we all need to personally commit to the environment.

One key element in our environmental mission has been to help the Lula Lake Land Trust in their efforts to preserve the unique and diverse ecosystems of the Rock Creek watershed. Rock/Creek Outfitters takes its name from this beautiful drainage running along Lookout Mountain in Georgia and Tennessee. This past weekend the Trust hosted us for a staff retreat on the property, and as I contemplated the history of the property I began to think of the Trust as a paradigm for effective environmental initiatives.


In several important ways, the history of the Lula Lake Land Trust mirrors the history of many of our most valuable privately-held natural resources. The progress that has been made since 1992, when Robert M. Davenport established the Trust, serves as an example of what dedicated private citizens can accomplish when they turn their resources to environmental initiatives. The Lula Lake story begins with the geology of the Appalachians, which formed millions of years ago as Africa collided with North America. In the time since then, erosion has worn these mountains all the way down to the sandstone and conglomerates that make the spectacular cliff lines and rock bands that make Chattanooga a world class destination for climbers.


Fast forward to the Industrial Revolution, and Chattanooga had become an important gateway city due to its strategic location on the Tennessee River. Lookout Mountain served as a weekend getaway or a summer retreat from the long, hot Southern summers. During the Civil War, Union soldiers used the land that now makes up the core property of the Land Trust as a retreat from the crucial battles going on in Chattanooga and Chickamauga. As automobiles eventually began to dominate the landscape, the mountain became a suburb of Chattanooga. Before the various social revolutions of the 1960’s and 70’s in America, the general public did not value the environment or understand the enormous impact they were having on their planet. Clear-cut timber harvests, mining, garbage dumping, and unrestricted public access had made a mess of much of the rural areas that would become the Lula Lake Land Trust’s core property.


By the time Earth Day came about in 1970, Mr. Davenport had already been quietly acquiring land on Lookout Mountain for over a decade, purchasing parcels as they became available over the years. The low value of the land due to the damage that had been done by insensitive land usage allowed Mr. Davenport to amass several hundred acres of land through the 1960’s and 70’s. He closed the property in the 1980’s and worked to restore its natural beauty by replanting clear cut areas and cleaning out trash dumps. By the time Mr. Davenport died in 1994, he had pieced together over 1200 acres. Today the Trust rivals long-established public lands in beauty and environmental health. Decades of hard work and focused attention have resulted in over 4000 acres of currently protected lands in the Rock Creek watershed. The property serves as a research site for experimental hybrid trees. The Trust works with a variety of educational and non-profit institutions such as The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Chattanooga Chestnut Project, The Nature Conservancy, Tennessee Wildlife Center, Georgia Land Trust, Tennessee Aquarium, and The American Chestnut Foundation. The federally threatened plant Virginia Spirea (Spiraea virginiana) grows on the property and is only found in twenty-three other sites in the country. The only other population in Georgia grows in Cloudland Canyon State Park and is threatened by high tourist traffic.


This morning I had the opportunity to speak with Adelaide Bratcher, the Interim Director and daughter of the Land Trust’s founder, about her vision for the Land Trust and how Rock/Creek Outfitters fits in to the Trust’s mission. Last year Rock/Creek Outfitters and Chaco Sandals donated $1500 to rebuild a footbridge that had been washed away by floodwaters. Patagonia also provided a significant contribution through Rock/Creek. The next several years’ donations will go toward completing a connector trail that will link Cloudland Canyon State Park to Nickajack and High Point, creating miles of trails and opening up over 1000 acres to public, year-round access. This project came about as a result of a Land Trust survey sent out to the nonprofit’s supporters. “We realized that our user groups were screaming for more access and we needed to go ahead and open up that property,” Bratcher explains, “the core property is environmentally sensitive, so we have to limit the people coming in there, but as a result we were telling our supporters, ‘You can only come in the Land Trust two days out of the month,’ and they wanted more.” The Board of Directors realized that access is critical to funding, and in an attempt to meet the needs of their supporters, the Trust has prioritized the Cloudland connector trail.


All told, the project will take about $500,000 to complete. The Lyndhurst Foundation has already granted $50,000 to the effort, and the first part of the trail has been completed. The primary goal is to create a multi-use core trail for mountain biking, hiking, trail running, and horseback. SORBA, the Southeast Off-Road Bicycle Association, also wants to build a singletrack trail exclusively for mountain biking in the area.


Many of the local outdoor associations and clubs have volunteered their time recently at the Land Trust. The Southeastern Climbers Coalition recently completed a work day and took some time to climb at High Point. The American Hiking Society also organized a trail day recently. We hope that as more people become aware of the Land Trust's mission, more acres of land will be protected and opened up for properly managed access on Lookout Mountain. This is one of the truly unique natural resources in our beautiful country, and it is our duty to protect the land that gives us a venue for all the outdoor activities we enjoy. As Patagonia's founder Yvon Choinard said, "Fundamentally, businesses are responsible to their resource base. Without a healthy planet there are no shareholders, no customers, no employees." It is our mission at RockCreek.com to do what we can to keep the earth healthy and to educate people about the benefits of regulated access and the joy of outdoor recreation. 


See our environmental statement for details.



To learn more about how you can participate in the efforts of the Lula Lake Land Trust, visit their Web site.





You may also be interested in reading last year’s Earth Day article on Sam Evans’ “Eco-Taxi.”



About the author: Mark McKnight has been with RockCreek.com for two years since graduating from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. He has been a committed outdoor enthusiast and environmentalist from a young age, thanks to his mother. He can be reached at mark @rockcreek.com

Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:40 AM