Protecting 38 million acres of public lands

Each year, Icebug donates at least 1% of its sales to environmental organizations and projects that do good – no matter if we make a profit or not. One of our most recent partners is the Conservation Lands Foundation. We had a chat with Åsa Björklund from the NGO about what makes their work so important right now.

All photos credited to Bob Wick.

What exactly are the National Conservation Lands?

The National Conservation Lands are some of the most spectacular and diverse public lands in the United States — 38 million acres of canyons, deserts, forests, rivers, and cultural sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management. These are places that tell the story of our natural and cultural heritage - like in Grand Staircase-Escalante where petroglyphs line the canyon walls or in California’s King Range where the Redwoods meet crashing waves, and the Río Grande del Norte where the river cuts through New Mexico’s high desert. They’re living, working lands where people hike, hunt, fish, and connect with history and nature in the same breath.

There are 38 million acres of public lands, rivers, and trails — why do they need protection?

Even though these lands belong to everyone, they’re often under threat from development, mining, and other pressures. Many don’t have the same level of funding or protection as national parks, so they rely on local communities to defend and care for them. Protecting the National Conservation Lands means safeguarding wildlife habitat, clean water, and cultural treasures that are essential to both nature and people. And scientists have shown that keeping lands in their natural state is one of the most effective ways to slow climate change.

How does the Conservation Lands Foundation work, and what kind of actions do you take?

At the heart of our work is the Friends Grassroots Network — more than 80 locally-led groups spread across the western United States. These community-based organizations are the true caretakers of the National Conservation Lands. They live near and love these landscapes, and they know them better than anyone else. We like to say the Network is our “secret sauce.” The Conservation Lands Foundation equips these groups with what they need to be effective — grants, training, legal support, communications tools, and connections to national decision-makers. We help elevate their voices all the way to Washington, D.C., so that policies and protections reflect the people who know these lands best. Together, we form a powerful movement working to defend, restore, and expand our nation’s conservation legacy.

What is it like to be part of your community? Why should someone consider joining?

Joining the Conservation Lands Foundation community means being part of something bigger — a network of passionate people who care deeply about the lands they love to explore. Whether you’re hiking in Bears Ears, volunteering with a local Friends group, or lending your voice to a conservation campaign, you’re part of a growing movement that’s keeping public lands climate resilient and accessible for everyone. Our community is welcoming, action-oriented, and united by a shared belief that protecting nature is one of the most meaningful things we can do.

What are your hopes and expectations for the partnership with Icebug?

We’re excited to partner with Icebug because we share a belief that the way we move through nature should also help protect it. Icebug’s leadership in sustainable outdoor gear and commitment to climate responsibility perfectly aligns with our mission to safeguard public lands for people, wildlife, and the planet. Together, we can inspire outdoor enthusiasts to take that next step — from exploring nature to actively protecting our climate. We hope this partnership will not only raise awareness but also directly support the grassroots leaders and local communities who are the guardians of our shared public lands.

We use our business to do good

At Icebug, we want to make really good shoes that help you get outside every day, no matter the weather or season. Our goal is to change the footwear industry by taking responsibility for our climate footprint. We make shoes that last, with low emissions and respect for both people and the planet. Part of what you invest in us, we give back to the Earth – for example by supporting organizations that protect old-growth forests.