Broadwalks
Broadwalks are signature wilderness advocacy events for Great Old Broads for Wilderness.
Upcoming Broadwalks and Events
What exactly is a Broadwalk?
San Diego Broadwalkers, 2010
A Broadwalk is first and foremost a whole lot of fun! Broadwalks are events where you will meet other amazing Broads and learn about wilderness issues particular to a specific area through on-the-ground exploration and discussion with folks who know the area and the issues. Each year we have several Broadwalks available. Tennessee to Washington, California to Vermont and many places in between have felt the firm tread of Broads walking on the land to gain first hand experience so we can advocate for protection with passion and knowledge of place.
Every Broadwalk takes on its own unique character, but we usually begin gathering on Thursday afternoon to get acquainted and set up camp. Things really kick off with dinner and a speaker from the local grassroots organization to frame the weekend’s events and purpose. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday we spend our time hiking with local guides in proposed wilderness or threatened landscapes to learn first-hand about the place. A range of hikes is offered from easy to challenging. We usually build in some sort of service project on one of the days – hauling away old culvert, pulling noxious weeds, building or removing fences, inventorying potential wilderness, brushing trails, monitoring ORV impacts—the possibilities are endless. Each day we have more local speakers to share information on the area’s history, natural history, wilderness issues, music, writings, photography, etc. We really rub elbows with locals on both sides of an issue, with agency land managers, and with other wilderness advocates. We also often get to talk to the media about our group and the wilderness that we work to protect. The event ends on Monday after breakfast, sometimes with a meeting at government offices to voice our concerns, sometimes just with farewell to friends, old and new.
For those who prefer not to camp, there often are local motels where you can stay, then join us each day for our activities, speakers, and meals. We help folks connect to share rides with others who are driving or flying into the area. Sometimes folks join us for part of an event which is generally OK as long as we have enough space and know which meals and nights to plan on.
Meals are group events, either catered or prepared by a camp cook, which allow us more time in the field and more time to visit with each other. Participants provide their own trail lunches. Delicious food, drink, and camaraderie are an essential part of our weekends! There is nothing like spending time with a group of Great Old Broads!
First-timer?
Read what a first-timer had to say about her experience. Dr. Jeannie Fennell joined Broads for our San Juan Mountains Broadwalk in July 2011.
Broadwalk/Event Refund/Cancellation Policy
All cancellations and requests for refunds must be made to Broads main office by phone, letter, e-mail, or fax.
Cancellation fees apply as follows:
» More than 2 weeks prior to the event start date 50% of the event fee.
» 0-14 days prior to event start date – entire event fee is forfeited.
» Date of notice received by Broads will determine cancellation fee.
Emergency illness, death of an immediate family member
Refunds may be granted if an attendee is unable to attend the event due to family death, illness or other extraordinary circumstance. In such an event, Broads office must be contacted by phone, letter, or e-mail.
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