Zeal Optics, Weston & Smartwool Unite To Support National Forests With Backwoods Fellowship

In a joint effort of stewardship, Colorado-based Zeal Optics, Weston and Smartwool have teamed up with artist John Fellows and the National Forest Foundation to breathe new life into our forests, to raise awareness around the plight of public lands and restore National Forests by planting 40,000 trees. 

Launching in October 2021, this initiative brings artist John Fellows’ art to life in a unique collection of goggles, skis, snowboards, socks and accessories. Fellows’ signature “contemporary folk” style weaves together the collection to create a vintage, hands-on aesthetic that is a homage to nature and the inspiration for this partnership. Fellows creates unique linoleum carving collages that reflect his personal experiences and love for the mountains.

"I've always looked at the forests as the gateway to the mountains. In search of powder, they almost always greet you at the start - bringing a feeling of peace and solace to every journey and a time for reflection,” explains Fellows. “That's why it's so great to see brands like Zeal, Weston and Smartwool do their part to preserve our public lands. We all need to do our part to help, and the National Forest Foundation is a great way to do so."

The complete collection is available at REI and online, and the hardgoods and accessories are available at select retailers including Backcountry.com, EVO, REI, Christy Sports, Backcountry Experience, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Mountain Chalet and Jagged Edge. Zeal Optics will plant five trees for every goggle sold, Weston will plant ten trees for each board and ski, and Smartwool has committed to plant ten thousand trees through the National Forest Foundation. 

You can follow the #BackwoodsFellowship partnership on social media for updates and other ways you can support public lands, find products and become a part of the Fellowship to protect forests.