The Fight for Conservation Starts With Us
Written by Shanon Tysland | Founder, CEO at Experience Momentum
Now More Than Ever: Supporting Environmental Non-Profits Amid Federal Funding Cuts
The fight to protect our environment has never been easy, but today, it is more urgent than ever. Federal funding cuts have left many environmental non-profits struggling to continue their vital work, and it is up to us—businesses, communities, and individuals—to step up and fill the gap.
At Experience Momentum, we have always believed that business should be a force for good. That’s why we have been a proud 1% for the Planet member since 2013, committing a portion of our revenue to environmental organizations working to protect our planet. By the end of 2025, our contributions will total nearly half a million dollars, and yet, there is still so much more to do.
A Personal Connection to the Land
My passion for conservation is deeply personal. It started when I was a kid, spending time on my grandpa’s farm. I would ride in the tractor with him, listening to Paul Harvey’s News and Comment while he stewarded the land. He taught me the importance of sustainable farming—building terraces to prevent soil erosion, using manure to replenish the soil, and caring for the land so it could continue to provide for future generations.
I also grew up hunting, learning from my dad how to be in nature, respect wildlife, and appreciate the peace of the outdoors. We hunted on both private and public lands, which at the time felt like an endless resource. But now, those same lands are under threat. Privatization means that recreating on public lands—whether it’s hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, or fishing—may no longer be an option for future generations. I have four young kids, and I want them to know they will still have access to the same outdoor experiences that shaped my childhood.
Taking Action for Change
Recently, I joined other businesses in signing a letter advocating for stronger environmental protections in Washington state. We are pushing for legislation that prioritizes conservation, ensures accountability for polluters, and funds restoration efforts that are critical to our ecosystems. Patagonia has been a leading voice in this fight, and in a recent call with them, the message was clear: we must act now.
Change is possible. I saw it firsthand in 2015 when Experience Momentum partnered with EarthCorps for a cleanup project on the Duwamish River. As we pulled tires, toilets, and beer bottles from the water, a man in a full scuba suit emerged from the river. He was Mark Powell, the director of Puget Sound programs for the Washington Environmental Council. In 2015, he swam the entire 55-mile stretch of the Duwamish River to highlight restoration efforts. Even in the midst of pollution, there were signs of life—salmon returning, new inlets slowing the current to allow for spawning. A decade later, thanks to a combination of private, city, and county funds (and accountability measures enforced by the EPA), cleanup efforts continue, proving that when we commit to protecting our environment, we can make a difference.
How You Can Help
We cannot wait for others to fix these problems. Here are a few ways you can take action:
Support Environmental Non-Profits: Donate to organizations actively restoring and protecting our natural spaces.
Get Involved in Advocacy: Contact your state representatives and push for legislation that prioritizes conservation.
Volunteer for Clean-Up Efforts: Join local initiatives like river and park clean-ups.
Attend Events That Give Back: We host many environmental events, and so do other many other amazing organizations in the area. Keep up to date on events in your area and spread the word!
You’re Invited
At Experience Momentum, we’re taking action by hosting Sweat for the Environment on Saturday, April 26th at our Lynnwood location. This partner workout competition features multiple divisions and three workouts over three hours. The top three teams will choose which environmental non-profit will receive a portion of our $9,000 donation as part of our commitment to 1% for the Planet.
We’re bringing in environmental organizations like EarthCorps, Washington National Park Fund, Puget Soundkeeper, Viva Farms and the Glacier Peak Institute, with more to come. These organizations will be on-site to share their work, answer questions, and provide opportunities for you to get involved through donations and volunteer sign-ups.
The Time to Act is Now
Our environment cannot wait. We must take action to preserve the lands, waters, and ecosystems that make our world livable—not just for us, but for future generations. We can make a difference. I know we can, because I’ve seen it happen before.
Join us on April 26th. Support environmental non-profits. Speak up for our public lands.
The future of our planet depends on what we do today. Learn more and register for the event below!
Join us for Sweat for the Environment on April 26th at our Lynnwood location from 9am - 1pm!
A high-energy fitness competition where your sweat makes a difference! Gather your team, push your limits, and compete for a cause—each team chooses a 1% for the Planet nonprofit to sweat for. The top three teams will earn the opportunity to allocate a donation from Experience Momentum to their chosen nonprofit.
But that’s not all! Every participant or spectator who donates to any 1% for the Planet nonprofit at the event will be entered into a raffle for some rad prizes (Like a Cotopaxi backpack, Seattle Aquarium membership, 60 minute massage, fitness memberships, and more!). It’s a win-win—fuel your fitness, support the planet, and have a blast doing it!
Non-Profits and Small Businesses joining us are: EarthCorps, Puget Soundkeeper, WA National Park Fund, Glacier Peak Institute, Viva Farms, Kula Cloth, Premiums for the Planet, Washington B Corp, and more.
We will have food, drinks, and music for participants and spectators to enjoy. Get ready to work hard, give back, and make an impact!
Spectators do not need to register and can come as they please any time between 9am & 1pm.
The Specifics:
Register with a partner or independently (don’t worry we will get you a rad teammate).
Choose your gender group: male/male, female/female, or gender inclusive.
Choose your division: prescribed (RX) or scaled.*
Teams will represent and sweat for a 1% for the Planet nonprofit of choice! If your team places in top 3 for the competition in any given category your nonprofit receives a portion of the $9,000 donated funds from EM (1st place: $750, 2nd place: $500, 3rd place: $250).
Teams will participate in 3 events: one endurance-based, one strength-based, and one floating event (think short but sweet).
Spectators are welcome to come cheer on the athletes, eat food, drink coffee or beer, talk to our environmental non-profit partners, and meet local businesses.
Please note that to register you have to “add to cart” and then go to your cart to complete checkout/registration.
*You can change your division for RX or scaled once the workout is published.
Have any questions? Please email us fitness@experiencemomentum.com!