Lander Nonprofits Spotlight Local Conservation, Youth Wellness, and Trail Access During Annual Challenge for Charities
The 15th annual Challenge for Charities fundraiser is underway in Lander, Wyoming, highlighting the work of 55 local nonprofits and providing an opportunity for residents to contribute to causes that support community well-being, environmental conservation, youth engagement, and outdoor access, County 10 reports.
The giving campaign runs through July 10, 2025, with donations eligible for matching funds from the Lander Community Foundation.
Among the many participating organizations, four local nonprofits are drawing particular attention for their impactful contributions to Fremont County.
For over three decades, The Nature Conservancy in Wyoming (TNC) has worked to protect the state’s natural landscapes. The organization has helped conserve more than one million acres of land and plays an active role in Lander through stewardship of Red Canyon Ranch, a working cattle ranch and nature preserve. TNC uses the site for research and education while promoting sustainable land management practices.
As part of the Challenge for Charities campaign, TNC is also hosting community events, including guided hikes at Red Canyon Ranch and a film screening focused on water conservation, migration corridors, and sagebrush restoration. The group encourages donations to support its mission of protecting the lands and waters essential to all life.
For more information or to join upcoming events, residents can contact Pat Mettenbrink at [email protected].
The Treeline Project is focused on helping local youth access outdoor experiences for mental and physical wellness. Since its founding, the organization has worked to break down barriers such as cost, transportation, and equipment, which can limit young people’s access to nature.
In 2023–2024 alone, the nonprofit led 66 trips for 70 participants, ranging from hiking to llama-assisted wilderness treks. By partnering with local organizations such as the Lander Art Center and Tribal Fish and Game, The Treeline Project ensures its outreach is inclusive and community-driven.
Donations during Challenge for Charities will help fund food, gear, and transportation for future trips. More details can be found at thetreelineproject.org or on Instagram @thetreelineproject.
Since 2014, Wind River Dojo has provided martial arts instruction to children and adults in Lander. Now operating six days a week, the dojo offers Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai classes, all led by a team of volunteers. The nonprofit has grown steadily following a relocation to a new facility last year.
Wind River Dojo’s participation in Challenge for Charities helps cover key operational expenses such as equipment, facility upkeep, and youth scholarships. The goal is to keep martial arts education affordable and accessible for all community members.
To learn more or support the dojo’s mission, visit windriverdojo.org.
Wyoming Pathways is spearheading efforts to expand Lander’s outdoor trail system. The group recently announced a new 4-mile trail at Johnny Behind the Rocks (JBR), which will connect a new zone to the existing network. The project is being developed in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management and partially funded through a state grant.
To complete the trail, the organization is aiming to raise $15,000, with the first $10,000 in donations eligible for a match through Challenge for Charities. Previous investments by Wyoming Pathways, including the popular Upper Brewers Trail in Sinks Canyon, have led to significant returns in outdoor recreation infrastructure.
Supporters can donate by visiting: lander.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list and selecting “Wyoming Pathways.”
The Challenge for Charities campaign is open until July 10, 2025. Donors can choose to support one or multiple nonprofits, and matching funds from the Lander Community Foundation help amplify each contribution. For more information and a full list of participating organizations, visit the Lander Community Foundation website.
