We received the notice from our local tax collector that is was time to renew the registration on my wife’s SUV this past week. A mere formality, but something I still do one year at a time instead of taking the option to renew for 2 years. It’s in the hopes this may finally be the year we pick up and move out of Florida. (Most notably to live closer to trout water and fly fishing culture.)
I tend to let myself down each year in that regard.
But do you know who I shouldn’t let down? All those conservation organizations out there working to protect our outdoor interests.
Now I’m not going to lie, I get a constant barrage of physical, paper mail almost every week from these organizations seeking financial support. Most days I discard them with the other flyers and advertisements that still seem to show up in my mailbox, but today, as I sat down to pay the car registration, it was a good reminder to re-up my annual memberships to these various orgs too.
Not that you asked, but here’s a short list of the groups I support:
Trout Unlimited – The big daddy. I don’t agree with all their stances, but I do feel they do a ton of good. Even though I live in Florida, my donations still support the Valley Forge (PA) chapter.
Native Fish Coalition – Like TU, I don’t agree with everything they put out, but appreciate the extremely passionate and grass-roots nature. Also, not trout specific.
Florida Trail Association – Again, not fishing related, but they do a ton to maintain our trail system on which I enjoy recreating.
The Audubon Society – Not fishing related, but I like birds a lot too. I support this nationally, as well as locally through the St. Johns County (FL) chapter.
National Parks Conservation Association – The National Park system seems to be under constant threat these days. I don’t know if this is the best org to donate to in its behalf, but I like many things it stands for.
Friends of the Smokies – A little closer to home and the specific area in which I recreate most frequently.
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers – While public lands are not as prevalent on the east coast, protecting those wonderful wild places further west is just as important. Once something is taken, it will never be given back.
So, that’s the list. I feel like I’ve either donated time or financial support to others, but those were all the ones I recently renewed memberships or made donations to for 2026. What outdoor organizations do you support? I’d love to be exposed to more people doing great things.
