Zeal Optics, Weston & Smartwool Unite to Support National Forests with Backwoods Fellowship

October 4, 2021

Local Colorado brands partner with artist John Fellows for a unique collaboration

October 4, 2021 – BOULDER, Colo. – 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 our 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 our public lands, find products and become a part of the Fellowship to protect our forests.

About Zeal Optics

Based in Boulder, Colo., USA, Zeal Optics is a boutique brand focusing on handcrafted quality eyewear built for life outdoors. Dedicated to reducing its footprint, Zeal’s full sunglass line is petroleum-free, designed and crafted from renewable plant-based materials. Zeal Optics is also known for revolutionizing the goggle market with its patented polarized/photochromic “Automatic+” lens. For more info visit zealoptics.com and follow @zealoptics on Instagram and Facebook.

About Weston
Based out of Minturn, Colorado, Weston has been building bomber snowboards, splitboards and skis, while fostering community, spreading backcountry education, dirt bagging, loving Mother Earth, and slaying pow since 2012. To get involved with the people, places and causes that spread the stoke in our backcountry community or to find out more about Weston products check out www.WestonBackcountry.com.

About Smartwool

Based in Denver, Colorado, Smartwool® is a sock and apparel brand whose products are designed to get the most out of the inherent benefits of Merino wool and to bring comfort, confidence, and community to a life lived outside. For information on the full range of Smartwool® products or to find a dealer near you, please visit www.Smartwool.com. Smartwool, a division of VF Outdoor, LLC, is a brand of VF Corporation.

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