AdventureCORPS events happen not in a man-made stadium, but in the real world “out there.” We care deeply about the natural world for we are intrinsically linked with it and because we want to enjoy these events in their awesome natural settings for a long, long time. Here is what we are doing, so far, to mitigate the impact of our events, as well as some current thoughts about doing better.

We are extremely pleased to have joined One Percent For The Planet on July 1, 2008. As such, we donate at least 1% of total revenues (in other words, “off the top,” not just 1% of profit, which would be next to nothing!) to environmental causes. This is in addition to all the work we do on behalf of – and donations we make to – our non-environmental Official Charities, Challenged Athletes Foundation and Major Taylor Association.

1% For The Planet is a growing global movement of over 5700 companies (and counting) that donate 1% of their sales to a network of thousands of environmental organizations worldwide. As of 2023, this collective giving has totaled over 500 million dollars supporting over 6300 environmental partners in 112 countries. We are pleased and proud to be in such good company! More info at www.onepercentfortheplanet.org.

Also in association with our membership in 1% For The Planet, we are pleased to recognize the Bald Head Island Conservancy – a leader in barrier island conservation, preservation and education – as an Official Charity of AdventureCORPS / Badwater. Race participants will appreciate that the BHIC cares for this race route’s pristine setting and its role as sea turtle nesting site, and will be encouraged to fundraise for the BHIC and support its mission. Learn more at www.bhic.org.

Since 2014, Badwater® and AdventureCORPS® have made or facilitated more than $125,000 in donations to the Bald Head Island Conservancy. As Chris Kostman, Chief Adventure Officer and Race Director, says: “We love Bald Head Island and we love working with the Conservancy and supporting the important work they do both on and off the island!”

According to Chris Shank, Executive Director of the BHI Conservancy, “Badwater has been a wonderful supporter of the Bald Head Island Conservancy for nearly a decade through generous sponsorships and magnanimous donations from racers. We love working with Chris Kostman and his team each and every year – it is an annual highlight for the Conservancy and for all of Bald Head Island!”

Our goal is to raise at least $10,000 every year for the Bald Head Island Conservancy, which aids in the purchase of new UTV vehicles which the BHIC use to patrol the beach and care for sea turtle nesting sites. All racers are encouraged to support BHIC and all money donated or raised by them will count towards this ambitious goal. More info at www.bhic.org or donate here (mention “Badwater” in the comments.)

In association with our membership in 1% For The Planet, we joined the Death Valley Natural History Association as Life Members, purchased Life Memberships for several of our long-time volunteers, and recognized DVNHA as an Official Charity of AdventureCORPS from 2009 onward. DVNHA is a non-profit organization supporting education, research, and preservation in Death Valley National Park and Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Some of their efforts include DeathValley R.O.C.K.S. (bringing inner city kids to experience one of the largest outdoor classrooms in the world), Devil’s Hole Pupfish Recovery, Death Valley All Taxa Biological Inventory, plus they run the wonderful gift shops at the Furnace Creek Visitor’s Center, Scotty’s Castle Museum, Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station, and at the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Office. More info at www.dvnha.org.

We are extremely excited to announce that we joined The Conservation Alliance on September 10, 2008. The Conservation Alliance is an organization of outdoor businesses whose collective contributions support grassroots environmental organizations and their efforts to protect wild places where outdoor enthusiasts recreate. Alliance funds have played a key role in protecting rivers, trails, wildlands and climbing areas throughout North America.

Membership in the Alliance is open to companies representing all aspects of the outdoor industry, including manufacturers, retailers, publishers, mills and sales representatives. The result is a diverse group of businesses whose livelihood depends on protecting our natural environment. Since its inception in 1989, the Alliance has awarded over $30,000,000 in grants and helped protect 81 million acres and 3580 river miles, remove or halt 37 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas, and designate five marine reserves. More info at www.conservationalliance.com.