Los Angeles
Usal + REI – Opt Outside Picnic & Plant ID Hike
Opt Outside.
Ten years ago, REI made history by closing its doors on Black Friday and paying employees to spend the day outdoors instead. That decision sparked Opt Outside, a movement that has redefined the holidays as a time for connection, experience, and meaning beyond consumerism. In celebration of a decade of Opt Outside, we are partnering with REI this Saturday for a special Griffith Park picnic and plant identification walk.
Together, we’ll honor the stories and experiences that have shaped the movement, while creating a memorable, on-the-ground experience that inspires Angelenos to pause, connect, and discover something more meaningful outdoors.
Ticket Type
When
11/08
Time
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Intensity
Event Description
On Saturday morning we will gather in Griffith Park for a guided hike and hilltop community picnic. Along the trail, participants will engage with the landscape through storytelling, reflection, and movement before arriving at a scenic destination. Here, we'll enjoy a spread of fresh, nourishing food, coffee, and other beverages, along with time to connect as a community.
Jason Wise
Jason Wise, also known as Jason Journeyman, is a Certified California Naturalist, environmental educator, conservationist, trail guide, photographer, LGBTQ activist, and writer. Holding a master's degree in environmental policy (MPP), Jason is passionate about fostering a deeper connection between people and nature. He believes that access to and education about the natural world are essential for cultivating strong environmental advocates. His work explores foraging, urban ecology, queer ecology, mindfulness, and the intersections of nature, balance, travel, stress, joy, and relationships—elements he considers vital for a fulfilling life and a healthier planet.
Jillie Varona
Jillie is a California native private chef who aims to use food as a means of connectivity. With every meal made and shared, her mission is to create spaces where people can indulge in their eating experience. Indulgence to Jillie means eating without restriction, eating from a place of trust in your body, and knowing that her meals are intended to nourish your body from the inside out, giving you the energy to move with ease.
