This commitment to community and conservation is deeply rooted in my family’s passion for the outdoors.
Mountain Sports Flagstaff is more than just a retailer; it’s a testament to the passion and dedication of my family, the Lambersons, who have been an integral part of Flagstaff’s outdoor scene since 1980. As the store’s second-generation owner, I’ve carried on my family’s legacy with unwavering commitment, and our impact on both the outdoor industry and the local community is truly remarkable.
This commitment to community and conservation is deeply rooted in my family’s passion for the outdoors. As a Camp Colton alumna myself, I understand the profound impact that outdoor experiences can have on a young person’s life. My journey from camper to community leader exemplifies the spirit of Mountain Sports and its dedication to nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards and adventure seekers.
“The enduring support of Mountain Sports has created countless moments of discovery, learning and fun for thousands of kids at Camp Colton,” said Friends of Camp Colton Executive Director Ari Wilder. “Friends of Camp Colton relies on the generosity of our community to sustain the Camp tradition of connecting kids with their local environment. It’s amazing to have Camp alumni like Lisa Lamberson, who grow up to become local leaders who give back. Over the years, our partnership with Mountain Sports has raised awareness and significant funds for our educational programs, developing the next generation of environmental stewards, adventurers and nature lovers. Just like Camp Colton, Mountain Sports has a tremendous legacy in Flagstaff and we are honored to be a part of their story.”
This legacy is most evident in our company’s commitment to the 1% for the Planet program. Our store has consistently granted 1% of our annual sales to support local organizations working tirelessly to protect the natural beauty of Northern Arizona and define the culture of our mountain town. My team and I understand that taking care of wild places is not just a responsibility, but a labor of love, and we’re proud to report that we’ve granted more than $250,000 to local environmental partners like Friends of Camp Colton and Grand Canyon Trust.
“Mountain Sports has been an invaluable partner in achieving conservation success in Northern Arizona and the greater Colorado Plateau for decades. Whether amplifying the Grand Canyon Trust’s conservation goals and needs, donating proceeds from Patagonia sample sales, providing financial support through the 1% for the Planet program, and more, Lisa and the team at Mountain Sports exemplify what it means to be a true community partner,” said Grand Canyon Trust Senior Director of Development Libby Ellis.
But my commitment to our community goes beyond financial support. It’s about genuine collaboration and an unwavering dedication to making Flagstaff a better place.
“Mountain Sports has been a business leader in philanthropy in the Flagstaff Community both in terms of financial support and authentic collaboration with non-profits, like Grand Canyon Youth. Their support over the years in its many forms has been invaluable to our ability to connect young people to the transformational power of the rivers and canyons of the Southwest,” said Grand Canyon Youth Executive Director Emma Wharton. “We are deeply grateful for all they do for Grand Canyon Youth and the Flagstaff community!”
When you walk into our shop downtown, we hope you don’t just enter a store; we want you to become a part of a community that cares deeply about the environment and the well-being of its residents. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or a novice hiker, you’re welcomed with open arms and the knowledge that your purchase is contributing to something much greater.
I feel a profound sense of gratitude for the enduring partnership between Patagonia, Mountain Sports Flagstaff and the Lamberson family. We like to remind everyone that our connection to nature and our commitment to the planet are not separate from our daily lives but an integral part of who we are as a community. Through our unwavering dedication to conservation and our genuine support for local non-profits, I’m proud to say my family business has not only helped to shape the landscape of Flagstaff but also the hearts of its residents.
In an era where environmental stewardship is paramount, we hope you will join us and together, we can continue to explore, preserve and cherish the natural wonders that surround us, ensuring that the legacy of conservation and community commitment lives on for generations to come. FBN
By Lisa M. Lamberson
Lisa M. Lamberson is the second-generation owner of Mountain Sports Flagstaff, located at 24 N. San Francisco St., in the historic downtown. To learn more about 1% for the Planet and the local organizations Mountain Sports Flagstaff supports, visit https://www.mountainsportsflagstaff.com.
Courtesy Photo: Mountain Sports owner Lisa Lamberson and her dad, founder Mark Lamberson, display a large collection of Patagonia selections in the downtown Flagstaff store.
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