Small Acts, Big Impact: Join Gear Hut Reno's Monthly Cleanup at Huffaker Park

So many cool people to meet in the community.  Some topics we covered?  Dexter, thrift store fashion, women rocking men's pants (and vice versa), poop, and, well, more poop. LOL This is only a small fraction of who made it out. Sorry y'all.  I'll catch you next time.

Local Business Feature:

Gear Hut 

318 Broadway Blvd, Reno, NV 89502

*Website

*Instagram

*Cleanup Address:

Google "Huffaker Hills Trailhead" 

Alexander Lake Rd, Reno, NV 89521

Past Flyer. Stay tuned for future cleanups. Follow Gear Hut's Instagram for the latest updates.

Every month, Gear Hut proves the power of small intentional acts with their monthly community clean-up at Huffaker Hill Trailhead. This initiative to keep the park clean has grown into a meaningful way for locals to come together, take pride in their environment, and inspire others to do the same.  

The biggest little adventurers & heart & soul of Gear Hut, from left to right: Leah, Winnie, and Rusty.

While each clean-up might seem like a small task, the impact is anything but.  Even the smallest efforts, when multiplied, create lasting change.  Sure, we have a lot of work ahead of us, but every big mission always starts with the right mentality and small, purposeful steps in the right direction. By showing up, even for just an hour or two, we’re contributing to a cleaner, stronger, and more connected community.  Beyond giving back, these clean-ups also offer a chance to connect with other outdoorsy people who share a love for nature. When you spend enough time outside, caring for it becomes second nature. Gear Hut understands this better than anyone. As a consignment shop for outdoor gear, they play a crucial role in reducing waste by giving gently used equipment a second life. Not only does this make outdoor adventures more accessible by lowering costs, but it also minimizes our environmental footprint, promoting a more sustainable approach to recreation.

Even Patagonia took a stand in 2011 with its bold "Don't Buy This Jacket" campaign, urging consumers to rethink their purchasing habits and lighten their environmental impact. Gear Hut’s commitment echoes the same values, promoting active lifestyles while practicing sustainability through mindful consumption and waste reduction.

When things feel overwhelming, when it seems like the world is heading in the wrong direction, I take comfort in knowing that there will always be people who step up to the challenge, doing what they can to make a difference, often in the smallest ways. This is the power of community. This is humanity in action. And I couldn’t be happier to be part of it.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ve probably noticed a pattern in the businesses I highlight - those that bring value, kindness, and so much more to our community. I support Gear Hut wholeheartedly and love featuring them on my blog because I truly believe in their mission. They make it easier for people to discover the magic of the outdoors with purpose, conviction, and super affordable gear. Huge thanks to Leah and Rusty, the awesome owners of Gear Hut, and their sweet, silly, and adventurous daughter, Winnie, for showing us the way.

P.S. Our morning with Gear Hut was an adventure from start to finish.  Glass hunting, using “superpowers” to conquer treks up hills, snacking with friends, hanging out with cool cats, and learning how to wield tools (specifically a shovel) in the battle against invasive species. The excitement over spotting poop piles was at an all-time high (because, of course), and stumbling upon shards of broken glass had me spinning all sorts of wild theories about how they got there. Did I mention how ridiculously satisfying it is to pluck a plastic bag off the ground? Ooooh, and there was some classic kid-swapping among parents (shoutout to Leah and Rusty) for a little socializing and much-needed relief, LOL. It was a morning for the books.

Live by example. Love by example. Lead by example.

See you out there,
Kat

Notes

-Recurring event: Sign up for Gear Hut's newsletter on their website or follow them on Instagram to stay updated on future cleanups and other events like guided hikes and DIY snowboard painting workshops.
-Cleaning tools provided by Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful
-Kid and dog-friendly (on leash)
-Light beverages and snacks provided by Gear Hut.  Bring your own mug.

-Sell your gear with Gear Hut for a profit

The remedy for regaining your dignity after picking up after a stranger’s dog? A croissant, of course - after sanitizing your hands, obviously! Come on, people.

***Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own.

Photography
©Katherine Fung,
All Rights Reserved.

Categorized Under "Volunteer Opportunities"

Finding Beauty in the Everday: Reflections from Sparks Marina

Sparks Marina

300 Howard Drive, 

Sparks, NV 89434

Ever since I can remember, I've felt a deep connection to nature - one that has always been difficult to articulate. I became consciously aware of it sometime around junior high, but in hindsight, I know it began long before that. Perhaps it was the endless summers at the beach with my brothers and cousins, tumbling through the waves, experiencing an unfiltered sense of joy and freedom. Or maybe it was the evenings at Seaport Village, where my family and I wandered along the waterfront, immersed in the salty air, the melodies of street musicians, and the simple comfort of togetherness.

Somewhere in the mix of those experiences, my appreciation for the world around me took root. Maybe my love for nature is an extension of the love I was raised with... an unconscious response to the warmth my family provided. Or perhaps it’s something more intrinsic... an innate part of who I am that defies easy explanation. Whatever the source, this deep appreciation for the world has always been a part of me.

Psychologists often discuss the concept of awe.  You know...the feeling of wonder and vastness that can shift our perspective and make us feel connected to something greater than ourselves. Studies suggest that experiencing awe, particularly in nature, can increase well-being, reduce stress, and even make us more compassionate. Maybe that’s why I feel so drawn to the world around me. I may not always have the perfect words to describe it, but I know the feeling well: the magic of simply being present, of recognizing the extraordinary within the ordinary.

It’s easy to get caught up in stress, regrets, and uncertainties.  Yet, when we take a step back and shift our perspectivewe uncover something far greater - the simple yet profound gift of existence itself.

Photography

© Katherine Fung,

All Rights Reserved.

Categorized Under "Photography and Gear"