Living just steps from Black Rock Forest is something we don’t take for granted. It’s right in our backyard, and it’s become a big part of our daily life. Our kids are growing up surrounded by trees, trails, and wildlife. We watch the seasons change out our window. We spot deer in the morning and listen to owls at night. It’s a constant reminder of how lucky we are to live so close to an expansive swath of wilderness.
We bring that same appreciation with us every year when we visit The Austin Family Cabin in the Adirondacks. It’s a time for our family to unplug, explore a different forest, and reconnect with each other and ourselves through play and unstructured time. Whether we’re hiking, swimming, or just sitting around the fire, it reminds us how important it is to care for places like these, for our kids and for future generations.
Black Rock Forest is a nonprofit organization that protects 3,920 acres of land in the Hudson Highlands, just 60 miles north of New York City. They focus on conservation, science, and education—working with schools, universities, and cultural institutions to help people of all ages connect with and learn from the natural world.
This year, we were proud to attend and sponsor Black Rock’s benefit luncheon at Tavern on the Green. We got to hear stories from people who’ve dedicated their lives to taking care of this forest—like John Brady, who’s been helping manage the land for over 46 years. It was inspiring to see how much of an impact one place and one person can have on so many people.
To help support their work, SallyeAnder is now a corporate sponsor of Black Rock Forest. We’ve committed to giving $10,000 each year, through both direct donations and fundraising promotions. We also donate our products for their annual events—so people can experience the forest and stay protected while enjoying it.
We’re especially proud that our No-Bite-Me™ Bug Repellent products are safe to use in places like Black Rock. They help keep bugs like mosquitoes and ticks away—without harsh chemicals—so you can spend more time outside doing what you love.
If you’ve got a forest, park, or trail near you, go enjoy it. And if you can, support it—by volunteering, donating, or even just picking up litter as you walk through. These places matter more than ever.