Book + Beverage For Fall 2024

THE BOOK

HIGHER GROUND: HOW THE OUTDOOR RECREATION INDUSTRY CAN SAVE THE WORLD BY LUIS BENITEZ

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Luis Benitez speaks for the trees. The passionate Colorado local is forging a new path in the outdoor recreation landscape, connecting the industry with the need for integrated policy in his book Higher Ground: How The Outdoor Recreation Industry Can Save The World.

The author proudly currently serves as the chief impact officer at the Trust for Public Land. In 2015, Benitez was appointed by Senator John Hickenlooper, who was serving as governor of Colorado at the time, to lead the just-established Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. Throughout his roles, Benitez has led with optimism to ensure our public lands will continue to flourish for the days, decades and centuries to follow.

Higher Ground begins with a foreword by Hickenlooper and an introduction by Erik Weihenmayer. Weihenmayer was the first blind man to reach the top of Mount Everest, accompanied by Benitez every step of the way. In the proceeding 281 pages, Benitez himself discusses and dissects how the outdoor recreation industry can save the world. His own story and engaging narration are weaved through his chapters including the topics of hunting, climbing, Zoom, his connection to Ecuador, six Mount Everest summits, asthma and more.

Earth’s longevity relies on people using their voices for good. Benitez applies this approach, urging readers to acknowledge their vital role and responsibility. He illustrates the industry’s beneficial economic impact and emphasizes the need for further academia support in outdoor recreation nationwide.

This book will inspire you to live your most joyous and genuine life because Benitez reminds you “the best mountaineers are optimists.” Use the side trails and obstacles life throws at you as your fuel to continue the uphill climb. This practice is essential for “the perseverance needed to build a political movement to make the world a better place,” Benitez writes.

There’s one thing Benitez wants people to know about the purpose of his book: “Our industry is no longer about fun people making and doing things,” Benitez articulates. “We now have an obligation as a trillion-dollar economy to act like one. Everyone who recreates plays a part in this.”

In honor of the “giving” issue of S+B, give Higher Ground a read, and learn how to join the journey towards an American economy and policy aiding global preservation and rescue.

THE BEVERAGE

SPARKLING WATER + APPLE JUICE

To celebrate Benitez, sip on the author’s go-to favorite beverage: a refreshing glass of sparkling water and apple juice. You are not just crafting a drink that tastes like it is meant to be savored surrounded by multi-colored leaves — you are fueling up for your next adventure.

Apple juice has an abundant amount of vitamin C and fiber, boosting immunity, enhancing skin health, detoxifying your gut and more. The carbonation adds an additional hint of spice, encouraging you to savor every sip. Feel free to choose any of your favorite sparkling water brands. It is the reader’s choice on how much apple juice to add — whether just a splash or filling most of your glass. We recommend using apple juice or cold apple cider from The Apple Shed in Cedaredge.

Originally published in the Fall 2024 issue of Spoke+Blossom.