The first inaugural “Hike for Hope” in honor of legendary conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall has just been announced.
The Jane Goodall Institute is calling on people to spend time in nature from October 1-4, 2026, either by attending an event or hosting a hike of their own.
Honoring Goodall’s legacy, the event is scheduled around the anniversary of her death, October 1, 2025.
“This global celebration provides a hope-filled opportunity to mark the late scientist’s passing,” the nonprofit shared in a press release.
“Dr. Jane Goodall died peacefully last October 1st, leaving behind a legacy of research, conservation, and youth action that continues through the Jane Goodall Institute.”
There is already a growing calendar of hikes across the U.S., but the institute’s Roots & Shoots Basecamps will also host official events in the following locations:
- Los Angeles, California
- Tampa Bay, Florida
- Chicago, Illinois
- Portland, Oregon
Basecamps are local centers that promote the institute’s youth program, Roots & Shoots, which encourages young people to make a positive impact on the world.
And JGI emphasizes that this event is not only for the pro hikers among us — it also aims to be inclusive and honor Goodall’s belief that every individual has the power to make a difference.
“Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, a commuter in a bustling city, or a suburbanite simply looking for a moment of connection with nature, you can participate in the way that works best for you,” the JGI press release continued.
“There is no required distance, pace, or activity — what matters is taking part and sharing in a collective commitment to hope and positive action.”
The Hike for Hope memorial follows the official naming of April 3 as Jane Goodall Day earlier this year, which celebrates Goodall’s birthday and encourages fans of her work to support the institute and other conservation-related causes.
While the nationwide hike is not specifically a fundraiser, JGI said it will help raise awareness for the nonprofit’s work to protect wildlife and habitats, inspire young people, and advance conservation solutions for all.
Participants are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #HikeForHope and tagging @JaneGoodallInst.
“Dr. Jane Goodall spent a lifetime fulfilling a vision of inspiring hope and transforming it into action. She was a powerful force, but she was also adamant that we all have the power to build a brighter future,” JGI USA executive director Anna Rathmann said in a statement.
“Hike for Hope is a reminder that we can all make an impact, and that impact is greater when we do it together. It is also an opportunity to reconnect with nature and admire its resilience, which was one of Jane’s greatest reasons for hope. I look forward to honoring Jane this October by lacing up my hiking boots and doing what she loved most: spending time outdoors, observing, and appreciating the natural world.”
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Featured Image: L.J. Garcia/Jane Goodall Institute
