Whether it’s hiking, climbing, cycling, kayaking, or trying to outlast my opponents for 39 days on Survivor, I’ve been able to make the most of the great outdoors. That’s why the Redwood Creek Wines Greater Outdoors Project is so refreshing to me. They’re committing $130,000 to outdoor organizations nationwide. Nine nonprofit finalists will be selected, eight of which will be awarded $10,000 each. The title grant of $50,000 will go to one winner and it’s all up to the voters.
What’s more exciting than these quality wines offering a flavorful buzz of nature, is that I will be one of the elite panel of judges reviewing applications from hiking to water conservation to energy preservation groups. Whether clearing pollution from Lake Erie, collecting litter from the trails of the Redwood Forests, or sprucing up the appearance of the Everglades, any project dedicated to improving the outdoors is appropriate.
Last year’s Greater Outdoors Project grant was presented to Friends of New Orleans City Park, after 38,000 votes were tallied. The grant is currently being used to reestablish 19 acres of ecosystems in the Couturie Forest, a popular woodland nestled at the center of the park’s 1,300 acres that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. 
The Tonic community will have the opportunity to get my exclusive coverage of the all the finalists. From April 1–Aug. 31, 2010, outdoor enthusiasts can vote for their favorite nonprofit on Redwood’s website. The winning organization will be announced this September.
We should all do our part to give back to the environment and I’m honored to support these organizations that share their commitment to preserve, protect and provide access to America’s great outdoors.