Before the Super Bowl took place last month, Portland-based Columbia Sportswear and Breakside Brewery joined forces for a feculent take on the well-worn woodsmen quip, “Does a bear sh*t in the woods?” In a move too prurient for even Portlandia, Columbia and Breakside poked fun at the Super Bowl beer ads by collaborating on a beer made with bear scat. Columbia supplied treated water that contained bear scat, which Breakside then used to produce this one-of-a-kind beer, appropriately named Nature Calls.
That’s one way to support wildlife. But there are others. Here are some beers and ciders that provide the opportunity to support wildlife initiatives without sipping scat — unless, of course, that’s your jam. You know, you do you!
Aslan Brewing | Bellingham, Washington
Created to celebrate Washington Farmland Trust’s 25-year milestone, Love the Land IPA honors the deep connection between farming and wildlife. The trust has conserved thousands of acres and supported hundreds of farms throughout Washington, helping preserve critical habitat alongside working lands. To be released June 2026.
Ferment Brewing | Hood River, Oregon
Ferment’s third collaboration with the Oregon Wildlife Foundation, Wild & Free We Roam Golden Ale celebrates the species and landscapes Oregonians cherish — from Pacific coast puffins to Cascade mountain pika. Brewed with Oregon-grown, traditional floor-malted barley from Admiral Maltings and balanced doses of Chinook and Simcoe hops, the beer underscores OWF’s conservation mission.
Portland Cider Company | Clackamas, Oregon
Each summer, Portland Cider partners with the Oregon Zoo Foundation. A portion of proceeds from every Portland Cider 6-pack sold at participating Safeway and Albertsons locations supports animal care, veterinary services and global conservation initiatives.
Schilling Cider | Auburn, Washington
As part of its Keep It Wild initiative, Schilling Cider will donate 5% of sales from its three top SKUs in April to nonprofits dedicated to preserving wild spaces. Now in its fifth year, the initiative has raised more than $245,000 to date. Consumers can also participate through a sweepstakes for a chance to win a 2023 Chevy Bolt EV from Schilling’s fleet.
Payette Brewing | Boise, Idaho
Released in 2023, Trout Hero IPA was the first beer brewed with Trout-Safe certified hops and grains. The project raised awareness for the Trout-Safe certification program — a collaboration among Salmon-Safe, Friends of the Teton River, Henry’s Fork Foundation and The Nature Conservancy of Idaho — helping agricultural producers protect vital waterways.
Finnriver Cidery | Chimacum, Washington
Honoring the salmon-bearing stream that runs alongside Finnriver’s farm and cidery, Shaded Stream Cider supports the North Olympic Salmon Coalition’s habitat restoration efforts. Crafted from certified organic apples, the cider is aged on Western red cedar staves and infused with locally grown blue and black elderberries and elderflowers. It is proudly Salmon-Safe certified, reflecting Finnriver’s commitment to watershed health.
Wildland Cooperative | Colbert, Washington
Brewed in collaboration with the Spokane Riverkeeper, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of For the River Lager is donated to Spokane Riverkeeper each quarter, supporting advocacy and protection efforts for the Spokane River.
Single Hill Brewing | Yakima, Washington
Howdy Pils is a seasonal release that supports the Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group, helping fund habitat restoration and fisheries enhancement work throughout the region.
Hopworks Brewery | Portland, Oregon
Certified Salmon-Safe as an entire brewery, Hopworks has been committed to treading lightly on the planet for nearly 17 years. Tree Frog Organic Pale Ale, for instance, highlights the brewery’s practices of prioritizing watershed and ecosystem health.
