
Conserve It Forward
Environment. Education. Youth. Community.
Small acts, BIG change.
Our Mission: To promote environmental education, awareness, and action that benefits
both the natural world and people, inspiring youth and communities to Conserve It Forward!
CIF Rocks
Join us in decorating and hiding painted rocks to bring nature and smiles to people everywhere!
What you need to get started
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Rocks (from around your home, or in packs from stores; craft stores tend to be the most expensive)
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Acrylic paint (non-toxic)
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Paintbrushes (you can use toothpicks or other small tools for applying paint, too!)
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Something to cover your work area (newspaper, wax paper, etc.)
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Mod Podge Outdoor non-toxic sealer
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Sponge brush for applying Mod Podge
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#CIFRocks labels for the back of the rocks - download our label HERE.

Decorating your rocks
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Set up your supplies and get to painting! You may want to have some friends or family join you for the fun.
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Once your rocks are painted and dried, turn them upside down, with the decorated side facing down.
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Place one of our #CIFRocks labels (download our label HERE) on the bottom of the rock and apply Mod Podge with a sponge brush over it.
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Once the label side of the rock is dry, turn the rock right side up and apply Mod Podge over the painted part.
Once completely sealed and dried, your rocks are ready for hiding!
Hiding your rocks
When hiding your rocks, please use good judgement!
Always make sure that when hiding a rock, it will cause no harm to people, animals, or the environment.
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If at a location that follows Leave No Trace (like national parks), please do not leave rocks.
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Please do not hide rocks where someone may use a lawn mower or weed trimmer.
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Be mindful of trespassing or littering.
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Asking permission is a great practice.
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If in doubt, choose a different location.
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The practice of respect in hiding rocks goes along with the smiles we will spread to those who find the rocks
Photos
We love photos! Please share photos of your decorated and hidden rocks on social media, specifically Facebook and Instagram, with the suggested #CIFRocks and #ConserveItForward. You can email them to us, too!









