Sponsor Spotlight: Michael Doyle Properties
NatureBridge is fortunate to have the support of numerous organizations that share our vision and passion for our mission. As we gear up for our annual Evening on the Lake event in Seattle, we’d like to highlight Michael Doyle Properties, one of the evening’s many generous sponsors. Thanks to individuals like Michael Doyle, our programs are not only able to continue, but to thrive. Leading up to Friday’s event, he took the time to shed light on his personal connection to NatureBridge.
Michael understands the importance of both connecting young people to the outdoors through effective environmental education and continuing the preservation of our national parks. In fact, he believes the two are critical, which led to his sponsorship of Evening on the Lake and our mission to inspire stewardship of our planet.
Reflecting on family excursions to Yosemite National Park as a child, Michael recalls these adventures as times of discovery and learning. The respect and awe he gained for nature during those national park visits, which he considers among the most memorable parts of his childhood, have stayed with him to this day. His hope is that he can carry on the traditions of outdoor exploration and education with his own family.
I want my two young children to have similar experiences, to enjoy parks in their childhood, to learn how to simply ‘be’ in nature. In 10 years, when I ask them if they want to raft [or] kayak the Grand Canyon with me, I want them to say yes… and I want there to be a Grand Canyon as we currently know it.Michael Doyle
In addition to a commitment of advocacy, integrity and service to his clients, Michael prioritizes giving back. For each property marketed or acquired with his help, a donation is made to the Windermere Foundation, Plymouth Housing Group, Family Works and YouthCare. This year, we are very thankful to have Michael and Michael Doyle Properties as an Evening on the Lake sponsor.
A celebration of our outdoor environmental science programs in Olympic National Park, Evening on the Lake is an annual opportunity for attendees to connect with our educators and explore the impact of our programs. Contributions from the evening support our scholarship fund, which grants many deserving kids the opportunity to discover learning through the natural world.
Stories
2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz
At NatureBridge, we celebrate the stewards of today and foster the development of the stewards of tomorrow, working to inspire environmental stewardship in all our participants. Our goal is to motivate our students to make waves and be changemakers in their communities and for our planet.
Each year, NatureBridge honors a student who has demonstrated leadership, growth and a commitment to protecting our natural world as a result of their participation in a NatureBridge program. This year’s honoree will be recognized and will speak at An Evening Outside with NatureBridge on Thursday, May 16 at our Golden Gate campus.
We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz.
An Interview with Evening Outside Keynote Speaker Dr. Britt Wray
The minute we found out about the work of Dr. Britt Wray, we knew we wanted to learn more about her. A well-respected author and scientist, Dr. Wray possesses expertise in an area of research we talk about a lot at NatureBridge—specifically how we can be resilient, hopeful, and actionable amid a changing world, including the climate crisis. We’re thrilled that Dr. Wray will be joining us on May 16 for An Evening Outside with NatureBridge as our Featured Speaker. Ahead of the event, we had the chance to ask her a few questions relating to her work and her connection to the mission of NatureBridge.
Staff Spotlight: Appreciation for Miho Aida
Miho Aida (she/they) has held multiple roles at NatureBridge over the past twenty-four years, including Environmental Science Educator, Community Connection Coordinator, Field Staff Scientist, Marine Project Coordinator, Pacific Rim Environmental Education Specialist, Armstrong Scholars Educator, Diversity Coordinator, Equity and Inclusion Manager, and Director of Equity and Inclusion. Now, on the eve of Miho's departure, we asked them to reflect on their time at NatureBridge and share a bit about their upcoming adventures.