Paula Bush and Dreaming a Better World with NatureBridge
In her 30 years of teaching chemistry and earth science at San Marino High School just outside of Los Angeles, Paula Bush chaperoned 27 years of NatureBridge programs in Yosemite National Park. Each year, the program confirmed her belief in the importance of connecting kids to the outdoors.
“I watched NatureBridge change kids’ lives. I truly believe every kid should have the chance to attend an outdoor program like NatureBridge,” said Paula. “We have mountains 10 minutes away in San Marino and some of the students I taught had never been there.”
As a science teacher, Paula has long been an advocate for hands-on, out-of-the-classroom opportunities. For high school students, testing can be a huge obstacle. At NatureBridge, Paula was always thrilled that students were granted the opportunity to be curious without being tested.
“We’ve killed curiosity in kids!” she said. “NatureBridge is important because it’s not about book knowledge: It’s experiential. You walk on a trail and all of a sudden learning is much more alive.”
Most important was the continuity Paula found at NatureBridge: Tangible lessons that she could reinforce back in the students’ community about nature, being outdoors, caring for the earth and empowering leadership.
“NatureBridge fosters working together, figuring things out as a team, encouraging one another,” said Paula. “Every year, we have students who have never before had leadership roles at school or in the classroom. And all of a sudden at NatureBridge, they become the star. Magical things happened.”
“50 years ago, a group of people had a vision and a dream to change kids' lives by getting them outdoors. They inspired other people to carry on that vision and even though the details and logistics of the NatureBridge programs now look different, the original vision is still intact. That is testimony to the beauty and worth of having dreams. Can we keep dreaming a better world into existence? I say yes.”Paula Bush
It’s teachers like Paula who go the extra step—or mile—for their students. Year after year, our program leaders witnessed Paula show up for her students, leading the way on overnight expeditions in the rain, sleet and snow.
“50 years ago, a group of people had a vision and a dream to change kids' lives by getting them outdoors,” she said, reflecting on five decades of NatureBridge programming. “They inspired other people to carry on that vision and even though the details and logistics of the NatureBridge programs now look different, the original vision is still intact. That is testimony to the beauty and worth of having dreams. Can we keep dreaming a better world into existence? I say yes.”
Pivotal in engaging the next generation, Paula dedicated more than 27 years to creating pathways to learning, growth and environmental stewardship for her San Marino students in Yosemite. And today, she believes those pathways are more important than ever. Paula witnessed a change within her own neighborhood in the early days of the pandemic: As everyone was forced to stay at home, people began to be outdoors again in a daily way. And watching families doing things together outdoors was something she found to be quite wonderful.
“I think an upside of this Covid-19 pandemic has been the chance to reevaluate our priorities as people and as a culture,” said Paula. “We had become a society where children didn’t engage in self-directed play, but were always in adult-directed play. It’s been so fun to watch kids learn how to make their own play again. It was interesting, too, that the safest place to be with others was outside.”
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.