Congressional Leaders Champion NatureBridge’s Outdoor School During Olympic National Park Visit
Highlighting the critical importance of conservation and education, U.S. Representatives Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Annie Kuster (NH-02), Katie Porter (CA-47), and Mike Quigley (IL-05) recently toured Olympic National Park and the NatureBridge campus. The delegation's visit emphasized the significance of outdoor schools and the role of NatureBridge in fostering overnight outdoor learning experiences.
Celebrating Access to National Parks
During their visit, the representatives observed firsthand the expansiveness of NatureBridge’s programs, which engage students from varied backgrounds including rural Eastern Washington, the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe, and urban centers such as Houston, TX. This array highlights NatureBridge's commitment to accessibility and its impact on students from various backgrounds and locations as well as the support of the Every Kid Outdoors program that provides National Park passes for every fourth grader. The delegation stressed the importance of continued bipartisan support to expand these vital educational opportunities.
Congressional Support for NatureBridge
Rep. Mike Quigley lauded NatureBridge’s efforts, stating, "NatureBridge's exceptional programs provide invaluable hands-on learning experiences that are crucial for fostering a lifelong connection between young people and our natural world. Their work is vital for nurturing informed, environmentally-conscious citizens."
Rep. Katie Porter expressed her advocacy for outdoor learning, saying, "Educating Americans and young leaders about the environment is crucial for our planet’s future. I’m proud to support initiatives like Every Kid Outdoors and am grateful for NatureBridge’s role in this endeavor. Their immersive programs are essential for cultivating a generation of committed environmental stewards."
Rep. Jared Huffman remarked on the urgency of environmental education programs: "In this era of accelerating climate change, engaging our youth through programs like those offered by NatureBridge is more important than ever. These hands-on experiences are pivotal in developing environmentally-conscious youth."
Rep. Lloyd Doggett praised the educational impact of outdoor schools: "NatureBridge opens doors to our nation’s natural treasures and instills a profound respect for the environment in our youth. Their commitment is crucial for nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards."
Gratitude and Future Outlook from NatureBridge
Phillip Kilbridge, President and CEO of NatureBridge, thanked the legislators for their support: "We are very grateful to Rep. Kilmer, in whose district Olympic National Park, and his colleagues for their visit and their vital support of NatureBridge’s mission. Their leadership allows us to expand our programs, ensuring more students can benefit from immersive, hands-on learning in the world's greatest classrooms—our national parks."
The visit underscores the bipartisan recognition of the importance of outdoor education as a foundational element in developing well-rounded, knowledgeable citizens who are prepared to lead and innovate in all areas of life.
Stories
In Memory of Ty Cobb: A Visionary Leader of Resilience and Impact
Ty Cobb, former CEO of Yosemite National Institutes (now NatureBridge), passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024 in Reno at the age of 84. Known for his visionary leadership, resilience, and ability to inspire collaboration, Ty guided YNI through some of its most difficult moments while building a foundation for its future growth and success.
WildLink November 2024: Woodlake High School
This November, Woodlake High School students and chaperones arrived in Yosemite for their first year as a WildLink school, and we are so excited to have them on the team! That means that the brave students who signed up for this expedition had virtually no idea what to expect before signing up for the trip, because none of their peers had experienced it before them! The week, although quite frigid, was full of lovely views, learning about Wilderness, spending lots of time by the river, and enjoying the beauty of Yosemite Valley and Wilderness. Their educators Sarah and Amelia were excited to help this group feel a sense of belonging in this place. They were also lucky enough to be joined by Ranger Lissie on their first day in the Wilderness!
Fall Reflections from NatureBridge Yosemite
As an environmental science educator, I spend a lot of time teaching about nature, but this season I’ve been finding that as it turns out, nature has a lot to teach us, too. Sometimes I can let the trees, the meadow, and the lichen teach for me. They show us how to respect each other’s boundaries, how to celebrate differences, how to work together, and how to lean on each other’s strengths in order to exist in a new place. These lessons felt incredibly relevant to me heading into the first week of November, a notoriously busy time at NatureBridge Yosemite. I wanted to focus on messages of kindness and inclusivity with my students, I wanted them to feel a sense of belonging in this new space, and I also hoped that they would share those messages with others.