Honoring Susan "Sam" Boren: A Legacy of Leadership and Philanthropy at NatureBridge

What drew Sam to NatureBridge was personal. “Steve [Sam’s husband] and I knew we wanted our giving to focus on the environment,” she explains. “But what really stood out to me about NatureBridge was the way it brought together the outdoors, education, and young people—especially young people who don’t always have access to these experiences.”

Sam’s own childhood experiences at Girl Scout camps sparked her lifelong appreciation for outdoor experiences. “I learned to hike, use a pocket knife, and start a fire—but more importantly, I learned about people,” she says. “I met girls who came from very different backgrounds than mine. They helped me understand the world in a new way.” That early exposure to the outdoors—and to new people and perspectives—shaped her understanding of the power of experiential education.

At NatureBridge, Sam brought her deep experience in board leadership and nonprofit governance to bear, helping evolve the organization’s practices to become more inclusive, strategic, and forward-thinking. She led the board during a time of growth and change, strengthening governance structures, launching an open board recruitment process, and championing NatureBridge’s commitments to equitable and inclusive practices. “I’ve always believed that boards should support the staff—not get in their way,” she says. “And that good governance builds a foundation for real impact.”

Sam also believes strongly in the power of giving—and in leading by example. A long-time donor, she has supported NatureBridge consistently and generously. “I never thought of myself as a philanthropist,” she reflects. “But I realized that giving publicly can inspire others. Philanthropy is about impact. If your gift can change a program, or a life, or help grow an organization’s future—why wouldn’t you give?”

To new board members or community members considering getting involved with NatureBridge (or any nonprofit), Sam’s advice is simple: “Lean in early. Ask questions. Be curious. Find the part of the mission that lights you up—and give your time and energy to that. You don’t have to know everything. You just have to care.”

Looking ahead, Sam is excited for what’s next—for both NatureBridge and the students it welcomes. “I hope NatureBridge continues to grow its reach and influence—not just as a program provider, but as a thought leader in environmental education,” she says. “There’s so much potential to inspire young people and show the world what’s possible when they’re connected to nature.”

Though she is concluding her service as board chair, Sam remains on the NatureBridge National Board for one year additional as our Board Chair Emeritus and continues to build a legacy of leadership grounded in integrity, generosity, and deep care for young people and the planet. Her impact is felt in the makeup of the board, the reach of our programs, and the lives of thousands of students who now see themselves—and their future—in a new perspective because of NatureBridge.

Thank you, Sam, for your extraordinary leadership and commitment. You’ve helped build a stronger NatureBridge, and your legacy will continue to shape the organization for years to come.