Miles of Meaning, Mountains of Impact: Krista Campbell and The Dipsea Race
When Krista Campbell laced up her running shoes for this year’s Dipsea Race, she wasn’t just in it for the views or the thrill of the course—she was running with purpose. A NatureBridge National Board member, Krista chose this iconic race as an opportunity to support a cause she holds close to her heart: getting more young people out into nature.
Krista first learned about NatureBridge while working for Google in Singapore. Her business school classmate, Ananda Baron, served on NatureBridge’s Board of Directors at the time, and Krista was inspired by Ananda’s involvement with the organization. Krista made a mental note to explore NatureBridge further once she returned to the U.S. When her daughter Olive later attended an environmental science program with her class at NatureBridge Golden Gate, Krista decided to act on her initial feelings of inspiration, now coupled with the family’s personal connection to NatureBridge. Krista joined the National Board of Directors in spring 2024 with a strong desire to make a meaningful impact.
It’s clear to me that my early exposure to the outdoors instilled in me an ongoing love for nature, and it’s so important to me to ensure that the next generation gets that opportunity through organizations like NatureBridge.Krista Campbell, NatureBridge Board Member
Krista brought to the NatureBridge board a wealth of experience from her career in partnerships and executive leadership at Google and beyond. As an active board member, she’s already rolled up her sleeves to support several committees and events, including co-leading a Revenue Committee that advises staff on sales, marketing, and development activity, and hosting keynote speaker Kate Brandt, Google’s Chief Sustainability Officer, at the May 2025 “An Evening with NatureBridge” fundraising event. Though new to nonprofit governance, Krista has embraced her board role with curiosity and dedication. “It’s exciting and rewarding to be able to apply skills and knowledge from a seemingly different background to a mission I deeply care about,” she says.
For Krista, environmental education is more than a novelty; it’s a necessity. “I wish more people knew about the possibilities to integrate environmental education into the school curriculum,” she says. Krista also emphasizes the importance of making nature accessible for all students, especially those who might not otherwise experience national parks or outdoor education. “It’s hard to care for a place you haven’t seen,” she reflects.
Particularly for kids that would not otherwise be exposed to national parks or other majestic nature, programs like NatureBridge are critical if we hope to cultivate the environmental stewards of tomorrow.Krista Campbell, NatureBridge Board Member
That deep sense of place inspired Krista to begin participating in the Dipsea Race—America’s oldest trail race, first run in 1905—four years ago. With its unique tiered start system and breathtaking 7.5-mile route from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach in the Bay Area’s northern peninsula, the Dipsea challenges athletes of all ages and backgrounds. “The whole community comes out and watches,” Krista says. “It’s such a deep-into-nature race.”
This year, for the first time, Krista decided to turn her tradition of racing in the Dipsea into a fundraiser for NatureBridge. To Krista, it felt “so fitting to use this opportunity to raise money for NatureBridge, an organization whose mission is to help young people get outdoors, disconnect from screens, and connect with nature.” With help from NatureBridge’s development staff, Krista launched an online fundraising page and emailed it to her friends and family—many of whom were new to NatureBridge and its mission. The result? Over $2,000 raised and a strong desire to do it all again.
Reflecting her unwavering commitment to making nature accessible to all young people, Krista’s Dipsea experience proves that one person’s passion can pave the way for lasting impact.
Photos courtesy of Krista Campbell
Stories
Miles of Meaning, Mountains of Impact: Krista Campbell and The Dipsea Race
When Krista Campbell laced up her running shoes for this year’s Dipsea Race, she wasn’t just in it for the views or the thrill of the course—she was running with purpose. A NatureBridge National Board member, Krista chose this iconic race as an opportunity to support a cause she holds close to her heart: getting more young people out into nature.
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