In Memory of Robert Redford: Champion of Outdoor Education and National Parks
We mourn the passing of Robert Redford—iconic actor, filmmaker, environmentalist, and passionate supporter of outdoor education. From 1984 to 1989, Redford served on the board of Yosemite National Institutes (now NatureBridge), where he championed immersive environmental science programs that continue to inspire generations of students in national parks across the country.
Redford’s love for Yosemite began in childhood. After recovering from polio at age 11, his mother took him on a healing trip to the park where they drove through the iconic Tunnel View. “When we came out the other side of the tunnel, I was blown away,” he recalled. “I didn’t want to look at this—I wanted to be in it.” That transformative moment led him to return as a young adult to work at Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge, spending every free moment exploring the wilderness. “Yosemite claimed me,” he later said. (Full article)
As a board member, Redford brought his deep personal connection to Yosemite into his philanthropic and advocacy work. He helped expand YNI’s reach—including support for the emerging campus in the Marin Headlands—and narrated a series of videos showcasing NatureBridge’s environmental education programs in Yosemite and at the Headlands. He also lent his voice to the powerful Jon Else documentary Yosemite: The Fate of Heaven, highlighting the threats facing this crown jewel of America’s national parks.
In 2007, Redford joined longtime friend Tom Brokaw as a keynote speaker at a special event honoring legendary adventure photographer Galen Rowell. That evening celebrated the launch of NatureBridge’s Galen Rowell Award, recognizing visual storytellers who capture the beauty and urgency of protecting wild places.
Robert Redford’s legacy as an environmental advocate and storyteller lives on in the millions he inspired—and in every student who, through NatureBridge, comes to see nature not just as scenery, but as a place to belong.
Stories
In Memory of Robert Redford: Champion of Outdoor Education and National Parks
We mourn the passing of Robert Redford—iconic actor, filmmaker, environmentalist, and passionate supporter of outdoor education. From 1984 to 1989, Redford served on the board of Yosemite National Institutes (now NatureBridge), where he championed immersive environmental science programs that continue to inspire generations of students in national parks across the country.
Exploring the Wonders of the Marin Headlands at Coastal Camp
Coastal Camp has officially wrapped for another season—and what a wonderful summer it has been! We welcomed over 1,600 participants this summer over our nine weeks of camp. Our campers explored every trail of the Marin Headlands, from the hills to the sea, down by Rodeo Beach! With a focus on coastal and ocean ecology, stewardship, and, of course, FUN, our campers made new friends and memories that we hope will last a lifetime.
Why Outdoor Learning Matters for the Next Generation: NatureBridge and the Every Kid Outdoors Program
NatureBridge is proud to partner with Outdoors Alliance for Kids (OAK) in championing the Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) program, which ensures more young people can access nature via our public lands. Through EKO, every fourth grader in the U.S. can receive a free annual pass to public lands and waters—not just for themselves, but for their entire family. NatureBridge is committed to continuing our awareness campaign for all the fourth graders who come through our programs in the upcoming year. We want to get the pass into the hands of as many fourth graders and families as possible because we know how important outdoor learning is for young people.