Why Access Matters: NatureBridge Alum Alicia Bales Reflects on the Power of Outdoor Education
Alicia Bales, current Director of the Redwood Chapter of the Sierra Club, didn’t grow up seeing herself as an outdoorsy person. Raised in Sacramento, CA, she thought of herself as a “city kid” who had spent little time in nature—until a school trip to NatureBridge Yosemite changed everything.
At first, she was nervous. But among the towering sequoias, quiet forest reflections, and supportive educators, fifth grader Alicia discovered a sense of belonging she hadn’t expected. Journaling in the woods for the first time was a “transcendent” experience for her, and completing a challenge hike showed her she was capable of more than she thought she was. “It was challenging enough that it felt like a major accomplishment,” Alicia recalls.
I remember the feeling of it, I remember how transcendent it felt, how safe and beautiful and creative it was.Alicia Bales, NatureBridge alum
One pivotal moment came when her NatureBridge educators read aloud Dr. Seuss’ book The Lorax to the group. By then, Alicia already cared about Yosemite—but the story helped her understand its fragility and its need for protection. That message, paired with the passion of her educators, stayed with her.
We cared about this place already and to frame it as something fragile that needs us…that was so, so important.Alicia Bales, NatureBridge alum
Alicia’s journey continued with her sixth grade class at NatureBridge Golden Gate, where she learned about coastal ecosystems and the connections between human history, urban landscapes, and nature. That sense of interconnectedness shaped how she was beginning to see the world—and her role in it.
A few years later, Alicia turned her inspiration into action. She started an environmental club at her school, joined protests to protect California redwood groves, and began a lifelong path in environmental advocacy—eventually leading to her work with the Sierra Club.
Looking back, Alicia views her NatureBridge experience as a turning point in her life. Without it, “how would I have known that was something that I deeply needed as a person?” she wonders. Because of the impact outdoor education had on her own life, Alicia believes that having access to these experiences is essential for all young people. “It’s an equity issue,” she says. “Everyone should have the chance to do this.”
Alicia’s story is a powerful reminder that when young people connect deeply with nature, it can shape not just how they see the world—but what they choose to do in it.
Stories
Why Access Matters: NatureBridge Alum Alicia Bales Reflects on the Power of Outdoor Education
Alicia Bales, current Director of the Redwood Chapter of the Sierra Club, didn’t grow up seeing herself as an outdoorsy person. Raised in Sacramento, CA, she thought of herself as a “city kid” who had spent little time in nature—until a school trip to NatureBridge Yosemite changed everything.
Growing Educators, Growing Impact: Kerri McAllister’s Journey from NatureBridge to National Geographic
NatureBridge alum Kerri McAllister has built a career that spans classrooms, coastlines, and continents. Today, she serves on the faculty at Unity University in southern Maine and works as a naturalist, certified field educator, and undersea specialist with National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions. Her path was deeply shaped by over a decade of working at NatureBridge.
An Evening with NatureBridge Raises Over $1 Million for Outdoor Education
On May 7, over 350 friends, supporters, and alumni joined us at Fort Mason in San Francisco, CA for An Evening with NatureBridge. This annual gathering was a celebration of the transformative power of nature, the strength of our community, and our shared commitment to inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.