In Memoriam: Bill Anders, Visionary Leader and Co-Founder of Yosemite Institute
Earlier this year, we mourned the loss of William “Bill” Anders, a true environmental champion and visionary leader whose impact resonated deeply for NatureBridge and society at large.
As a member of the historic Apollo 8 mission in 1968, Bill captured the iconic “Earthrise” photo—a stunning image of our small, delicate planet rising over the moon’s horizon. Reflecting on this moment, he remarked, “We came all this way to explore the Moon, and the most important thing is that we discovered the Earth.”
"Earthrise," William A. Anders/NASA
“Earthrise” helped ignite the environmental movement in the late 1970s, prompting a profound shift in how we view and care for our planet. In 1971, as this awakening unfolded, Bill became a founding member of NatureBridge (formerly the Yosemite Institute).
Bill’s remarkable achievements extended beyond space travel; he had a distinguished career in the service of the country as a fighter pilot, astronaut, civil servant, ambassador, and business leader, making significant and lasting contributions in each area.
Alongside his wife Valerie—an Olympic Board Chair Emeritus and NatureBridge National Board Emeritus—Bill played a pivotal role in shaping the Olympic campus through their leadership and generous philanthropy. His unwavering commitment to the outdoors and to science has left an indelible mark on our organization.
We are profoundly grateful for Bill’s lasting impact, which has enabled over 1.6 million students to explore nature and engage with science through NatureBridge. His legacy will continue to inspire future scientists and explorers, reminding us all of the importance of preserving our shared home.
Read Bill's official New York Times obituary here.
Valerie and Bill Anders
Stories
2024 Olympic Student of the Year: Ames Black O'Neal
We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Olympic Student of the Year: eighth grader Ames Black O'Neal.
Ames participated in a NatureBridge program with his seventh grade class from Portland, OR at our Olympic campus in spring 2024. As a self-described "nature nut," Ames was surprised by how much he learned at NatureBridge and how meaningful he found the hands-on, immersive experience to be. As he later reflected, "Learning is so much more impactful when you are surrounded by the subject matter."
In Memoriam: Bill Anders, Visionary Leader and Co-Founder of Yosemite Institute
Earlier this year, we mourned the loss of William “Bill” Anders, a true environmental champion and visionary leader whose impact resonated deeply for NatureBridge and society at large.
As a member of the historic Apollo 8 mission in 1968, Bill captured the iconic “Earthrise” photo—a stunning image of our small, delicate planet rising over the moon’s horizon. Reflecting on this moment, he remarked, “We came all this way to explore the Moon, and the most important thing is that we discovered the Earth.”
Alumni Spotlight: Alma McKenry
In April 1985, a group of seventh graders from Vallejo Junior High School embarked on an unforgettable educational trip to NatureBridge Yosemite, then known as the Yosemite Institute. As part of the school’s Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program, these students experienced outdoor science education, thanks to several dedicated teachers who believed in the value of connecting students with nature. For Alma McKenry, a city kid from Vallejo, CA, the trip to Yosemite felt like stepping into the great unknown.