Leadership

This year’s recipient of the Outstanding Affiliate Organization Award is the California Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (AEOE), an affiliate at which two NatureBridge members play a critical and influential role—Estrella Risinger and Reed Schneider.

Melissa Gayle, one of two NatureBridge leaders on the 2019 Armstrong Scholars program, reflects on the journey and the contributions of the Scholars during their time in Yosemite's backcountry.

The tattooed, skateboarding principal of Fred M. Lynn Middle School, perhaps best known for his countercultural approach, is a champion for the students he serves and believes strongly in the transformative power of outdoor educational experiences.

For board member Kimberly McMorrow, her journey with NatureBridge has truly come full circle. A NatureBridge participant in the early days of the organization, Kimberly went on to accompany her own children on NatureBridge programs and today, she's bringing her insight and leadership to the board.

We caught up with 2018 NatureBridge Student of the Year, Marisa Granados, an environmental steward and climate activist who is already accomplishing big things.

This summer, NatureBridge welcomed 63 Alcoa Scholars to national park campuses. For two weeks, students immersed themselves in the natural world to discover, collaborate, investigate and backpack in these two national parks rich with history, unique biodiversity and beautiful, remote wilderness.

A Bay area native, NatureBridge alum and avid hiker, board member Meredith Delich has always had a love and appreciation for nature. Today, her educational background and personal passion in sustainability and issues of resource management and climate change have led her to a career in social impact.

At NatureBridge, we show students that scientists do more than just wear white coats in a lab. By introducing young people to the diversity of both scientists and science field work, we hope to inspire a long-lasting connection to the natural world.

In late June, our Student of the Year Kinzie Klein was invited to speak at our annual summer board retreat in Yosemite. Read her inspiring words from the weekend.