Stories from the Field

Tracy Thompson has been an advocate and partner of NatureBridge for nearly 30 years. Read about the importance of her photograph from the late wilderness photographer Galen Rowell and why she's gifting it to NatureBridge.

When Yosemite Regional Board Member Jan Sweeney was just a ninth-grader, she joined her brother and a group of two other friends to rescue marine wildlife during a catastrophic oil spill on the Chesapeake Bay. Today, she brings her passion for exploring the outdoors through running, hiking, snorkeling and canoeing to NatureBridge.

After years of bringing students to NatureBridge in Yosemite, Joy Walters decided to deepen her commitment to getting kids outside by joining NatureBridge's monthly giving program. Read about how her experiences in the field inspired her philanthropic support.

In the 5th grade, Kia went on a field trip to NatureBridge in Yosemite that would shape the rest of his life. 14 years later, he reflects on that trip and how it influenced his path today.

In 2018, NatureBridge Olympic Science and Education Manager Chris Morgan won the Baxter Award—an internal grant that aims to promote personal growth, adventure and the professional development of NatureBridge staff. Chris’s proposal was two-fold: experience the deep wilderness of the Brooks Range and the great migration of the Porcupine Caribou Herd.

Gift giving is often a part of holiday traditions. No matter what or how you celebrate, we hope this guide offers you some creative gift ideas to showcase your commitment to the environment while spreading joy to the people you care for and love.