Golden Gate
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.
From the Headlands to Hawai‘i: Justin Umholtz’s Journey of Environmental Stewardship
For Justin Umholtz, environmental education is about more than teaching science. It builds belonging, invites students into stewardship, and helps them see how they fit into something larger. From the Marin Headlands as a student to Hawai‘i as an educator, his journey reflects the lasting power of experiencing the wonder of wild places.
From Chore to Change: Rethinking Stewardship Through Community Science with 5 Gyres
"Stewardship is an integral part of our mission,” says Kaitee Levinson, NatureBridge Yosemite’s Stewardship Education Manager. “It is what connects students physically to the landscape. It deepens their awareness of resource management while giving them the space to practice care.” The partnership between NatureBridge and 5 Gyres is ensuring that stewardship feels relevant, empowering, and actionable. Together, we are helping young people learn to see themselves not just as visitors to national parks and natural spaces, but as lifelong stewards of them.
Welcoming Our Newest Board Leaders to the NatureBridge Community
Over the past year, NatureBridge has been thrilled to welcome a group of dynamic new leaders to our National Board of Directors and Regional Boards. These all-volunteer roles are vital to the mission and governance of our organization, and they are filled by people who are inspired by outdoor education. Board members offer invaluable guidance and support across our campuses, helping us expand access to transformative environmental science experiences for young people across the country.