Working in Yosemite, every week poses a new challenge, whether it's snowy weather in the winter, mosquitos in the spring, or any number of other things that could happen while working in a wild place. One week this past April, my challenge came in the form of working with a new age group of students: high schoolers from the McConnell Foundation. In the time that I’ve been working at NatureBridge Yosemite, I have mainly stuck to my comfort zone of working with middle schoolers, but this week? Something new, something different, and hopefully something exciting. I hoped that my group would also be willing to take on new challenges with me.
Terri Carta has spent most of her life championing the importance of preserving natural spaces. Growing up in Southern California, Terri avidly explored parks and outdoor spaces with her family, but it wasn’t until high school that she learned what it means to advocate on their behalf. Her conservation journey began not with a specific career goal, but with a class trip to NatureBridge (formerly Yosemite Institute) that combined adventure, discovery, and the power of Dr. Seuss’ book "The Lorax."
On May 8, we welcomed 400 friends, supporters, and outdoor education enthusiasts to Fort Mason in San Francisco, CA for An Evening with NatureBridge. This annual gathering was more than just a fundraiser; it was a celebration of everything NatureBridge stands for: curiosity, connection, and the transformative power of nature.
Subiksha Shri participated in a NatureBridge program with her classmates from Lawson Middle School at our Yosemite campus in January 2025. A passionate hiker, dancer, and devoted steward of the natural world from Cupertino, CA, Subiksha Shri is a shining example of how transformative experiences in nature can shape young minds and hearts.
Our Teacher Open House on March 20, hosted by NatureBridge and our friends at Parks Project at the Parks Project Discovery Center, was a wonderful opportunity to connect with passionate educators and share the transformative power of outdoor education.
Please join us in congratulating educators Ivy Moore from NatureBridge Yosemite and Peggy McAllister from NatureBridge Golden Gate for being selected to lead the Armstrong Scholars program this summer, and educator Katie Smith from NatureBridge Yosemite for being selected to support them! They collectively bring a wealth of experience leading multi-day backpacking trips and wilderness adventures, demonstrate a sincere commitment to building community, and fully grasp how special the Armstrong Scholars program truly is.