NatureBridge Receives Grant from the Department of Energy and the Environment to Expand Environmental Education in Prince William Forest

Washington, DC - November 30, 2023

NatureBridge, a leading environmental education organization and the National Park Service’s largest education provider, is pleased to announce a significant grant from the Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE) to support overnight outdoor schools and Nature Near School programs in the Washington, DC area. This collaboration between NatureBridge, Living Classrooms, the Alice Ferguson Foundation, Urban Adventure Squad, Anacostia Watershed Society, and Casey Trees marks a vital step in fostering environmental stewardship among DC students.

NatureBridge’s partnership with the DOEE began in 2013 when the department initiated funding for overnight programs, providing Meaningful Watershed Education Experiences (MWEE) for DC fifth graders. Initially, this grant supported NatureBridge in Prince William Forest along with two other organizations—Living Classrooms and the Alice Ferguson Foundation—enabling them to offer multi-day immersive outdoor school programs. However, when the pandemic hit, the DOEE reallocated funds to facilitate distance learning programs and eventually discontinued funding for overnight programs due to lingering pandemic-related concerns, and introduced the "Nature Near Schools" initiative, focusing on day programming in local spaces accessible to students.

Recently, the DOEE coupled funding for DC fourth graders for Nature Near Schools and DC fifth graders for overnight outdoor school experiences. The grant, led by Casey Trees, aims to benefit 2,000 4th and 5th grade students annually, and this school year, NatureBridge will welcome nearly 340 DC fifth graders from Title I schools for overnight, immersive, hands-on learning experiences in Prince William Forest Park. Unfortunately, the total funding amount did not increase meaning that both overnight outdoor school and Nature Near Schools programs will receive half of the original grant amount.

While some schools that previously attended programs were not included due to changes in funding criteria, NatureBridge continues to support them by providing scholarships, demonstrating the organization's commitment to providing transformative outdoor experiences to a wide range of students.

Situated in Prince William Forest Park, NatureBridge's location holds historical significance, as one of the original occupants of Camp 1 was DC’s Twelfth Street YMCA, the first Black YMCA in the country. NatureBridge’s facility, established in 2012, continues to honor this legacy by welcoming young people from DC to experience the natural wonders of Prince William Forest.

NatureBridge, with its 52-year history, has welcomed over 1.6 million students to national parks across the United States, emphasizing outdoor education, fostering connections with nature, encouraging personal development and providing unique experiences for young people. Amid the challenges of an increasingly digital era, outdoor education remains crucial for students' holistic development. Studies have shown that immersive outdoor experiences increase test scores, inspire vocations in STEM fields and develop environmentally-conscious young people. Guided and overseen by highly-trained environmental science educators and campus staff, NatureBridge students have the opportunity to participate in safe and supervised hands-on science environments amid the beautiful backdrop of Prince William Forest. 

To support the continuation or increase of this crucial funding for local students, community members can voice their opinions during DC Council meetings or directly to the DOEE. 

For media inquiries, please contact:
Kenny Eng
keng@naturebridge.org

About NatureBridge:
NatureBridge is a non-profit environmental education organization that aims to connect young people to the natural world. Founded in 1971, NatureBridge has welcomed over 1.6 million students to national parks, providing transformative outdoor experiences and fostering a deep connection with the environment.