NatureBridge

Curious to see what our Distance Learning programs are all about? Check out our new video to get a glimpse into what students experience in NatureBridge's virtual classroom!

Seven of the 10 largest wildfires in California history have occurred in the past three years. From the western United States to Australia, many of us have seen and felt the devastating impacts of fire. How did we get here? Is it going to get worse? Join NatureBridge Yosemite Director Kristina Rylands and Kelly Martin, former Chief of Fire and Aviation Management at Yosemite National Park, as we explore these questions and more at our next virtual Campfire Chat on November 19 at 6 p.m. PT. https://naturebridge.org/even/2020-11-19-fighting-fire-fire

Fifth graders and their families can now visit our national parks for free! The Every Kid in a Park pass has been extended to 5th graders who were unable to take advantage of the National Park Service program during their 4th grade year due to the pandemic. Get your pass today and start exploring!

Congratulations, Cicely Muldoon, on becoming the new permanent Superintendent of Yosemite National Park!

Ready for a change of scenery? Bring the family to Yosemite National Park this fall and join us for Family Camp! You can enjoy a four-day weekend complete with meals, lodging and educational hikes led by our educators. Family Camp is coordinated in partnership with the National Park Service and US Public Health Service officials following CDC guidelines for outdoor camps. Learn more and register today! https://naturebridge.org/yosemitefamilycamp

Today is #WorldTeachersDay when we celebrate the dedicated educators who give their all day in and day out. From navigating the challenges of this year to bringing care and compassion to your students, we appreciate all you do! Be sure to #ThankATeacher today and let them know how important they are.

Did you miss last month's Campfire Chat with Dr. Nooshin Razani and Yosemite National Park Superintendent Cicely Muldoon? You can watch the recording on YouTube! It was an incredible conversation focused on everything from nature prescriptions to how being outside can mitigate COVID-19 to increased bear activity in Yosemite Valley!

HOLY MACRO! Talia, one of our Distance Learning educators in Prince William Forest Park, goes on the hunt for macroinvertebrates in Quantico Creek. Can you identify what she found? Visit naturebridge.org/distancelearning to learn more about our virtual programs!

Our Campfire Chat with Dr. Nooshin Razani, founder and director of the Center for Nature and Health at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, and Cicely Muldoon, Superintendent of Yosemite National Park is TONIGHT at 6 p.m. PT! Register for this free, virtual event and join the conversation as we answer these questions and more: What are the health benefits of spending time outside?... How is the pandemic impacting our national parks? Why is building access to and equity in the outdoors critical? See you soon!

There's still time to book your Yosemite Family Camp adventure! Join us this fall for a four-day weekend in Yosemite National Park complete with meals, lodging and educational hikes led by our educators. We have availability for most sessions in our Big Horn dorm. This lodging option is well suited for larger family cohorts (think extended family groups or family pods who have been practicing safe protocols). Learn more and register today: https://naturebridge.org/yosemitefamilycamp

How do you get kids to enjoy hiking? NatureBridge Yosemite Board Member Chris Joseph has a proven strategyHike Pie Toy. "Hike Pie Toy" is an excerpt from his newly released book "Life is a Ride: My Unconventional Journey of Cancer Recovery." In honor of the healing power of nature in his fight against cancer, Chris is donating $8 from every book sale to NatureBridge.

Talk about stewardship in action! NatureBridge students in Yosemite and the surrounding gateway communities get firsthand experience in stewarding our public lands thanks to our partnership with Subaru of America, Inc., National Park Foundation and National Parks Conservation Association. "With millions of people visiting our national parks every year, park staff have a lot to contend with, including millions of pounds of waste that can impact everything from visitor experience to wildlife behaviors," said Theresa Pierno, President and CEO for the NPCA. "Working with our many partners, we set out to address this mounting issue starting at Denali, Grand Teton and Yosemite National Parks... Together, we are creating a lasting legacy and leaving our parks more sustainable for generations to come." #DontFeedTheLandfills