NatureBridge connects young people to the science and wonder of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of the planet.
We envision a society transformed by the positive impact of a new generation that understands, celebrates, and protects the natural world.
Dear friends of NatureBridge,
Over the past year NatureBridge campuses were full. Full of learning, laughter and discovery. NatureBridge was full of students who experienced transformative outdoor learning opportunities in the world’s greatest classrooms: our national parks. We took meaningful steps toward expansion, fostered new partnerships and embarked on an ambitious five-year strategic plan that will ensure the stability of our organization for years to come, all with a shared commitment to connecting kids to nature and increasing access so more students from more communities can experience the magic of NatureBridge.
In this report, you will find stories of inspiration from NatureBridge student alumni doing meaningful work to make the world a better place. You’ll read about the incredible fundraising we’ve done through our special events. You’ll get a peek at our breathtaking campus locations. You’ll learn more about our partnerships and our ambitious plans for the future. You’ll meet some of our greatest champions and see how we are using these generous gifts in service of our mission.
Of course, none of this would be possible without you—our community of friends and supporters. Your commitment to our work inspires us daily. As we look toward the horizon, we are energized by the hopeful, important work still to be done.
Sincerely,
Phil Kilbridge
President and CEO,
NatureBridge
Susan Boren King
Chair, Board of Directors,
NatureBridge
Our “why” is our students: the tens of thousands of young people who come to a NatureBridge program every year. Often we hear from them that their time with NatureBridge was the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the natural world, a single ripple that became a wave of enthusiasm and excitement for the environment around them.
Your support makes all of these experiences possible.
Yosemite
Meet Whitney, Anya and Julie. These incredible alumni all attended NatureBridge programs in Yosemite as students, and all cite their experiences with NatureBridge as the spark that ignited a lifetime of environmental awareness and action.
As a student, Whitney’s "ah-ha!" moment while water testing made her realize science is not just lab coats and test tubes—science happens outside, too. Even more empowering, the data Whitney and her peers collected in Yosemite were used by actual scientists to impact actual field science studies! That set Whitney on a path that included earning a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy and a Master’s degree studying the impact of climate change on grassland ecosystems. Today, Whitney is the Executive Coordinator for the National Park Service Friends Alliance.
Anya decided, on her NatureBridge trip in the eighth grade, that she wanted to be a park ranger in Yosemite. Less than 10 years later, she made that dream a reality. After completing dual degrees in Earth Climate Science and Environmental Science at Duke University in 2023, Anya continues pursuing her passion for the outdoors and conservation.
Julie discovered a love of the outdoors and the National Park Service's mission when she was a high school student at NatureBridge Yosemite. She went on to earn a degree in wildlife management and built a career with the National Park Service (NPS), becoming Chief Ranger at Point Reyes National Seashore. Julie now protects the landscapes she fell in love with as a teen, overseeing law enforcement, fire programs and public outreach.
By providing transformative outdoor experiences, NatureBridge inspires the next generation of environmental stewards like Whitney, Anya, Julie, and so many more.
“Going to a place like NatureBridge provides the ‘why’ for students—why does it matter and why should I care? How and why does it apply to me and my life?”
— Whitney Mowll, Executive Coordinator for Friends Alliance and NatureBridge alum
Golden Gate
In 2017, NatureBridge Golden Gate Board Members had a shared vision: reach more young people by expanding our beautiful Bay Area campus. After six years, that dream became a reality when the YMCA of San Francisco vacated their site at Point Bonita.
NatureBridge acted quickly to add capacity through this new location—dubbed our Bluff Campus—with a vision to serve an additional 150 students each week. Located just a short hike from NatureBridge’s Beach Campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean, our Bluff Campus gives more students access to fully experience the Marin Headlands.
Opening a new campus is a massive undertaking! This year, our Golden Gate staff have dedicated their time to preparing our new facilities for the arrival of students, including working in the kitchen, shuttling supplies and dishes to our Beach campus, all while the space was undergoing significant maintenance. We thank our Golden Gate staff for going above and beyond, using their creativeness and dedication to our mission to ensure success for students at this new site!
Supported by a generous grant from the National Park Trust, the addition of this campus will open the door to thousands more students to experience the Marin Headlands every year, and be inspired to take meaningful action to protect the natural world.
Prince William Forest
Dedicated teachers like Jason Brown, our newest Mid-Atlantic Board Member, are vital partners. They, along with other school administrators, navigate logistical challenges and prepare students for an exciting yet unfamiliar outdoor experience away from home.
Jason has brought his Graham Park Middle School students since the campus opened in 2012, valuing how programs align with Virginia learning standards while fostering critical life skills like teamwork, self-reflection and confidence.
“NatureBridge gives my students and so many others the chance to learn science in the outdoors—an opportunity most wouldn't have without scholarship support. This program can ignite a passion for nature and science in students.”
— Jason Brown, teacher and Mid-Atlantic Board Member
Jason's passion is shared by the Prince William County School District, a key NatureBridge collaborator. This partnership, bolstered by a Department of Energy and Environment grant, hopes to make the NatureBridge experience part of the 7th grade curriculum districtwide. Such support enables more students to forge formative connections with nature in the national park in their backyard.
“In order to serve the state parks so others can enjoy a piece of what I got to experience in Prince William Forest I signed up to the (YCC) Youth Conservation Corps. Overall my experience has inspired me and has shown what a great place the great outdoors really are. My experience will hopefully one day inspire others to go outside and appreciate mother nature and go explore with friends and just have fun.”
— Violet, 8th Grader at Graham Park Middle School
Olympic
NatureBridge educators—across all campuses—are the stewards of our mission, the connection builders, the experts, the encouragers. Guiding thousands of students through science investigations, local natural history lessons, and community building activities in a safe and welcoming environment requires focused and intentional hands-on training.
Our week-long intensive staff training for Olympic educators includes everything from how to row a Salish-style canoe to how to effectively teach climate change education to middle schoolers.
Since 2014, hundreds of educators have gotten to work with and learn from Olympic Education Manager Emily Volz. Emily spearheads staff training and ensures our programming remains impactful for students. She would also tell you that she learns just as much from educators as they learn from her.
“Being able to guide students into any ecosystem where they explore their wonders and ask questions is a pretty sweet job. Like the students we serve, I want our staff to feel welcomed, supported and heard.”
— Emily Volz
Olympic Environmental Science Educator Maddie Mclean spoke to this directly in the speech she gave at last fall’s Evening on the Lake, our annual fundraiser supporting our Olympic campus. In her remarks, Maddie specifically acknowledged how critical their roles as educators and facilitators are to a positive student experience, oftentimes going beyond simply teaching material and guiding students through team-building games.
“It was my job over the next four days…to create not only learning experiences, but a space in which each student could develop their own relationship with nature, hopefully finding moments of independence, collaboration and awe along the way.”
NatureBridge has served over 1.6 million students over our 53 year history. During the pandemic, our distance learning efforts provided students a respite through virtual adventures in the national parks. However the need and demand for truly immersive, in person outdoor experiences is more vital than ever. Thanks to the exceptional efforts of our staff and the unwavering commitment of our partner classroom teachers, we are rapidly approaching pre-pandemic levels. Looking forward, we anticipate surpassing previous benchmarks in the coming school year and project 33% additional growth in the number of students served by 2028.
Funded by our generous community of donors, our scholarship fund provides need-based support to students and schools that lack the resources to participate in NatureBridge programs. Many of these students would not be able to explore our national parks without financial support.In the 2022-23 school year, we awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to 37% of participating schools. To further close the equity gap in our parks, we are committed to focusing our outreach to new schools and those for whom access is limited due to resource constraints.
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We want everyone to leave NatureBridge feeling a sense of belonging and safety, a deeper understanding of nature, science and a connection to one another and the world around them. How do we know we’re achieving these goals?
In the fall of 2023, we partnered and gained formal accreditation with Cognia to evaluate our programs to better understand our successes, areas for improvement, and to collect first-hand data on our teachers’ and students’ perceptions of our educational program impact. Cognia awarded NatureBridge an Index of Education Quality score of 309 (compared to a network average of 253), only given to institutions with noteworthy educational practices. Specifically, they note that: “Learners in the system are highly engaged in a learning environment that promotes positive relationships, values diversity, promotes student voice, and fosters a growth mindset. Student engagement in experiential learning within the setting of our National Parks that focuses on integrating science standards with social-emotional learning provides a unique opportunity for students to find their voice, develop a love of learning, and build confidence through positive collaboration.”
4.19/5
4.52/5
4.3/5
4.41/5
* survey participants were asked a series of questions on a 1-5 scale. A five rating indicated a positive outcome or perception.
Our focus is on creating positive learning environments, connection to self and others, and exploration fostering curiosity and collaboration to promote critical thinking and perspective taking. In October 2023, NatureBridge surveyed 50% (1,578) of students across all four NatureBridge campuses about the feel of the program, their perceptions of our education approach and the outcomes resulting from their NatureBridge experience.
4.39/5
4.27/5
* survey participants were asked a series of questions on a 1-5 scale. A five rating indicated a positive outcome or perception.
Students indicated that staff felt that the following were most important for students to experience on a program: asking questions, being curious, working with others, being safe, and trying new things. This quote from a seventh grade student at Yosemite demonstrates that we are creating a positive, caring climate ideal for student learning and that learning is engaging and student-centered.
3,289
Number of kids who went canoeing in Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park in 2023
10
Number of NatureBridge staff from other campuses who supported the Prince William campus in 2023
1,140
Number of Coastal Camp students who joined us in the summer at Golden Gate in 2023
33,863
Number of trail lunches enjoyed by students in Yosemite in 2023
Their work helps guided NatureBridge programming through the integration of our three pillars: science; social and emotional learning; and equity, inclusion and diversity, as outlined in our Theory of Change.
7
Number of educational expert Ph.D.’s guiding and advising on our educational framework
NatureBridge events bring in over a million dollars in revenue to the organization every year! These donations fund scholarships, campus improvement projects, staff training and so much more.
NatureBridge events are also fun: students share stories, field and subject experts bring their unique perspective to the importance of our mission, and educators bring programs to life for attendees, all while raising critical funds.
Hosted at our Golden Gate campus in May 2023, nearly 400 guests gathered for NatureBridge’s largest fundraising event, where they explored the campus and enjoyed an inspiring program featuring two incredibly powerful women: Satvika Iyer, NatureBridge’s 2023 Student of the Year, and legendary marine biologist and oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle.
Satvika left NatureBridge's Golden Gate’s Beach Campus with an "unstoppable motivation" to protect the environment. In the years since, she has conducted fire safety research, led recycling efforts, analyzed air quality data, advocated for sustainable food systems, and so much more. She describes her inspiration to tackle climate change issues and fight for systemic changes in her community as directly derived from her experiences at NatureBridge.
“I now know we can only fight the climate crisis with love and compassion, not out of fear. When looking to create lasting, systemic change, our outlook must not be how fast but how far our impact will go. Through NatureBridge, students like me are guided through our overwhelming, interconnected environment, facing the harsh realities of our changing world while being motivated towards positive climate action.”
Dr. Earle received NatureBridge’s inaugural Environmentor Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership, mentorship and stewardship of young people around the world.
“If we fail to give the best of what we know to our kids and they grow up not knowing why nature matters—knowing that we are dependent on maintaining earth as our life support system—then we really have lost the best chance we will ever have to have an enduring future for our species.”
October 2023’s Evening on the Lake in Seattle marked a move to a new venue, a spotlight on our educators, and an incredible surprise $50,000 match from a longtime NatureBridge supporter.
“When my good friend [Olympic Board member] Diane Undi-Haga introduced me to NatureBridge, I knew I wanted to be involved. Helping to make immersive programs like these accessible to all kids, no matter their background, is so important to me. Evening on the Lake was the perfect time to contribute and honor Diane, make an impact locally, and inspire others to do the same”
The evening included a special screening of "The Beautiful Undammed: The Elwha River 12 years after dam removal,” followed by an expert panel featuring Olympic Board member Kim Sager-Fradkin, Allyce Miller and Vanessa Castle. The event was capped off with a moving speech by NatureBridge Olympic Environmental Science Educator Maddie Mclean. With her powerful words, Maddie eloquently conveyed the indelible impact our programs have on students and the pivotal role our educators play in fostering a deep connection with the natural world. Her speech was a reminder of the profound influence donor support has on shaping the next generation of environmental stewards.
Join us at an upcoming event!
View our upcoming eventsNatureBridge's financial strength comes from a diversified revenue model combining program fees and philanthropic contributions. This robust funding allows us to provide equitable access to transformative outdoor education for students from all backgrounds. Donations sustain student scholarships, innovative programming, educator training, and ensure we remain a leader in the field of environmental education.
Our unique model creates a sustainable financial future for achieving our mission.
Environmental Science Programs
$9,220,436
Contributions
$4,112,388
Adult & Conference Programs
$970,225
Summer Education Programs
$797,561
Government Stimulus - COVID Relief
$88,559
Total
$15,557,536 1
1 Includes $89k government stimulus funds designated as non-operating income on AFS because it is not a measure of operations in the normal course of business. However, this revenue was used to support operating expenses and is shown here in operating revenue, as it was in FY22.
Program Services
$12,062,458
General & Administrative
$1,923,163
Fundraising & Development
$1,388,650
Total
$15,374,271
Since its inception in 1971, NatureBridge has benefited from the energetic, dedicated and brilliant leaders who volunteer their time and expertise to advance and support our mission. Thank you to our Board Members across the country for your leadership and guidance.
Chief Medical Advisor
Board Emeritus
Chief Medical Advisor
National Parks Service Liaison
*denotes deceased / italics denotes no longer on board
National Park Service Liaisons
*denotes deceased / italics denotes no longer on board
Board Emeritus
National Park Service Liaisons
*denotes deceased / italics denotes no longer on board
Board Emeritus
National Park Service Liaisons
USGS Liaison
*denotes deceased / italics denotes no longer on board
National Park Service Liaison
*denotes deceased / italics denotes no longer on board
*denotes deceased / italics denotes no longer on board
These generous individuals, foundations and companies help power our work, including the hundreds of people who have continued to give year over year. Thank you for your support!
Connect young people to the wonder and science of the natural world
DonateFor over 53 years, NatureBridge has brought together passionate leaders, educators, scientists, students, and donors who share our longstanding commitment to connecting students with nature.
1971 Society members are visionary stewards who have enabled generations of students to develop wonder and care for our planet through their legacy gifts to NatureBridge.
*deceased
Learn more about including NatureBridge in your estate plans
Join the 1971 Society“I want to do whatever I can to nurture the future stewards of our planet. NatureBridge lets young people experience the natural world, and that awakens something so important in them.”
NatureBridge's Stewards Circle is made of a special group of donors who provide on-going, monthly gifts that help form a steady resource we know we can count on.
Join the Stewards Circle
DonateNatureBridge events bring in over a million dollars in revenue to the organization every year! These donations fund scholarships, campus improvement projects, staff training and so much more. NatureBridge events are also fun: students share stories, field and subject experts bring their unique perspective to the importance of our mission, and educators bring programs to life for attendees, all while raising critical funds.
“Living in the Pacific Northwest, we’re lucky to live in such close proximity to nature. We want to ensure that children across the region and country have that same access to the outdoors, as they grow into the future environmental stewards of these incredible places. We’re proud to have supported NatureBridge for the last six years and the important work they do connecting schools with our national parks. We look forward to continuing to nurture this relationship in the future through our incredible employees who serve on the board, hosting events in our spaces, and providing support to the NatureBridge Olympic National Park campus.”