Your Dollars at Work

Urban students see ocean for the first time at Golden Gate

“Some of my students had never seen the ocean before, and we live within 20 miles! The field science educators challenged my students to learn new content in a new context, teaching state science standards in culturally relevant ways.” — Megan Gardner, teacher at Peres Elementary

Peres Elementary School in Richmond, California, is one of the many schools able to participate in NatureBridge’s field science education program because of your donations. At Peres Elementary,  99% of students qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program. With your help, these students connected with nature for the first time and had the experience of a lifetime at NatureBridge’s Golden Gate campus.

Yosemite summer program inspires future scientist

“I can honestly say that this was the best experience of my life ... I couldn’t have gone without your support. If there is any program to support, it’s this one. Thank you!” — Abrianna Peto, Summer Field Research student

Abrianna Peto had an amazing summer. Thanks to NatureBridge’s generous donors, Abrianna received a scholarship to participate in a field research program in Yosemite National Park.  She spent two weeks backpacking through the wilderness of Yosemite while conducting a self-designed research project. Over the course of her adventure, Abrianna explored a world far removed from her home near Barstow, California.  She saw marmots, deer, rattlesnakes, and squirrels in their natural habitat, explored lakes and creeks, and hiked up mountains in the snow. “I love the snow and the cold, and I want to be a glaciologist,” she said. Abrianna learned the intricacies of conducting research in the field and came to the conclusion that not only can she do science, but she wants to pursue it as a career.

First overnight adventure for youth in Southern California

“I will never forget my first time sleeping on a boat, fishing, going to the different islands, learning all the new facts, and all the tiring hikes we went on, although they were worth it.” — Amber, Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana, 2010

For many Boys & Girls Club youth from Southern California attending NatureBridge’s field science program in the Channel Islands was their first time on the water and overnight in nature.

Students study dam removal up close in Olympic

“Many of my students were only able to attend the field science education program [with support from NatureBridge]. It has been awesome to see them grow. Their sense of self developed this week and I saw kids come out of their protective shells!” — Heather Snookal, lead teacher, Garfield High School, Seattle, WA

For the past three years, 10th and 11th graders from Seattle’s Garfield High School have attended NatureBridge’s field science education program, thanks to generous donors. For many of these students, 40 percent of whom qualify for financial support, their NatureBridge trip to Olympic National Park is their first opportunity to spend time immersed in nature.

These students have an unprecedented opportunity to witness the before and after impacts of the largest dam removal in American history on the Elwha River. In this living laboratory, students will observe, learn, and share what happens as an ecosystem is restored.