What We Do

Families connected to the outdoors raise healthier kids and inspire a life-long appreciation of wildlife and nature. As a result, National Wildlife Federation has created several programs and events designed to make experiencing the benefits of free time outdoors easy. In addition, National Wildlife Federation advocates for public policies on the federal, state and local level that increase outdoor recreation opportunities for children.

PROGRAMS:

Be Out There  

The National Wildlife Federation launched the Be Out There initiative to inspire families across America to open the door and get outside! A daily dose of the outdoors improves children's physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Green Hour®

Based on extended secondary research of children and families in today's society, National Wildlife Federation recommends that parents give their kids a "Green Hour" every day: an hour for unstructured play and interaction with the natural world. At greenhour.org find outdoor activities for any season and location.

Wildlife Watch

This national, nature-watching program is created for people of all ages. Wildlife Watch gives you first hand experience with plants and animals in their natural environment. You can also share details that help National Wildlife Federation track the health and behavior of wildlife and plant species nationwide.

Certified Wildlife Habitat™

Gardening for wildlife is a perfect way to share your love of the outdoors with children and foster a future connection to nature. Not only does it give kids a chance to get their hands dirty, the program also generates an understanding of how the things people plant impact the environment. Make habitats for wildlife in your yard, at a local school, or somewhere else in your community.

Expeditions Travel Program

Find your ideal outdoor excursion through our Expeditions Travel program! NWF researches hundreds of tour companies to find wildlife-viewing trips to fantastic destinations with the best tour operators and best values. Our travel partners designate dates specifically for NWF members, and we've also partnered with Native Energy Travel Offsets to create a carbon offset for each Expedition traveler without increasing the price of your trip.

Volunteer With NWF

Volunteer for wildlife! Get outdoors and hands-on — help others create and restore wildlife habitat in their backyards, schools and communities. Help spread the word about critical environmental issues or assist NWF programs behind-the-scenes from one of our offices or your own home. Learn more and sign up at www.nwf.org/volunteer.

NatureFind

NatureFind users can search by city, state, or zip code to access outdoor adventures nationwide, including activities and events, trails, wildlife preserves, regional parks, zoos and campsites. With NatureFind, families get detailed information that will help them explore nature up to 500 miles away or right around the corner.

EVENTS:

National Wildlife Week

Celebrated every year in March, National Wildlife Week is a time to honor wildlife and ignite the minds of children and adults. Take part in wildlife-themed activities all week long.

Great American Backyard Campout

Held on the fourth Saturday each June, the Great American Backyard Campout engages thousands of families nationwide to come together for a night of outdoor exploration. Sleep outside the box and camp out under the stars.

PUBLIC POLICY:

National Wildlife Federation is a leading advocate for effective, comprehensive public policies on the federal, state and local level that connect children with the natural world through public health, education, parks and recreation, and city planning. Learn more about National Wildlife Federation's policy work on connecting families and children with nature.