Our Programs that Connect Kids and Nature
National Wildlife Federation has a number of programs designed to inspire kids to get outdoors, help wildlife, and become more aware of the nature in their neighborhood and community.
Be Out There's mission is to return to the nation’s children what they don’t even know they’ve lost: their connection to the natural world. Kids today spend twice as much time indoors as their parents did, missing out on the simple pleasures and lasting mental and physical health benefits of daily outdoor time.
Earth Tomorrow® is NWF’s multi-cultural, youth environmental education and leadership development program, creating opportunities for underserved youth to develop environmental literacy and life skills and make valuable contributions to the ecological health and leadership of their communities.
Through school-based action teams of students, administrators, educators and community volunteers, the Eco-Schools USA program brings together effective "green" management of school grounds, facilities and curriculum. This international initiative not only helps schools reduce their carbon footprint, but it inspires kids to be good stewards for the environment and take action in their school community.
We're creating guidelines and working to develop sample "nature play spaces" to help transform playgrounds, schoolyards, childcare centers, museums and zoos into spaces where kids can connect, play and learn in nature.
National Wildlife Federation has developed the ability for nature centers and other outdoor areas to set up Ranger Rick's Geocache Trails, a family-friendly, wildlife-themed, outdoor treasure hunt using GPS-enabled devices.
Gardening for wildlife is a perfect way to share your love of the outdoors with children and foster a future connection to nature. NWF provides tips, resources and a Certified Wildlife Habitat® program specially designed around wildlife gardening at home, school and in communities.
Trees for Wildlife educates youth about the the essential role habitat trees play for wildlife in our environment. Inspired by Pulitzer Prize winner Wangari Maathai, the program provides volunteer opportunities and the tools for families and schools to successfully make a difference for wildlife through tree planting.
This environmental journalism competition invites youth between the ages of 13-18 to report on topics related to the environment. Participants submit an article, photo, or video to the competition for a chance to win great prizes, plus national and international recognition.
How Else is NWF Connecting Kids and Nature?