Nothing beats getting kids into the outdoors, particularly those from families with limited means or lack of interest in nature. Once children experience nature, they’re more likely to appreciate it and maybe even develop a lifelong passion or career.

That’s where NatureBridge comes in. A nonprofit organization dedicated to outdoor education, NatureBridge runs educational programs in national parks and other settings of natural beauty for students across America, including those from disadvantaged areas.

I participated in NatureBridge (then called Yosemite Institute) as a high school senior, when my biology class took a weeklong trip to Yosemite National Park. It was a transformational experience of snow camping, granite hikes, and sequoias that impacted both my career and personal life to this day.

I spoke to NatureBridge about my experience with the organization and subsequent career working on climate law and policy for their “Stories from the Field” series. You can read it here.

And if you’re looking for an organization to make a charitable contribution to before the tax year ends this month, please consider supporting NatureBridge!