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Fostering a lifelong fascination with nature through outdoor field trips

Overview of Our Program

A great overview of our entire program.

The Accessible Outdoors

14-minute documentary about the lack of access to nature experienced by disabled people and the importance of the connection to nature for all people.

Creating New Tracks

Enabling Wheelchair Users and Others with Physical Disabilities to Experience Nature

NatureTrack is expanding its “Fostering a Lifelong Fascination with Nature” outdoor field trip program to include wheelchair users of all ages. Using Freedom Trax, a manual wheelchair can be quickly transformed into a battery-powered all-terrain vehicle that easily traverses beach sand and trails. Nature Track helps wheelchair users or those with a physical disability access and explore beaches and trails from San Luis Obispo to Ventura. Wheelchair users can independently enjoy nature alongside family and friends.

Our students’ and wheelchair users’ experience is directly linked to your financial support. Keep us “tracking” for kids and wheelchair users. Donate today! Click the donate button above or mail your tax-deductible donation to:
NatureTrack Foundation, PO Box 953, Los Olivos CA 93441

Nature Track Partners with Buellton & Solvang Recreation for Spring Outdoor Adventures

Register at buelltonrec.com – Deadline: March 31st.

Grandparent’s Hike
Tuesday, April 6, 1:30-4:30pm

(Children w/Adult, $5, meet at Buellton Rec Center)

Share the wonder of the natural world with your grandchildren on this beautiful, easy hike at the Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve.

Outdoor Adventures
Tuesdays, 3-6pm, 3rd-5th grades

($15 Solvang Rec transportation fee for all 3 hikes, meet at Solvang Vets Hall)

April 13—Midland Trails
April 20—Nojoqui Falls State Park
April 27—Gaviota State Beach

Nature and Creature Cards!

Explore the outdoors on your own, learn cool facts and even print out your own creature trading cards.

Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods , identified the problem as “Nature-Deficit Disorder”. Scientific evidence suggests that it contributes to a diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, conditions of obesity, and higher rates of emotional and physical illnesses. Research also suggests that the nature-deficit weakens ecological literacy and stewardship of the natural world. These problems are linked more broadly to what health care experts call the “epidemic of inactivity,” and to a devaluing of independent play. NatureTrack strives to reverse the effects of society’s nature-deficit disorder, one child at a time. Field trips include physical exertion through hiking, group games and independent play. We encourage exploration and reward curiosity through acknowledgment of children’s personal discoveries and share those moments together. NatureTrack facilitates observation and inquiry through the use of Jack Muir Law’s INIWIRMO prompts: “I notice, I wonder, It reminds me of”. John (Jack) Muir Laws is a scientist, educator, and author, whose work with nature journaling and understanding science is recognized nationwide. At NatureTrack, every student receives a journal where he/she can incorporate illustration and scientific note-taking as a means to greater observation, memory and curiosity. NatureTrack provides students with snacks on the trail and a pre-trip checklist of what to bring and what to wear, working together with parents and teachers to equip students with the knowledge and resources to make healthy choices. NatureTrack recognizes the need for ALL children to connect with their natural world in a positive, tangible, and meaningful way. On NatureTrack field trips, there are no barriers to race, ethnicity, economic or social status. Through the generous support of individual and corporate donors we work to provide outdoor opportunities for every child.

“Time in nature is not leisure time; it's an essential investment in our children's health (and also, by the way, in our own).”

A Message from NatureTrack Executive Director

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THANKS TO THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT SUPPORT NATURETRACK

Thank You!