JOIN US ↠ ACCESSIBLE OUTDOORS ↞ 13 DEC 2025
JOIN US ↠ ACCESSIBLE OUTDOORS ↞ 13 DEC 2025
“The folks at NatureTrack have totally dialed in the process behind planning and executing a successful, deeply meaningful field trip experience for K-12 students. Sue and her team of professionally trained naturalists are the cream of the crop in the world of outdoor education. They fill an invaluable gap in the educational field that is so dominated by media experiences instead of authentic experiences. NatureTrack helps to reverse the nature deprivation trend by offering invaluable field trip experiences to our local students.”
Peggy Lubchenco
Teacher Education Program
Gevirtz Graduate School of Education
University of CA, Santa Barbara
“I am a science teacher at Los Olivos School District for Kindergarten through 6th grade. I cannot tell you enough about how valuable the experiences have been for my students. NatureTrack not only brought my students outdoors to experience nature and science in an engaging, real-world setting, but did so while incorporating standards-based, grade-appropriate curriculum. Students were provided transportation, hikes, games, snacks, lessons, highly trained docents, and unforgettable experiences from NatureTrack. At a time when schools are cutting all extras from their budgets, NatureTrack fills a void that is not met elsewhere.”
Laura Mudge
K-6 Science Teacher
“The impact of the Nature Track program on our residents at Mission Park cannot be overstated. It has provided them with invaluable experience and opportunities to connect with nature in ways they never thought possible.
The program has not only brought joy and happiness to our residents, but it has also strengthened family bonds and created lasting memories. The ability for our residents to immerse themselves in nature without worrying about their physical limitations has been truly transformative. It has allowed them to overcome fears, interact with others in the community an experience the freedom of exploring the outdoors. Families have been grateful for the chance to see their loved ones enjoys activities they once thought were out of reach.
The impact of the program can be seen in the tears of happiness, the laughter, and the smiles of our residents. It has brought a sense of joy and wonder to individuals who may have felt isolated or limited in their abilities.
The Nature Track program truly is a miracle for our residents, and it deserves all the recognition for the incredible work it does. In a society that often overlooks the needs of the elderly and individuals with disabilities, programs like Nature Track are essential in providing a sense of freedom and joy.
It is important to recognize and appreciate the incredible work that programs like Nature Track are doing for our residents, giving them the chance to break free from their limitations and worries, if only for a little while.
Ale Botello
Activities Director, Mission Park
“I was pleased to discover that the program is set up to cover all expenses, including transportation costs. This was fortunate for me, as we have a limited budget from which we can draw money to go on field trips. I am firmly of the opinion that experiences out of the classroom in the world are some of the most powerful learning experiences for children. Not only have I read research articles documenting the benefits of these primary experiences on learning, but I have witnessed the effects on student morale, interest and overall engagement over time.
I hope that all of the teachers at my school will get their kids out into the woods with this program, as I am confident that it is precisely this type of experience that helps kids get excited about science and to cultivate a real respect and reverence for the natural world. This respect is key so that they are able to fulfil their responsibility as future stewards of our planet’s fragile resources and open spaces.”
Michael Macioce
Sixth Grade Teacher
Adelante Charter School
Santa Barbara, Ca
“Thank you so much for an amazing trip. Your docents were kind, patient, and informative. Students and teacher alike had a wonderful time. Over 50% of my students wrote about this field trip as the best day of the year in their 2nd Grade Memory books. I have to agree with those students, best day of the year, and best field trip in my 20 years of teaching.”
Wendy Deale
Ontiveros Elementary School
Santa Maria, California
Dear Nature Track Friends,
I really enjoyed going on the hike and seeing all the beautiful animals. Thank you for having me with you on our field trip. Maybe one day I will go with my family and tell them all I have learned.
Sincerely,
Alexandra Napoles
It was an experience I’ll never forget. And I know that when I’m older I will remember what an amazing day I had yesterday.
Kaylee Garcia
8th Grader
St. Lawrence of Brindisi
As a 2nd grade teacher, I cannot recommend Nature Track field trips enough! Watching my students engage with the natural world is always inspiring. They are excited, curious, and asked so many thoughtful questions. The hands-on activities are perfectly suited for their age, making our CA standards in science accessible and fun. The experiences not only enhance their understanding of the environment but also spark a genuine interest in nature. We loved Oso Flaco and Midland this past year. The trips are always an unforgettable educational adventure for everyone! Thank you Nature Track! Can’t wait for this next year.
Kristin Lachemann
2nd Grade Ontiveros School SMBSD
Thanks, Dennis, for letting us get wet!
Ballard
Third Grade
I loved the field trip. I liked how we got to dissect the owl pellets. I also liked watching Pablo the hawk communicated with me. I liked how I stared into his eyes and he stared into mine. It was AMAZING!
Sincerely,
Rye
I just wanted to again express my apprehension for allowing me to utilize the Nature Track. I am 62 year old paraplegic, with a 22 year old zeal for life and outdoors. I have tricked out my wheelchair for the desert, and mountains, but the beach has always been something that I have been unable to conquer. That was until I was able to use the Nature Track here at the beaches here in San Diego. On the many days I was enjoying it, small crowds would form whenever I stopped for a moment asking all kinds of questions about where to find, how to buy, or rent. There is a big interest for it here, and hopefully I can reserve it again in October as we have camping reservations at Yosemite. Its unfortunate that you guys as so far from San Diego. So I’m saving my coins now, so when ever I am able to use it again. I am so glad that I was introduced to you guys at Triumph Foundations event.
Mr. Eric Logan
I didn’t know nature could be that FUN!!!
3rd Grader
Los Berros Elementary
That was so much fun! I haven’t looked at my phone in hours and I didn’t even miss it.
5th Grader
That was the best field trip ever, because we got to explore!
2nd Grader