Our Mission
Uniting our community to inspire lifelong connections to nature for each child.
Ways to engage
Get involved with NatureConnect Central Oregon
Our approach
We focus strongly on equity and inclusion, helping to connect underrepresented communities to impactful experiences in nature.
We recognize that not all kids have equal access to the outdoors, and not everyone feels safe and welcome in outdoor spaces. We believe that the health and wellbeing of children, families, and communities improves when all people connect to the outdoors.
Partner with us
We are more powerful when we work together as a community. The 32 organizations that make up the Children’s Forest all have the same goal: to improve health and learning for all children in Central Oregon by getting them outside.
Support our work
Every dollar that you invest in NatureConnect works towards making the outdoors more accessible and inclusive for children from underrepresented communities.
Resources for families
Connections to nature start with families. When your kids spend time outside, they grow smarter, happier, healthier, more attentive, and less anxious. We offer lots of creative ways to get your family playing outside!
Resources for teachers
The Children’s Forest partners with teachers and schools to enhance learning through outdoor education, giving students a learning experience that textbooks can’t provide.
Events
Upcoming Events
Blog
Latest updates
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2025-2026 Impact Report
Check out our Impact Report which highlights our program accomplishments from July 2025-June 2026. Thank you to all of our partners and supporters who have made this work possible. 2025-2026 Impact Report
