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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
7 events found.
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Neighborhood Nature Days
Hollygrape Park 19489 Hollygrape St, BendPresented by the NatureConnect Central Oregon partners Nature exploration – Hands on science – Stories – Crafts Free! This week’s program features activities with Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory.
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Library Adventures Outdoors
Sisters Elementary School 2155 W McKinney Butte Road, Sisters, OR, United StatesLibrary and outdoor adventures with Nature Connect of Central Oregon. Join the library and Nature Connect of Central Oregon for a literature-based activity followed by an outdoor education program. Community […]
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Neighborhood Nature Days
Sawyer Park 62999 O. B. Riley Rd, Bend, OR, United StatesPresented by the NatureConnect Central Oregon partners Nature exploration – Hands on science – Stories – Crafts Free! This week’s program features activities with Think Wild.
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Library Adventures Outdoors
La Pine Elementary School 51615 Couch Road, La Pine, OR, United StatesLibrary and outdoor adventures with Nature Connect of Central Oregon. Join the library and Nature Connect of Central Oregon for a literature-based activity followed by an outdoor education program. Community […]
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Teacher Workshop: From Page to Place – Animal Defenses
Skyliners Lodge 16125 Skyliners Road, Bend, OR, United StatesJoin NatureConnect and our partners for a workshop focused on enhancing literacy curriculum through nature and place-based learning. This workshop will focus specifically on connections to the Expeditionary Learning Education […]
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Teacher Workshop: From Page to Place – Birds’ Amazing Bodies
Skyliners Lodge 16125 Skyliners Road, Bend, OR, United StatesJoin NatureConnect and our partners for a workshop focused on enhancing literacy curriculum through nature and place-based learning. This workshop will focus specifically on connections to the Expeditionary Learning Education […]
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Teacher Workshop: From Page to Place – The Secret World of Pollination
Skyliners Lodge 16125 Skyliners Road, Bend, OR, United StatesJoin NatureConnect and our partners for a workshop focused on enhancing literacy curriculum through nature and place-based learning. This workshop will focus specifically on connections to the Expeditionary Learning Education […]
Blog
Latest updates
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Now Hiring: Part-time Skyliner Administrative Assistant
NatureConnect is hiring a part-time position to manage reservations for Skyliner Lodge. This position is 3-5 hours/week, with a flexible schedule, and remote work option. Location: Bend, OR, remote with in-person optionStatus: Part-time (3-5 hours/week)Hours: FlexibleStart Date: June 1, 2026Reports to: Executive DirectorCompensation: $22.00/hour Position OverviewThe Skyliner Lodge Administrative Assistant will coordinate private and youth…
