Why Access to Nature Isn’t Equal — and Why It Matters

For some kids in Central Oregon, the outdoors feels far away — even when it’s just down the road. Without transportation, an adult to take them, or the knowledge of where to go, the forests and rivers that define our region might as well be out of reach.

It’s easy to assume that spending time outdoors is simple: step outside, take a walk, find a trail. But in reality, there are invisible barriers that prevent kids from accessing nature. Families without reliable transportation may not be able to get to a trailhead. Parents working multiple jobs may not have the time to bring their children to the park. Some kids don’t have an adult available to accompany them outdoors. School funding has decreased so the chance to experience nature through field trips and programming is limited. For others, safety concerns or uncertainty about where to go can keep them inside.

That’s why NatureConnect exists. We’re breaking down these barriers and ensuring that every child in Central Oregon, no matter their circumstances, has the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive in the outdoors.

The Barriers Kids Face

Even here in a place surrounded by natural beauty, access is not guaranteed.

Transportation and Scheduling: Not every family has a vehicle to get kids to trailheads, campgrounds, or rivers. For working parents or caregivers, finding time to accompany kids outdoors can also be a major challenge.
Shrinking Field Trip Funding: Field trips used to be memorable learning moments—but now, many schools struggle to afford them. Nationally and locally, budget cuts mean fewer opportunities for kids to experience the outdoors through school.
Awareness and Comfort: Especially for newer community members—or families unfamiliar with outdoor culture—even knowing which places are safe, accessible, or welcoming can be a hurdle.
Cultural Access: Without programs that feel inviting—language-friendly, culturally relevant—some families won’t benefit from outdoor learning, even when it’s available.

It’s a reminder that access isn’t about choice or desire — it’s about opportunity. And too often, that opportunity isn’t distributed equally.

How NatureConnect Helps

NatureConnect is designed to change this. Through our own programs and by coordinating a network of more than 30 outdoor education partners, we make nature experiences accessible to kids who might otherwise miss out.

We:

Fund transportation and coordinate field trips, ensuring that all schools — not just those with more resources — can get students outside.
Support educators with curriculum, training, and logistics so outdoor learning is seamless.
Create opportunities for youth leadership, including internships that open doors to conservation and environmental careers.
Serve as the umbrella organization for Vámonos Outside, which focuses on connecting Latinx families and youth to the outdoors in culturally relevant and welcoming ways.
Work behind the scenes to connect schools, nonprofits, and agencies — so that outdoor learning in Central Oregon is strategic, coordinated, and inclusive.

The Numbers: Progress and Challenges

NatureConnect has been tracking outdoor program participation since 2012. That data, shared by our network of partners, gives us a regional snapshot of who is accessing outdoor education through schools.

And there’s good news:

Last year, participation in school-based outdoor programs was nearly equal across income and racial lines.
In fact, students from lower-income households were just as likely — and in some cases slightly more likely — to join outdoor programs than their higher-income peers.

This is real progress, and we’re proud of it. But there’s another side to the story.

Overall participation numbers — the total number of students reached — are still down compared to before the pandemic. Since 2018, the number of students participating in school-based outdoor programs has dropped by 11.6%, and the number of program days is down 3.6%. So while we celebrate progress in who is being reached, we know we’re still reaching fewer kids overall. Shrinking school budgets, staff shortages, and declining federal funding for outdoor education have all played a role.

That’s why our work is more urgent than ever.

Why It Matters

Kids need nature. Study after study shows that time outdoors improves mental health, reduces stress, boosts academic performance, and builds stronger social-emotional skills. Beyond the personal benefits, kids who grow up connected to the outdoors are more likely to become adults who care about protecting the environment and investing in their community.

And the community benefits, too. When more kids feel welcome in the outdoors, it creates a healthier, more connected Central Oregon.

But those benefits only happen if kids have the chance to get outside in the first place.

Looking Ahead

That’s why NatureConnect is committed to our community — we’re working to expand programs, strengthen partnerships, and make sure that every child in Central Oregon has the opportunity to experience the wonder of nature.

In the months ahead, we’ll share more about the people, partners, and programs behind this work. From school field trips to youth internships to community celebrations, there are countless ways our community is helping bring nature within reach.

Because at the end of the day, the outdoors should never be a privilege reserved for some. It should be a possibility for every child.

Save the Date

📅 Sunday, September 21
Join us at Alpenglow Park for NatureConnect Fest, a free, family-friendly event celebrating nature, community, and the outdoors. More details coming soon — we’d love to see you there!