The REI Foundation recently made two large donations funding key programs in wilderness recreation and wildlife education. The foundation gave $110,000 to The National Audubon Society to help fund a program to study its existing offerings and community collaborations and design future nature programs to support the needs and interests of culturally diverse individuals and families. The second grant, in the amount of $100,000, went to help launch the NYC Green Stops Partnership, a citywide campaign aimed at connecting the city's two million youth and their families with the outdoors and nature.
The Audubon program is designed to help conserve and restore natural ecosystems by engaging people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences, according to statements from REI.
“Its great to be working to help nature education programs succeed in northeast Los Angeles and Latino communities across the country,” said Arturo Gonzalez, Arroyo Seco Foundation outreach coordinator and a key ally in Audubons community projects. “Working as one community is the best way to make to be sure of reaching all local residents.”
This summer, NYC Green Stops will encourage youth and their families to take advantage of the NYCs kid-friendly parks. Beginning this fall, the joint initiative will also highlight the availability, accessibility and attractiveness of the city's NYC Green Stops through an interactive web site and Green Stop-branded signage posted at parks and gardens throughout the five boroughs.
A growing body of evidence suggests a decline in the health of today's youth is linked to children's separation from nature. Chronic health conditions – such as obesity, diabetes and depression – have reached alarming rates, affecting a growing number of kids. The NYC Green Stops Partnership aims to improve the health and quality of life for young New Yorkers by reconnecting them to nature and promoting outdoor recreation as a daily necessity.
Additional REI Foundation-supported programs include the New York Restoration Project in New York City and the EarthTeam Environmental Network in Berkeley, CA as other important projects that were endorsed by the National Forum.
