Nature contact for students
We aim to improve the mental and physical health of students across the country and to inspire the next generation of scientists, entrepreneurs, and nature conservation leaders. To achieve this, we partner with schools to provide free nature contact that sparks joy, adventure, and experimentation.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and our programs are free for all participants.
Clara inched her way along the log on hands and knees, with Interlaken creek below her and lush leaves overhead. Her friends had walked across the log, but kneeling felt better for Clara. She beamed with pride when she reached the far bank and quickly followed her friends up the creek.
This kind of just-right challenge, where each child chooses their own challenge, decides how to address it, and defines what success means for them, is central to what we do.
Our Approach
We combine just-right challenges, such as balancing on a log; quiet connections, such as listening to the birds for 60 seconds; and science discovery, such as finding and learning about flowers, moss, and insects. We intentionally make space for child-led exploration, and our programs are free for all participants.
Our Progress
So far in 2026, we have taken 430 different students from preschool to 5th grade on walking field trips to local parks. We partnered with 6 schools, 33 teachers, 50 parents, and 8 NaturUs team members.
“Moments of stillness and wonder are essential for a child’s emotional and spiritual development. This little walk through the woods made that lesson vivid; it showed me how naturally children find awe, and how much we need to help them practice silence.” – Patrick Fennessy, Head of School