Access to Nature for ALL Abilities

NatureTrack Foundation, founded by Sue Eisaguirre in 2011, began with a clear vision: to bridge the gap between K-12 students and the natural world. Eisaguirre’s mission was simple yet profound – to give students access to nature beyond what they could learn in textbooks or classrooms. This vision has since grown into a thriving 501(c)(3) nonprofit, transforming the lives of thousands of young learners. Today, NatureTrack is a volunteer-driven initiative, with over 80 docents guiding more than 5,000 students annually on immersive field trips to over 20 biodiverse locations, from tidepools to mountain trails. NatureTrack shifts the paradigm of outdoor education.

Instead of reading about nature, students experience it firsthand, engaging all their senses in ways that spark curiosity, appreciation, and awe. These field trips on local beaches and trails – offered at no cost to students or schools – are designed to align with the students’ curriculum, ensuring that these immersive experiences reinforce and expand upon their classroom learning. This model not only fosters a lifelong connection with nature, but also helps create the next generation of environmental stewards. Eliminating barriers is key to NatureTrack’s mission. For nearly 70% of the students, access to nature would be impossible without these free trips. By covering all costs, including transportation, NatureTrack ensures that no student is excluded.

However, the program faces resource limitations; last year, 1,834 students – representing 30 trips – were on a waiting list. With additional funding, more students could benefit from these transformative experiences. Inclusivity is central to NatureTrack’s mission, highlighted by the Freedom Trax program. Freedom Trax, a device that temporarily converts manual wheelchairs into battery-powered, all-terrain vehicles, revolutionizes access to nature for individuals with mobility challenges. These free excursions, paired with transportation support as needed, allow participants to explore natural areas previously out of reach. With more funding, NatureTrack could expand its Freedom Trax lending program, provide more trips for residents of senior living facilities, and provide more opportunities for wheelchair users of all ages.

NatureTrack’s programs are rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to nature. As Eisaguirre says, “The benefits of being in nature are boundless.”Through its diverse inclusive program, NatureTrack is educating today’s youth and creating lasting transformative connections to the natural world for people of all ages and abilities.