NatureBridge Annual Report 2014

TO WORK

WE’RE READY

TO ACTIVATE CHANGE

With pride we announce that, over 44 years, NatureBridge has connected over 1 million participants to the wonder and science of our world’s most impressive landscapes—our national parks.

And with vision we declare: this is not enough.

How can we fix the world's growing environmental challenges when the next generation is not connected to nature or equipped with the science skills to protect it? It’s simple. We prepare them. With your help.

Guided by our broadened mission, our strategic plan is the blueprint to achieve this goal. You will find more details of our plan on the pages that follow and can learn more about our visionary axiom: be excellent, build the field. (See pages 4 and 5.)

We’re also thrilled to announce that our National Environmental Science Center in Yosemite National Park is now under construction. This ambitious $56 million project will provide a permanent home for environmental science education and research, complete with a breathtaking view. We need your help to open the doors and are actively seeking leadership donations. Learn more about the project and how to help on page 7.

As you can see, NatureBridge is stepping up—in a big way. We are elevating the importance of environmental science learning for our communities, our education system, and our planet.

To do so, we’re delivering exceptional environmental science in nature’s classroom and supporting innovations and other organizations that advance literacy of our natural world.

We’re ready to activate change. Are you?

Thank you for challenging us to dream bigger. With your ongoing support, we can help inspire and empower the environmental stewards of tomorrow.

With gratitude,

Jason Morris

David G. Brown

INTERIM PRESIDENT & CEO

CHAIR, NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OUR NATIONAL PARK CLASSROOMS

2012

2011

2010

1988

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1971

Our multiday environmental science programs offer: Yosemite National Park - Glaciation while hiking glacier-formed waterfalls - Ecological relationships from the perspective of a 2,000-year-old giant sequoia tree - Geology laid bare along granite monoliths and domes

Golden Gate National Recreation Area - Watershed ecology through examining macroinvertebrates in local ponds - Adaptations of tide pool creatures in an intertidal marine touch tank - Climate change and phenology while tracking plant cycles throughout the year

Yosemite National Park

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Channel Islands National Park

Olympic National Park

Prince William Forest Park

Olympic National Park - Environmental restoration and recovery following dam removal on the Elwha River - Climate trends and their impacts on local species - Old-growth temperate rainforest and alpine peaks

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area - Biogeography in action in the rare Mediterranean ecosystem - Stewardship and conservation through litter analysis and phenology - The Arroyo Sequit watershed from its start near Sandstone Peak to where it meets the ocean

Channel Islands National Park - Marine ecosystems while collecting data on marine protected areas - Endemic species found only in the Channel Islands - Ancient and ongoing processes of plate tectonics

Prince William Forest Park - The largest protected piedmont forest in the Chesapeake Bay watershed - Impacts of urbanization on forest streams and watersheds - The great diversity of natural life just minutes from Washington, D.C.

STRATEGIC PLAN “ At NatureBridge our students grow as learners, scientists, environmentalists, friends, and people. They develop skills, confidence, and vision that is hard to cultivate solely in a typical classroom.”

—Erin Bailey, Teacher

WE’RE READY

TO BE EXCELLENT

At NatureBridge, the way we work is just as important as the work we do Through our multiday programs, diverse participants can experience nature for the first time. They discover, awaken curiosity, and build a rich understanding of science and the environment.

Our programs integrate math, art, language, and wellness, inspiring future scientists, building self-esteem, and developing skills needed to create healthy communities and a healthy planet.

But it’s not just the students who practice science—we do, too. Through rigorous evaluation and assessment, we ensure our programs are the best they can be.

Our ambitious three-year strategic vision reflects a continued commitment to internal and external excellence through quality, reach, diversity, and influence.

We will: • Create compelling content and science-based curricula that target students’ academic achievement, personal growth, and interpersonal skills to build environmental literacy.

• Capitalize on opportunities provided by natural landscapes in our stunning national park outdoor classrooms.

• Establish a culture of innovation and an agile system of program design, delivery, and review.

• Build and ensure efficient, effective business and operational systems.

• Cultivate leadership in a strong staff team, inspired by a shared vision for the diverse communities and students we serve.

STRATEGIC PLAN “ There is nothing more important to sustaining ourselves and our planet than getting kids outside to learn, be active, and connect with the world around them—and I know that NatureBridge is playing an important role in making that happen.”

—Sally Jewell, United States Secretary of the Interior

WE’RE READY

TO BUILD THE FIELD

While what we can do individually is impressive, what we can do together is truly transformational.

The field of environmental education has a history of detached efforts. At NatureBridge, collaboration is our calling. By convening with experts, we’re working to integrate environmental education in the formal education system and advance opportunities for young people outside of the classroom—before it’s too late.

We’ve already hit the ground running. We’ve stepped up as a leadership partner in ChangeScale— a pioneering venture for environmental literacy that’s united influential institutions and organizations across the Bay Area. And that’s just the beginning.

We will: • Advance the long-term aim of integrating the field of environmental education with formal education.

• Ground our programs, research, and evaluation in science—and chronicle the value of environmental education.

• Position NatureBridge to become the recognized center for research-based programming and citizen science data in residential environmental education.

• Provide greater access to NatureBridge programs by providing scholarships to one-third of our students.

“Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.”

—John Muir

2014 HIGHLIGHT: National Environmental Science Center in Yosemite National Park Environmental science education reimagined The future of environmental science education begins with our project in Yosemite: the National Environmental Science Center. Creating the next generation of environmental stewards isn’t just a goal—it’s at the very core of our existence.

It’s been a topic around campfires and in leadership meetings over the last 35 years. And now? Our state-of-the-art environmental science center at Yosemite National Park is under construction.

A resounding example of our strategic plan’s adage “be excellent, build the field,” the National Environmental Science Center will provide a permanent home for environmental science programs in Yosemite that will showcase the wonder of our natural world for young people across the nation.

The need couldn’t be more urgent. Today, children and teens suffer from nature deficit disorder, spending less than seven minutes outside each day. At our center, students and community members will spend at least eight hours a day on nature and science learning—in the heart of one of our country’s iconic outdoor landscapes.

A global model for field-based learning, the center will significantly increase the current capacity for year-round field science programs for children and teens. Multiday residential science programs at the NatureBridge center will provide space, tools, technology, and educators to inspire curiosity and confidence.

Grounds will include cabins for students, classrooms, a library, a dining hall, bathhouses, and more. The center will serve as a laboratory for environmental education best practices, convene thought leaders, and spark innovation.

There, kids and guests alike can learn and dream—shaping their own campfire ambitions that will form tomorrow’s future.

Learn more at: naturebridge.org/NESC

“ For a national treasure like Yosemite National Park to have a center that is solely designed for environmental science education, the importance of our work will be elevated around the world.”

—Jason Morris, Interim President & CEO of NatureBridge

Fundraising for the center is just beginning. To find out how you can be involved and support our $56 million effort for the National Environmental Science Center in Yosemite National Park, contact jmorris@naturebridge.org.

PARTNERS HELP US MEET OUR MISSION

NatureBridge is a proud partner of the National Park Service. We work closely with academic institutions, associations and coalitions, corporations, government agencies, and other nonprofit organizations committed to connecting youth to nature and advancing science education. We thank our partners for all the ways they support our work.

Government Agencies

Corporations

Nonprofit Organizations

California State Parks, Angeles District Channel Islands National Park District Department of the Environment—Washington, D.C. Golden Gate National Recreational Area Joshua Tree National Park National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Park Service National Science Foundation Olympic National Park Prince William Forest Park Puget Sound Partnership Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Shenandoah National Park U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Yosemite National Park

Ansel Adams Gallery Aramark Corporation Barbara Drago Consulting Davis Wright Tremaine LLP Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts Green Toys, Inc. Guest Services, Inc. Klean Kanteen, Inc. Lexicon Branding, Inc. Miller Law Group Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP Oracle Pankow Provost and Pritchard Recreational Equipment, Inc. Siegel & Strain Architects Thompson | Dorfman Partners, LLC Virgin America Virgin Atlantic Wells Fargo Bank

Alcoa Foundation Alice Ferguson Foundation American Rivers American Whitewater Basis Foundation California Academy of Sciences Exploratorium Feiro Marine Life Center Foundation for Youth Investment Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy Great Smoky Mountains Institute Heal the Bay IslandWood Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy LA Trail Hikers Lawrence Hall of Science Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region The Marine Mammal Center Monterey Bay Aquarium The Mountaineers National Geographic Society— Education Department

DONORS MAKE IT POSSIBLE

National Marine Sanctuaries Channel Islands National Park Foundation National Parks Conservation Association National Wildlife Federation Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County North Cascades Institute Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Pie Ranch Save Our Wild Salmon Sequoia Natural History Association SPARK, The Education Foundation for Prince William County Schools Streamkeepers of Clallam County Student Conservation Association Upper Merced River Watershed Council VegasHikers Washington's National Parks Fund Yosemite Conservancy

Educational Institutions Princeton University Stanford University University of California, Berkeley University of California, Merced Western Carolina University

Associations and Coalitions Association of Nature Center Administrators––Residential Environmental Learning Centers ChangeScale E3 Washington No Child Left Inside North American Association for Environmental Education Outdoors Alliance for Kids Seattle Audubon Society

NatureBridge is grateful to the following donors who have made gifts to our organization between January 1 and December 31, 2014.

$250,000 and Up

$100,000 to $249,999

$50,000 to $99,999

Alcoa Foundation Matthew A. Baxter, Jr. Randi and Bob Fisher The Kendeda Fund National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation

American Express Foundation David G. and Maureen E. Brown David B. Gold Foundation Eucalyptus Foundation Robert and Rebecca Gates Pisces Foundation Wells Fargo Foundation

Dan Abrams René and April Ancinas AT&T California Susan S. Boren and Steve G. King Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts Elizabeth G. Maughan Charitable Foundation

Geoffrey C. and Synthia Given The Kimball Foundation Marin Community Foundation Marisla Foundation The McConnell Foundation National Geographic Education Foundation National Park Foundation Oracle

Port Blakely Companies Quest Foundation Chris and Hank Shea Carol and Mike Shealy for the Basis Foundation William W. and Leslie Thompson Doris Archer Winters Ivy Archer Winters

$25,000 to $49,999 Alice Ferguson Foundation Amgen Foundation Valerie E. and William A. Anders The Anders Foundation Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation County of Los Angeles Crescent Porter Hale Foundation Robert H. and Suzi C. Given Klean Kanteen, Inc. Lexicon Branding, Inc. Stephen H. Lockhart, M.D., Ph.D. and Karen Bals The Martin-Fabert Foundation Greg M. and Mary Moga Morgan Family Foundation David and Nelle Placek Mary and Bill Poland Recreational Equipment, Inc. The Rose Hills Foundation Weeden Foundation Carroll C. and George Yandell Yosemite Conservancy Yosemite National Park

$10,000 to $24,999 Aspen Community Foundation Geoffrey and Anne Barker Virginia J. Blywise Bowen H. and Janice Arthur McCoy Charitable Foundation The Burning Foundation Chamberlin Family Foundation D.V. and Ida McEachern Charitable Trust Lauren B. and Alan Dachs David A. and Gail G. Bell Fund Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts at Yosemite, Inc. Kristina L. Deutsch and Joel Brand Daniel J. and Jacqueline D. Devine Devine Family Foundation, Inc. East Bay Community Foundation Edwards Mother Earth Foundation Eucalyptus Associates, Inc. Feiro Marine Life Center Patricia W. and Michael J. Fitzpatrick

Foundation for Youth Investment Raoul Goff The Green Foundation Lisa K. Holmes Horizons Foundation The Hunter Grubb Foundation Ira M. Resnick Foundation, Inc Jacques M. Littlefield Foundation Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy Joan Templeton Foundation James and Diana Judson Bill and Trudy Kindler Lisa and John Pritzker Family Fund Charlene D. Low and Henry Murakami Robyn and Warren Luhning Mark C. Lemons Foundation Naktenis Family Foundation Diane Neal Neda Nobari Allan J. and Kristina J. Prager Thomas C. and Tricia Prentice Roger W. Evans Fund Sand Hill Foundation Bruce and Barbara Schroder Robin Steele Sutter Health Thomas J. Long Foundation Tracy Thompson Union Bank Foundation Stephan P. and Barbara Vermut Virgin America Inc. Greg and Carlene Vital The Volgenau Foundation Douglas W. and Maggie Walker Wiancko Charitable Foundation, Inc.

$5,000 to $9,999 Karyl B. and Elias C. Alvord The Annette Nibley Fund The Ansel Adams Gallery Aspect Consulting, LLC The Bank of America Foundation The Barron Family Anne W. Baxter Bingham, Osborn & Scarborough Foundation Barbara Bolles

Elizabeth Bramsen Neill H. and Linda S. Brownstein The Carl & Roberta Deutsch Foundation Lacy A. Caruthers The Clorox Company Foundation Martha H. Conklin, Ph.D. Davis Wright Tremaine LLP Deborah and Tim Flynn Seth and Susie Gilman Green Toys, Inc. Hamill Family Foundation The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation Gordon Hunt and Mary Powers Antoine Intero Foundation Mark Johnston Mary L. Kiely, Ph.D. and Kurt N. Bausback, M.D. Steven King Sarah J. Kupferberg and Sydney A. Temple The Lawrence Foundation Susan E. Levy and Mac Kennedy Low Financial Group, Inc. Macy's West Lewis and Ursula Marsten The MCJ Amelior Foundation Mercel P. Meyers Scott and Beth Minick Anne Mize Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Julie and P. William Parish Janet E. and Norman C. Pease Christopher and Stephanie Plante The Playa Foundation Randall E. Reynoso and Martin Camsey Shannon and Robert R. Rugani, Jr. Ferrell and Page Sanders Scan Design Foundation SEBA Foundation Jonathan Shapiro Richard J. and Jewel T. Sideman Southern California Edison Anthony Stais Spencer Stuart

Thompson | Dorfman Partners, LLC Union Bank Western National Parks Association Ian Yolles and Irene Parikhal

$2,500 to $4,999 Marina Agapakis Anchor QEA, LLC Mark L. Ang and Michelle Naval Amy Armstrong Negin Badii Laura and Bruce J. Bailey Breen and Devon Baker Oliver Barrett Joan C. Barron Michael J. Berry Brent Bishop Greg Blevins Boeing Gift Matching Program Andrew Braunstein Herbert M. Bridge and Edith N. Hilliard Ardan Z. Butler Capital Group Private Client Services Kim Carter von Bertrab Cascadia Law Group PLLC Christopher Chagal Rollin B. Chippey II Ben Choy City National Bank Kelsey Conklin Jeffrey and Susan Cook Ingalisa and Brendan Coupe Alexis Craig Joan and Donald Crooks Michelle Dadourian Amelia Eddleman Emmett Foundation Entertainment Partners Benjamen Fagerlind Mark and Tracy Ferron Jamie Firkus Eric Fracisco Michael Fritz Papia and Darrin D. Gambelin William G. and Whitney Glass Stephen Gomez Alex Gyr

Lauren Hamme Mary Haverstock Terry Hurlbutt Alexander Iliev Dilshani Jayasundara James R. and Ann Johnston Tim Katz Thomas C. and Katherine R. Kiernan Martha Kongsgaard and Peter Goldman Alan F. and Celeste Krepack Steve Maher Rick Malins Marie Margol A. Marie and John Marrs Kaia Mattioli Chris McTiernan Merrill & Ring, Inc. Monte S. and Wanda Meyers Seena Mojahedi Michael Mordaunt Cassidy Morgan Kyle Mori Shamel Naguib Mark Nelson Jacqueline Neuwirth and Stephen Swire New Resource Bank Maurice Nguyen Roz and Tom Nieman The North Face Matthew Palmer and Doris Chin Jon Parkinson Maria Passaseo Van Pham David Phillips Dmitry Polyakov Ka-Kit Poon Varad Rajan David Rees Tara Reinertson Santiago Ripley Bridget Y. Rosas Tram Sanborn Jill Saper Mojgan Savejiani Mark G. and Sarah Schaaf Sarah Scharf

Jonathan Schmucler The Seattle Foundation Winston M. and Catherine L. Seiler Patricia J. Serie and Jay Bruggeman Lori Shima Matt Sidman Walter Sive and Cheryl Ellsworth Susan Smartt Stephanie Solien and Frank Greer Bonnie Solmssen Pierce Stacy Paul Stanton Allan and Nancy Stephan Elviea Tavarez Aaron Taylor Melain Terry Tides Foundation Richard Tkach Reid Townsend Jonathan D. and Cindy W. Vass Robbie Vivat Quince Vo Christopher L. Wagner Anne-Joy Wang Jillian Warner Waste Management Ardith M. West and Frank O. Denby Alexander Wozniak Leif Ye Faye Yuen Tracy Zhang Ed Zuckerman and Mary Bond

$1,000 to $2,499 AIG Private Client Group Marie L. and George W. Allman Rochelle D. Alpert and Steven F. Greenwald AmazonSmile Foundation Argent Bank Virginia M. Badger and Isabelle Bohman Susan Bailey and David Harnden Balanced Rock Foundation Randy and Deborah Barker Kate Baxter and Stan Gillmar

Jack and JoAnn Bertges William and Jennifer G. Birdsey Richard A. and Deborah L. Bocci The Boudjakdji Foundation Everen Brown Carolynne Bryant-Dowdy Collin and Ellen Campbell Stan and Susan Carlson Carlson-Solmssen Foundation, Inc. Charles McAdam Charitable Trust— Donor Advised Fund Milton Chen and Ruth Cox Chevron Matching Employee Funds Malinda Pennoyer Chouinard Edward J. Conner Daniel and Nathalie Costello Christopher Cox and Katherine Young Paul and Leah Culberg Bill and Kathy Delaney John Dionne Carol Doll Downeast Conservation Foundation Rosemary Egan-Orlando Joanne Ellis The Ellis Foundation Farallone Pacific Insurance Services First Federal Savings & Loan Sean Folks Fore River Foundation Frank and Rebecca Fox Fox Rothschild LLP The Fred Gellert Family Foundation William Gartz and Robin Holt Rose Gavin Daniel and Nicole Gelfand Gelfand Family Foundation, Inc. Fred and Annette Gellert Harvey and Gail Glasser Neil M. Goodman Google Matching Gifts Program Carleen and Dana Gosney The Greer/Solien Fund David J. and Cheryl L. Grunwald James F. and Kim Hamill Nohemi and James Harrison Barbara B. Herman

James A. and Linda Hoffman Brian E. and Rene J. Hollins Robert and Sue Holmes Dan and Suzanne Jensen Ted and Linda K. Johnson Christopher A. Joseph Eliza L. and Nathan Kerr Katherine J. and Eugene D. Kilcher Kevin King and Meridee Moore Jim and Linda Kuhns Alan and Caron Lacy Austin Lambe and Anja Steinke Lappen Family Foundation Gretchen LeBuhn, Ph.D. Nelson J. and Lia R. Lee Leslie Family Foundation Robert H. Lind Erik R. Lindbergh Gretchen Long Noah Mamet and Patricia Lindberg Ann and H. Tony Martin Jennifer L. Martin Martin Family Foundation Miller Law Group Phoebe Ann and Malcolm A. Moore Morningside Foundation Gina and Jason Morris Harry G. and Susan Mumford Paul and Hongyan Newton Jarrett O'Connor Brian and Anne O'Shaughnessy Olympic Resource Management Maurice William Osser II Paperless Productivity, Inc. Elizabeth Patterson Laurence and Alexis Pelosi Ewing and Bonney Philbin Emily Pimentel Plauche & Carr LLP S & N Popinski Thomas Powers and Sarah E. Powers Princeton University John F. and Lee Pritchard Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group Galen Quaring and Leigh Anderson Quil Ceda Village

Rayonier Advanced Materials Foundation Richard J. and Bonnie B. Robbins Arthur Rock and Toni Rembe Rock The Rock Foundation Rotary Club of Yosemite National Park Deborah Rudnick and Robert Ast Antonio L. and Cynthia L. Sandoval Scott Schaffer Connie and John Schmidt Dale L. Schwarzhoff Rich and Patti Shavelson Charles K. Sholtz and Catherine Magill Ted Sive and Ted Kennedy Watson Jocelyn R. and Kenneth G. Solomon Maryanne Tagney and David Jones Michael and Amy Terrell Tulalip Tribes Charitable Fund Van Ness Feldman LLP Washington State Department of Revenue Wilford H. Welch and Carole Angermeir Craig and Janet Wilkie Ann Wingren

In-kind Donors Adventure 16 Alaska Airlines Albertsons David Baer Beanfields Snacks Berkeley Logic Brophy Bros. Restaurant and Clam Bar CamelBak Products, LLC Cavallo Point Lodge Channel Islands Outfitters, Inc. Beverly Cherner Clif Bar & Company Co-Opportunity Cross Cultural Journeys Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts at Yosemite, Inc. Diamond Resorts International Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps Earth Aware Editions Fish Brewing Co.

Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort Friends of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Lilly Fu Google Hawaii Volcanoes Lodge Company Health-ade Kombucha Hines Hood & Strong LLP HTC America Island Packers J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines Kalaloch Lodge KIND Healthy Snacks Klean Kanteen, Inc. Lake Crescent Lodge Lululemon Athletica Mamma Chia Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, LLC Max Impact Martial Arts Metric Theory Microsoft Miller Law Group Noah's New York Bagels Nob Hill Gazette Qualibre, Inc. Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) The Redwoods In Yosemite Salito's Crab House & Prime Rib Louie Schwartzberg Siegel & Strain Architects Sprouts Farmers Market Starbucks Statue Cruises LLC (A Hornblower Company) Teeccino Toland Associates Management Consulting Tom Scott Vineyard Tutor Doctor The Veggie Grill Virgin America Inc. Waypoint Outdoor Western Bagels Whole Foods YogaWorks—Palisades