Earlier this year, the foundation doled out $442,000 to 11 organizations working to increase access to parks and open spaces. According to the foundation, the efforts are benefiting over 11,000 youngsters.
“Through the Opening the Outdoors program, more San Diegans will grow up with a deeper connection to the outdoors and the local environment, which will help preserve our natural spaces for generations to come,” says Katie Rast, director of community impact.
Here’s a look at what some of the grant recipients are doing:
• SAY San Diego, The AjA Project, and Healthy Planet USA are teaching aspiring young photographers in Central and Southeast San Diego to document nature and promote conservation and environmental justice.
• International Rescue Committee San Diego is working with schools, Mission Trails Regional Park, and San Diego Canyonlands to give refugee youths from City Heights more opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
• The Earth Discovery Institute and the Cajon Valley Union School District are inspiring students from East County neighborhoods with a lack of green space to get interested in science.
• Escondido Education COMPACT, Circulate San Diego, and Bike/Walk Escondido are helping to change the Escondido Creek Trail’s reputation as a haven for homelessness and gang violence.
• Urban Corps of San Diego County, the Back Country Land Trust, and the US Forest Service are restoring a damaged trail and introducing kids to local ecosystems. The Urban Corps is also hiring young adults who will be introduced to career paths in environmental conservation.
• The San Diego River Park Foundation, San Diego Fly Fishers, and King-Chavez Academy are taking Barrio Logan students on a field trip to learn about science and ecology, and are sponsoring a “Trout in the Classroom” program.
The San Diego Foundation Is Getting Kids Outside
