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Growing the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards
Using creative approaches, we inspire and empower students across the country to wander through nature’s wonders with open hearts, curious minds, and passionate souls.
Phase 1: Nature Scholar’s Video and Workbook Experience
In many underserved communities, students rarely have opportunities to explore nature through hands-on, engaging lessons that connect science, culture, and history. Without that connection, many children miss the chance to experience the joy - and responsibility - of protecting the world around them.
Our Role
Through the Nature Scholars Video and Workbook Experience - “I’m a Tripp Planner!” - Tripp the Tumbleweed sparks curiosity and wonder in young learners. Over 15 days of fun games, videos, and activities, students learn how to appreciate, respect, and protect nature in their own neighborhoods and beyond.
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The Foundation’s Impact
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Makes environmental learning fun, accessible, and inspiring for all children
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Builds respect, appreciation, and stewardship through creativity and play
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Plants the seeds of lifelong environmental leadership and care for our planet
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Over 100 students in three after-school programs have proudly completed the “I’m a Tripp Planner!” experience - each one a growing Nature Scholar ready to make a difference!
Phase 2: Co-Authoring with Tripp the Tumbleweed Initiative
Too often, students - especially those in underserved communities -don’t see themselves as explorers, creators, or storytellers in the environmental world. Without access to outdoor adventures or creative outlets, their potential to imagine and inspire change can go untapped.​
Our Role
Through the Co-Author with Tripp the Tumbleweed Initiative, students partner with Tripp to help write his fun, zany, and sometimes mischievous, adventures across America’s 63 national parks - becoming published co-authors and environmental storytellers. Each classroom receives a special story time celebration where Tripp’s new book is read aloud, “Thank You” stickers for every student, and a $150 classroom grant is presented to the teacher to support local nature-protecting initiatives.​​
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The Foundation’s Impact
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Empowers young learners to explore and celebrate national parks through imagination, research, and storytelling
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Builds confidence and creativity by recognizing each student as a real author
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Connects learning to purpose—showing students that their voices can protect and inspire the world around them
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More than 250 students in classrooms and after-school programs have proudly become published co-authors with Tripp the Tumbleweed!
Phase 3: School Assemblies: Protecting Nature in My Community
Many children grow up unaware of how their daily choices impact the environment - or how small actions can create big change. Without access to guidance, role models, or resources, environmental protection can seem far away or out of reach.​
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Our Role
Through our “Protecting Nature in My Community” Assemblies - held virtually and in person - Tripp the Tumbleweed inspires students to see that protecting nature starts right outside their own front doors. Through stories, interactive lessons, and real-world examples, children learn fun, practical ways to care for their neighborhoods, parks, and communities. Plus, each student receives an "I'm a Tripp Planner" backpack for their participation!
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The Foundation’s Impact
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Teaches simple, meaningful actions every child can take to protect nature in their community
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Builds pride and responsibility in caring for the places they call home
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Connects local awareness to a greater sense of global stewardship
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500+ students have already participated in Tripp’s assemblies - each one learning that they already have the power to make a difference!
Meet Tripp the Tumbleweed
Tripp is a curious little tumbleweed with a giant sense of adventure! He reminds us that every child deserves the chance to explore, learn, and fall in love with the natural world.
Explore Tripp's website to learn more about him and his U.S. national park adventures!
Donate to the Nature Scholars Foundation
$250 → Puts 25 Tripp the Tumbleweed National Park books into the hands of young readers.
$500 → Brings the “I’m a Tripp Planner” 15-day video and workbook experience to an after-school program.
$750 → Empowers after-school students to co-author Tripp’s next National Park adventure.
$1,000 → Delivers an interactive school assembly that brings environmental learning to life.
$2,250 → Funds the "I'm a Tripp Planner" experience, co-authoring opportunity, Tripp's books for each student, and interactive assembly for an after-school program.
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If you would like to support a specific school's after-school program, please reach out to us at info@naturescholars.org.
