Over the years, we have learned from our educational partners that the cost of transportation is the single largest barrier to accessing the Foundation’s educational field trips. As part of our work to support outdoor access equity, a couple years ago we began offering funding awards to cover the cost of transportation for students and educators to visit the Preserve to have a hands-on learning experience in nature.
We believe that the outdoors is for everyone. Too often, low-income and traditionally marginalized communities are left out of field trips and other activities due to financial barriers. The Foundation, like it has done with its Community Grants, is proud to have added the lens of equity to our evaluation of requests for transportation assistance.
Our field trips are tailored to the class and its goals for the outing and offer cultural and historical perspectives about the land and its significance to indigenous people in the area. We offer educational and informational education in an outdoor setting that engages all the senses. An easy trail provides movement stimulation, sights, sounds, smells and textures all of which help students understand the natural world and the work we are doing to enhance and protect it. All of these things make for a welcoming space for all.
If your group or school would like to participate in a field trip and need financial assistance for transportation to the Preserve, please contact education@ketalegacy.org with your request. We’ll review it and get back to you as soon as possible. A quick reminder that the sooner you contact us with some field trip dates and request transportation support, the more likely your date of choice is available, and our funds are set aside for your field trip.
– Katha Miller-Winder, President