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Growing Up Outdoors (Part 2)

Welcome to Part 2 of a three part series from our guest blogger, Mary Finley! Mary Shares her story of raising her kids to be outdoorsy through all of the challenges and changes that life has thrown their way. Missed Part 1? Check it out here! Having spent much of our own childhood enjoying nature and the outdoors, I knew when I gave birth to my son in 2001 I wanted us to be active in the o...

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Project Warmth Initiative: Bringing Warmth to Those in Need

Created in partnership with our friends at While many would argue with me, winter is one of my favorite times of year for outdoor adventures with my kiddos. There are fewer crowds at popular parks, the quiet and freshness of snow makes the trails seem magical, and the post-adventure snuggles make this mama’s heart swell. With the right gear, we can extend our adventures longer than i...

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2021 Executive Director's Message & Annual Report

To view our 2020-2021 annual report, please click here Unprecedented. Resilient. Pivot. Survive. 2020 and 2021 brought SO. MANY. CHALLENGES, both for organizations and individuals, but (and maybe I'm biased) ESPECIALLY for families. I've used those four words above to describe the situation and our response so often that I thought I would just get them out of the way from the start. ...

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Growing Up Outdoors (Part 1)

Welcome to this three part series from our guest blogger, Mary Finley! Mary shares her story of raising her kids to be outdoorsy through all the challenges and changes that life has thrown their way. Nature has always been a large part of my life. Growing up, we spent much of our time on our property on the Shenandoah River and camping and hiking in state and national parks, as well as s...

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5 Tips to Enjoy the Outdoors in Unfavorable Weather Conditions

Let’s face it. As the temperature drops, so can our motivation to bundle up the family and get outside. The same can be said for other “less than ideal” weather conditions. However, getting outside is wonderful for the soul as a stress-reliever and a memory-maker. Use these tips to enjoy the outdoors with your family even in unfavorable weather conditions. Dress Appropria...

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Layering Basics to Keep the Kids Cozy This Winter

We’ve all heard it before: “It’s too cold to go outside.” However, we believe that getting outside and enjoying nature is important all year round, regardless of the weather. As Alfred Wainwright so eloquently put it, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” But how do you dress the kiddos so they will be comfortable when the te...

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How to Layer Yourself and Your Baby When Babywearing in the Cold

Winter is upon us, and as much as this weather makes us want to hibernate and never leave the house again, at some point, we have to venture out in the cold. And that might mean bringing baby with us, too. Babywearing is a great way to keep babies safe, dry, and warm in winter weather. Here's everything you need to know about layering when babywearing in the cold. Basics of Layering T...

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10 Ways to Stay Motivated to Hike While Pregnant

Okay, moms, let's be real, being motivated to hike when you’re pregnant can be really, really hard. If it’s not the terrible nausea you’re dealing with, then it’s the various aches and pains that come with pregnancy. And let’s not forget the shortness of breath and sheer exhaustion that creating life within your body brings. Then, add caring for your little(s) ...

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Creative Ideas to Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Young Children

What is the Winter Solstice? It’s beginning to feel a lot like winter in many places across the United States. The temperatures are dropping and the landscape has transformed into dull greens and browns as the deciduous trees are now mostly bare. Probably most noticeable of all are the short days and long nights. We are approaching the winter solstice (also known as Yule for some cultu...

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Bring the Outside In with these Nature Inspired Activities for Kids

Sometimes the weather just isn’t cooperating, sometimes your allergies are acting up, and sometimes you just can’t (or don’t want to) go outside. Not to worry. We’ve got you covered. Here are 10 easy ways you can bring the magic of the outdoors inside with nature-inspired activities for kids. Nature Sensory Bin What better way to explore nature indoors than with ...

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