.png)
Growing Nature Scholars.
One Storybook at a Time.
Creatively inspiring children in after-school programs in underserved communities to appreciate, respect, and protect the world around them through discovery - starting in their own communities.
What We Do
Nature Scholars Foundation is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on cultivating a world where children in underserved communities grow up with a deep appreciation and respect for the natural world - ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
Nature Scholars Foundation doesn't just teach children about nature - it makes them part of nature.
We Help Students Write the First Chapter of Their Nature Journey
(Literally)
Imagine… You’re a 3rd grade student in Keyes Elementary School’s after-school program.
One afternoon, Tripp the Tumbleweed rolls into your classroom with an exciting request - he needs your help writing about his adventures in Channel Islands National Park!
Your Mission:
Get Enlightened!
Complete a 15-day video and workbook experience called “I’m a Tripp Planner!” where you’ll explore the history, culture, and beauty of America’s national parks.
Become Inspired!
Co-author Tripp’s Channel Islands National Park book after answering several questions about Tripp’s adventures in the park.
Go Explore!
Celebrate Tripp’s Channel Islands book with your classmates in an assembly where your co-authored book will be read aloud, you’ll be presented with an “I’m a Tripp Planner” backpack, and welcomed as a proud Nature Scholar.
Now imagine making this opportunity available to after-school programs in underserved communities for all 63 U.S. National Parks.
By sparking curiosity and inspiring elementary school aged children to learn, understand, and protect nature, we’re nurturing lifelong stewards of the planet and cultivating a future rooted in awareness, wonder, and responsibility.
So, your donation doesn’t just support education - it gives children the power to say:
"I am an author. I am a protector of nature."
Over 100 students have completed the “I’m a Tripp Planner!” experience! . . . More than 250 students have become published co-authors of Tripp the Tumbleweed books . . . 500+ students have participated in Tripp’s lively interactive assemblies!
Why We're Focused on Serving Underserved Communities
Taking
Leadership
Roles
Mentoring Peers
Supporting Group Goals
Serving as Community Stewards
Becoming More Environmentally Responsible
The Foundation builds on this evidence - helping children in underserved communities discover their power to protect the planet, one story at a time.
Sources:
-
Environmental Education Across Age, Race, & Income Stern (2022, Environmental Education Research)
-
Engaged Environmental Science for Underserved Youth Kirsch et al. (2019, Environmental Health Perspectives)
-
Adventure Therapy & Positive Youth Development Norton et al. (2023, Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education & Leadership)
-
Learning in Nature: Meta-Analysis of Youth Outcomes Vasilaki et al. (2025, Education Sciences)
Teachers and Students Have Validated the Research:
“We learned that protecting nature isn’t just for grown-ups. It’s something we can do every day, right where we live.”
“When we wrote our Tripp story, I felt like my ideas mattered. I helped write a real book and helped protect nature, too!”
“I’ve never seen my students so engaged. They didn’t just write a story, they discovered their voice, their creativity, and their responsibility to care for the planet.”
“Writing about Tripp made me realize how much life there is in one little leaf, one trail, one park. Nature is everywhere if you stop to look.”
Here's a Few of the After-School Programs We've Worked With:
With your support, we look forward to working with many more!
LINKS for Learning After-School Program
Livingston, Montana
Co-authored Tripp's adventures in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Keyes Union After-School Program
Keyes, California
Co-authored Tripp's adventures in Channel Islands National Park
Waterford Expanded Learning After-School Program
Waterford, California
Co-authored Tripp's adventures in Sequoia National Park
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.
If you would like to support a specific school's after-school program, please reach out to us at info@naturescholars.org.
