Growing the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards

In too 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. When they finish the journey, each receives their very own “I’m a Tripp Planner!”backpack to celebrate their achievement.

The Foundation’s Impact:

• Makes environmental learning fun, accessible, and inspiring for all children 
• Builds respect, appreciation, and stewardship through creativity and play 
• Plants the seeds of lifelong environmental leadership and care for our planet  

So far, 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!

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-Authoring with Tripp the Tumbleweed Initiative, students partner with Tripp to help write his 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 to support local nature-protecting initiatives.

The Foundation’s Impact:

• Empowers young learners to explore and celebrate national parks through imagination, research, and storytelling
• Builds confidence and creativity by recognizing each student as a real author
• Connects learning to purpose—showing students that their voices can protect and inspire the world around them

To date, more than 100 students in after-school programs have proudly become published co-authors with Tripp the Tumbleweed!

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.

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.

The Foundation’s Impact

• Teaches simple, meaningful actions every child can take to protect nature in their community
• Builds pride and responsibility in caring for the places they call home
• Connects local awareness to a greater sense of global stewardship 

More than 100 students have already participated in Tripp’s assemblies—each one learning that they already have the power to make a difference!