One year, in our Seward Park Audubon summer camp, we had a boy who said that he didn’t like birds. But that changed with a chance encounter with a Pileated Woodpecker during a nature walk. The woodpecker pecked away on a tree, and as our group was ready to continue the hike, he asked if they could stay a little longer. That week, the boy spent more time in the forest, and a few days later he would debate with other youth over which bird was the “best bird.”  

This child was afforded an opportunity to walk in a forest amongst tall Western Red Cedars and Douglas Firs, so he built a connection with the forest, and learned about healthy eco-systems, the importance of protecting wildlife, AND a Pileated Woodpecker. These opportunities should be afforded to every child in Washington. 

Income should not be a barrier. Ethnicity should not be a barrier. Physical and emotional challenges should not be a barrier. 

Our children need more contact with nature, for recreation and learning, and for their physical and emotional health. This connection should be as fundamental as the A-B-Cs.  

Our state’s rocky coastline, alpine lakes, rolling green hills, and an old-growth rainforest are the birthright of every child born in Washington and we must pass this legislation to ensure all our children have an opportunity to debate which bird is the “best bird.” 

House Bill 2078 creates a new Outdoor for All Program, in Washington, and invests millions of dollars in youth outdoor education. It's good for kids, and good for nature.  Now, here is your opportunity to tell your Senator to support HB 2078 when it comes up for a vote on the Senate floor.

Tell Your Senator: Pass HB 2078 to Support Outdoor Education for All!