How can you use nature to create engaging outreach programs?
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Nature is a powerful and versatile tool for community outreach. It can inspire curiosity, foster connection, and promote well-being among diverse audiences. In this article, you will learn how to use nature to create engaging outreach programs that align with your goals, audience, and resources.
Before you design your outreach program, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Do you want to raise awareness, educate, advocate, or mobilize your community around a specific issue or cause? How does nature relate to your mission and vision? What are the benefits and challenges of using nature as a medium for your outreach? Having a clear purpose will help you shape your program and measure its impact.
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Ryan Hegreness
Deputy Executive Director | Marketing Strategist | CPRE | Public Speaker & Consultant for Park & Recreation Engagement & Innovation
Purpose Inspiration Here are the mission statements from my last four park and recreation roles: “Fostering healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space and by providing recreational services and programs.” “Together we create exceptional opportunities for a vibrant community with a commitment to nature, wellness, and literacy.” “…to provide quality facilities and services that are responsive to a diverse community and sustained with a focus on partnerships, innovation, and environmental leadership.” “We create community through people, parks, and programs.”
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Andrew Carr
Team coordinator (SALS Program) at Mass Advocates Standing Strong (MASS)
Building a company and nonprofit that values nature and enjoyment and allows its users and customers to connect with nature is a great business value. Many nonprofits include nature and outdoor activities in their programs, allowing members to appreciate nature and relaxation, and prioritize wellness and personal development. Ensure that personal development is connected to outdoor enjoyment and relaxation, and can empower good program outcomes.
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The next step is to understand who you are trying to reach and what they care about. What are their demographics, interests, needs, and preferences? How familiar are they with nature and the topic you want to address? How do they prefer to learn and engage? What are the barriers and opportunities for them to participate in your program? Knowing your audience will help you tailor your program to their level, style, and motivation.
Using nature for outreach programs can be an engaging way to communicate a message, depending on your purpose, audience, and resources. Nature walks or tours can showcase local flora, fauna, and history. Nature workshops or classes can teach a skill or activity like gardening, photography, or art. Nature games or challenges can stimulate creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Nature events or festivals can celebrate nature and culture. And nature campaigns or projects can involve action and advocacy for nature. Select a format that fits your goals, audience, and resources to ensure effective delivery of your message in an interactive way.
Once you have chosen your format, you need to plan the logistics of your program. This includes finding a suitable location, securing the necessary permits and insurance, obtaining the required equipment and materials, recruiting and training staff and volunteers, promoting and registering participants, and preparing and testing the content and activities. It is important to plan your logistics well in advance in order to anticipate any potential issues or risks that may arise.
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Ryan Hegreness
Deputy Executive Director | Marketing Strategist | CPRE | Public Speaker & Consultant for Park & Recreation Engagement & Innovation
Your local park and recreation department is an excellent resource for creating nature-based outreach programs. 1. Public-Private Partnership: If the mission and values of your organization are similar, there are likely opportunities to partner with your local park and recreation department to offer nature-based programs and services. 2. Sponsorship of existing programs: Your local recreation department likely offers outdoor programs for individuals of all ages. You may be able to sponsor these programs or purchase advertising. 3. Park and Facility Rentals: You can rent outdoor spaces, pavilions, or facilities to offer classes or hold events. You can also inquire about permits to provide ongoing programs or classes in public spaces.
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Once you have delivered your program, it is essential to evaluate its outcomes and impact. This requires collecting feedback from participants, staff, volunteers, and partners on their satisfaction, learning, and behavior change. Additionally, analyze the data and results of your program against your objectives and indicators. Also, identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of your program. Furthermore, report the findings and recommendations of your program with your stakeholders and supporters. Lastly, celebrate and acknowledge the achievements and contributions of your program. An honest and constructive evaluation of your outcomes will help you improve future programs.
The last step is to keep the connection with your participants and community after your program. This can be done by following up and thanking them for their involvement and feedback. Additionally, you should provide ongoing support and resources for the participants to continue their learning and action on your topic. You should also create and maintain a network or community of practice among the participants and other interested parties to share information, ideas, and opportunities. Furthermore, you can invite the participants to join or support your other programs or initiatives related to your topic, as well as recognize and reward them for their achievements and impact on your topic. Keep the connection alive and meaningful, and build long-term relationships and trust with your community.
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Arosha Perera
Community impact marketing & communications
We are using a new sustainable nature walking trail called The Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka’s central mountains, to create new green economic growth opportunities to rural communities through new tourism footfall. This is a real life nature-community economy success story in the making
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Terry-Ann Lynch, Public Health Equity Leader DPA (c), MPH
Health Equity Advocate @ Sanofi | Patient Advocacy, Stakeholder Engagement- Strategist -Unlocking Your Potential as Public Health Professionals in Pharma - Your Strategic Coach- Child of God🙏🏾
In my experience, I worked with a group of individuals struggling with anxiety and depression, and we implemented an outdoor toolkit that included nature-based activities like guided forest walks. Through these walks, participants connected with the natural environment, engaging in mindfulness exercises and sharing their experiences in a supportive group setting. This allowed them to find solace in the beauty of the outdoors, reduce stress, and build a sense of community with others facing similar challenges. Nature served as a therapeutic gateway for healing, fostering a sense of belonging, and empowering participants to overcome their mental health obstacles.
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