Project overview: Expand access and opportunity in public lands for local, underserved youth through wilderness expeditions, stewardship projects, leadership trainings, family weekends, and park-focused career exploration. WildLink is a NatureBridge and NPS program. 

How your support helps: WildLink is a long-running partnership between NatureBridge and the National Park Service that is dedicated to helping teenagers from traditionally underserved California communities — primarily students from communities of color and low-income communities — access, experience, and build lasting relationships with public lands.  

The WildLink expedition and in-park stewardship projects have long served as the central initiating feature of the program, which was followed by local stewardship projects, Yosemite Family Weekends, and mentorship and career opportunities. These programs build students’ relationships to the natural world, create a sense of belonging in wilderness, and forge community. The WildLink experience begins with a six-day immersive program in Yosemite National Park, including a four-day backpacking trip into wilderness. Participants organize stewardship projects with their peers and communities to help spread care for the enduring resource of wilderness. 

Yosemite Conservancy donors have supported WildLink almost every year since the program launched in 2000. During the past two decades, WildLink has served more than 1,500 students, including through 100+ outdoor expeditions and 75+ stewardship projects. And, 10 program alumni have even gone on to careers in the National Park Service! 

This year: In 2025, funds will support the continuation of WildLink’s core programming, which has brought connection and stewardship to thousands of students during the past 20 years. This will include a multitude of touchstone experiences for nine schools and up to 90 students. The WildLink team also hopes to host, for the first time, a Group Coordinator Weekend as a space for teachers and educators to connect as a cohort, share systems for recruitment, and discuss curriculum needs. 

Learn more about WildLink on the NatureBridge website. 

Project partners: Yosemite National Park and NatureBridge 

Lissie Kretsch

Wilderness Education Coordinator, Yosemite National Park

Project Notes

"It is our collective opportunity and responsibility to provide programs that continue to bring and connect an accurate representation of California's population to the parks."