Our Outdoor Connections Program connects diverse communities in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties with the natural wonders of the Los Padres National Forest by removing barriers to access, providing educational resources, and fostering a new generation of conservation advocates who reflect the true demographics of our region.
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It’s been said that those who experience wild areas firsthand are more likely to want to protect them. We believe that visiting our public lands and establishing meaningful connections are important steps in building a strong conservation movement. As we continue to advocate for protections on California’s Central Coast, we are also working toward fostering valuable outdoor connections and ensuring that visitors, stewards, and advocates reflect the demographics of our communities.
Vision
To foster a world where families and youth in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, regardless of background, feel welcome, empowered, and connected to the wild beauty of the Los Padres National Forest and beyond.
Mission
Our mission is to help bridge the gap between underserved communities and the natural world by expanding access to wild places, promoting outdoor safety, nurturing a sense of belonging in the outdoors, and instilling a commitment to conservation.
Goals
Support and advocate for equitable access to public lands for youth and their families in and around the communities of the Los Padres National Forest through hikes and specifically targeted outings for organized, underrepresented groups with established, trusted partnerships.
Narrow the recreation gap for communities with limited access to recreation, limited exposure to nearby wild places, less access to green space, and limited knowledge of safety precautions to take when visiting remote wild places.
Remove barriers to outdoor exploration by providing transportation to and from outings, gear, and education on how to be safe, where to go, and how to prepare.
Promote physical and mental well-being through immersion in nature and and a connection to the earth.
Expand our community of conservation advocates by educating participants on current and future threats to our public lands, fostering a sense of responsibility and care for the natural world, and emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship.
For my family and I, it is wonderful to have camping and hiking experiences where, in addition to learning and connecting with nature, we also have better moments of connection as a family. We spend quality time reconnecting with each other, learning and enjoying the mountains, lakes, rivers, and everything that nature offers us. I am very grateful for LosPadres ForestWatch because they give us the opportunity to participate as a family.
—Myriam C., program participant and mother of three.
