I have been working at Wild Whatcom for the past 7 years, so I have had the first hand privilege of seeing what an impact nature and outdoor connection makes in the lives of youth and adults! In a place like Bellingham, people often assume it's easy to get outside, but there are so many unseen barriers to getting out, like transportation, weather appropriate gear, funds for participating programming, knowing which trails or which groups will work with your physical ability, and more! I am honored to work at place that continues to increase efforts to reduce these barriers in our programs. There is still so much work to do, but I hope others will join me supporting this ongoing effort to get more people outside and touching slugs! (slugs are optional).