Why Nature Matters

   Time in nature isn't just a luxury – it's fundamental to human health and development. Research has consistently demonstrated that regular exposure to the outdoors provides essential benefits for our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving physical health and cognitive function.

Yet we face a growing disconnect from the natural world. In today's increasingly indoor society, Americans spend a staggering 90% of their time within walls, and our children have become especially isolated from nature. While previous generations spent hours exploring outdoors, today's youth average just 7 minutes of outdoor time daily – in stark contrast to the 7 hours they typically spend in front of screens.

 At Freeing the Outdoors, we're working to reverse these trends by:

• Making outdoor spaces accessible to all communities
• Providing safe, structured outdoor experiences
• Breaking down barriers to nature access
• Creating inclusive outdoor communities
• Supporting families in outdoor exploration 

We believe that access to nature should never be determined by zip code, income, or ability. Together, we can transform outdoor access from a privilege enjoyed by few into a fundamental right for all. Join us in creating a future where every child and adult has the opportunity to experience the profound benefits of time in nature.