Youth In Nature Network

Youth In Nature Network (YINN) engages young people in ways that kindle a love for nature and empower them to become the new generation of environmental stewards. We believe everyone should have equitable access to outdoor experiences in settings that are inclusive, fun, purpose driven and inspiring. So we collaborate with an exceptionally rich network of conservation visionaries, experts, educators and professionals, leveraging each other's unique skills and offerings to create unique and meaningful experiences for every child.

YINN programming supports learning through mentored experiences in school gardens and urban farms, communities across metro Atlanta, on Georgia's rivers, and in the rain forests of Costa Rica.  

Annually, YINN programming engages students in grades 1 - 12, most of whom attend Title 1 public schools where as many as 96% of the families qualify for the state's Free or Reduced Lunch Program. Most of these children were born in other countries and their families are not native English speakers; many struggle with finding role models who look or sound like they do. Our goal is to help youth develop a stronger sense of self, community, and connection to the natural world.  It's a journey we take together, learning from each other and sharing our stories along the way. 

"To inspire meaningful change, you must make a connection to the heart before you make a connection to the mind."
- George Couros