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Blog Entries - 2025

Student looks stressed sitting on a desk

Nature Contact and Philanthropic Practices Help Reduce Stress

Young people in the U.S. face a lot of pressure. A recent report using data from Harvard researchers shows that American teens experience pressure in six different categories: pressure to have a plan for their next

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Three young people wave from the bow of a sailboat
Photo courtesy of SailMaine

Grantee Spotlight: SailMaine

Based in Portland, Maine, SailMaine promotes affordable access to the water through community sailing and education programs. NRF funding supports the City Sailors program, which offers free sailing lessons and

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a person sits near a cliff edge with a backpack and a camp stove, looking at the view

Honoring Black Leaders in Outdoor Recreation & Environmental Conservation

In February, we celebrate Black History Month. This is an opportunity to recognize that the history of outdoor recreation and environmental conservation is rich with the contributions of Black Americans. Below are

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STW
Photo courtesy of Vamos Outdoors Project

NRF Announces 2025 Special Grant and Trustee Grant Recipients

The National Recreation Foundation is pleased to announce its 2025 Special Grant and Trustee Grant recipients. More than $1.5K was distributed to 41 organizations across 23 states. NRF is proud to invest in these

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A group of people stand and sit in a library all looking at a speaker
Photo courtesy of Ready, Set, Resilience

Ready, Set, Resilience Offers Critical Support to Western NC

In September of last year, Hurricane Helene hit the southeastern U.S., causing significant destruction. One of the areas most affected was western North Carolina. Official estimates indicate that North Carolina suffered

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A group of people sit around a Brown Girls Climb flag next to a cliff
Photo courtesy of Brown Girls Climb

Three Years of the Get Into Nature Initiative Yields Positive Results

The National Recreation Foundation has collaborated with Tom’s of Maine since 2020 to increase access to nature for youth across the United States. The Get Into Nature initiative has allowed NRF to reach small,

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