We made extraordinary things possible in 2025. I enjoy taking time at the end of the year to look back at what we have accomplished together. As we reflect on the impact of Rochester Ecology Partners, especially as it relates to our efforts to connect youth to nature, there is much to celebrate.
The end of the year is also a time of hope and optimism as we ask the community for help through our end-of-year appeal.
We set an audacious goal that reflected our needs, raising $26,000 by January 1. As of today, we have raised $13,976 from 53 donors. We are grateful for this collective support. It shows us that our community understands that if children are going to have a hopeful future, they need nature in their lives today. We have a ways to go to meet our goal, but I believe we can get there. We need to.
In 2026 there is no choice but to fully commit ourselves to ensuring:
- All children receive an education that leads to a hopeful future
- Diverse ecosystems and communities exist to create healthy outcomes for the next generation
- Everyone has the opportunity to find life, liberty, and happiness on American soil, especially our youngest
-Chris Widmaier
Executive Director
This year, 2748 children found nature with us.
Nature Makes Children Happy
Nature Makes Children Healthy
Nature Makes Children Hopeful
Our nature-based learning and play programs made 1,200,000 smiles possible.
38,366 collective hours were spent playing and learning in the fresh air and sunlight.
Youth learned what was possible in 36 natural areas, and community spaces.
“I felt so good on this field study.”
“I know that when I pick him up, he will be centered, grounded, and present.”
“This moment provided me with so much hope.”
If you are able, this is what we ask of you:
Make a donation today. You can help us enter the year with confidence that more is possible.
- $25 lets two new friends dig in the garden
- $50 gives Neighborhood Nature children a day of sledding
- $150 gets a class exploring Washington Grove
- $500 brings a class to a local park for a half-day Field Study
Sign up to volunteer. We will have more opportunities to contribute your time and talents in 2026. Let us know how you’d like to help.
- Event Support
- Youth Programming
- Organizational leadership
- Administrative support
Cultivate Connections
- Join us for our events
- Follow us – and share our posts
- Let educators, friends, and family know about us!
Learn what's possible when kids find nature
An interview with Chris by Tinker Creek Productions