Interacting with nature offers well-documented benefits at every stage of life. Through FRNC’s outreach programs for seniors at The Osborn and women at the YWCA’s White Plains residence, we have observed an additional impact — that nature experiences can deepen social connections within their immediate communities.

During a recent workshop at The Osborn participants who had never met before connected over shared interests while making herbal teas. Inclusive by design, NAF programs allow for casual interactions lead to connections. Similarly, at the White Plains YWCA Residence, women in our monthly gardening program collaborate and connect while caring for the garden and enjoying seasonal crafts. A new resident joined the group mid-activity and later shared that being welcomed into our program helped her feel comfortable in her new community.

The impact at the YWCA Residence has extended beyond FRNC’s visits. Inspired by their shared experience, participants formed a gardening club, taking responsibility for tending the garden between FRNC visits. They recently expressed interest in learning more about composting, turning our outreach program into an ongoing source of connection and stewardship.

At FRNC, expanding access to nature means meeting communities where they are, both geographically and experientially. Animals play a meaningful role in this, naturally drawing students in and creating moments of curiosity and connection. For some children, these encounters open the door to deeper engagement with environmental topics that extend beyond the program.

Through the Nature Access Fund, FRNC delivers programs to schools and organizations such as Port Chester’s Carver Center, making it possible to integrate environmental education into more students’ learning experiences. During an afterschool visit, students in grades K through 5 explored animals and life cycles, composting, and the importance of pollinators. As Katie Jamer, Director of Outreach shared after one visit, “The children's excitement over turtle races was the most energy I had observed all year!” By bringing nature directly to communities, FRNC expands access to quality, hands-on environmental experiences that spark joy, stimulate students’ imaginations, and inspire further learning.