NatureTrack Spreads Message on the Importance of Nature to All Humans with New Documentary “The Accessible Outdoors”

By Giving List Staff   |   December 27, 2021

Presented by Golden Cage Films & NatureTrack

The Accessible Outdoors, the new short live action documentary presented by Golden Cage Films and NatureTrack Foundation garnered it’s first award at the Hollywood Independent Filmmaker Awards & Festival. Winning the Silver for Best Short Documentary.  This empowering documentary about  making nature accessible to everyone is gaining momentum as more film festivals are accepting it into their selections.  So far, the Oregon Documentary Film Festival; Colorado Environmental FF; Flathead Lake International Cinemafest; Oceanside International Film Festival and British Colombia Environmental FF will be screening the doc in their upcoming festivals.  NatureTrack Film Festival proceeds support the NatureTrack organization which takes school children out of the classrooms and onto the beaches and trails of Santa Barbara County all at no charge.  

Sue Eisaguirre, founder of NatureTrack added, “As we were shooting the film about incorporating these devices into NatureTrack’s outdoor field trips, I realized there was more to tell about the lack of access to nature and the outdoors for disabled people. I wanted the film to convey the importance of connection and access to nature for all people. Mitchka and Francisco did just that. I enjoyed working with them!”

Mitchka Saberi and Francisco Lopez of Golden Cage Films noted, “Before making The Accessible Outdoors, we hadn’t considered how extensive the topic of disability access is. As two able-bodied people, it wasn’t until talking to people with a variety of disabilities we came to realize access to nature isn’t an issue to be ignored until it impacts you or someone close to you. We all deserve the ability to experience nature and connect with it, and that ability could easily be taken away from us at any moment. We shouldn’t wait until that moment comes to advocate for change in this sector.”  The filmmakers noted how the disabled audience members at the initial film festival screening who were present saw a problem they’ve surely experienced firsthand reflected on screen, and were excited by one possible solution in the Freedom Trax devices. “We’re thrilled to continue sharing the film with audience members of all abilities, hoping everyone can take something away from the topics we address in the film.”  

Eisaguirre explained why she was looking for something like the Freedom Trax apparatus. “This removes barriers to accessing beaches and trails.  We are using the piece of equipment for our docents, as well as teachers, and students with physical disabilities so they can participate in the outdoor field trip program.” With these devices NatureTrack is expanding its program beyond school trips. Wheelchair users and others with physical disabilities can take the opportunity to get out on the beaches and trails throughout the county, under their own power, all at no charge courtesy of NatureTrack.  Find out more by calling  (805)886-2047 or e-mail Sue@NatureTrack.org.  

ABOUT NATURETRACK:  NatureTrack is a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides outdoor field trips during the traditional school day for Santa Barbara County school-aged children at no cost to the schools or students, utilizing local trails and beaches throughout north and south county. NatureTrack’s mission is two-fold:  to encourage students to embrace our natural world with respect and wonder, inspiring them to be stewards of our natural resources, and prepare school-aged students with the attitudes, leadership skills, and habits for lifelong learning. Founded in 2011, so far, more than 25,000 students have had a chance to experience a NatureTrack docent-led outdoor field trip.  

 

NatureTrack

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www.naturetrack.org
(805) 886-2047
Founder & Executive Director: Sue Eisaguirre

Mission

NatureTrack is a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to provide outdoor field trips for school-aged children at no cost to the schools or students.

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We know you care about where your money goes and how it is used. Connect with this organization’s leadership in order to begin to build this important relationship. Your email will be sent directly to this organization’s director of development and/or Executive Director.

We both know it is vital for our young generation to be out in nature and experience what nature offers. Seeing the excitement on students’ faces and their reactions to natural discoveries is always a joy. We enjoy being out on the trails and beaches, sharing nature at the moment with future stewards of our natural world.
Dennis and Carole Nord
NatureTrack Volunteers since 2011

For the Love of Nature

Transportation costs have increased significantly. In order to keep NatureTrack outdoor field trips cost-free for everyone, we need your help. Every donation you make will help us connect more kids and wheelchair users to nature.

$1,000 – Pays for 15 students to take a field trip (including transportation)

$2,500 – Pays for 35 students to take a field trip (including transportation)

$5,000 – Pays for 70 students to take a field trip (including transportation)

$6,300 – Buys 1 FreedomTrax device

PRICELESS – Becoming a NatureTrack volunteer! Join us. We have as much fun as the students!

Key Supporters

Adams Legacy Foundation
Audacious Foundation
California Coastal Conservancy
Explore the Coast
Coastal Ranches Conservancy
Coastal Resources
Enhancement Fund
Craig H. Neilsen Foundation
deLaski Family Foundation
Herbert and Gertrude Latkin
Charitable Foundation
John S. Kiewit Memorial
Foundation
Natalie Orfalea Foundation
and Lou Buglioli
Pacific HR, Inc.
Parks California – Route to Parks
Santa Ynez Valley Foundation
Santa Ynez Valley Youth
Recreation
Towbes Foundation