Nature Niños Celebrates Five Years of Connecting Families to Nature

Photo: Junior Ranger Quinn

Nature Niños is celebrating five years of providing free, family-friendly outdoor experiences that connect children and caregivers with nature while encouraging healthy lifestyles and community connections throughout Yavapai County.

Since launching in 2021, Nature Niños has welcomed thousands of participants to parks, trails, lakes, and open spaces across the region. Through hands-on activities, outdoor recreation, and environmental education, the program helps families discover safe, accessible ways to enjoy the outdoors together.

Nature Niños is made possible through the collaboration of numerous community partners, including Yavapai County Community Health Services, the City of Prescott Recreation Services, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, YES! Yavapai Exploration and Science, Step Up for Kids, Natural History Institute, Girl Scouts, Child and Family Support Services, Chicanos Por La Causa, Highlands Center for Natural History, and many dedicated volunteers.

Photo: Ranger Sean, Lucy and Quinn

“Five years ago, we set out to create opportunities for families to connect with nature and each other,” said Sean Underhill, creator of the Prescott Junior Ranger Program and Arizona Leave No Trace State Advocate. “What we’ve seen is far greater than outdoor recreation. We’ve seen families build friendships, discover community resources, improve confidence outdoors, and create lifelong memories together.”

A cornerstone of every Nature Niños event is teaching the Seven Leave No Trace Principles, helping children and adults learn how to responsibly enjoy and care for public lands. Participants explore practical outdoor ethics, including respecting wildlife, staying on designated trails, disposing of waste properly, and leaving natural spaces as they found them.

Photo: Quinn and Lucy

In addition to outdoor recreation and environmental education, Nature Niños provides families with opportunities to connect with community organizations that support health, education, and family well-being. By bringing together public agencies, nonprofit organizations, educators, and volunteers, the program introduces participants to valuable local resources while creating welcoming outdoor experiences at no cost.

As Nature Niños looks to the future, the program remains committed to keeping events free and accessible for families throughout Yavapai County. Organizations interested in volunteering, sponsoring events, providing educational activities, or partnering with the program are encouraged to get involved.

For partnership opportunities or volunteer information, contact Sean Underhill, Yavapai County Community Health Services Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, at Sean.Underhill@yavapaiaz.gov.

Families can find upcoming Nature Niños events, Prescott Junior Ranger activities, and additional outdoor recreation opportunities through the City of Prescott Recreation Services or by following @NatureNinosPrescott on social media.