Press Release
Mendocino Coast Clinics and Mendocino Area Parks Association Partner to Support Nature-Based Learning for Local Youth
Mendocino Area Parks Association
PO Box 1387/45035 Main Street
Mendocino, CA 95460
www.MendoParks.org
Contact: Elizabeth Cameron, Executive Director
(707) 937-4700
elizabeth@mendoparks.org
Mendocino Coast Clinics
205 South St
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
www.MendocinoCoastClinics.org
Contact: Pediatric Medical Clinic
(707) 964-5696
Fort Bragg, CA, November 11, 2020: Mendocino Coast Clinics (MCC) and the Mendocino Area Parks Association (MendoParks) have teamed up to provide nature-based learning to local youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the summer, MendoParks and their partners at California State Parks Mendocino Sector developed “Backyard Junior Ranger Kits” in lieu of the traditional Junior Ranger programs offered each summer at State Parks throughout Mendocino County. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the kits were created to support nature-based learning, especially for youth without access to wifi or electronic devices. The kits included a Junior Ranger activity book, tidebook, Junior Ranger badge, list of additional online resources for nature-based activities, information on MendoParks, and a MendoParks ballpoint pen- so youth could get started on their Junior Ranger journey right away.
1,500 free kits were distributed, including 100 kits at Mendocino Coast Clinics’ Pediatric Office, 510 D. Cypress Avenue. Says Dr. Chris Robshaw, the Coast’s only Pediatrician, “We are pleased to work with MendoParks to encourage kids to get outdoors and away from their screens.” MendoParks is now working on the next phase of the kits (to be distributed in November 2020), which will focus on park-specific experiences for local youth and families. Their “Park Adventure Kit” will feature an age-appropriate bilingual activity guide with nature-based educational activities, with a strong focus on the mental health benefits of spending time in nature; trail guides and park information; and, healthy, kid-friendly picnic recipes created by MCC’s Registered Dietitian- which older youth can make on their own and take along for their family’s Park Adventures.
The collaboration between MendoParks and MCC will encourage our community to safely enjoy the 17 State Parks in Mendocino County (almost all of which have no day use or parking fees), and, equally important, to support the mental health benefits of spending time in nature. Along with the Backyard Junior Ranger kits, the Park Adventure Kits will also be distributed at MCC’s Pediatric Clinic as well as their Family Wellness Center, across the walkway.
MCC and MendoParks believe that time in nature is essential to the health of our community.
Local youth, Ikaika Wesley, exploring the Mendocino Woodlands State Park with his Backyard Junior Ranger Kit
During these unprecedented times, MCC and MendoParks are pleased to collaborate to support nature-based learning for local youth and families. [The kits will also be downloadable PDF file from: www.MendoParks.org.] To make a tax-deductible donation in support of this program, please visit www.MendoParks.org or Mail-in: MendoParks, PO Box 1487, Mendocino, CA 95460.
“If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, then let us allow them to love the earth before we ask them to save it. Perhaps this is what Thoreau had in mind when he said, “the more slowly trees grow at first, the sounder they are at the core, and I think the same is true of human beings.” — David Sobel, Beyond Ecophobia
“Nature breeds curiosity; it helps to grow explorers rather than robots. It reminds us that we are part of something bigger. It grounds us, calms us.” — Ben Palmer-Fry
About the Mendocino Coast Clinics: MCC is a non-profit, patient-centered medical home providing whole-person care in medical, dental, behavioral health and complimentary services from Westport to Elk and inland to Comptche. By removing the barriers to care through our financial services support, MCC accepts all forms of insurance. Our commitment is to provide access to essential care without discrimination toward anyone for any reason. With deep and widespread roots in this community, MCC has delivered quality, compassionate health care since 1994.
During the current health crises, MCC provides drive-thru Flu clinics, and appointments are offered via video, telephone or in person. Call 964-1251 to schedule. Executive Director, Lucresha Renteria states “Stay healthy with routine medical care for your entire family. Childhood vaccines are available at our Pediatric Clinic at 964-5696.”
About the Mendocino Area Parks Association: MendoParks is the 501c3 nonprofit organization that supports State Parks in Mendocino County. Started in 1984, MendoParks’s purpose is to support State Parks with educational programming and park improvement projects that are beyond the scope of our budget-strapped district, and by operating State Parks Visitor Centers (the Ford House, MacKerricher, Van Damme, and Greenwood/Elk). MendoParks is an entirely self-sustaining organization--- we do not receive any government funding or tax dollars for operations, and all the money we raise stays local. Since 2004 alone, MendoParks has contributed over $1.4 million in support of State Parks in Mendocino County.
The Executive Director of MendoParks, Elizabeth Cameron, is available for interviews regarding the Backyard Junior Ranger Kits and Park Adventure Kits programs.
Contact: Elizabeth Cameron | elizabeth@mendoparks.org | 707-937-4700