For Teens and Young Adults

Inspired Forward

Inspired Forward brings together positive, life-changing, and leadership-based experiences for teens and young adults with the opportunities presented by the land: adventure, learning, healing, stewardship, relaxation, and community. We partner with individual schools, school districts, and Restorative Justice clubs across Sonoma County.

Inspired Forward offers teens and young adults:

  • Environmental literacy through hands-on activities aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
  • The chance to explore the beneficial relationship between humans and the land, and the development of a stewardship ethic through fun and rewarding projects.
  • A recognition of their amazing power and responsibility to act on behalf of the earth.
  • An invitation to attend a three-night, four-day Spring Break Trek from the ocean through public and private lands in Sonoma County.

History of Inspired Forward

In 2012, Inspired Forward rose out of a promise made by Executive Director Craig Anderson after the devastating Sandy Hook school shooting. He saw the importance of creating a sense of belonging for teens and young adults in our community. Drawing on LandPaths history of creating transformative outdoor experiences, we created Inspired Forward. We leverage the power of time in nature with peers and adult mentors to combat violence, strengthen community, and empower youth to make more positive life choices.

Want to get involved in Inspired Forward? Contact Youth Initiative Manager Rebecca Carrillo Steinrueck at [email protected]

Jose Gutierrez, 8th Grader and Inspired Forward participant

" I feel really good and accomplished a lot of things. We learned how to communicate with each other, and what’s outside of our cities because we don’t see that a lot. It’s better to have nature around us. "

Thanks to these partners for helping to make Inspired Forward possible!

Stories + News

Stories from the Field

Caring for the Land at Ya-Ka-Ama Indian Educational Center

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Story by Miles Sarvis-Wilburn, Senior Stewardship Field Specialist Stewardship is a strengthening of the relationship between person and land. When we steward, we connect directly with the […]

Dar y admirar: Vamos a Yosemite 2024 

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El grupo de Vamos a Yosemite con LandPaths llegó al emblemático parque nacional un viernes por la tarde, justo después de una breve tormenta de verano, en […]

Giving Back and Standing in Awe: Vamos a Yosemite 2024

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The Vamos a Yosemite con LandPaths group arrived at the iconic national park on a Friday afternoon, just after a brief summer rainstorm, in passenger vans rented […]

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