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

Enter the Big Tree Month Photo Contest – January 2024

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It’s time for the Big Tree Month Photo Contest!   Large and big old-growth trees in Sonoma County captivate LandPaths participants with their immense size and complex network …

Enter the Big Tree Month Photo Contest – January 2024 Read Article

Reflections: Slow Restoration Community Forestry Project for Women and Nonbinary Participants

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By Lara O’Herlihy, Stewardship Field Specialist This past October, fourteen strangers met for the first time at Riddell Preserve, LandPaths’ 400-acre protected open space preserve in the …

Reflections: Slow Restoration Community Forestry Project for Women and Nonbinary Participants Read Article

Students Make More Nature and Science Connections through New Environmental Education Pathways Project in Sonoma County

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Students Make New Connections WithEnvironmental Education Pathways  On a brisk and sunny day at Glen Oaks Ranch, 3rd graders from Flowery Elementary School chat merrily as they hike …

Students Make More Nature and Science Connections through New Environmental Education Pathways Project in Sonoma County Read Article

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