Inclusive Programs Archives - Nature: Accessible for All

Last Tuesday, May 5th our partners over at Ocean Positive headed way inland to join 18 members of the NJ School of Conservation team for an inspiring training session talking about safe, inclusive outdoor recreation that builds communities and inspires others to care about the places we love from the ocean to the mountains.
This was done in conjunction with Pinelands Alliance’s – Nature Accessible for All campaign.

Ocean Positive was on the campus of NJ SOC for a Safe & Positive for All training — and what was supposed to be a 90-minute session turned into a genuine conversation about what it means to ensure that everyone who immerses themselves in nature can have a lifetime of safe and positive experiences.

What happens when you put 18 outdoor educators in a room and ask them to think about who might not feel safe or welcome in the spaces they steward? The staff at NJSOC, soon found out.
Educators. Field staff. People who spend their lives helping others connect with the natural world. They shared their inspiration and insight that makes this work matter.
By training the trainers, these best practices don’t stop with the 18 people in that room. They have the potential to reach the nearly 4,000 people who visit NJSOC each year for programs and field experiences — many of whom may be living with spinal cord injuries, movement and sensory limitations, or neurological differences that standard wilderness safety training too often overlooks.

The NJSOC team doesn’t just teach conservation — they live it. Making sure their programs are accessible and empowering for everyone is a natural extension of that mission.
Grateful to Kerry, Tanya, and the entire NJSOC team for having us. Nature is for everyone. Making that true in practice — not just in principle — takes training, intention, and teams like this one.

Out N’ About is a group recreation program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each month, ONA brings adults together through social events, creative programs, and community outings that spark connection and create something to look forward to.

Registration for June 2026 Events Closes Wednesday, May 20th

Registration – Out N’ About (ONA) | Group Recreation for Adults with Disabilities

For resident veterans of any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States declared by the US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to have a service-connected disability of any degree qualify for the free hunting and fishing licenses, permits and stamps. The New Jersey DEP Fish and Wildlife is reimbursed for the cost of these items issued to certified disabled veterans from the state’s General Fund.

Eligible veterans must initially be certified by Fish and Wildlife to receive these free licenses, permits and stamps.

For those interested in learning more can visit this link – NJDEP| Fish & Wildlife | Disabled Veteran License Information

Since the beginning of 2023 Pinelands Alliance’s Nature Accessible for All has made it part of our mission to offer inclusive nature programming. These educational programs include the use of all-terrain wheelchairs for events ranging from Pinelands 101 – Native Plant and Wildlife, Local History, and Birding programs.

David Matthau reporter for WHYY sat down with Sean Kane Holland, Access Nature Disability Advocate with Pinelands Alliance and past participants to learn more about these fantastic programs for the entire family.

Read the full story here – Birding events for those with reduced mobility – WHYY

Celebrate Trails Day, the annual springtime celebration of America’s trails led by Rails to Trails Conservancy, is coming up on Saturday April 25! Events will be taking place in communities across New Jersey, including Blairstown, Cranford, Somerville, West Windsor, and Camden, with local partners hosting walks, rides, and community gatherings on their trails.

Find an event near you. Explore the map of events.

Hello Access Nature Community,

Excited to share the launch of a new pilot program designed especially for teens in our community — Unstoppable.

Unstoppable is a peer-based program for teens ages 13–20 with Spina Bifida and similar disabilities that is being managed by the Spina Bifida Resource Network. The program is designed to create a welcoming and supportive space where teens can connect with one another, build confidence, strengthen self-advocacy skills, and explore greater independence — all while having fun.
Through group activities and conversations, participants will have opportunities to:

Connect with other teens who share similar experiences
Build friendships and peer support
Develop confidence and independence
Strengthen emotional well-being
Try new activities in a safe, judgment-free environment
Our first gathering will take place:

Registration is required. A parent or guardian must complete the registration form.
If you have a teen who might enjoy connecting with peers and building new skills, we encourage you to register early as space for this pilot program may be limited.

Please click here to download the event flyer for full program details and registration information.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact SBRN at info@thesbrn.org or 908-782-7475, or reach out to Andrea Bachmann-Brady, Program Leader, at 570-234-6957 or onecrazygreek1970@yahoo.com