National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF)

Big news for one of America's wildest places! The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge just became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It joins the ranks of Yellowstone, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Taj Mahal. It's the first natural site in the U.S. to earn this honor in over 30 years, and Georgia's very first UNESCO site! This swamp isn't just beautiful, it's one of the largest intact freshwater ecosystems on Earth, home to black bears, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and thousands of alligators. Its peat beds even hold a 5,000-year record of environmental change. Have you ever visited a wetland near you? Find one in each state with NEEF's list here: https://hubs.ly/Q04r5wLr0 #wetlands #naturenearyou

Real-world STEM starts outdoors. Through a 2025–2026 Greening STEM grant, PPG Foundation is helping NEEF and the City of Huntsville, AL bring project-based environmental science to Chapman Middle School students. Over a full school year, students are assessing local ecosystem health and then returning to the classroom to analyze their data and present findings. During a lunch break, Jason Richburg, Global Engineering Manager at PPG, spoke with students about how sustainability and fiscal responsibility can work together in a business setting, and how a passion for nature can translate into a career. Thank you to PPG Foundation for investing in the next generation of environmental problem-solvers. 👏 Interested in what a Greening STEM partnership could look like for your organization or community? Let's talk. #GreeningSTEM #EnvironmentalEducation #CorporatePhilanthropy

Poor air quality and extreme heat affect your pets too! Heavy panting, lethargy, and difficulty breathing are signs your animal is already in distress. Know what to watch for and be ready to protect them from harm. https://hubs.ly/Q04qWQGx0

A farm in Mississippi. An unforgettable mentor. Find out why NEEF Board Chair Jennifer Love is matching every gift dollar for dollar, up to $5,000, through July 31. Read her story, then double your impact. https://lnkd.in/dfWTSG6B

Your volunteers give their time. Fee-Free Coupons give them a day back. July 31 is the last day to request Fee-Free Coupons. To qualify, your event must be published on NEEF's event map and you must have received a confirmation email. Only NPLD events on federally managed lands are eligible. Haven't registered yet? Do it now before the deadline passes. https://hubs.ly/Q04qBpcQ0 #NationalPublicLandsDay #PublicLands #Volunteering

Wildfire season is starting earlier and lasting longer across much of North America, and its health impact reaches far beyond the fire line. Our article breaks down how wildfire smoke affects respiratory health, with a focus on populations at higher risk: children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people managing asthma or chronic lung/heart disease. We spoke with Dr. Lisa E. de Ybarrando, a NEEF Asthma Faculty Champion, for practical, evidence-based guidance on preparing for and responding to smoky conditions. Read more: https://hubs.ly/Q04qBkrT0 #EnvironmentalHealth #PublicHealth #AsthmaAwareness

📣 Attention public land managers and conservation partners! National Public Lands Day is September 26, and event registration is now open. This year's theme, Caring for Our Shared America, celebrates public lands as shared national treasures. As we mark America's 250th anniversary through service and celebration, we acknowledge our responsibility to maintain these spaces for the next generations. Register your event on the official national NPLD map hosted by @neefusa and help inspire communities across the country to show up, give back, and connect. 👉 Get started at https://hubs.ly/Q04qcT4k0 #NationalPublicLandsDay #NPLD

Shop the National Public Lands Day Collection! 👕 Our team designed this exclusive merchandise to celebrate the lands we all love. Every purchase directly supports the work that keeps NPLD going strong year after year. Purchase a t-shirt for the hikers, campers, volunteers, and public land lovers in your life, or treat yourself! Shop now and wear your love for public lands all year long. 👉 https://hubs.ly/Q04pFm2c0

☀️ Did you know the sun's rays can burn you even on a cloudy day? UV radiation doesn't just cause sunburn. Over time, it can lead to skin cancer, premature aging, cataracts, and a weakened immune system. It's sneakier than you think: clouds only block some UV radiation, and surfaces like sand, snow, water, and concrete can reflect UV rays right back at you. The good news? A few simple habits go a long way: ✅ Check your local UV Index before heading out ✅ Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours!) ✅ Seek shade between 10 am–4 pm, when rays are strongest ✅ Cover up with a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves when you can NEEF's SunWise Toolkit is a free environmental and health education program that teaches K-8 children about sun safety, UV radiation, and stratospheric ozone with fun activities. Download it now: https://hubs.ly/Q04pwR5N0

Your best volunteers aren't just showing up. They're ready to step up and lead. Join us tomorrow for a free webinar exploring how empowering volunteers to take on leadership roles can transform your organization's reach and impact. Whether you lead outdoor cleanups, run community programs, or manage events powered by volunteers, this session has something for you. You'll walk away with: 🔹 Strategies to identify and develop volunteer leaders 🔹 Ways to deploy leaders across project teams, mentorship, and outreach 🔹 Real-world examples of scalable, community-owned volunteer programs 🔹 A deeper understanding of National Public Lands Day 2026 and how to apply these principles far beyond it 📅 Webinar: Wednesday, July 14, 3-4 p.m. ET 🌐 Register now: https://hubs.ly/Q04pwpwZ0 #NationalPublicLandsDay #volunteering #outdoorvolunteering