Will you help our Little Friends Discover the Wissahickon?
Do you remember the first time you visited Wissahickon Valley Park?
Were you amazed by the diverse habitat and its old, old buildings? Did you find yourself feeling like a kid again? Do you wish you found it sooner?
Through the Little Friends of the Wissahickon program, Wissahickon Valley Park becomes a stage for Philadelphia’s Youth to grow into themselves, outdoors. This month, you can make double the impact with one generous donation to provide essential access to the outdoors for these public-school students.
With a generous matching gift from Cynthia and Martin Heckscher, this fall, every donation made in support of the Little Friends of the Wissahickon program will be matched up to $10,000.
Contribute today at fow.org/LFmatch
Access to the outdoors is an essential part of children’s growth and development. It supports their physical health, boosts mental wellbeing, and instills confidence.
This free program is in partnership with Let’s Go Outdoors (LGO) and the School District of Philadelphia, and over the course of the last six years has connected more than 4,000 Philadelphia Public School students, K-2nd grade, to the wonder of the Wissahickon.
Funding for this program supports in-class nature education, a copy of FOW’s children’s book Goodnight Wissahickon Valley Park, field trips to the park, and a deepened connection to the natural world.
From an LFOW teacher:
“It was amazing to participate in the LFOW program. Especially seeing how my class [was] excited to learn in the classroom but knowing they were going to get out into nature… Seeing them in the woods, which for many was their very first time was amazing. We were so lucky this year my students got to see connections with our ELA research about pollinators in the real world. This is my second year engaging with the program and it truly is one of my students favorite things and I already have next years students asking.”
A donation can plant the seed for future nature enthusiasts and land stewards and invites children to bring their unique perspective out into this important natural resource.
Thank you for your consideration!