As part of the Connecting Roots program, marginalized communities who cannot afford to engage with nature are given free access to all national parks in Israel. Spending time in nature entails a wide range of benefits, among them cognitive, emotional and health benefits. The healing power of nature is associated with increases in happiness, subjective well-being and positive social interactions, as well as decreases in mental distress. 

Unfortunately, underprivileged groups within society which could benefit the most from access to nature, usually face cultural, economic, physical or educational barriers. Through a wide array of partnerships, Connecting Roots allows non-profits to enhance their educational toolkits, and to include outdoors experiences in their programming and impact models. We partnered with nonprofits supporting diverse groups within Israeli society, such as at-risk youth, the elderly, and disadvantaged groups, providing them with access to 70+ nature reserves and national parks across the country.

Your support will allow us to provide an annual pass to all nature reserves and national parks in Israel (30% of Israel’s land) and bring nature to those who need it the most. 

The direct benefits of your contribution:

1. Raising environmental awareness among communities in need. 

2. Developing self-reliance - Pass holders will have access to many places that were previously off limits and will be able to bring their families along for free.

3. Creating an opportunity to enjoy being surrounded by a peaceful environment, to establish a stronger connection with one's identity and its sense of belonging to where they come from. 

4. Supporting the education work of a diverse range of nonprofit organizations in Israel who strive to provide the people they serve with environmental education, but are not able to do so due to lack of resources. 

 Thank you in advance for your support and for Connecting Roots!