To get people to take the first steps outdoors sometimes means first meeting them at their doorstep then showing them nature where they live. Town & Country Nature Walks™ are designed to get people of all ages and backgrounds, especially children, outside to explore, understand, and appreciate the "wild" side of their own neighborhoods and inspire interest in visiting natural places further afield. This program is designed to encourage people from all walks of life to gain a deeper understanding of the biodiversity in their own backyard and the importance of having a healthy natural space close to home.

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While BRMC and other environmental organizations regularly offer a range of field trips at preserves and other natural places, participants in those outings are largely a small subset of people already comfortable and interested in nature. The reasons for this are many and range from the rational (e.g., I don't have the time or resources to take my kids to a nature center) to the irrational (e.g., I don't want to get bitten by a snake). As a result of our research, we did not find any other organizations within the geographic region that specifically target residential areas as the focus for outdoor enriching experiences. BRMC's unique Town & Country Nature Walks will bring the "nature center" to the participants who are unable to travel or who simply do not know where to start. Urban green spaces, which are often overlooked, can offer a unique outdoor experience that can be just as rewarding and enriching as programs on designated outdoor lands. Also, another distinct aspect of our program is the presence of an expert naturalist guiding the walk to help educate guests in a myriad of topics. 

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