Our Big Backyard

Program Description: Our Big Backyard (OBB) is a collaborative environmental education program that engages learners of all ages in land conservation through outdoor adventures and nature based activities.

Our Big Backyard Guidebooks: All activities are drawn from the OBB guidebook, which is organized by the 4 natural elements to provide a variety of ways to engage with nature. Each activity also highlights different conservation projects done by FCNC. Activities and lesson plans can be catered to different age groups and interests.

Adventure Packs: Events for 6-12 yrs old include 'OBB Adventure Bags' that supply kids with materials like binoculars, compass, fishing net, and a nature journal to encourage independent outdoor exploration.

Book an adventure with us!

Our Big Backyard programming is led by FCNC staff and volunteers and is offered to schools and community groups across 8 counties in western NC including: Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Lincoln, McDowell, and Rutherford.

If you live and go to school in one of these counties, contact our Community Engagement Manager, Brittany Watkins, to book your next outdoor adventure! bwatkins@foothillsconservancy.org

Monthly Workshops

We host monthly educational events that are open to learners of all ages. Our Big Backyard workshops cover a variety of environmental topics and feature partner organizations. Visit our Community Events page to RSVP for these events.