Nature and Eclectic Outdoors
About Nature and Eclectic Outdoors
Nature and Eclectic Outdoors gets people outside in ways that feel open, practical, and built for real life. In Houston, that means free and low-cost events, school partnerships, outdoor skills training, and community programs that reach children, families, schools, seniors, and people with limited access to outdoor recreation. If you care about health, well-being, and resilience, this is the kind of work that makes the outdoors feel usable, not out of reach.
What sets NEO apart is how intentionally it makes outdoor experiences workable for different ages, fitness levels, and abilities. The activities can be scaled or modified, and that flexibility shows up across school programming, neighborhood park work, special-needs events, and family-friendly outings.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Wilderness Kids
Environmental education and outdoor recreation opportunities for schools, children, and families, with year-round family-friendly programming.
Healthy Outdoor Communities
Outdoor recreation, gardening projects, outdoor skills lessons, and community celebrations that encourage use of neighborhood parks and green spaces.
Nature for All
Outdoor activities that are scalable or modified so people of all ages, fitness levels, and abilities can participate, including special-needs events.
School Partnerships
TEKS-correlated outdoor curriculum, field trips, family events, on-campus programming, professional development, and other school-based outdoor education.
Cultural Cooking Club
Cultural cooking events that promote cultural diversity, appreciation, and understanding.
Community Celebrations
Large community events and celebrations hosted with games, activities, equipment, and outdoor expertise.
Private Events and Team Builders
Private parties, reunions, company picnics, and team builders with outdoor activities and event facilitation.
Outdoor Learning Garden
A natural setting used for outdoor learning and skill-building activities.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
NEO's mission is to help people of all ages and backgrounds lead more outdoor-oriented lives for better health, well-being, and resilience.
Who they serve
People of all ages and backgrounds, especially children, families, schools, youth, seniors, and people with special needs or limited access to outdoor recreation.
Their impact
- Within six months of founding, NEO had nearly 1,000 members in the Houston area.
- Since the beginning of its collaborative work in Acres Homes and Third Ward, Healthy Outdoor Communities has provided funding and support to over a dozen schools and two dozen organizations.
- NEO says it serves thousands of community members each year with outdoor educational and family-friendly programs.
How your donation helps
- School programming
- Free family-friendly events
- Outdoor education and conservation programming
- Programs like Wilderness Kids, Healthy Outdoor Communities, Nature for All, and Bees & Bushels Gardens
- Keeping events available at little or no cost
Our story
NEO started in Houston in 2013, when a group of nature lovers wanted a fun, safe way to enjoy different outdoor activities together. As more people, schools, libraries, churches, and city governments asked for beginner outdoor skills classes, field trips, public sessions, and community events, Jennifer Boley and the members formalized the work as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Nature and Eclectic Outdoors’s services.
People can join for free, check the group calendars, and sign up for events and volunteer opportunities. Schools and other organizations can contact NEO to schedule free or low-cost outdoor programming.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
So Great! My husband and I camp, but we learned things we never knew before. - Trish
Great group, lots of fun activities and knowledgeable leadership. - Kyle S.
I never fail to learn something new and fascinating. - Kelly M.
Very nice and friendly people. I can't wait for the next meetup. - Rudy M.
Everyone was so welcoming. I feel like I've made a bunch of new friends. - Sandi B.
We're doing a ton of good for these kids, and we're acting like a nonprofit. Why don't we become a nonprofit so we can help more people more easily?
Events
NEO Houston events
Nearly every weekFree public events and activities, along with nonprofit outdoor education and conservation programming.
NEO Austin events
OngoingOutdoor and garden programming that grew from the Houston model.
Cultural Cooking Club
OngoingEvents that promote cultural diversity, appreciation, and understanding.
Healthy Outdoor Communities monthly Zoom meeting
MonthlyMonthly community meeting for Acres Homes and Third Ward stakeholders.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Nature and Eclectic Outdoors has shared.
Volunteer opportunities
- Helping with regular events and activities
- Teaching outdoor skills
- Assisting with fundraising
- Grant writing
- Marketing
- Writing articles and web content
- Helping at school field trips
- Leading kayaking activities
- Helping with camps, garden volunteer days, park celebrations, and outreach events
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How do schools work with NEO?
Schools can work with NEO through free and low-cost on- and off-campus events, including TEKS-correlated outdoor curriculum, field trips, family events, and professional development.
Can people with different abilities participate in NEO activities?
Yes. NEO designs activities so they can be scaled or modified for different ages, fitness levels, and abilities, and it can tailor special-needs events.
What kinds of activities does NEO offer?
NEO offers hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, geocaching, outdoor skills training, gardening projects, cultural cooking, and community celebrations.
How does someone join events?
NEO is free to join. People can check the group calendars and sign up for events and volunteer opportunities.
Similar nonprofits
Other public & societal benefit n.e.c. nonprofits in TX.