Mutual symbiosis, when two beings interact and benefit from each other, is one of the building blocks of the natural world. We witness this every day when we spend time outdoors, where the natural world is teeming with these relationships. That interconnectedness is why the forest feels alive, why the river’s edge hums, and why the many shades of green around us flourish this time of year. At a time when isolation among people is at an all-time high, there is a critical need to nurture and strengthen our ties to each other in much the same way.
Since the very beginning of Wilderness Inquiry’s endeavor to make the outdoors welcoming for all, our mission has been rooted in this symbiotic connection. Differences in lived experience, ability, perspective, and expertise provide richness to every adventure. Participants and staff alike come away with a renewed appreciation for the simple fact that collaboration makes us stronger, individually and collectively.
We carry this belief—that we all do better when we all do better—into every partnership we build. With our expertise in planning adventures with an accessibility focused, person-first mindset, we’ve developed deep relationships with complementary organizations that share our commitment to outdoor access. Together we amplify our respective missions beyond what would be possible in isolation.
Long-standing collaboration with other youth, disability advocacy, and inclusion-minded organizations allows all of us to have an outsized impact on the communities that need us most. Our shared values of inclusion, dignity, and empowerment mean we can open doors for each other, creating awe-inspiring outdoor experiences that reach far more people, in far more places, than any single organization could manage on its own.
Partnership also makes us better stewards of the resources entrusted to us. When we collaborate with like-minded organizations, every dollar stretches further. Every donation supports more accessible gear, more trained guides, and more spots on trips for people who have historically been left out of outdoor spaces. Every itinerary we design is shaped not only by the wide range of lived experiences of our travelers, but also by the insights and relationships of the partners who helped bring them to us.
Nature shows us, again and again, that interconnected systems are the ones that thrive. We invite you to be part of that living network.
If you share our belief that the outdoors should be a place of belonging for everyone, let’s talk about how we can work together. Whether through corporate and philanthropic partnerships or custom contract trips for your community, Wilderness Inquiry has a decades-long history of building mutually beneficial relationships that:
- empower more people to experience the joy and confidence that come from time outside;
- reach farther into communities that are too often overlooked; and
- create lasting impact that echoes long after the trip is over.
In nature, powerful things grow in partnership. The same is true for equity and access in the outdoors. Join us in building what’s possible — together.
by Shannon Lundquist, Senior Manager of Development
