Trees For Tomorrow (TFT), the accredited environmental education center headquartered in Eagle River, has announced the launch of its TFT4All: Fueling Our Growth year-end fundraising initiative.

The campaign aims to raise $250,000 to cover critical scholarship assistance and operational costs for attending K-12 students.

To inspire community participation and maximize every gift, a coalition of generous donors have established an $85,000 Pooled Match Challenge. Every dollar contributed to the year-end campaign will be matched dollar-for-dollar, instantly doubling the impact of every donation.

Importance of outdoor learning

In an increasingly screen-dominated world, hands-on environmental education provides students with essential real-world science skills, critical thinking, and an enduring connection to the natural world. Outdoor learning fosters teamwork, physical activity, and a deep understanding of natural resource management — preparing the next generation to be informed, responsible stewards of our forests, waters, and wildlife, many going into careers in the natural resources field as a result.

For over 80 years, Trees For Tomorrow has served as a cornerstone of environmental learning in the Midwest, hosting thousands of K-12 students annually.

TFT’s accredited field-based curriculum allows youth to step out of traditional classrooms and into living laboratories — measuring forest growth, testing water quality, and practicing conservation science firsthand.
“When students step onto our campus, they aren’t just reading about the environment in a textbook, they are living it,” said Cheryl Brunzo, executive director of TFT. “However, rising operational expenses and tight school budgets mean many districts and families struggle to afford field trips. Our $250,000 campaign goal ensures that financial constraints never stand between a child and the transformative power of an outdoor education.”

Doubling your impact

Funds raised through the TFT4All campaign directly absorb program fees for visiting school groups, fund student scholarships, maintain historic outdoor learning infrastructure, upgrade field gear and other essentials, and provide home-cooked meals in the campus dining hall.

“Thanks to our $85,000 match challenge, a $50 gift becomes $100, and a $250 gift becomes $500,” added Brunzo. “It is an incredible opportunity for our entire community to unite and double their investment in our youth and our natural heritage before the end of the year.”

Community members, alumni, parents, and regional business partners can double their impact by donating online at treesfortomorrow.com/make-an-impact or by mailing a check designated for “TFT4All” to: Trees For Tomorrow, PO Box 609, Eagle River, WI 54521.