HOUSTON – In a city defined by its sprawling concrete streets and endless freeways, many young people in Houston have never stepped foot outside the urban landscape.
For two decades, The Woods Project has been bridging that gap, offering students from underserved communities a rare opportunity to connect with nature, build leadership skills, and gain a new sense of self-confidence.
As the program celebrates its 20th anniversary, it’s expanding its reach to help even more students experience the transformative power of the outdoors.
A journey into nature
The first time stepping into the wilderness can feel like entering a completely different world. The air is quieter, the distractions of daily life fade away, and for many, the experience is nothing short of life-changing. That’s exactly what The Woods Project has been offering Houston students for 20 years.
Executive Director Natalie Hausman-Weiss believes the physical and mental benefits of nature are profound. “When you’re out in the wilderness, the air quality is better, you sleep better, you are inspired,” she explains. “These are real physical benefits for your body and mental health.”
For many of the students involved in the program, this is their first real experience with the outdoors. From weekend camping trips to two-week backpacking expeditions, the program helps push teens beyond their comfort zones—sometimes for the very first time.
Shifting perspectives
For Marcus Tierrablanca, who was once a participant in the program and now helps lead it, the time spent in nature is more than just an adventure. It’s a chance to self-reflect. “Being in an environment like this gives you time to really think about who you are and what you want to do with your life,” Tierrablanca says. “You start asking yourself bigger questions, like ‘What am I passionate about?’”
For some students, the opportunity to pause and think without the constant distractions of city life is rare—and deeply transformative. Through the program, many begin to see themselves in a new light.
Building confidence and leadership
The Woods Project is about more than hiking and camping. Over the course of multiple trips, students build teamwork, leadership skills, and confidence. As they face challenges in the wilderness, they discover their own potential—and often realize they are capable of far more than they imagined.
“The magic happens in repetition,” says Hausman-Weiss. “It’s not just about the trip, it’s about coming back again and again. With each new experience, students grow in confidence and begin to see themselves differently.”
This growth isn’t confined to the outdoors. As students return from their trips, they often show significant improvements in the classroom. Teachers from partner schools report better attendance, increased engagement, and a heightened sense of responsibility among students who have participated in The Woods Project.
Breaking down barriers
While the program has been a success for many, Hausman-Weiss and Tierrablanca both recognize that access to nature is still out of reach for many young people in Houston—especially those from low-income communities. “There are a lot of cultural and financial barriers to accessing nature,” Tierrablanca notes. “It’s not always easy for these students to get outside, so we bring the outdoors to them.”
In response, The Woods Project is expanding its efforts. For its 20th anniversary, the organization is broadening its outreach to reach even more students directly in their neighborhoods, not just through schools. By offering more opportunities to experience nature, the program hopes to give young people the tools they need to thrive—not just in the wilderness, but in their everyday lives.
A lifelong transformation
For many students, the moments of clarity and self-discovery they experience during their trips last far beyond the program. “If you can do this, you can do anything,” Hausman-Weiss says, reflecting on the way the program instills a deep sense of belief in oneself.
For some, the transformation is life-altering. They return to school with new goals, improved academic performance, and a belief in their own potential. Others carry the lessons learned in the wilderness into their adult lives, often returning to mentor younger participants.
Looking ahead
As The Woods Project celebrates 20 years of success, it remains committed to expanding its impact. The organization is actively working to reach more students in Houston’s underserved communities, offering opportunities for personal growth, leadership, and empowerment through nature.
“The work we do is incredibly rewarding,” Hausman-Weiss reflects. “We’ve seen firsthand how nature changes lives. And we know that with each student who steps into the wilderness, we’re creating a ripple effect that will last for years to come.”
How to get involved
If you’re interested in supporting The Woods Project or learning more about its mission, visit their website at thewoodsproject.org/ Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, there are many ways you can help make the outdoors accessible to more Houston students.