BLM Central Coast Field Office delivers more than 5,000 Every Kid Outdoors passes to fourth graders in Monterey County

Thanks to the collaborated efforts of BLM’s Central California District and educators, every fourth grader in Monterey County, Calif., now has access to Every Kid Outdoors passes to visit 2,000 federal recreation sites on about 400 million acres of public lands throughout the country, which includes national parks, wildlife refuges, forests and BLM-managed public lands. That’s a record-breaking 5,000 passes! 

In October, BLM California State Director Karen Mouritsen and BLM’s mascot Seymour Antelope presented Every Kid Outdoors passes to Superintendents at the Monterey County Office of Education, Salinas City Elementary School District, alongside Monterey County Supervisors in a ceremony at El Gabilan Elementary School in Salinas.  

"We are always thrilled when organizations that can positively impact the lives of our students show up and do just that," stated Director of Communications and Community Outreach Mary Duan for Salinas City Elementary School District. "With park passes being given to all of our fourth-grade students through the Every Kid Outdoors program, our students have more opportunity to be with their families in nature and learn about the outdoors and the world around them."  

With more than 80 percent of American families living in urban areas and kids spending less time outside, the Every Kid Outdoors program, supported by seven federal government agencies, provides an opportunity to explore, learn, and connect with our country’s landscapes, vibrant waterways, and historic treasures.  

"The BLM will expand this effort to other field offices throughout California," Mouritsen said. “Our goal is to get passes into every fourth grader's hand throughout the state to increase equitable access to our incredible public lands.” 

Through the efforts of dedicated staff, including Administrative Support Assistant Alexander Mairs and Interpretive Park Ranger Tammy Jakl from the Central Coast Field Office, 2023 will be a record year for the large number of passes distributed by BLM California.   

The Every Kid Outdoors pass provides fourth graders free entrance to federal recreation sites for the student, all kids under age 16, and three adults. The pass is good for the fourth grader’s entire academic year and most of the following summer. Fourth graders receive the pass because research shows that kids ages nine to 11 years old are beginning to learn about the world around them. They are open to new ideas, and they are likely to connect to nature and history.  

To get a fourth grader one of these passes, go online or visit your nearest BLM California Field Office for details. The Every Kid Outdoors program brochure is also available in English (PDF, 574 KB) or Spanish (PDF, 1 MB).