Field trips to parks and nature centers are a tradition for thousands of Minnesota students. They spark curiosity, help connect children to the natural world and create lifetime memories. Beyond the occasional field trip, more sustained engagement in nature-based experiences has the potential to benefit students of all ages through supporting their intellectual, physical, and mental health, developing conservation ethics, and establishing subject matter relevance and connection across disciplines. Most young people spend 1000+ hours annually in school, presenting Minnesota teachers with a clear opportunity to help students succeed by coupling academics with nature-based experiences.