OUR WORK
Based in Big Sur, California (Esselen tribal territory) and founded in 2018, Wildtender offers immersive, educational wilderness programs that cultivate kinship with the natural world, embody earth-based wisdom traditions, nurture authenticity & wholeness of self, engender meaningful community, and foster ecological stewardship.
Wildtender is a fiscally sponsored project of Inquiring Systems, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on making systemic impact in the Regenerative and Sustainability realms.
OUR VISION
We are commited to dismantling extractive, objectifying & destructive ways of relating with the natural world; and nurturing a regenerative, diverse & relational worldview that re-weaves modern people into an enchanted, sustainable ecological paradigm.
We aspire to be a catalyst for transformational change, nurturing generations that will love, protect, and tend the earth.
Your gift will allow Wildtender to PURSUE THESE GOALS IN 2026:
Continue to expand and promote scholarship opportunities. Broaden outreach to new communities to make our programs more intergenerational, diverse and vocationally impactful. Dedicate at least 25% of program spaces to scholarship.
Grow our youth programming. With care and integrity, and through meaningful partnerships, expand our current offerings and develop new opportunities for youth and families to connect with the earth, themselves and one another.
Design and pilot an invitational cohort for change agents – to give social and environmental activists, artists, educators, and folks in helping professions the opportunity for embodied connection with the earth, emotional & spiritual development, authentic community, and interdisciplinary cross-pollination.
Expand opportunities for longer-term connection of Wildtender alumni – including online cohorts and regional gatherings to extend the community established in Wildtender programs, and to support participants in being of service to their lands and communities back home.
Collaborate with more California conservation orgs & tribal groups. Further integrate stewardship and service into Wildtender programs, and equip and facilitate other organizations’ staff and the public having more embodied engagement with their land-based causes.
Develop an initiative to support healthcare workers and helping professions. One of Wildtender’s strongest demographics are folks in helping professions, many of whom are struggling with burnout following the pandemic.
Produce thought content to creatively amplify Wildtender’s message. Expand our impact and reach through social and traditional media channels. Work towards the publication of a book that embodies Wildtender’s philosophy.
How To Donate
For digital donations, please use the donation form below or visit our online donation platform.
Check donations can be mailed to the address below; checks must be made out to Inquiring Systems, Inc., with “Wildtender” written on the memo line:
Inquiring Systems, Inc.
1275 4th St. #371
Santa Rosa, CA 95404