‘Being Out There’ With Secretary Salazar (VIDEO)

It’s amazing who you bump into in the woods on a Monday afternoon!

First, some background: National Wildlife Federation joined the U.S. Department of the Interior at Monday’s kickoff of United We Serve — President Obama’s initiative to engage more Americans in serving their communities this summer

As part of the President’s Summer of Service initiative, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar issued a call to action for every adult to mentor a child outdoors this summer. What could be more in line with NWF’s Be Out There campaign?

Secretary Salazar spoke at the Big Meadows Campground with volunteers who removed invasive species in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park.

Be Out There’s Executive Director, Becky Garland, reported from the national park and had a funny run-in with the Secretary:

We can already tell — Secretary Salazar and NWF will make a great team!

How do you find great opportunities to mentor kids outside? Visit Serve.gov and plug in your zipcode to find service projects near you – or learn how to create your own service project online.

NWF offers free resources to help mentors and youth enjoy the benefits of our treasured landscapes through camping, fishing, cycling, hiking and other outdoor activities. Visit www.nwf.org/naturefind for information about family-friendly and affordable outdoor activities and events.

Read more about NWF’s and the Department of the Interior’s plans to make this summer all about the great outdoors.