MISSION UPDATE: Explore Local Nature^TM is transitioning to a nonprofit organization to better serve our community and end nature information poverty.

Adventure Awaits Outside Your Door

Our Mission: "Explore Local Nature exists to end nature information poverty—prioritizing underserved communities—so that people and the natural world thrive together."LATEST NEWS:

April 2026: ELN has officially entered its transition to 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. We are currently in a "silent phase" of our Founding Circle campaign to secure anchor funding for our pilot launch. Subscribe for Updates
Spring Wildflower Guide: Get our free interactive guide to the best local blooms: Spring Wildflowers: 7 Great Hikes in San Mateo County

Note: You can still view the current incarnation of our beta website app online, which aggregates events and organizations countywide as we move toward our full nonprofit launch.What We DoExplore Local Nature is a civic technology initiative designed to revolutionize nature access. We are building a comprehensive, AI-powered infrastructure that aggregates local events, parks, stewardship organizations, and vital nature news into one equitable resource. Our goal is to bridge the "nature information gap" and provide preventative health benefits to all communities through outdoor connection.

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MISSION UPDATE: Explore Local Nature^TM is transitioning to a nonprofit organization to better serve our community and end nature information poverty.

Back to HQ

About

For over 25 years, I've dedicated my life to connecting people with the natural world, starting right here in the Bay Area. I've seen firsthand how a single hike or volunteer event can change someone's perspective. But I also recognized a universal frustration—people everywhere wanting to get outside but not knowing where to start, lost in a sea of confusing websites.That's why I created Explore Local Nature: to make discovering the incredible nature in any community as easy and joyful as the experience itself. We're launching our journey in San Mateo County, building a model that can help connect communities to nature, wherever they may be.-Mike Kahn, Founder & Executive Director

Mike Kahn, Founder & CEO (full time)
* 25+ years in nature education, stewardship, and conservation
* Expertise in marketing communications and nonprofit partnership development.
* Advocating for "Nature Rx" and equitable outdoor access as a core social service.
* Degrees in Sociology and Interactive Media Design, bridging community social needs with innovative digital solutions.

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Lenny Mendonca, Strategic Advisor
Former Chief Economic and Business Advisor to the Governor of California.Dave Pine, Strategic Advisor
Former San Mateo County Supervisor.FORMER ADVISORBen Wiltsie, SmallBiz Innovation
Invaluable early-stage prototyping and business strategy.

MISSION UPDATE: Explore Local Nature^TM is transitioning to a nonprofit organization to better serve our community and end nature information poverty.

Back to HQ

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Contact us at [email protected] or complete the form below.

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