Kish Kids Outside (KKO) is inviting community members to participate in a Nature Needs Assessment Community Survey to help shape the future of outdoor experiences in DeKalb County.

Whether you love exploring local trails, visiting neighborhood parks, or simply wish there were more inclusive and engaging natural areas nearby, Kish Kids Outside wants to hear from you! Your feedback will help guide our community-wide efforts to improve and expand access to nature for all ages, abilities, and interests.

The survey takes just 2 minutes to complete and is open through Memorial Day. As a token of appreciation, survey participants can choose to enter a raffle to win an outdoor recreation gift basket packed with fun gear to enjoy the great outdoors. Take the survey at kishkidsoutside.org.

“Your input directly supports local change,” stated Kish Kids Outside Board Treasurer Katie Drum. “Results will be shared with our Kish Kids Outside partners to inform how we invest in future outdoor resources and programming across DeKalb County.”

The Kish Kids Outside partners include: the DeKalb County Forest Preserve District, DeKalb Park District, DeKalb Public Library, Soil and Water Conservation District, the Natural Resource Education Center, Adventure Works of DeKalb County, Sycamore Park District, Sycamore Library, Genoa Park District, and the Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves.

Kish Kids Outside is committed to connecting kids and families with nature. Please help them make DeKalb County a place where outdoor play and nature exploration are accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Follow on social media for updates and learn more about DeKalb County outdoor resources and nature programming.

About Kish Kids Outside

Started as the DeKalb County Connecting Children to Nature Coalition in February 2019, community leaders united over a shared passion: connecting children with nature. Became Kish Kids Outside in 2021 and officially became a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization in December 2023.

​A collective of passionate people who care about the health and well-being of our community by providing resources and opportunities for children to engage and connect with nature.