Racing for Wildlife

Across the country, parents are focusing on reconnecting kids with nature. From TV to computer games, there’s plenty of indoor playtime today. But nature’s show is better than anything you can find on a screen.

The Conservation Fund and NASCAR driver Ryan Newman have joined forces to launch Racing for Wildlife, an exciting initiative that will protect recreation lands where kids and their families can experience the outdoors. Through conservation projects and education activities which engage the public, Racing for Wildlife is designed to bring sporting fans and nature lovers of all ages together to protect, respect and enjoy America's wildlife habitats.

Racing for Wildlife Conservation Projects

Each year, Racing for Wildlife will highlight a new conservation project with recreation opportunities near urban areas, so families can easily enjoy these protected places. In selecting conservation projects, Racing for Wildlife will work with wildlife management agencies and local land conservation groups to find opportunities that fulfill state-recognized conservation priorities while inviting a new generation to experience the outdoors.

The first Racing for Wildlife conservation project is the restoration of Michigan's Mill Lake Youth Camp. Located about 30 miles north of the Michigan International Speedway in the 20,000-acre Waterloo Recreation Area, the historic camp was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The restoration project will bring back this historic site, introducing a new generation of kids and their families to the great outdoors in Southern Michigan.

The camp is located on a scenic lake that offers excellent recreation and fishing. Once restored, the camp will re-open to families, focusing on youth activities, family events and individual use in a year-round facility that can accommodate over 140 people. The Mill Lake Youth Camp is just a short drive away for many Michigan residents.

Racing for Wildlife Partners

Ryan Newman, driver of the #12 Penske Racing Nextel Cup Series car, loves being outside, whether he’s behind the wheel in a race or fishing off a dock. A native of South Bend, Indiana, Newman grew up fishing with his grandfather who passed along his appreciation of the great outdoors. He and his wife, Krissie, enjoy spending time together outdoors when they are away from their busy lives at the racetrack. Newman takes every opportunity he has to fish--whether it is at home on his pond, at lakes near speedways across the country, or on vacation in Canada or Alaska. Newman says, "I’ve met a lot of NASCAR fans who are avid fisherman like me, and they know how important it is to protect the beautiful land and water that we enjoy today so our grandchildren can enjoy it in the future.”

The Ryan Newman Foundation was established by Ryan and Krissie Newman in January 2005. The mission of the foundation is to educate and encourage people to spay/neuter their pets and to adopt dogs and cats from animal shelters; to educate children and adults about the importance of conservation so the beauty of the great outdoors can be appreciated by future generations; and to provide college scholarship funding through the Rich Vogler Scholarship program to students interested in auto racing careers. The Ryan Newman Foundation is proud to be supported by the NASCAR Foundation. For more information, please visit www.ryannewmanfoundation.org.

For more about Racing for Wildlife, visit www.racingforwildlife.org.