In a world dominated by screens and constant digital connection, the simple yet profound experience of spending time in nature has become more valuable than ever. At Fervor & Zeal, we're proud to partner with Open Roads Academy and the talented artist Matese Fields to create apparel that celebrates this vital connection to the natural world while supporting transformative experiences for underserved youth.

Nature as a Healer: More Than Just Fresh Air

The healing power of nature isn't just a poetic concept—it's backed by growing scientific evidence. Time spent in natural settings reduces stress hormones, improves mood, enhances focus, and contributes to overall mental well-being. As John Muir, whose quote adorns our "Nature Heals" t-shirt, wisely noted, there's something profoundly restorative about stepping away from our busy lives and immersing ourselves in the natural world.

For young people especially, these benefits can be transformative. Nature provides a distraction-free environment where self-discovery can flourish. Away from the pressures of social media and academic expectations, youth find space to reflect, build confidence, and develop resilience through authentic experiences in the natural world.

Unfortunately, access to these experiences isn't distributed equally. Many young people, particularly those from underserved communities, face significant barriers to accessing nature and wilderness experiences. This is where our partnership with Open Roads Academy comes in.

Open Roads Academy: Transformative Adventures for Underserved Youth

Open Roads Academy delivers life-changing programs that combine wilderness adventures with reflective writing and creative storytelling. Their unique approach helps young people discover the mental health benefits of time in nature while developing leadership skills and the ability to become authors of their own life stories.

What makes Open Roads truly special is their focus on accessibility. They provide full scholarships to participants from across the country—many of whom are experiencing nature and travel for the first time. Their programs are designed in partnership with schools, foundations, and youth organizations that serve high-character young adults with leadership potential.

The impact of their work extends far beyond individual participants. By equipping youth with the ability to bring the benefits of nature into communities that have been historically excluded, Open Roads is creating a more expansive network of social change leaders and environmental stewards who will work to make the world better for everyone.

Our Collaboration with Matese Fields

When we decided to create designs that would capture the essence of Open Roads Academy's mission, we knew we needed an artist with both exceptional talent and a deep understanding of the power of nature and community. Matese Fields (known professionally as TeseCreates) was the perfect collaborator for this project.

Matese, an independent designer based in Portland, Oregon, brings a unique creative perspective to every project. With a background that spans from music to marketing to design, Matese has a talent for telling stories through his designs—a skill that perfectly aligned with our vision for this collection.

Working with Matese was a joy from start to finish. His ability to translate complex ideas into visually compelling designs resulted in two pieces that perfectly capture the spirit of Open Roads Academy:

"Nature Heals" Design

This powerful design features a timeless quote from naturalist John Muir, reminding us of the restorative power of spending time outdoors. The clean, thoughtful typography and natural imagery create a wearable statement about our fundamental connection to the natural world.

"The World is Yours" Design

This design serves as an inspiring reminder that the world belongs to all of us and that we should experience as much of it as we can. The text encourages simple yet profound actions: "Go on a hike. Swim in a river. Pet an animal." It's a call to engage with nature in ways that are accessible to everyone.

Through our collaboration, Matese has created designs that don't just look good—they communicate meaningful messages that align perfectly with Open Roads Academy's mission of connecting youth with the transformative power of nature.

Why This Partnership Matters

At Fervor & Zeal, we believe in the power of art to tell stories and create impact. With these designs, we're not just selling products—we're supporting a vital mission and spreading an important message.

When you purchase items featuring these designs, 25% of the profits go directly to Open Roads Academy, helping fund their life-changing programs for underserved youth. Another 25% supports Matese Fields, enabling him to continue creating meaningful art that tells important stories.

The remainder helps us continue our mission of connecting artists with causes that matter and creating beautiful products that make a difference in the world.

How You Can Make a Difference

We hope these designs resonate with you as much as they do with us. By wearing or carrying these items, you're not just making a fashion statement—you're supporting both an artist and an organization doing vital work to connect underserved youth with the healing power of nature.

You're also helping spread an important message about the value of nature in our increasingly digital world. Each time someone asks about your t-shirt or comments on your tote bag, you have an opportunity to share why nature matters and how organizations like Open Roads Academy are making it accessible to those who need it most.

We invite you to explore the "Nature Heals" and "The World is Yours" collections on our website. Find the piece that speaks to you, knowing that your purchase will help fund wilderness adventures that change young lives while supporting an artist who brings important messages to life through design.

Together, we can help more young people experience the healing power of nature and become leaders who will protect and share that gift with future generations.

When we connect with nature, we heal ourselves and our world.