In 2022, Miami Dolphins star Zach Sieler and his wife launched an outdoor foundation; four years later, their 250-acre Missouri property is becoming a farm and conservation classroom for children | NFL News

Zach and Hannah’s foundation grew from a 2019 experience at their hunting camp with a wheelchair user.

Miami Dolphins defensive tackle and team captain Zach Sieler and his wife Hannah are developing their 250-acre property in Missouri into a place where children can learn about agriculture, conservation and the outdoors. The couple launched the Sieler Safe Haven Foundation as a non-profit in 2022, after an experience at their hunting camp led them to create more opportunities for young people to experience nature.Sieler spoke about the plans during his appearance on the Like A Farmer podcast, where he discussed football, fatherhood, farming, hunting and his family’s life outdoors. The episode also covers his plans to begin raising cattle on the Missouri property.The property is now part of the foundation’s work with children. The Sieler Safe Haven Foundation describes its Missouri site as a “hands-on learning laboratory where agriculture meets adventure”. Its programmes include experiences related to farming, wildlife, land management, fishing and hunting.The foundation’s work grew from an experience in 2019, when Zach and Hannah welcomed a young man who uses a wheelchair to their hunting camp. They realised that traditional hunting was not accessible to him and began thinking about how outdoor experiences could be made available to more young people. Three years later, they officially registered the foundation as a non-profit.

Building outdoor lessons

The Sielers say their own experiences outdoors shaped their interest in creating such opportunities for children. Zach grew up in Pinckney, Michigan, where his father introduced him to hunting, fishing and outdoor activities on their 30-acre property.Hannah Sieler, who is from Ozark, Missouri, also had an active childhood, although she had limited experience camping in tents with her family. According to the foundation, her understanding of what young people can miss without exposure to the outdoors has influenced her work with the organisation.The foundation now runs programmes that combine outdoor education with activities such as agriculture, wildlife management, fishing, hunting and sports. It says these experiences are intended to help young people develop practical skills, confidence and an understanding of environmental stewardship.The foundation says participants can take part in turkey and whitetail deer hunts, fishing and activities involving wildlife and land management. The property also works with the Land Legacy Partnership on a plan for managing wildlife on the property.

Plans for farming and conservation

Sieler told Like A Farmer that his family plans to begin raising cattle in Missouri. The foundation also says land management is also part of its work in Missouri. Its partnership with the Land Legacy Partnership includes practices such as controlled burns, timber improvements and natural farming methods.The aim is not only to provide outdoor activities but also to teach young people about the land and how it is managed. The foundation describes these experiences as opportunities to understand land stewardship and sustainable living practices.

Reaching more children

The Missouri property is one part of the Sieler Safe Haven Foundation’s work. The organisation also runs programmes in Florida and Michigan and helps facilitate educational trips in other locations.In Florida, its programmes focus on fishing, wetland conservation, wildlife management and cultural enrichment. In Michigan, it offers programmes involving forest management, wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation.The foundation also organises other activities for children. These include sports camps, field days and outdoor experiences designed around conservation, agriculture and wildlife management.