Preston Slaughter is the founder and Executive Director of L.O.C.A.L. Adventures, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Richmond, Virginia, dedicated to empowering young people through mindfulness, outdoor adventure, and creative expression. Guided by the values of Presence, Play, and Progress, L.O.C.A.L. helps youth explore their inner and outer landscapes, building confidence, curiosity, resilience, and connection to the natural world.

Preston brings a multidisciplinary background to her work, including more than 500 hours of yoga teacher training, wilderness first responder certification, swiftwater rescue training, and years of experience facilitating experiential education programs, outdoor adventures, and wellness retreats.

Through L.O.C.A.L. Adventures, she collaborates with community organizations, schools, and environmental partners to expand access to meaningful outdoor experiences for Richmond-area youth, particularly those who face barriers to accessing nature-based programming. Her programs integrate paddling, hiking, environmental science, mindfulness, and the arts to foster both personal growth and environmental stewardship.

Preston has worked closely with Waterfront RVA and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to introduce young people to the James River watershed through hands-on exploration and scientific investigation. She is especially interested in the intersection of environmental education, youth voice, creative expression, and place-based learning.

She is currently developing James River Investigators, an immersive, four-day environmental education experience that will invite young people to become scientists, explore their local watershed, conduct water-quality investigations, and translate their findings into data-inspired artwork for community exhibition.

Preston believes that when young people have opportunities to connect deeply with themselves, one another, and the natural world, they develop the confidence needed to become thoughtful stewards of their communities and environment.

www.localadventuresrva.org