From Concrete to the Jungle: Exploring Your City’s Open Spaces!
By Zoë Polk
As an urban dweller, I often look at maps of my city. Sometimes I’m looking at a map to find the fastest way home from work. A lot of times, I’m using a map to identify the best route to get out of the city and to the campground, hiking trail and/or swimming spot that I’ve been daydreaming about all week. Most recently, I pulled out a city map and asked “How can I turn my weekly trip to my neighborhood farmers’ market into an adventure?” My answer was a 5 mile hike that spanned four of San Francisco’s beautiful natural spaces, and an expedition that I was delighted to share with 25 other Outdoor Afros.
San Francisco, like many cities, has numerous beautiful natural parks scattered throughout. For many of us nature lovers, those small green squares on the map represent places for rejuvenation, refuge, recreation and relaxation. At first glance those the green spaces can appear disconnected and isolated from one another, each meriting its own day trip. But with a little creativity, a little planning and a craving for adventure, you can create a route that connects several parks and connects YOU to nature.
The parks we visited on Sunday each offered a unique experience and challenge. We started our morning with a brisk climb to Corona Heights Park. Situated at the top some of San Francisco’s infamously steep streets, our visit here got our hearts pumping! At the craggy summit, we were rewarded with beautiful views of Twin Peaks and downtown San Francisco.
From Corona Heights, we traveled to Tank Hill Park, a smaller green space, named for the drinking water tank which was once located there.
Along the 650 climb to its peak, we marveled at the dozens of blackberry brambles and discussed the fruits we were excited to buy at the farmers. market Tank Hill also offered our first view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean.
Before we entered Mt. Sutro Open Space Reserve, I introduced the park as my favorite jungle within the city. With its towering trees, large green ferns, and vibrant animal life, including over 40 species of birds flying overhead, Mt. Sutro rewards many urban hikers. Staying on the marked trails, we covered much of the 80 acre park. On rare moments, we’d see a structure, a fellow hiking group, and breaks in the trees, but we spent much of the hike enthralled by a surprising and majestic wilderness.
At Mt. Sutro' s Summit,
we paused to reflect on the notion of discovery. Many Outdoor Afros observed they had discovered new flowers, new views of the city and new knowledge of green space preservation.Others reflected on discovering new parts of themselves, including strong physical endurance and heightened curiosities about urban parks.
I reflected that I had recently discovered that Maya Angelou adored her youth in San Francisco and as San Francisco's first Black female Cable Car driver, used maps to navigate the city that she loved. It inspired me to reread “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” and put her poetic words to my own feelings and adventures in my city. In that spirit of discovery, I shared the following passage from Ms. Angelou’s famous work:
"To San Franciscans “the City That Knows Hows” was the Bay, the fog…
the Sunset District and so on and so forth and so white. To me, a
thirteen year old Black girl stalled by the south and Southern Black
life style, the city was a state of beauty and a state of freedom. The
fog wasn’t simply the steamy vapors off the bay caught and penned in
by hills, but a soft breath of anonymity that shrouded and cushioned
the bashful traveler. I became dauntless and free of fears,
intoxicated by the physical fact of San Francisco. Safe in my
protective arrogance. I was certain that no one loved her as
impartially as I.”
Reading aloud this passage encouraged us to view the morning fog in a new light. And it reminded us that we can honor our African American treasures, like Ms. Angelou, by cherishing our own connections to nature.
As we descended down Mt. Sutro, we took in the beautiful radiant sights of the Inner Sunset Farmers Market, including bright red strawberries, juicy peaches, bold sunflowers and dahlias and plump blueberries.
Before traversing, Duboce Park, our fourth and final park of the day, many of us stocked up for the week, buying fruits for Sunday afternoon pie and greens for Sunday night dinner. As we headed back to our starting point via public transit, we discussed our adventure and the sumptuous fresh bounty which filled our reusable bags. And we all bonded over our joy and appreciation of the city's green spaces.
TRY OUR HIKE!
Check out the map of our route below to try our hike. Not a San Franciscan Urban Dweller? Explore your local parks and farmers markets and share your adventure with Outdoor Afro!
A Family That Camps Together...
We were so tickled to receive the video below via our Facebook page from Wendi Nicole, a mom, wife, and professor at George Mason University who loves to camp.
Wendi shares, "We began camping five years ago (in Virginia and Maryland) and quickly recruited others. Family and friends have joined us for the last four years and we always enjoy the opportunity to create memories by the campfire."
What shines through in each image is just how happy everyone is. From the oldest to the very youngest, their nature glow is infectious!
Want to start a family camping tradition of your own? Visit your local REI store for all the know-how, and gear you need to get started, then check out Reserve America to reserve your ideal campground near where you live.
Don't forget to tag your summer fun images #outdoorafro on Facebook and Instagram!
Happy Fourth of July and Interdependence Day!
"Ecologically speaking, the food we grow and eventually consume relies on the soil food web, an interdependent network of organisms living in and above our soil. These organisms consume, convert and transfer energy and are necessary for the health of the soil. Without a healthy soil food web, our soil is depleted, and plants are not able to draw up the needed nutrients. This interdependence must exist in order for the soil to thrive."
In what ways do you recognize interdependence in your own world? What do you need to be sustainable?
Sticks and Stones Won't Break Their Bones
In a time when some kids can't leave the house without the fliest pair of shoes or tightest "fits" to stay clean, it brings us a lot of comfort to also see images of pint sized Outdoor Afros out in nature without a care in the world. Tameeca Griffin's photos show off her son Kincaid, and daughter Kai, enjoying the flow of summer nature without a fuss. Enjoy their beautiful images:
Their mom wrote, "My kids' favorite toys are sticks and stones!" - and we believe they will be healthier and happier for it!
How can you support the children in your life to connect with nature this summer? What difference do you think it can make in their lives?
Tweet your images of summer fun #outdoorafro
We Hiked Mount Diablo to Support 10,000 Steps to Denali!
By Cliff Sorrell, Outdoor Afro Leader
Bay Area Outdoor Afros Took the Challenge and Succeeded!
On June 8th, 27 Outdoor Afros set out to hike Mount Diablo to support the African American men and women hiking Mount Denali to reach the summit as our goal. The hike was a 7-mile hike loop trail with over 2,000 feet of elevation change in the open sun.
This was the most difficult hike Outdoor Afro has achieved to date in the region, and we had plenty of leaders on hand to help. I want to give a special thanks to the following leaders: Clay Andersen, La’Neice Blessing, Austin Angelus Sandoval and Clifton Elexander Sorrell III. The leaders each brought a lot of outdoor experience and training to the event.
After our huddle, each leader lead a talk for the Outdoor Afro attendees, such as: leave no trace, park advisories, and a stretch session before we began the hike!
It was over 100 degrees in some parts of our hike, so lots of water was very essential. We enjoyed lunch at a great shaded location on the mountain, where everyone enjoyed each other’s company. There was a lot of great conversation and sharing.
There tremendous happiness once we arrived to the summit at an elevation of 3,849 feet above sea level - we shouted “Outdoor Afro supports Expedition to Denali!” Then some Outdoor Afro’s went into the miniature museum at the top of the summit to see the exhibits, while others visited the small convenience store for ice cream.
I want to thank REI, Clif Bar, KEEN, and Klean Kanteen for preparing us for this challenging hike to the summit of Mount Diablo. There were several moments when we had to pull out a bar or open our canisters to stay energized and hydrated.
As we started our decent down from the summit we were greeted by some awesome views.
Once we returned back to Rock City; our starting point, everyone was filled with great accomplishment and relief. I’m so proud of everyone that took this challenge head on and ascended the tallest summit in the Bay Area.
Jamming in the Renaissance of a Human Powered Life
It seems in these last few years there has been an explosion of human powered efforts from walking and biking movements that are making gym memberships less relevant, to urban gardens that are quietly, yet ferociously helping urbanites reclaim agency over mass produced and preservative filled food options. People are choosing fad diets less, and opting more for the karmic clarity of cooking and harvesting one's own slow food, designed to be filling and eaten in sensible quantities. So these days, 'farm to table' might mean from a backyard farm in the country or in the city.
At our house in Oakland, CA, we are blessed with the good fortune to have a producing cherry tree, and couldn't help but make our own jam from it. The photos above are of my daughter learning and doing what her Louisiana grandmother taught me, using all pronounceable ingredients: cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and pectin. And after a simmering water bath, each jar popped a tight seal, making our jam good to eat and share for one year, and to remember for a lifetime.
In what ways are you slowing down and allowing connections to nature inform how you move about your world and eat?
Join us as we do more canning and moving through summer, and please share with us photos of your human powered preserving efforts on Facebook, Instagram, or Pintrest! #outdoorafro
Girls Day Out in Nature
We were tickled when Outdoor Afro Mika M. of the San Francisco Bay shared this fun image of her and her friends before taking a tour on a zipline this weekend.
For many, ziplining is a terrific way to take in the panoramic view of a forest canopy, with the exhilaration of gliding at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour! Why not explore the forest with minimal impact on the natural environment?
Would you do it?
The Power of One: An African American National Parks Event
Join the fun Saturday, June 22 at a National Park near you!
Outdoor Afros around the country are thrilled to take part in the African American National Parks Event this Saturday. The idea is the brainchild of Richmond, CA based Teresa Baker, who has been an active leader in the Outdoor Afro community, and a part of the next generation of National Park grassroots engagement advocacy.
According to Teresa, “I just wanted to do something for us, and show we do care about the heritage preserved in the parks”. She is asking participants to choose a National Park near where they live, photograph themselves in the park, then send photos to her that will be used to create a collage to commemorate a positive representation of black people in parks. She hopes the event can take place annually.
What is especially energizing for us is how Teresa exemplifies how the power of one person can make a tremendous difference. In the few months since she launched the event on Facebook, she has received numerous inquiries from people and organizations from all over the country who are excited to take part in the event, including many encouraging calls and notes from both representatives of the National Park Service and Department of Interior.
This event represents an easy way for more black and brown people to enjoy and explore our National Parks. It not only benefits the park system in terms of helping to create increased, positive visibility of these public assets, but also supports the economies surrounding each park that provide jobs for many.
Click to see the socioeconomic impact of the parks on local economies
A lesser known added bonus, is the tremendous amount of preserved historical narrative of the African American experience at many of the park units.
Check out this site that maps out parks of African American historical interest
But many Outdoor Afros simply enjoy the parks and their stunning beauty as a place to find respite, physical exercise, and peace. Audrey Peterman, one of the most passionate park advocates of our time, writes in her book Our True Nature, “I find the life-affirming natural treasures an unending source of inspiration, literally in our backyard.” These reasons are why our own Outdoor Afro Leadership Team prioritize the parks as a destination for local trips, such as this one at Mt. Wanda, near Port Chicago last Fall in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Outdoor Afro is proud to support Teresa Baker’s efforts, and to commemorate the event near our headquarters, Outdoor Afro is co-hosting a Buffalo Soldier education and hike gathering at the Presidio, which is a part of the Golden Gate National Park Recreation Area. We have over 100 people signed up, and can’t wait!
Which park will you be spotted in? Let us know, and tag yourself on Facebook and Instagram using hashtag #AANPD
Visit, and 'Like' the event's Facebook Page for more details and images!
10,000 Steps to Denali, Temescal Hike, and National Outdoors Day!
It's Alisha, Outdoor Afro Los Angeles Leader. This Saturday June 8th we had a Temescal Canyon Hike planned in the Santa Monica Mountains to support the first African American group to hike Denali. So our hike was in support of the 10,000 steps to Denali trek. Our hike also coincided with National Outdoors Day.
We started our day at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook where there were activities planned for the kids. They had camping gear set up to show how to set up a camp.
Along with camping gear lessons they also allowed children (and big kids like myself) to create buttons and bookmarks to show their support of 10,000 steps to Denali.
From BHSO, we met up with another group of teens from Watts and Compton inner city program who have had little exposure to the outdoors. We were paired with them through the Santa Monica Mountains Conservatory to encourage them to get outdoors more. Santa Monica Mountains Conservatory provided a bus and an amazing guide Anthony to take us on our hike and explore the canyon.
We got to Temescal and had a quick snack on the lawn, took a photo with both groups and paired off into two different groups to meet at the waterfall. There were so many of us we didn't want to overwhelm the trail.
On our way up we saw caterpillars, lizards, a garden snake and a red-tailed hawk. In true LA fashion we also saw a film crew filming a movie, haha. When we reached the top we sat for a bit and let the kids play around the waterfall which was dry. Anthony explained we're in a dry season. We had to watch out for poison oak. Quick tip: if its three let it be. If you see leaves in clusters of three leave them alone.
Many thanks to Kleen Kanteen and REI for keeping us hydrated. Thank you REI for keeping me warm and to Keen shoes for making my hike comfy. I also want to acknowledge Clif Bars for snack bars for the kiddos. We had an amazing time. Looking forward to many more collaborations with Santa Monica Conservatory, your rangers are amazing and knowledgeable. Thank you Anthony and Iann the volunteer.
Oh yes on our way down the canyon we came to a beautiful open field and my sister and the kids decided to jump and play.
We're Buggin'...June Bug of the Month
By Eddie Dunbar, Entomologist, Oakland, CA
A Sand Wasp - She's Got Your Back!
Sand Wasp ( Bembix americanus ) on daisy
When we think of the insects that are "good," typically only butterflies and honey bees come to mind. However, there are countless unsung insect good deeds that go unnoticed.
Consider the role of the Sand Wasp (Bembix americanus Fabricius). These are large wasps, nearly 1" long. They have green eyes and an abdomen with grey and black bands. Adults can be seen at flowers sipping nectar.
Yet, these wasps, truly, are the unsung hero of barbecues and picnics all over North America. Were it not for the Sand Wasp we might be up to our eyeballs in flies. Well, maybe not. But they do eat a lot of them!
Females sting pesky flies into paralysis and use their middle legs to transport them to their young in underground nests in sand. These wasps are excellent diggers. Using their spiny legs they can disappear underground in seconds. Burrows are from 6 to 36" in depth. Larvae in tunnel cells are provisioned with up to 20 pesky flies over a few weeks. The female returns again and again to replenish the supply of fresh meat. When mature, larvae spin a cocoon in the cell, pupate and emerge from underground as adult wasps. Several broods may be reared by a female wasp in a single summer.
So, the next time you are out and about and there are no flies to bug you, think about the Sand Wasp. She's got your back.