National Get Outdoors Day is Today!
New Media Effort Amplifies National Get Outdoors Day on June 8th, 2013
While more than 245 million Americans live within 100 miles of a national forest or grassland, research shows that a majority of children in some segments of the population are not spending active time outdoors. Research shows that only 37% of African American children ages 6-12 participate in outdoor recreation, compared to 67% of Caucasian children in the same age range. In an effort to motivate African American families to get outside more often and reconnect with nature, the Ad Council and the U.S. Forest Service have launched a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) in advance of the 6th annual National Get Outdoors Day on Saturday, June 8th, 2013.
“This new campaign seeks to get kids and families out to enjoy the wonders of our forests,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “The physical, mental and spiritual benefits our great outdoors provide are more important now than ever.”
Research has shown that children who play outside have lower stress levels and more active imaginations, become fitter and leaner, develop stronger immune systems and have greater respect for themselves and for others. Currently, most of the time that U.S. children today spend outdoors is spent participating in activities such as biking, walking, listening to music, or using electronic devices. Nature-based activities, such as bird watching, hiking, camping, and fishing are not as common.
“Many families are unaware of the benefits that nature provides children, including improving their physical and mental health and emotional well-being,” said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. “Through these PSAs we’re thrilled to continue our work with the US Forest Service to show families how close they are to a forest, park or grassland and encourage them to spend active time outdoors.”
“Parents will tell you that there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing their children’s eyes light up when they discover something new.” said Lewis Williams, Burrell Chief Creative Officer. “The forest is one of those amazing places where kids can flex their imagination muscles through exploration and discovery.”
These efforts will be supported through the campaign website, www.discovertheforest.org, which includes interactive games, a list of activity ideas and a convenient forest locator, powered by NatureFind and GoogleMaps, which allows users to find the closest forest or park to them, as well as corresponding Facebook www.facebook.com/discovertheforest and Twitter www.twitter.com/cheecker.
Celebrating Black Music Month Outdoors in Oakland!
By Zoë Polk
"CAN ANYONE NAME A SONG BY A BLACK ARTIST ABOUT BIRDING?” I asked. To be fair, I was having a little bit of fun with the group. It was a beautiful Saturday morning in Oakland and we were about to begin our hike into the redwood forest.
I had a song in mind that I was positive the group had heard many times before, but perhaps hadn’t thought of as about appreciating, studying, listening to birds. So then I sang some lyrics:
Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin', ("This is my message to you-ou-ou:")
Instantly, I saw the expressions of recognition form on everyone’s faces. Of course the song I was referring to was Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds.”
“What about a song tribute to trees, flowers and the sky? Can anyone name a song by an African American artist that's about appreciating nature?” After a similar response, I sang some more lyrics:
I see trees of green........ red roses too
I see em bloom..... for me and for you
And I think to myself.... what a wonderful world.
Again, we smiled and laughed at the familiar words of Louis Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World.” Music in the outdoors can mean different things to different people. At Outdoor Afro, we love to listen to the “music” of the wind blowing through trees, chirping birds, the ocean crashing on the beach and rain falling to the earth. 
We also love music that honors our environment and wildlife. As African American Music Appreciation Month, June is the perfect time to reflect on the love of nature described in songs of many of our favorite black artists. Moreover, it’s a perfect time to remember how much loving the outdoors is embedded into black culture. From Ella Fitzgerald’s versions of “Mountain Greenery” and “Blue Skies” to Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song” to “Country Girl” by the Carolina Chocolate Drops to “New World Water” by Mos Def, Outdoor Afro is jamming out to our own Black Music Month nature playlist.
Redwood Regional Park is certainly song worthy. With giant redwood trees, lush green ferns, fragrant eucalyptus trees and brilliant red madrone trees, it offers amazing diversity to every visitor.
In addition, it has numerous trails that allow you to have a new adventure every time you visit.
The Redwood Bowl Staging Area, where Outdoor Afro convened and had our second annual barbecue offers great amenities including a wide open space, which proved perfect for setting up a volley ball court and practicing yoga.
With music on our minds and our lips, we set off to explore the park. During the hike we took time to discern poison oak from other plant life- recalling “Rule of Three- Leave It Be!” We also kept our gaze above, taking in the enormity of the trees and scanning for birds.
And we continued to deliberate on the love for the outdoors in black music.
For example, we at Outdoor Afro often pay tribute to the Buffalo Soldiers, regiments of black soldiers who served in the U.S. Calvary in the 19th century. Many people are familiar with Bob Marley’s famous song titled “Buffalo Soldier” but few know that the Buffalo Soldiers were stewards of Yosemite and some of California’s most important wild spaces. So when asked to name a song by a black artist that is about black park rangers, the familiar sound of the steel drum, blaring horns and Bob’s smooth voice should ring in our ears.
We made our way on trails, starting on the West Ridge Trail and then descended down the Fern Trail to the base of the giant redwoods. From there we walked along the Stream Trail. Before making our ascent up the Starflower and Madrone Trails, we took some time to rest our bodies and discuss gear that assists our enjoyment of nature. I shared about each item I used when hiking, including hiking poles, hydration systems, and sturdy hiking boots. I also talked about my experiences shopping at REI, especially the helpful and knowledgeable staff who provided one on one service and advice as I decided which items to purchase.
Going through items on my person, I took time to explain how hiking poles provide comfort and support to my body on long and steep trails. I also emphasized the importance of quality hiking boots, like the KEEN Ketchums I was wearing, which are integral to stepping with confidence on different surfaces.
We also spent some time reflecting on how important it is to hydrate when hiking on hot days like Saturday. My personal choice is Klean Kanteen's double walled vacuum insulated bottle,which still had ice in it 6 hours after I filled it up! Moreover, we talked about how we can all take better care of ourselves, our environment and our wallets by using sustainable containers for our water consumption. Before the hike, I spent some time reviewing the resources and information available on this topic on Klean Kanteen's website, and learned a lot about why it is important to limit consumption of single use plastics. I was excited to share these lessons with Outdoor Afro hikers. For example, we contemplated the chemicals that are in our plastic containers and how those chemicals may contaminate the water we drink.
In addition, we all agreed that we are conscious of what we put in our bodies which includes knowing where our water comes from and what kind of process it went through before it was packaged. In terms of safety for the environment, I encouraged hikers to think beyond throwing a single use plastic in a recycle bin and get more information about how many bottles actually end up being recycled versus how many end up in the ocean. And finally we talked about reusable water bottles and hydration systems as long term investments which may require an more expensive upfront cost than a plastic water bottle but save money in the long run.
And of course we thought of a song by a black artist that to go along with that discussion:
Oh, mercy mercy me
Oh, things ain't what they used to be
No, no
Oil wasted on the oceans and upon our seas
Fish full of mercury
Oh, mercy mercy me
Marvin Gaye "Mercy Mercy Me"
After we finished the hike, we sat down to a scrumptious and bountiful barbecue in the Redwood Bowl Staging Area.
We had a leisurely afternoon in which Outdoor Afros got to know each other, talked about other activities we enjoyed outdoors and provided details upcoming trips with Outdoor Afro Northern California. In addition, as we told you in a previous post, Outdoor Afros definitely be bugging and Saturday was no exception. Two of our younger members delighted in finding lady bugs!
It was an amazing day and we were so honored to get to know, hike and barbecue with all of the wonderful Outdoor Afros who joined us!
Our hiking route
Want to try our hike? Check out the map below! Send us an email and let us know what you think!
Chicago Afros Head to Calumet Eggers Woods Forest Preserve
By Viva Yeboah, Outdoor Afro Leader, Chicago
Outdoor Afro Chicago joined the local community of Calumet, Wild Indigo Exploration, Faith in Place, Eden Place and several other organizations at Eggers Wood Forest Preserve for the Millennium Reserve Urban Biodiversity week. This celebration was part of the National Urban Biodiversity Week that focuses on connecting more people with nature in their cities and surrounding areas.
Wild Indigo Exploration, Faith in Place and Eden Place representing above!
Eggers Wood Forest Preserve! Ain't it beautiful?!
To highlight the many opportunities, the Calumet region was selected as part of the week long celebration. In recent years with federal, state and local support there has been a focus to restore the Calumet region. Included in this transformation is restoring and enhancing Calumet ecosystem. For more information visit, Millennium Reserve:Calumet Core Initiative.
Our day at Egger Woods included a bird hike, tree id hike and a restoration project. Additionally, nature theme games and art projects were available for children. Our bird hike was lead by Paul Gitau, Director of Birding Syke Holidays. Since we are in the height of migration, were able to spot plenty of birds including: Scarlet Tanager, Cerulean Warbler, Goldfinch, Red-headed and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, and White crowned Sparrow. The Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America book definitely came in handy for this hike. Our Tree id hike was lead by John Pastirik. We were able to identify plenty of plants and trees including: Purple Violets (Illinois state flower), White Oak trees (Illinois state tree), Wild Columbines, Mayapples and Jack in the pulpit! During our hikes a restoration project was completed, in which invasive plant Garlic Mustard were pulled. A ceremony in celebration of the Millennium Reserve Week was held and speech given by Arnold Randall, superintendent of Cook County Forest Preserve.
Spotted birds even before getting on the trail!
Click here for more photos of a wonderful day!
Letting Go and Letting Camp
Because even seasoned moms like me experience the tension and challenges of getting kids outdoors in a world filled with so many concerns and reasons to be afraid.
Most of you all know I have children - three of them. And each has been involved with some form of camping since they were barely out of my womb. But today marked the last time for a different kind of nature milestone: I sent my third and youngest child Billy to camp on his own for the first time for five whole days!
Starting in the 4th grade at my son’s elementary school, they attend camp with their classmates along with youth from two other schools matched to enhance class and racial diversity. A goal of this particular program is to foster greater empathy and cultural capacity for kids, and help them be better problem solvers in the context of a beautiful nature setting.
Last year, Billy’s older sister went to the same camp, and years ago at the tender age of eight, my teenage son attended our city’s youth camp - both on their own and with positive results. So I felt like an old hand at this, and was not at all bothered that I missed the parent information night for the trip, thinking, “I got this!”
The night before, Billy took responsibility for his packing list, and organized his bag as I sat from afar dispensing occasional advice. I giggled at the admonition on the camp list not to bring “pagers, Walkmans and radios” as Billy wondered aloud exactly what those items were!
I enjoy driving on field trips as it provides the rare glimpse into the social lives of my children and a pulse on what is most meaningful to them. With three 9-year-old boys in my truck this morning, I was tickled by how the conversation drifted from Calvin and Hobbs to the newest online game sensation to how gross udders are after the boys spotted a swollen milking cow on a farm we passed. Once we hit the oak lined hills of Napa, my son requested I play a favorite Carolina Chocolate Drops track so he could impress his classmates with how well he knew the lyrics, and in no time they were all singing the song together. It was a happy drive, and I was filled with the pride and satisfaction to practice the advice of sending kids to camp, a message I frequently share with others.
For a moment, we parents just stood there, looking and feeling awkward by how such a giant milestone felt oddly uneventful. Then I was surprised by the emotions that turned on as I walked to my car. I felt sad and worried; my nose began to tingle in the familiar way it can before tears flow. I stopped myself, but not before realizing that while I may be an outdoor badass, conservationist, and a lifelong champion of nature engagement, I am first a protective mama who is not immune to the tension and challenges of getting kids outdoors in a world filled with so many concerns and reasons to be afraid.
I also recognized that this was truly the last time I would experience this landmark with one of my children, each growing up so terribly fast. Part of me wanted to savor the pure sweetness of that moment, just a bit longer than was allowed.
As I pulled away from the driveway, I yelled out my window to Ms. Susan, his teacher, “Good Luck!” to which she deftly replied with a smile, “you don’t need luck when you have skills!” which snapped me back into confidence, knowing all would be well, and feeling grateful for Billy’s memorable opportunity and gateway into a lifetime of nature engagement.
For information about how parents can prepare to send kids to camp, visit the American Camp Association’s Camp Parents site: http://www.campparents.org/
Full Moon Hike
By Los Angeles Outdoor Afro Leader, Alisha Pye
Watching the full moon rise into the sky is a beautiful sight. Hiking in nature while watching the full moon rise and the sun set is exceptional. It's Alisha, Outdoor Afro Leader of Los Angeles. I was invited by the Santa Monica Mountains Park Rangers to attend the full moon hike.
We went to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook for a guided Full Moon Hike. We were lucky that the moon rose at 7:43pm and the sun was setting at 7:54pm. So as the sun set we were able to enjoy the full moon at its brightest. We almost didn't need flashlights it was so bright.
We were able to go into the theater prior to the hike to learn a few facts and about indigenous plants, animals. The guides were very informative even teaching us how to identify animals through their eye shine color. The kids in the group were fascinated.
It did get chilly, so of course layers were necessary. We decided to snuggle to keep warm. We hiked a little over a mile and then decided to take the stairs back up to the top. We had a blast.
We're going to try to go back every full moon for the summer. Just look at the view from the top, overlooking the city at nightfall. Spectacular views...
Outdoor Afro is Buggin': A New Series To Demystify Bugs!
Yep, you heard us right. We are going to talk about bugs! If you have been following us, you know we are smitten by birds, and knowing birds love bugs, how could we not get interested in what they are about?
But we also want to demystify bugs, and recognize their place in the ecosystem that we share with them. Yes, bugs can be creepy, slimy, and scary - they can bite, pinch, crawl, and sometimes make you run for the hills - or for your shoe! Yet they can also predate nuisances, help produce the sweetest of honeys, and have a hand in helping delicious fruits, vegetables, and flowers thrive. Right now insects account for 80% of all known species in the animal kingdom. Right now there are more than 1 million described species, but some scientists estimate there may be more than 30 million insect species. The fact is, bugs live with us, and we need them. And the better we can become educated about them, the more we can know and appreciate the world that sustains us all.
So please join me in welcoming Eddie Dunbar, our new resident Bug Bro. As a native of Oakland California, he has devoted his life to engaging citizen scientists in the Bay Area, California and the world to find ways to contribute to the science of entomology in ways that are meaningful to them and to celebrate those victories, no matter how small. Eddie’s own failures to complete a science degree and to participate with academicians in the sciences are why he struggles to involve others to perceive the study of insects as an art – one that finds its best expression in our own life experiences with our neighbor, the Insect, and in the personal recounts by Afros and others that result in blog posts and dramatic photography seen all over the Web.
Eddie is Founder and President of the Insect Sciences Museum of California, based in Oakland, CA. Here, he has found his life calling.
Junior Outdoor Afro Leaders Get Their Research On!
Les Franklin, a member of the Junior Outdoor Afro Youth Leadership Team (JOALT) and student at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, was the official recorder for a team conducting a survey of colonial nesting waterbirds, today. Hundreds of herons, egrets, and ibis tending to nests, eggs, and chicks...the island was buzzing with wildlife activity!
The JOALT is a pilot of the Outdoor Afro Leadership Team for youth, in partnership with the Maryland Coastal Bays program designed to connect leadership, environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation, and career pathways for high school students.
Camping With Kids? There is a Method to the Madness!
Planning a family camping trip Memorial Day weekend?
Here is some wonderful wisdom from USDA Forest Service Education Program Specialist, Mason "Amtchat" Edwards - originally posted on the U.S. Forest Service site
As an environmental educator, I’ve taken tons of kids outside for fun and educational experiences in the woods. Now, I am looking forward taking my own son out for his first discoveries and to create memories we’ll share for years to come. Since some of my friends have asked me for pointers on taking their kids camping, I figured I would share this with you too. I hope it helps. Plus, National Kids to Parks Day, is May 18. What better way to help children explore nature.
First and foremost is to involve the kids in the planning stages. Gauge what they are most excited about seeing or doing – is it waterfalls or caves, searching deep in the forest for bugs or looking for larger animals like eagles or moose– the possibilities are endless. The things they are excited about can be used to reinforce behaviors like following instructions or being open to trying new things.
Plan a trip that is the right size for everyone. Sure, I can easily cover 10 miles in a day, but the little guy probably wouldn't enjoy or couldn't handle that pace. Go based on your youngest person’s abilities, or even consider options for carrying them at times. There is no one size fits all, so tailor your trip to fit your family.
Be aware of your own expectations. I want my son to enjoy nature and camping as much as I do, so instead of the speed of the hike I will be sure to note things like smiles-per-hour. Who cares how long it takes us to get to the waterfall? After all, it’s our vacation time to spend together. I’ll encourage him to stop, explore and even teach me about the new things he notices.
I work in one of the best units in the Forest Service, and my son has become a de-facto marketing tool for Conservation Education. He is well-versed in the fun stuff, such as Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl. Those also lead him to becoming a miniature expert in Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. He has been studying the Leave No Trace Principles for Kids, a much simpler form of the longer version for adults. We create thoughtful and sometimes hilarious skits of what happens if people don’t follow the ethics. I can trust that he will treat other people, animals and natural resources with respect.
Make use of Discover the Forest, a Forest Service partnership with the Ad Council. We use the Where to go section to find nature places near our home and have been taking hikes and journaling what we find. We’re excited to compare those journals to the things we see on our actual camping trip. He might not realize it, but while he’s exploring, I’m grooming him for longer and longer hikes, and he’s taking it all in stride.
Practice as a game. After discussing our habitat needs – food, water and shelter – we packed a bag accordingly. Although we were at home, for 24 hours, we only used things that were in that practice bag. If the weather is nice, consider camping in the backyard for a more realistic effect.
Food. Practice sessions taught us that simple is best. We’ve figured out that sandwiches are easy to make and pack, so have been in several of our practice bags. Don’t fret about dinner: Sloppy Joes are easy, and I smile about anything that only uses one pot to make. Packing burrito wrappers has been a big hit. They transform into hand-help packages of yumminess… for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
We decided that each person will carry their own clothes, with layers appropriate for the weather. The tent, grooming and first aid live in my pack, while the flashlights, snacks and toys live in his smaller backpack – the same pack he takes to school. Other things in our bags include: area and hand cleaning supplies.
We decided to leave things like guitars, board games and most electronics at home, but we will bring a deck of cards and use my cell phone for its camera and options of geocaching, night sky maps and the bird identification apps available. That little forethought transformed my smart phone into a mobile classroom.
After all this exercise and fun, it should be easy to get him to sleep. Still, take this piece of advice: if serving s’mores, do it early because 6p.m. gives them enough time to burn off the sugar-rush before the sun goes down… which begs the question, “where did I put those sleeping bags?”
Happy Camping!
From Lands End to Golden Gate: Discovering African American History on San Francisco's Coast!
by Zoë Polk
“I am a walker. Walked most of the major seaport cities of this country…. my favorite has always been and will be the city of St. Francis, San Francisco… To walk around Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park at seven o’clock on a cool, windy morning, with that fog rolling in from the ocean to smell the eucalyptus and the pine, not even your best wine is more intoxicant. Take Kennedy Drive to the Great Highway, stroll along Ocean Beach from the Cliff House to the zoo and back- that is a blessing for any man who loves land, wind and sea. There are so many wonderful places to walk here in this great city, should I stand here all day I could not name half of them.” Ernest J. Gaines, African American writer, excerpted from Black California
LEAVING FROM BAKER BEACH, we were making our way up a long stretch of stairs which would lead us to our first close up view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Slightly breathless as I climbed, I turned around to check on the 25 Outdoor Afro’s who’d joined me on this invigorating adventure. Many were close behind me, keeping a steady pace as they climbed.
Then I scanned further back on the trail and saw one Outdoor Afro, racing to catch up.
“No need to rush!,” I called. “We’ll wait for you!”
“Don’t worry,“ she yelled back, “I’m not running for you, I’m running for me!”
The group responded with a loud cheer and encouraging applause as our trail runner joined us at the peak. This was a telling moment of the fellowship, physicality and mood of Outdoor Afro’s coastal hike, from Lands End to the Golden Gate Bridge.
Sutro Baths has always been one of my favorite places to take friends and family visiting from out of town. I love the way the ocean crashes against the rocks and ruins of the baths. I love seeing the wildlife including seals, pelicans and seagulls. I also love exploring the cave like tunnel beside the ruins and listening the loud roar of the ocean as the waves crash against the rocks. The Outdoor Afros who joined me on May 10 renewed my love for this space as I witnessed their delight and appreciation at the same unique things that I love about this historic site .
That Saturday, I revisited the Sutro Baths with new friends and also had my own new experiences. When we began the hike at the new Lands End Visitor Center, I led a discussion about African American history that is sometimes left out of information placards and park brochures. I encouraged all hikers to read the placards and think about the time periods that they describe. What was happening in African American history during this time? How does contemplating historical African Americans in nature enhance our learning experience in public parks?
With that lead in, we talked about John Harris, an African American San Franciscan who tried to enter the Sutro Baths on July 4, 1897. Mr. Harris was denied use of the baths because he was black and thus, he filed a lawsuit in San Francisco Superior Court. Harris subsequently won $100 in damages in what was one of the first test cases for African American civil rights in California.
With that history in our hearts and tasty Clif Bars in our bellies, we set off on the Golden Gate National Recreation Area's (GGNRA) Coastal Trail at Lands End.
Despite the San Francisco fog, we enjoyed beautiful ocean views and a cool climate. Outdoor Afros commented on the refreshing smell of the pacific ocean and eucalyptus trees, so aptly described by author Ernest J. Gaines. Some of us were treated to the site of dolphins cresting in the ocean. In addition, Outdoor Afro Leader and resident birder, Clay Anderson, invited everyone to look above for seagulls and jays and listen closely for their songs.
Along the way, we learned about the Bay’s treacherous history for seamen in the early twentieth century. The GGNRA placards told the story of the numerous shipwrecks that happened barely a mile from where we were hiking. While he was not mentioned in the park placard, visualizing giant old ships in the bay brought the memory of Captain William T. Shorey to my mind. Many Outdoor Afros were surprised to learn that Captain Shorey was a skilled African American captain and navigator who lead whaling expeditions from San Francisco during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known as the “Black Ahab,” Captain Shorey was one of many nautical Outdoor Afros of that time, as the whaling business was the largest employer of African American seamen on the west coast until it ended in WWI.
From there, we made our way to Baker Beach for lunch, all the while noticing that the GGNRA placards covered a time period from 1900-1925. This facilitated a discussion of a very significant event of African American history: the Great Migration. Hikers conversed about the Great Migration and its influence on African American life and culture in the bay area. Many of us talked about our own grandparents’ and parents journeys from the Jim Crow South to the West. We continued this conversation during lunch as we rested up for the final ascent from the ocean to the cliffs of the Batteries to Bluffs Trail.
In our final discussion of the African American history around us that day, we talked about the Buffalo Soldiers’ history in the Presidio. Stationed there in 1902, these African American soldiers were some of the first park rangers of the Presidio, Yosemite, Kings Canyon National Parks and many of the parks that we love. Thinking about them under this light was a good reminder of the vital role African Americans have played and continue to play in conservation of our beautiful and wild natural spaces.
After a joyous ascent to the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point, we paused for a final group shot. While the fog did not lift in time for our requisite group photo in front of the Golden Gate Bridge, I think everyone of us felt uplifted in our spirits.
Overall, it was an amazing day and I’m so grateful for the wonderful Outdoor Afros who took part in this adventure!
Interested in trying this hike yourself? Check our hiking route and let us know how you enjoy it:
• Start at Sutro Baths/Lands End Visitor enter Parking Lot
• Walk down the stairs to Sutro Baths
• Go up Sutro Baths Upper Trail
• Take a LEFT on Lands End Trail/Coastal Trail
• Exit onto Lincoln Hwy/El Camino Del Mar and turn LEFT
• Turn LEFT on Sea Cliff Ave and then LEFT on 25th Avenue
• LUNCH AT BAKER BEACH
• Take the path past the Battery up to Lincoln Blvd
• Take a LEFT on Batteries to Bluffs Trail
• Walk under Golden Gate Bridge
• End at Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point
Outdoor Afros Take on Biggest Week!
Birding is for everyone - Really!
I left Ohio today, exhilarated after taking in a weekend of non-stop nature with friends old and new to kick off the annual Biggest Week in American Birding in Northwest Ohio, sponsored by the Black Swamp Bird Observatory. The festival boardwalk bordering Lake Erie, is a place where the most unusual migratory bird species land to rest before continuing their journey northward across the Great Lake. This year's festival theme is "Birding for Everyone", to help more people engage with an activity that supports both personal enjoyment and conservation
.
Bird species observed at the event provide an opportunity for the experienced birder and novice to see something new and exciting, like this rare Worm Eating Warbler here - taken by Swarovski Optik's Clay Taylor, who used a STX 85 spotting scope, and adapter for his camera to capture awesome bird images from several feet away.
Why bird?
People enter birding for many reasons. For some, birds are an easy expression of nature's complex beauty, or a metaphor for how one might soar without boundaries. My new friend Paul Riss-- of Punk Rock Big Year calls birds a "gateway drug" to nature, reflecting on his own early birding experiences that generated a lifetime passion for the outdoors. For others, such as LeShon Gray, birding is simply a way to de-stress and enjoy a spiritual connection with creation. Simply put, bird observation can lead to a greater awareness of everything else in nature that connects directly with the quality of life for all.
A signature bird for of the festival - a Blackburnian, by Clay Taylor
Over the weekend, I especially enjoyed the chance to connect with many cool folks while birding. I was quite delighted to discover many already aware or plugged in to Outdoor Afro. And like my previous birding experiences, I made new friends, while connecting with folks I had not seen in years. I got a kick out of meeting Douglas "Birdman" Gray for the first time in person, who has actually contributed many early Outdoor Afro blogs, and professor J. Drew Lanham, a key leader, writer, and mentor in the work of diversity and conservation.
My Swaro-Cabin buddy Sharon Stiteler - the Birdchick, delivered on well-timed humor and a healthy dose of bird knowledge. She and I, along with actress and birder Lili Taylor were an easy, and chatty birding trio that spent some time capturing on film the cheeky fun of looking for specific bird species - more to come about that!
Another highlight was helping judge a bird tattoo contest, where contestants were judged on accuracy, creativity, coverage - and pain! Here is our winner pictured below.
"Birding for Everyone"
What struck me most about this event, was its deliberate focus on conservation messaging and diversity to engage more people and perspectives that help broaden the understanding of how all human actions have an impact in the natural world. Kimberly Kaufman, Executive Director of BSBO and organizer of the event, spent some time with me one evening, sharing how much relevant engagement through birding meant to her personally. Her efforts and authenticity showed up in every aspect of the program that includes new narratives, images, and conversation about the variety of people who love birds, not often visible and associated with the activity.
Outdoor Afro is grateful for the support of new partner Sworovski Optik, the Birdchick, the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, and Kimberly and Kenn Kaufman, for providing the generous support and visibility of Outdoor Afro at this signature event for North American birding. I am so happy to have participated in an effort to connect all people to nature -- and the possibility of a Big Life for everyone!
Follow #biggestweek on our Twitter for a round-up of activities, links to new friends, and more photos all week long!