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.
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!