Ice Cube: Then and Now
I think Mr. Cube looks much happier with the fishing pole!
What a difference the outdoors can make.
African Americans in the Natural World
Join National Park Service ranger Betty Reid Soskin and Rue Mapp of the social network Outdoor Afro as they discuss the state of African American participation in our national and regional parks.
I am honored to share the stage with Ms. Betty Soskin, who will share personal memories of East Bay life and working conditions during World War II and show a short film about Richmond's Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park.
Following Ms. Soskin's presentation, I will highlight the variety of city and regional parks in the Oakland area and encourage audience members to share their experiences.
Details:
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Oakland Public Library
125 14th Street
Oakland, CA 94612
America's Great Outdoors Initiative and Report - Bravo!
Many in the Outdoor Afro community are elated by the announcement of the greatly anticipated America's Great Outdoors (AGO) initiative by the Obama Administration. Following in the tradition of Lincoln, FDR, and Teddy Roosevelt -- Presidents who each made great strides toward conservation, President Obama left his own mark today by initiating an historic initiative that is likely to change the way Americans perceive and engage with the outdoors.
Read the President's Remarks:
On the conference call following the President's address, I was delighted to hear Lisa Jackson, Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency, remark about the importance of inclusion that considers urban environments and the people who live in them.
When asked by Charles Thomas, "What elements are envisioned to serve underserved communities?" Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar responded that there is a "deliberate focus on employing young people who are reflective of the diversity of the country -- otherwise we're selling America short..."
These are exciting times for Americans and the outdoors, and Outdoor Afro will continue to promote, make visible, and encourage its growing community to foster stronger and more empowered connections to nature that benefit us all.
How do you think the AGO initiative will support your engagement with the Great Outdoors?
Let's Move Launch Anniversary!
I was fortunate to attend with several others from around the country a White House briefing for First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move initiative last December. In the meeting we learned more about Let's Move accomplishments, and contributed ideas for next steps. I encourage Outdoor Afros to engage with this important movement to support and sustain the health of our children, and the generations to follow.
From the Let's Move website:
Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. In combination with healthy eating, it can help prevent a range of chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and stroke, which are the three leading causes of death. Physical activity helps control weight, builds lean muscle, reduces fat, promotes strong bone, muscle and joint development, and decreases the risk of obesity. Children need 60 minutes of play with moderate to vigorous activity every day to grow up to a healthy weight.
If this sounds like a lot, consider that eight to 18 year old adolescents spend an average of 7.5 hours a day using entertainment media including TV, computers, video games, cell phones and movies in a typical day, and only one-third of high school students get the recommended levels of physical activity. To increase physical activity, today’s children need safe routes to walk and bike ride to school, parks, playgrounds and community centers where they can play after school, and activities like sports, dance or fitness programs that are exciting and challenging enough to keep them engaged.
Let’s Move! aims to increase opportunities for kids to be physically active, both in and out of school and to create new opportunities for families to move together.
Active Families: Engage in physical activity each day : a total of 60 minutes for children, 30 minutes for adults.
Active Schools: A variety of opportunities are available for schools to add more physical activity into the school day, including additional physical education classes, before–and afterschool programs, recess, and opening school facilities for student and family recreation in the late afternoon and evening.
Active Communities: Mayors and community leaders can promote physical fitness by working to increase safe routes for kids to walk and ride to school; by revitalizing parks, playgrounds, and community centers; and by providing fun and affordable sports and fitness programs.
Outdoor Afro Goes to the American Camp Association Conference!
This week, I had the honor of presenting at the American Camp Association (ACA) the topic: Recognizing and Cultivating Diversity in Family Camp in beautiful San Diego, California at their annual conference.
ACA is a community of camp professionals who, for nearly 100 years, have joined together to share knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. ACA and Outdoor Afro have recently formed an educational partnership to help camps connect to the diverse Outdoor Afro community; and also help Outdoor Afro community members become more aware of the wide range of camp experiences available to them.
The ACA conference brought together camp professionals from around the country to learn about best practices and new innovations, and to foster collaboration to bring the camp experience to more Americans. My friend, and Outdoor Afro supporter Nina Roberts, professor at San Francisco State University, gave a fabulous presentation on strategies to help camps recruit more diverse staff.
Also nice to meet Kevin Gordon, who runs a multicultural camp called Camp Kupugani:
After the educational forums, the ACA exhibition hall featured a wide range of vendors with scores of products and program tools to successfully run camps, and there I ran into some friends and supporters of the Outdoor Afro community, each committed in their own way to make the camp experience available for everyone. Here are Camp Director Lisa Maynor's comments:
And finally, just before leaving to return home, I was able to connect in person with the passionate CEO of the American Camp Association, Peg Smith, who generously shared her thoughts on ACA's goals related to camp diversity:
Thank you ACA for your educational partnership and genuine commitment to diversity in the camp experience!
February's Bird of the Month
By Douglas “Birdman” Gray, Outdoor Afro Contributor
Many, when they take a look at this month’s bird will say, “Hey, I know what kind of bird that is.”
“It’s a duck…and it’s a Mallard at that!” You’d be right with it being a duck, but it’s not actually a Mallard. This month’s featured bird is the American Black Duck.
I have to admit that a few years back while studying this duck on paper…before I actually saw one…I was thinking, “Hey, I’m going to have a problem trying to differentiate the American Black Duck and the female Mallard.” Low and behold, the first time I saw one, I was indeed mistaken in thinking I was looking at some kind of off-colored Mallard. However, when I was able to see a Mallard and the American Black Duck next to each other, their difference in color was then quite apparent. The American Black Duck, while not really black, is several shades darker than a Mallard. Its color is more of a dark chocolate brown. This bird is known as the “Dusky Duck” in some circles, which is probably a better name, as it only appears “black” from a distance.
The American Black Duck and the Mallard are similar in size, similar in behavior, their voices sound the same, and these dabblers even interbreed regularly. Some birding authorities even consider these two ducks to not be separate species at all. (Which I think makes for an interesting debate).
Here in Indiana I’ve seen American Black Ducks in “decent” numbers over these winter months. However, their numbers are being watched closely by concerned conservationists, because it’s well documented that the population of American Black Ducks is only about half of what it was before the 1950’s.
I know many of us don’t go birdwatching during these winter months, but I challenge you to study up on this very interesting bird, and you’ll probably find yourself motivated to get out and try to catch sight of an American Black Duck before they head out of our area and toward their breeding grounds. (You’ve got about a month and a half left!)
Douglas “Birdman” Gray has been birding almost all of his life. He grew up on a family farm near Clarksville, Tennessee, where they grew crops ranging from apricots to wheat, and most things in between. They also raised chickens, guineas, pigs, horses, and a cow named…….Apples. Doug’s grandfather identified the birds they would see daily on the farm.
Doug now resides in Indianapolis and works in Parenteral Engineering with Eli Lilly and Company. Most of his current birding takes place in Indiana, with a concentration on Central Indiana, where he leads bird walks for “Backyard Birds”. Doug can be reached at 317-255-7333.
Brother Yusufs Corner: Students Bond with Nature
Physical and emotional benefits are emphasized
How to like insects. Honeybees. Trout in the classroom. These were just some of the topics addressed Saturday morning at a conference designed to introduce youngsters to the natural world — and to the physical and emotional benefits that a strong connection with nature brings.
Parents and children gathered at the Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School, where they listened to lectures and attended workshops as part of the second annual Greater Baltimore Children and Nature Conference, which was sponsored by several local organizations.
"Through these programs, we are breeding the next generation of leaders who will care about our world," said Katie Dix of the Parks & People Foundation, a sponsor of the conference along with the Abell Foundation and the Chesapeake Bay Trust, among others.
"It's not an anti-tech movement; it's about becoming a well-rounded student," Dix said. Organizers said they hoped to encourage students to go outside more often to reinforce lessons learned in the classroom — or at the school's farm. Many Baltimore City students plant vegetable gardens, care for chickens and bees, and install rain barrels to catch water for irrigation.
"They even get to use the geometry they learned to lay out and design raised beds," Dix said. "They collect eggs, which they use for snacks, and chicken droppings, which are for fertilizing the gardens. It's all about sustainability."
The program also helps urban students overcome fears about what may be lurking in the fields, woods and streams by teaching them about wildlife and its habitats.
Mary Hardcastle, the environmental education manager for the Parks & People Foundation, said the conference's inspiration stemmed from a book by Richard Louv titled "Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder."
On his website, Louv, a child advocate, discusses what he calls the "staggering divide" between children and the outdoors, linking the lack of exposure to nature — what he calls a nature deficit disorder — to some of the most distressing problems frequently seen in children, such as rises in obesity, attention disorders and depression.
His book discusses a growing body of research indicating that direct exposure to nature is crucial for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional well-being of children.
The book "describes the movement and describes what can happen to our kids," Hardcastle said.
Brother Yusuf, who specializes in youth development and environmental education, attended the conference with several students from Green Tech High Charter School in Albany, N.Y.
"Through … outdoor photography, hiking, skiing and kayaking, we teach kids to be respectful of the environment and have fun," Yusuf said. "We have to give them a broader sense of place."
PLAY AGAIN
What are the consequences of a childhood removed from nature?
One generation from now most people in the U.S. will have spent more time in the virtual world than in nature.
I had the good fortune of screening the eye opening PLAY AGAIN locally with my own kids, and meet the passionate filmmaker Meg Merrill. Her film makes a case, against a backdrop of contemporary teen life, about how more time in front of screens than in natural spaces bodes troubling outcomes individually and for our society. Here is more:
Read more
The 20 Hiking Trails Every American Hiker Must Try
A great list contributed by Harriet Gordon, who runs a site to help people research Human Services careers. Clearly, Harriet likes to hike too!
Whether you are looking to have an adventurous weekend or cross something off of your bucket list, nature is, and probably should be, involved. One of the best ways to get back to it is to go on a hike. With literally thousands of trails taking anywhere from hours to months to complete, it can all be somewhat to very confusing. With little money and less time at stake for most hikers, what is the best way to get the biggest bang for your buck/minute?
No matter what your skill level, there are loads of options in the below 20 hiking trails every American hiker must try. With entries from local national parks to ancient cities overseas, there is something for every budget and sensibility. Be sure and read up more before actually heading out, as some of these trails are expert only, but be ready to wear out your favorite pair hiking boots in no time.
The American Hiking Trails Every American Hiker Must Try
Stay in the 50 states for these impressive hiking trails.
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A constantly popular trail, it offers unparalleled opportunities to explore, experience, and connect with nature. From the Highlands of Roan in Tennessee to the strenuous trek up Katahdin in Maine, there’s a hike available for every level of experience. With loads of trails to choose from, visitors can do them in an afternoon, weekend, or even season. Simply visit the site to begin planning your hike and get loads more information.
2. Kalalau Trail
Who says hiking is all forests and mountains? In this must see Hawaiian trail, hikers go from beach to beach. Trails of two to five miles offer cliffs, valleys, waterfalls, streams, and other breathtaking views. There are even hunting options for those who enjoy archery.
3. Glacier Gorge
If the beach is too warm for you, click here. Part of the Rocky Mountain National Park, mountains, waterfalls, wildflowers, and more await you on this hike. The park also has loads of other trails to choose from including everything from the easy to vertical climbs. You can also choose trails by season and check out the webcams.
4. Zion Hiking
Get an up close look at the narrows of the American Southwest on these hikes. The diverse trek through Zion’s premier canyon is one of the most touted and breathtaking adventures in the United States. It greets hikers with hanging gardens, trickling water threads, sandy perches, and much more. The national park website has much more on lodging, camping, and anything else you may want to do there.
5. Wrangell St. Elias National Park
Why let Sarah Palin have all the fun? This Alaskan national park is six times the size of Yellowstone, has some of the tallest mountains in the world, and is home to many glaciers. Literally go off the beaten path through dense brush, steep slopes, glacial streams, and more. The park is also home to 14,185 square miles of designated wilderness, more than any other unit within the National Park Service system.
6. Continental Divide Trail
Got some time to kill and countryside to see? Then check out this trail that goes from the Southern part of New Mexico all the way through Montana and into Canada. Over 3,100 miles long, there is no need to do the entire thing at once. The site offers hiking and other related adventures by state.
7. John Muir Trail
The trail starts in America’s Yosemite National Park and continues 215 miles through the Ansel Adams Wilderness. It then extends to Sequoia National Park, King’s Canyon National Park, and ends at the highest peak in continental United States, Mount Whitney at 14,496 feet. The 30 day hike is not for beginners, but those who are brave enough to take it on will see mountains, lakes, snow, sun, and everything in between.
8. Napa Valley Hiking
Where can you hike and drink on the same trip? With a tour of California’s wine country. The best hiking trial is Bothe–Napa Valley State Park. Rising from the valley floor to about 2,000 feet elevation, this outstanding park is fully developed along one side, wild and rugged on the other. There is also loads of wine country to explore.
The Mountain Hiking Trails Every American Hiker Must Try
Hiking, climbing, and the ultimate outdoor experiences combine on these hiking trails.
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The highest mountain in the world, it stands at 29,028 feet high. Located in Khumbu, Nepal, there are many hikes around the base of the mountain that do not require the risk or steep price tag. Visits on the base trail can include Kathmandu, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, and others. Recommended times of visit include from the beginning of March to mid-May and again from the beginning of September to mid-November.
10. Tour du Mont Blanc
How can you see France, Italy, and Switzerland all at once? By taking on this hiking trail. Called “one of the most exciting long distance wilderness walks in Europe,” the trip takes about eleven days. Highlights of the trail include staying in refuges, alpine climbs, and stunning views. This site has loads more on everything you will need.
11. Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most accessible high summits at 19,336 feet. Most hikers can reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing, and determination. For those with more experience, there is Uhuru Point, the actual summit on the lip of the crater. Located in Tanzania, there are six hiking trails and mountain routes. They also offer day or overnight hikes on the Shira plateau as well as trout fishing.
12. Monte Fitz Roy
Located in Argentina, Fitz Roy is at the northern tip of gorgeous Parque Nacional Los Glaciers. It is part of Hielo Sur, the largest icecap not in a polar region. Standout features of the hike include jagged mountain views, suitable for hikers of different experience, no need to filter water, and its inexpensiveness. This site has more on when and where to go, as well as what to see while you are there.
13. Silverton Mountain
Why just hike a mountain when you can also ski down it? Located in Colorado, this mountain offers amazing skiing opportunities, including a cross of heli-skiing experience, snow cat skiing, and resort skiing. There are no groomed runs, no cut trails, just loads of nature’s finest black diamond skiing in the U.S.A. Three to six runs a day are offered to visitors, along with other outdoor activities.
14. North Island
Does the idea of dormant mountains bore you? Then check out this hike located in New Zealand. Walk through fascinating volcanic landscape while touring the famous Tongariro Crossing. There is also the Waitomo caves, lakes, and loads more on the local Maori culture. Although this site offers a five day hike, there are also many other ways to see it.
15. Tiger Leaping Gorge
The Tiger Leaping Gorge trek, or Pinyin: Hu Tiao Xia, is near Lijiang in Yunnan and one of the finest treks through some of the most naturally beautiful and diverse landscapes China has to offer. The hiking trail runs high on the northern side of the gorge passing through quiet villages, shady forest, a blustery precipice, and farmland. The trail can be spread out for two days and there are also options for more adventurous hikers.
The Other Hiking Trails Every American Hiker Must Try
Get the best of the rest in hiking in these must see trails.
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Often a top choice for hikers, this trail is located in British Columbia, Canada. It stands out for its rain forests, rugged coastlines, and dramatic mountain peaks. Other highlights include cross boulders, logs over rivers, waterfall hikes, whale watching, and even shipwrecks and other historical sites. It is over 75 miles long and part of the Pacific Rim National Park. Open from May 1st to September 30th, make your arrangements now.
17. The Great Wildebeest Migration
Sick of hiking with humans? Then stop here on a hike that encompasses the remote and rarely visited corners of Kenya as you follow the great wildebeest migration. Hike northern Kenya’s incredibly dramatic landscapes which include river beds, lush green forests, and mountain glades. Four wheel game driving is also part of the trip.
18. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Also known as the Camino Inca, this hiking trail every American must try includes three overlapping routes: Mollepata, Classic, and One Day. Located in the Andes mountain range, the trail passes through several types of environments including cloud forest and alpine tundra. Settlements, tunnels, and many Incan ruins are located along the trail before ending the terminus at the Sun Gate on Machu Picchu mountain.
19. Torres Del Paine Circuit
Check out this hiking trail for “the best view you’ve ever seen,” according to Backpacker Magazine. The 52-mile, ten day loop sits 1,500 miles south of Santiago and encircles the 8,000 to 10,000-foot granite monoliths of rock above glacial lakes studded with icebergs. Exotic wildlife, late sunsets, and much more await hikers on this trail.
20. Haute Route
Also known as the High Route, this trail runs from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland. First discovered in the mid-19th century, hikers and cross country skiers have been visiting this 180 kilometer trail ever since. It contains valleys, lakes, and glaciers, along with top notch food and cultural interests. It also offers frequent stops to eat and rest, help keeping packs light and the trip easier.
If you need more help in narrowing down the 20 hiking trails every American must try, visit a site like Backpacker Magazine. They feature loads of expert reviews of top hiking destinations both locally and abroad. The community also chimes in with their top choices, picks, recommendations, hiking tips, and much more. You can also stop to blog about your latest hike.
This post The 20 Hiking Trails Every American Hiker Must Try is written by Harriet Gordon, who writes on human services degree blog.
Outdoor Afro Cheers on Barbara Hillary
The First African-American Woman on Record to Reach North and South Poles!
Outdoor Afro fans learned about Barbara Hillary back in 2009, she not only survived lung cancer, but also took on a trek hardly imaginable to most to the North Pole on skis at age 75!
Here is our Talk Tuesday Blog Talk Radio interview with Hillary from July, 2009 where she humorously shared how it is possible and necessary to live up to ones potential:
Not willing to remain still, this month the venerable Hillary started on another trek, this time to the South Pole.
See the Expenews feed for futher details and to read the rollercoaster of events leading to her journey.
Outdoor Afro wishes Ms. Hillary the best of luck for a safe trip, and recognize the inspiration she is to us all!
Learn more about Barbara Hillary, including booking information for speaking engagements by visiting her website.
