Never Too Late to Discover the Outdoors
I had an amazing childhood, but did not know about a lot of opportunities that were available to me.
I met Karen last week at a local college event, and discovered we had some wonderful things in common, such as motherhood, blogging, and a passion for the outdoors. Karen shares with us how she discovered outdoor recreation, and what it means to her family today.
What experiences did you have as a youth that influence how you interact with natural spaces today?
As a kid, other than going to a local park to play, or playing in my own yard, I did not do a lot when it came to outdoor recreation. And as a young adult, my idea of working out was going to the local gym. Which is not a bad thing, but it can be limiting.
How did your relationship with the outdoors change as you grew older and why?
When I met my husband, he exposed me to a whole new world of outdoor recreation. We went hiking, skiing, swimming, camping, and saw amazing waterfalls and scenery on various trails. Our kids love these activities, and are now amazing soccer players that can out run me any day. They also really enjoy rock climbing at a local gym for kids and adults.
What are some favorite things you enjoy doing with your family?
Once a year, my family goes to Tahoe for long snow trip weekend. We go with a couple of friends and family. It is always such a blast! Lots of snow, sledding, food and fun.
What is on your bucket list?
I would really love taking a Zero-Gravity flight, where you can float like an astronaut in space. That looks like a lot of fun!
Any final thoughts?
Yes! While growing up, I was not exposed to all the outdoor activities that are out there. I had an amazing childhood, but did not know about a lot of opportunities that were available to me. My kids have no idea how lucky 
they are to be able to do all the things they can do today. I never went on snow trips, stayed in cabins at Tahoe , went on hikes, or had a chance to experience rock climbing as a child. I think that people have to realize and be educated that it does not matter what race you are, or what culture you come from - any one can go out with family and friends and enjoy the out doors. It's not just for one race of people or culture, anyone can enjoy it! Go skying, sky diving, swim with dolphins, go hiking in the mountains and look at amazing waterfalls. It is something that we can all enjoy and is more attainable than most people think.
Karen lives in the Bay Area with her husband and two daughters, ages 9 and 11.
Angelou Ezeilo is Greening Youth
I met Angelou last year at the Breaking the Color Barrier Conference, although I got to know her better recently during our time in Washington DC last month.
What experiences did you have as a youth that influenced how you view and protect natural spaces today?
Although I grew up in the densely populated concrete streets of Jersey City, New Jersey; I spent every summer of my childhood exploring 45 acres of my parent’s property in upstate New York. I remember the excitement of packing our van for the 9 hour trip to the house that became our home for 4 weeks out of the summer. In addition to being fascinated by the unusually large road kill that we encountered on the road, I remember stopping at various parks and cool vistas along the way all in anticipation of a carefree, super fun experience with my siblings and summer friends. During my summer stay, I became intimately acquainted with all sorts of insects, amphibians, nocturnal species, reptiles and lots of fruit picked straight out of the trees. No one could tell me that this wasn’t my slice of heaven. I am sure that these experiences shaped who I am today and why I pursued a career in conservation. I am on a journey now to make sure all children have access to connect with nature. I believe they are all budding environmental leaders waiting for an opportunity.
What brought forth Greening Youth Foundation?
Greening Youth Foundation was birthed because of a disconnect I saw between land being preserved and the community surrounding the land- particularly children. Although my background is in law, I worked for quite a few years as a project manager for The Trust for Public Land (TPL). TPL continues to do amazing work in protecting public
places for people; however, I saw a disconnect between the communities that were being directly impacted/affected by the preservation work. In most cases, the surrounding community would ultimately benefit from the preservation work. However, often times communities weren’t always engaged at the embryonic stages of a project so that their voices are not only heard but utilized. I realized that children could play a pivotal role in the development of some of the work being done. The above referenced experiences were the impetus for Greening Youth, LLC., and Greening Youth Foundation (GYF). Greening Youth, LLC is a greenspace project management for-profit company that works with municipalities, counties and non-profit organizations to engage communities, acquire land and manage all due diligence involved with conservation projects. GYF is the non-profit sister organization that connects underserved youth to the outdoors and gives them access to careers in conservation. It is the goal of both companies to engage communities and expose them the transforming beauty and opportunities that exist in the conservation world.Why should African American families care about being "green" and engaging with natural spaces?
It is critical that African-Americans care about the environmental because they are inextricably connected to the environment and the effects of irresponsible decisions. When I speak to students and I notice that some of the
teenagers are rolling their eyes and wondering “what does this have to do with ME?” I immediately ask them how many of them know someone with asthma, diabetes, autism, or are overweight? After I explain how each of these illnesses that are plaguing African-American communities have been linked to environmental factors, I get their attention. If you care about the air, water, land and the food that you eat, then you should care about being green.How can people plug in to opportunities to get involved where they live?
There are many opportunities for people to get involved and make a difference. Often times people feel overwhelmed when trying to figure out what they can do, but it really should not be a scary project. No project is too small. Fortunately, there are plenty of grass roots organizations in every state that are working to make the planet a healthier place to live. GYF offers plenty of volunteer opportunities through its Youth Corps and with some of our annual projects in Atlanta. There are Keep America Beautiful affiliate offices in every state that offer opportunities. Local Girl Scout and Boy Scout organizations also provide opportunities. You have to be willing to take a moment out of your time to look - opportunities abound.
How will GYF change the world?
GYF will change the world one child at a time! For the upcoming 2010-2011 school year, through GYF’s Public School Initiative we will impact approximately 9,500 students. Additionally, through a partnership with the Department of the Interior, National Park Service our Youth Corps are working on projects, internships and youth crews in national
parks across the country. GYF is also effecting change by partnering with some of the big conservation organizations, like The Wilderness Society to establish a fellowship program so that young adults will be provided hands-on experience and the prospect of a job. GYF is excited about the continuum of engaging a student in elementary school through high school, providing internship opportunities while in college and fellowship placement upon graduation.GYF is also working to change the face of the conservation movement through its reality show, Green The Nu Black….stay tuned.
Changing social behavior one child at a time…we can make a difference!
Spotted on Sunday (SOS) Equestrian and Quartzite Edition
Just got a shout from Zetha Nobles who resides with her family in the hills of Oakland, California, where she and her children enjoyed some horse riding this afternoon. She writes, "It was so spur of the moment! I love us being outdoors and in the natural elements!"
Patina and her husband Nate were spotted at Devil's Lake State Park, Wisconsin, sitting on purple and pink quartzite rocks. Patina says, "We love hiking when it's nice out, and last winter we started skiing and snowboarding." Nice!
Where were you Spotted on Sunday?
Douglas "Birdman" Gray
"African Americans have a somewhat unknown heritage in the historical realm of birding"
Outdoor Afro interviews Douglas Gray, an avid birder, who shares in his own words the gratification he experiences birding, and why it is an important and relevant activity for anyone.
How did you develop an interest in birds?
My interest in birds started as a young child. I grew up on my grandfather’s farm outside Clarksville, Tennessee (actually Woodlawn, Tennessee, but “Woodlawn” is a lot harder to find on a map!). Naturally I would see many birds on the farm, and I’d ask my grandfather, “Granddaddy, what’s the name of that bird?” My grandfather, who only had a 6th grade education, somehow knew the names of all the birds we would encounter on the farm. I’m sure that’s what initiated my interest in birds. I’ve been told I don’t “look” like a bird watcher, so this question is probably the most frequent question I get asked.
Where is your favorite place to look for birds? And where in the world would you like to bird you have yet to visit?
Many times I’m looking for a particular species of bird, so many times my “favorite place to look for birds” is the particular habitat of the bird I’m searching for. However, if I “had” to pick a specific spot, it’s going to probably be in the southern United States. This past fall I went birding at a place called Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida…and had one of the best birding times of my life. I look forward to returning there soon and often. I like birding at National Wildlife Refuges across the US.
I would absolutely LOVE to bird throughout Central and South America, and also Africa. I’m also developing a good birding relationship with a friend who lives in Uganda, and will likely be going there next year.
Why should African Americans take an interest in birds and their habitat?
This is an interesting question. African Americans, like everyone else, should take an interest in birding, because it puts you “outdoors” and anytime one gets in the Great Outdoors, it is a natural stress reliever. Being out in nature is possibly, I believe, the most calming, relaxing, and unwinding thing one can do. It really helps put our sometimes fast paced and hectic lives into a better and more realistic prospective by slowing us down. And while out in nature, what better thing to do than bird? Yes, I’m using “bird” as a verb; I suggest the book, “The Verb To Bird".
And also, we African Americans have a somewhat unknown heritage in the historical realm of birding. John James Audubon is the “Godfather of American Birding”. Audubon’s mother was not well known. The reason for this is because she was a Creole slave. Audubon was born in Haiti in 1785.
Wow -- that's fascinating. So, if someone were to get started, what are the three most important things they need to have? Is it easy? What are some barriers (if any)?
I believe the three most important things to have in getting started birding are: 1) Binoculars, 2) Identification Guide, and 3) Desire. Binoculars are important because birds have no particular interest in folks approaching them and observing them. So the binoculars allow you to see birds up close, without actually having to be up close to them. I usually tell folks to get a decent pair of binoculars. You can get a decent pair of binoculars in the 60-100 dollar range. 
A bird identification guide is a very useful tool also. It will greatly assist in identifying the birds you do see…and just aren’t sure what they are. And having a desire to see birds will never be extinguished. Birding is a pursuit that will easily last a lifetime. A very close fourth item is to go birding with more experienced birders. Birders love passing along knowledge they’ve gained through experience. Find a free bird hike in your area by checking out the National Audubon Society’s web site.
Birding can be both easy and challenging. For example it can be easy identifying a bird as a “sparrow” that’s at your feeder, but it can be challenging differentiating the 3-5 different species of sparrows at your feeder, or the 20-30 different species of sparrows all within an hour's drive of the feeder in your backyard at different times of the year.
Anybody can birdwatch. There are no obstacles or barriers that cannot be overcome when the desire is there to see birds. (That includes obstacles like poison ivy and stinging nettle one may bump into off the beaten trail…lol.) I’ve even had folks on some of my bird hikes who have been constrained to wheel chairs…and some of those have been my favorite and most memorable hikes.
What was the first bird to make your ‘life’ list? What bird do you hope to see in the future?
I’ll answer this question by mentioning the bird that reignited my interest in birds. About 15 years ago I looked outside and saw a bird hopping around my yard and I had no idea what that bird was. It led me to buy my first Bird Identification Guide since my high school years. The bird was a juvenile robin. The very common American Robin was the bird that pulled me back into the world of birding.
Name a bird species you hope to see in the future:
Wow…I can’t even answer this question, because there are so many birds that I hope to see. I will say that it is my desire to see thousands of different bird species during my lifetime…and to enjoy and appreciate each and every one that I do see!
Douglas Gray 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.
President and First Lady Go Hiking This Weekend
President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama took a hike yesterday as part of their romantic getaway in the Ashville, North Carolina, Blue Ridge Parkway area that included dining and golf. Read about one woman's chance encounter. They are setting a terrific example of outdoor engagement in America's natural spaces for everyone.
Thanks Outdoor Afro Dustin Weeks for sharing!
Love Yo' Mama
Outdoor Afro took a short trip over to East Oakland, California to participate in the community event: Love Yo’ Mama, hosted by the organization Communities for a Better Environment for Earth Day.
"Green is Good for the Hood" was this year’s theme, which was intended to create local awareness and a response to environmental concerns at a neighborhood level.
The event started with a rally to highlight environmental and health issues in Oakland at Tassafaronga Recreation Center, followed by a parade with Scraper Bikers, drummers, and youth dancing. In the afternoon, there was a health fair, vendors, youth performances, basketball tournament, and more at ACORN Woodland Elementary.
It was a privilege for Outdoor Afro to connect directly with its targeted demographic of adults and children. KIND generously donated bars and the local Berkeley REI pitched in a display tent we filled with the bars and Outdoor Afro stickers -- a real hit and ice breaker that got the kids talking about camping.
Most importantly, there were many breakthrough conversations at the table that helped parents, grandparents, and children imagine new ways to interact with their local outdoor spaces.
“I don’t like bugs!” was a frequent comment that opened up discussions about biking or bird watching as other recreational activities to engage with the outdoors with perhaps fewer crawling critters! And I was able to share information about some of my local program partners, such as Feather River Family Camp, and Golden Gate Audubon Society to plug families into affordable activities right in their own back yard.
Click to learn more about the fabulous work of Communities for a Better Environment.
Happy Earth Week!
Black Surfers!
By Paul Richardson
"The sport of kings”
I am pretty sure some of you have heard that phrase before, but did you know that in some circles, it also refers to the sport of surfing? Earliest reports say that the first recorded observation of people surfing was 1779 in Hawaii. While I am not trying to steal Hawaii’s thunder on this one, I think there’s a pretty good chance that somewhere else in the world around that time others were “surfing”. In any event, as far as the “written” history is concerned, Hawaii is the birthplace of modern surfing.
As far as we know the first black surfer in the U.S, or at least on the West Coast, was Nick Gabaldon who lived in Santa Monica. He was born in 1927, did a stint in the military, and then returned to California. In 1951, while surfing at Malibu and apparently trying to pull out of a wave, he ran into the pilings of the Malibu pier and was killed. The timeline from this point gets a wee bit hazy, but somewhere around 1961 or so, history seems to point to Frank Edwards as the next notable black surfer from the Torrance, Redondo Beach area of Los Angeles. Frank is still alive and lives in Northern California; though he no longer surfs (I am working on that).
At this point a few other brothers began coming onto the scene, such as Rick Blocker, and Stanley Washington and including one Tony Corley, who in 1973 (or was it 75?) wrote a shout-out letter to other black surfers which was published in Surfer magazine, the premier magazine on surfing at the time. Predictably, some of the responses were less than friendly, but he did manage to get some feedback from other black surfers. Were these the only ones? Probably not. 
As the 70’s roll through we begin to see more black surfers, and even a few in advertisements published in the surfing magazines. Buttons Kahluhilokalani, who is Black and Hawaiian, arrives on the scene in Hawaii, arguably one of the most influential surfers (for insiders) to come around in awhile. By the time we get to the early to mid 80’s the first black woman, Sharon Schaffer, competes on the women’s professional tour and from this point, the momentum has been established.
The Black Surfing Association was subsequently founded, and today is growing stronger with each passing season. There are a few brothers and sisters surfing up near where I live in Northern California, but black surfers are everywhere; on the islands, the east coast -- Jamaica has a pretty strong amateur team, and who knows what is going on in the motherland!
For more information, you can contact the Black Surfing Association or me, Paul Richardson.
Peace, share the stoke,
Paul Richardson
Paul by day is an engineer working in Silicon Valley. When not working, he is a father, husband, loves to surf, read, and in general, be outside as much as he can. He is also a contributing blogger at Oaklandseen.com
President Obama Signs America's Great Outdoors Memorandum
I just got back from Washington DC on Monday after participating on behalf of the Outdoor Afro community in the first ever America's Great Outdoors conference. This event was designed to bring leaders from around the country to discuss ways to re-connect Americans to the Great Outdoors and hosted the historic signing of the Presidential Memorandum on the topic.
Last Thursday night was the pre-conference mixer at the Department of Agriculture, where we heard from the Department of the Interior (Ken Salazar), Department of Agriculture (Tom Vilsack), Council on Environmental Quality (Nancy Sutley), and the Environmental Protection Agency (Lisa Jackson). Following a brief program, participants had the opportunity to pre-register for the conference and network among environmental, recreational, retail, and government related leadership from all over the United States.
A highlight of the trip was reconnecting with the historic Breaking the Color Barrier Conference alumni, a subset of a larger group of individuals who represent organizations that work year-round to connect the outdoors to underrepresented communities of color.
The following Friday morning conference program was held at the Department of the Interior and well orchestrated for both attendees and television audiences, with more networking opportunities.
President Obama, who stood mere feet from where I was seated, impressed upon us in his speech that reconnecting all Americans to the outdoors honors our collective national heritage. The President said "few pursuits are more satisfying to the spirit than discovering the greatness of America’s outdoors," which referenced his personal family value of outdoor recreation.
We heard from panelists ranging from the federal government to state leadership, such as New Mexico Governer Bill Richardson; key local influencers such as Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, New Jersey, and Ernesto Pepito, Youth Program Director of Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
The single most poignant message to emerge from these talks was the imperative to connect urban, underrepresented communities and youth to the outdoors. Pepito, a young Latino male, remarked in his panel that youth need to be represented at the table in leadership talks such as these, and also be introduced to conservation career pathways versus one-time volunteer opportunities. And Gov. Bill Richardson underscored the need for more people of color to be reached, especially in light of America's changing demographics.
After the morning talks from the stage, participants met in smaller groups to discuss in greater detail the most pressing challenges and share solutions -- and senior White House staff was on hand to take notes.
This conference was just the beginning, and as it concluded, many of us felt a tremendous boost of hope and inspiration for the work we already do that is now supported and made visible in a new national agenda. And we learned that in the months ahead, members of this administration will host regional listening sessions across America. They will meet with everyone from tribal leaders to farmers, from young people to businesspeople, from elected officials to recreation and conservation groups.
"And the ideas from these meetings will help form a 21st century strategy for America’s great outdoors to better protect our natural landscape and our history for generations to come, " said President Obama.
Outdoor Afro was honored to be at the table for these inspired and ground-breaking conversations that will result in more Americans discovering a deeper connection to the outdoors, and ultimately to themselves.
SOS - Kayak Edition!
Just received this picture tonight from Brian Drayton of Richmond, California. His family was Spotted on Sunday (SOS) in the San Francisco Bay kayaking!
Thanks for sharing Brian!
The White House Conference on America's Great Outdoors
As many of you have noticed from my Facebook and Twitter posts, today has been filled with a whirlwind of activity!
I know I should be asleep now, but I just had to share some of what made today buzz. It starting with time spent with Hazel Wong who graciously opened her home to me so I could catch up on some missed rest after a red-eye. After a brief nap, Dudley Edmondson and I met up to grab a bite at the famous Ben's Chili Bowl. The two of us finally connected with Angelou Ezeilo, Executive Director of Greening Youth Foundation to sprint off to the pre-conference mixer at the Department of Agriculture where environmental leadership from all over the country and government officials met casually to network in preparation for our meeting time tomorrow. A highlight was meeting my Breaking the Color Barrier colleagues, like Audrey Peterman and Queen Quet. And I was delighted to see Dr. Cheryl Charles of the Children and Nature Network, and Akiima Price of the New York Restoration Project - and there were many, many others.
The evening concluded with the most delightful talk with my hotel roommate Angelou. I tell you, this woman is doing amazing things for youth all over this country.
Looking forward to sharing more about the conference tomorrow.
Note that the event will be streaming live. So check it out!