President Obama made land conservation a priority under his administration and, in the process, educated millions about the importance of preserving wilderness. His stewardship was part of a long legacy of African Americans who have loved, cared for and protected...

In its Sixth Year, the Outdoor Afro Leadership Team Grows to 65 Leaders and Expands to 27 states. Since it was founded in 2011, the Outdoor Afro Leadership Team has brought together volunteers that embody the promise and passion to write a new and different narrative...

Title: Donor and Project Experience Coordinator Type: Part-time, administrative Location: Oakland, California Application Window:  Open until filled What is Outdoor Afro? Outdoor Afro uses innovation and entrepreneurial insight to engage African-Americans of all ages...

"During some of the darkest times in our nation’s history, when rights were denied, lives were threatened and African Americans knew they could not turn to their government for help, calls would go out to the NAACP. When the answer came, the words whispered in homes,...

On January 20-22, 2017, join Outdoor Afro as We Find Resilience in NatureBy National Program Director Zoë PolkSome of our favorite musicians, poets, and activists remind us to look to nature for lessons on how to rise in the face of tough conditions.“You may trod me...

"These KEENS are made for Hiking and Biking and Kayaking too With or without socks, these KEENS will play all day with you" Written By National Program Director Zoë PolkLike most outdoor enthusiasts, we love all things gear! We love researching and then buying a new...

This weekend, Hike with Outdoor Afro and Honor the Legacy of Harriet Tubman, and all of Freedom Seekers of the Underground Railroad. Written By National Program Director Zoë Polk From October 6-9, 2016, seven members of the 2016 Outdoor Afro Leadership Team  will hike...

In Furtherance of our Mission to Celebrate and Inspire Black connections to Nature, Outdoor Afro Invites You to Hike History October 6-9, 2016By National Program Director Zoë PolkThis October, Outdoor Afro is going Blackpacking again! Last year, hundreds of Black...

"To ignore, overlook, or apologize for these wrongs is to prove ourselves unworthy of freedom."Declaration of Principles, Niagra Movement, 1905 Today, on 111th anniversary of its founding, we are reflecting on the significance the Niagara Movement, a civil rights...

“What is my role in the Movement for Black Lives?” has become the most critical question of our time. Written By National Program Director Zoë PolkEach year, Outdoor Afro enlists individuals from all over the country to advance our agenda: to celebrate and inspire...

#WeAreTheArcticOur founder Rue Mapp shares why protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is important. Please join us to help protect this beautiful place, and its people, once and for all![video width="1920" height="1080"...

Meet Chaya Harris. An Educator, Writer, Camper, World Traveler and First Year Outdoor Afro Leader! Chaya shares her reflection on our recent national training held in Yosemite National Park and a preview of what Outdoor Afro Boston should expect for this year! What...

Outdoor Afro St. Louis Leader Duane L. Williams invites you to make Learning and Sharing Black Conservationist History an Earth Day tradition.By Outdoor Afro Leader Duane WilliamsWhat are some of your memories of celebrating Earth Day as a child?My earliest Earth Day...

Baltimore based Brittany Leavitt reflects on her first year as an #OutdoorAfro Leader and her deepening relationship with the National Parks What were some your favorite activities that you lead in your first year as an Outdoor Afro leader? My first year as an Outdoor...

On March 13-14, Outdoor Afro Charleston journeyed back in time to connect to the experience of enslaved Africans in America and to learn how they survived and endured by living off the land and close to the earth.By Outdoor Afro Charleston Leader Porchia MooreAs the...

Now Presenting The 2016 Outdoor Afro Leadership Team!Sixty Leaders Will Create Relevant Outdoor Experiences in 26 States.For the fifth year in a row, Outdoor Afro has recruited and selected enthusiastic volunteers from around the country to inspire black connections...

Inspired by Black History, Outdoor Afro Gary, Indiana Leader Yolanda Crocker-Bradley learns to swim and changes her relationship with her favorite local shoreline. Why did you decide to take swim lessons?For years, I had toyed with the thought of actually learning to...

This month, join Outdoor Afro as we dive into the historic Martin Luther King Jr. Swimming Pool,  discover little known Black history in our neighborhoods, and board the Balclutha to learn about African American sailors' contributions to the 1920's Alaskan salmon...

Get in the mix as we go snowboarding, build community and a campfire in the mountains, and incorporate nature into our seasonal decorations. Atlanta, GeorgiaBirdwatching at Piedmont Park December 5 Hike Sweetwater Creek State Park December 12 Atlanta Beltline Bus Tour...

Connect to our Leadership Network and Create Relevant Outdoor Experiences for Yourself, Your Family and Your Community Tell Us About You:*Are you an outdoor enthusiast who wants to lead creative and accessible outdoor events?*Are you invested in leveraging the...

 Get in the Mix as we run a 5k in the Redwoods, CampOut under the stars, Picnic on the Lake and #OptOutside Atlanta, Georgia Providence Canyon Campout, Hike and Star Gaze November 7Hike at Black Rock Mountain State Park November November 14Essential Camping Skills and...

Join us in BEING INTENTIONAL about Black Family Health over the holidays! It’s the most wonderful time of the year- a time when we gather at the ancestral lands of our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents, cook our favorite homemade foods, decorate...

You're invited to Prowl Owls, Pick Apples, Carve Pumpkins, and Glamp Out with us this month. Atlanta, Georgia Essential Camping Skills and Introduction to Backcountry Cooking with REI October 3  Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery Open House October 10 Pick Apples at...

In partnership with REI, Outdoor Afro is excited to present a special series in advance of our 2016 Outdoor Afro Leadership Team recruitment. We will share more on our recent journey to the summit of Mount Whitney, including photos and tips for success. We will also...

Grab a handful with Outdoor Afro as we kayak Falls Lake, Camp in Kaibab National Forest and Bike Ride on St. Helena Island Atlanta, Georgia Labor Day Weekend Hike @ Kennesaw Mountain September 5 Atlanta Beltline Tour September 26 Arabia Mountain Full Moon Hike...

Eight Member Summit Team Hikes the Trail Blazed by Buffalo Soldiers and Inspires Black People Around the Country to Practice Self Love in the Outdoors Written by Outdoor Afro Leader  and Mount Whitney Summit Team Leader Viva Yeboah On August 15, 2015, Outdoor Afro...

Scoop in with Outdoor Afro as we stargaze the Perseid Meteor Shower, go Spelunking at Mammoth Cave, and Find Our Greatest Love of All on Mount Whitney and Around the Country Atlanta, Georgia Ziplining and Whitewater Rafting August  8 Stargazing the Perseid Showers on...

#WhitneyHiking: the act of being your full, entire self in nature and claiming a green (or California brown) space for your own. #WhitneyHiking may include foraging for beauty on a nature walk, a laughter filled trek up a local summit, and/or singing Whitney Houston...

Become A Superstar Sponsor! On October 1, 2015, we invite you to rejoice in our success and invest in our promising future of relevant outdoor engagement with our first ever gala celebration and fundraiser: “The Outdoor Afro Glamp Out” at the Oakland Museum of...

Get in the Mix with Outdoor Afro as we kayak under the full moon,  hike to waterfalls, and  gather around the campfire. Atlanta, Georgia Experience The Bahamas: Picnic at Camp Exposure in Lithonia Georgia July 11 Atlanta Beltline Tour July 25 Bay Area, California Bill...

Earth, Wind and Fire blasting on the speakers. Children running through sprinklers. Flip Flops. Dominoes. And the delicious smell of marinated meat and veggies on the grill. Is anyone else ready for Fourth of July barbecuing? From the family reunion to the beach...

"Wherever you are, right now, you are part of a watershed. Think of it like an aquatic neighborhood, where the neighbors (i.e. the animals and plants) can be specific to your area, and the concerns and issues (e.g. pollution, damming) can affect the whole community."...

SCOOP IN with Outdoor Afro as we celebrate Juneteenth, discover local tide pools and lead Black Music Month inspired hikes this month! By Outdoor Afro Leadership Director Zoë Polk Atlanta, Georgia  Day Trip to Chattanooga Tennessee  June 13 Healing Hike and History at...

by Outdoor Afro Leadership Director, Zoë Polk LET'S read the placards overlooking the Suisun Bay at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial and be critical of words like “mutiny” and “riots.” LET'S dig our hands in the earth at  George Washington Carver...

Meet Deidre "Dee"  Bryant. Mother, Wife, Traveler,  Adventure Seeker and Second Year Outdoor Afro Leader. Located in Richmond, Virginia, Dee and her local Outdoor Afro community have  ice skated, hiked, kayaked in some of Virginia's most beautiful places. Dee recently...

by Outdoor Afro Atlanta Leader Stefan Moss I have a complicated relationship with Earth Day. Although I have always valued the opportunity to celebrate our beloved planet, I have also been very aware of who the traditional movers, shakers, and “leaders” of the modern...

Oakland headquartered Outdoor Afro is proud to announce a new partnership with its local Whole Foods, as a Nickels for Non-Profits recipient! Beginning this April 13th through July 5th, tell your cashier you want to pass on your .05 reusable bag credit to Outdoor...

Rejoice and Venture Outdoors with the 2015 Outdoor Afro Leadership Team!Outdoor Artists, Wilderness Yogis, and Life Aquatics Unite to Build Community and Reconnect Black People to NatureOutdoor Afro is so proud to announce the selection of our fourth Leadership...

Make a Slam Dunk for  Outdoor Afro! We are over the moon to announce that we have a challenge grant from two generous donors. They have pledged together to match your giving for Outdoor Afro dollar for dollar up to $10,000 starting this week! Funds will be used to...

By Viva Yeboah, Outdoor Afro Chicago "Salvation for a race, nation or class must come from within. Freedom is never granted; it is won. Justice is never given; it is exacted. Freedom and justice must be struggled for by the oppressed of all lands and races, and the...

Join us in living and remembering Black History this February and every month of the year by Outdoor Afro Leader Zoë Polk On Saturday February 7, 2015 Outdoor Afro Richmond Virginia hosted a “Healing Hike" in York River State Park. This hike was part of Outdoor Afro’s...

Outdoor Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers and Community Leaders Across the Country Are Encouraged to Apply *Do you enjoy hiking, birdwatching, camping, kayaking, skiing, gardening, barbecuing or other recreational outdoor activities? *Do you have a passion for...

by Outdoor Afro Leader Zoë Polk As the daughter of a fisherman, repurposing was a big part of my upbringing. Cleaned fish carcasses went into the crab pots. Outgrown t-shirts were used as rags to unhook slimy, squirmy Catfish. Driftwood was rescued and incorporated...

Call to Action Join Outdoor Afros around the country on December 13th for a Healing Hike #HealingHike Right now we are living in times that are hard to understand. Recent events in Ferguson and in New York have re-opened wounds of fear and doubt that have divided our...

Who says you need to camp to enjoy nature? Denene Millner, an Atlanta based mom, wife, and author is a long-time sister blog comrade of ours. Her posts this weekend from Kiawah Island via a Residence Inn stay were so inspiring, we could not resist sharing them with...

By Outdoor Afro Leader Zoe Polk So many wonderful smells, tastes, sights and adventures come to mind when we think of October! We take long drives to view the fall foliage. We get excited in heading to farms and picking our first apple off the tree. We review family...

The national parks are our treasures, and I remain grateful for the multiple ways my organization, Outdoor Afro, and many others like it, have successfully partnered with park staff, scholars, and volunteers to help shift the visual representation and physical...

Dear Friends, This October, I celebrate my 43rd birthday. I am proud to share this number, as I mark each year as both a blessing and a triumph. This year also marks the fifth anniversary of the blog I whimsically named Outdoor Afro. As you all know, that blog was a...

New Speakers Bureau Launches as the Voice for Diversity and Inclusion in National Parks, Outdoor Environments, and Environmental Organizations Diverse Environmental Leaders to share expertise on impact of diverse outreach and perspective on public lands and...

Who are Outdoor Afro's partners? What do these partnerships mean?  We are asked these types of questions frequently, and in response, decided to launch a short series of brand partner spotlights to share how they work with Outdoor Afro, and the passionate people who...

By, Viva Yeboah (Outdoor Afro Chicago) "There are positively no mental, physical or moral attainments too lofty for the Negro to accomplish if granted a fair and equal opportunity." — Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor, World Champion Cyclist In honor of Marshall Walter...

Who are Outdoor Afro's partners? What do these partnership mean?  We are asked these types of questions frequently, and in response, decided to launch a short series of brand partner spotlights to share how they work with Outdoor Afro, and the passionate people who...

Join award winning journalist Belva Davis in conversation with Outdoor Afro members who will report back from their June 7-8, 2014 trip retracing the trail the Buffalo Soldiers forged from the Presidio of San Francisco into Yosemite National Park! This interactive...

We are so proud to share this wonderful article and Q&A with Outdoor Afro Leader and pioneer of African Americans in the National Parks Event, Teresa Baker! California outdoorswoman Teresa Baker doesn’t just love national parks. She encourages thousands of people...

Joining folks around the country in celebration of the second annual African Americans National Parks Day, Outdoor Afros in Northern California embarked on a special trip to Yosemite Valley, commemorating the numerous contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers, some of our...

As we commemorate the fifty-year anniversary of the passage of the Wilderness Act, we might also consider another historic piece of legislation, the Civil Rights Act, which was signed in the same year. Given that the two movements were locked in time together, were...

By: Viva Yeboah In celebration of African American National Parks Day Outdoor Afro Chicago traveled to Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Gary, Indiana. First stop was the Paul H. Douglas Center of Environmental Education, we meet with Park Rangers and received an...

By Outdoor Afro Leader Beky Branagan In the early morning hours of Friday, June 6, eight Outdoor Afro North Carolina members began the almost 300 mile trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in order to mark the 2014 African Americans in the National Parks...

This Saturday, June 7th, in honor of the 2nd annual African American National Parks weekend, a number of Bay-Area residents will pay homage to the famed Buffalo Soldiers by retracing their historic journey from the Presidio of San Francisco to Yosemite National Park....

President Bill Clinton is pictured with Rue Mapp, Founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro at National Wildlife Federation’s Conservation Awards and Gala Event on April 30, 2014 in Washington, DC. Click to watch Rue Mapp's award acceptance speech HERE Rue Mapp was the...

Do you have a passion for the outdoors and want to share it with others?  Consider applying to join the 2014 Outdoor Afro Leadership Team today! Just two years ago, we successfully launched the volunteer Outdoor Afro Leadership Team--the OALT, of 13 folks who formed a...

By Melissa Danielle Several new Outdoor Afros braved the snow last week to drop in for a special day hiking basics class at REI’s NYC SOHO store. The class was hosted by Scott, an avid hiker who worked as an NYC Park Ranger in Van Cortlandt Park (an 1100+ acre park in...

By Outdoor Afro Leader Zoë Polk With the Sierra winter snowpack at historic lows, we at Outdoor Afro Northern California have been hoping for a “dump.”  A heavy snowstorm last weekend would have enabled us to join our REI family for their annual Winter Trails Day...

This is our friend Chad Brown, and we adore all he does. Conservation - Consciousness Runs Deep from Soul River on Vimeo. Soul River challenges traditional media by embracing the unconventional with their production of Conservation - Consciousness Runs Deep. Created...

By, Melissa Danielle, Outdoor Afro NYC The coldest day of the autumn season couldn’t keep a few adventurous Outdoor Afros from trekking out to one of North Brooklyn’s oldest neighborhoods: Greenpoint. Once a thriving agricultural center, Greenpoint quickly became the...

Today, our hearts are heavy to learn about the transition of Nelson Mandela, with whom we are honored to have shared the same planet. Mandela will be forever known as a beacon of freedom, and a symbol of transcendence toward peace. Father Mandela, we salute you at...

If you want to go fast, go alone If you want to go far, go together African proverb On the tail of brisk autumn winds, we at Outdoor Afro welcome the holidays in the dawn of winter as a time to slow down, give thanks, and set intentions for the coming year. I often...

What are your favorite things that help you get out and enjoy the outdoors? Here are ours! We were so excited to participate in a recent video shoot put together by our flagship partner REI featuring just a few products we use from ClifBar, KEEN, and The North Face....

Alisha here, Outdoor Afro leader of Los Angeles. Sunday we were invited by the amazing Nkem Of TRE Los Angeles to learn tension release exercises. We were hosted by the stunning Village PlayGarden in the beautiful Altadena foothills. We had a really great group that...

It's Alisha, leader of Outdoor Afro Los Angeles. This last weekend we were honored to have Rue Mapp the founder of Outdoor Afro join us for the weekend of events. We started with hiking Kenneth Hahn Park in Baldwin hills. Here's a view from the top. We stayed along...

by Outdoor Afro Leader Zoë Polk At Outdoor Afro, we always take the opportunity to turn a day off into a "day out;" that is- a time to join together with our community in nature. This Veterans Day was a particularly unique day out for us because we set our intention...

By Outdoor Afro Leader Clay Anderson Last weekend, ten Outdoor Afros felt the tug to expand their horizons, enhance their awareness, and find inspiration. Thousands of Sandhill cranes, ducks, geese, and wading birds felt the urge to avoid the cold, find something to...

by Outdoor Afro Leader Zoë Polk Outdoor Afros were spotted on Saturday on  San Francisco's Mt. Sutro doing trail maintenance and habitat restoration! We were happy to join our partner REI and 500 other volunteers for the  Ridge Trail Service Day, especially since Mt....

By: Viva Yeboah, Outdoor Afro Leader, Chicago Recently, Outdoor Afro Chicago went on a fall overnight camping trip to Kankakee River State Park. Our group included a total of 16 members of all ages, background and with various camping experience. The 4,000 acre state...

by Outdoor Afro Leader Zoë Polk “When we tell stories, especially personal stories where we open ourselves up to whoever is listening, there is often for the listener a value to be learned, or encouragement to be gained, knowing that others before them have conquered...

   "Every great dream begins with a dreamer..." - Harriet Tubman This morning we were delighted to receive a message from Erick Cedeño, who said, "I traveled back to the 1800's from New Orleans, LA to Niagara Falls, NY...along the Underground Railroad by bicycle...

  Hello, my name is Morgan Powell of Bronx River Sankofa.  Here are some memories I’ve brought home from the 42nd annual conference of the North American Association for Environmental Education.  It was certainly one of the most ethnically diverse in NAAEE history...

By Outdoor Afro Leader Zoë Polk An Outdoor Afro-Guided Tour of African American Women’s History in Richmond As the last bit of sun disappeared along the horizon of the San Francisco Bay, Outdoor Afros gathered for a final check in of our hike of the Marina Bay Trail...

By Outdoor Afro Leader Zoë Polk When the alarm went off at 6:00 am on Saturday, I was tempted to hit the snooze button. But then I remembered that I was going fishing that morning, and a familiar feeling took hold. I arose from my bed, checked the weather report, made...

  On a recent Outdoor Afro trip to Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, nature once again stole the show. On a little rocky edge of our immense ocean life has chosen to stand its ground, holding on by employing tubed feet, serrated claws, sucker disc and mucus threads which dry...

by Viva Yeboah Last Saturday Outdoor Afro teamed up with Red Bike and Green-Chicago (RBG) for the Northside Community Ride in the Uptown and Roger Park neighborhoods. After a quick introduction and ice breaker, Eboni Hawkins, co-founder of RBG, gave us a rundown of...

by Zoë Polk On August 9, 1936, Outdoor Afro Jesse Owens broke world records by winning 4 Gold medals in the Berlin Olympics.  77 years later, Outdoor Afros in Oakland, California celebrated Mr. Owens by striking  our own starting pose on our hike in Sibley Volcanic...

We just came back from Outdoor Retailer, the largest outdoor lifestyle show of its kind in the country where leaders discussed how the industry might welcome people who are both “outdoorsy”, and “outsidey” This message rings true to our work that always strives to...

By: Nkrumah Frazier, Outdoor Afro Leader, South Mississippi It’s hard to believe that it has been 4 months since I spent 4 days on a mountain with a group of strangers. On Friday, April 19th 2013 a team of African American nature enthusiasts converged on a California...

We have all been riveted to newsfeeds everywhere about the Trayvon Martin case this week, searching for answers and trying to figure how best to respond. In a timely share, we received a touching video on our Facebook page that demonstrates how youth from the stressed...

By Zoë Polk As an urban dweller, I often look at maps of my city. Sometimes I’m looking at a map to find the fastest way home from work. A lot of times,  I’m using  a map to identify the best route to get out of the city and to the campground, hiking trail and/or...

We were so tickled to receive the video below via our Facebook page from Wendi Nicole, a mom, wife, and professor at George Mason University who loves to camp. Wendi shares, "We began camping five years ago (in Virginia and Maryland) and quickly recruited others....

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...

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...

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...

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...

                                                                                                       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...

  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...

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? As my friend Clay of Swarovski Optik says, "Learning about...

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...

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...

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...

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...

On a recent, misty afternoon, Outdoor Afros gathered at the Falls Lake Dam Visitor Assistance Center between North Raleigh and Wake Forest, North Carolina, to walk along a portion of the Mountains to Sea Trail. This trail runs from the Great Smokey National Park in...

What happens when you bring together outdoor retail giants, a major conservation non-profit in the US, researchers from top universities, a prominent DC advocate, a National Park ranger, a group of 13 African Americans with fire in their hearts for nature, crowd...

Introducing the Outdoor Afro Leadership Team for 2013! A human rights attorney in San Francisco, a mom in Memphis, and an accountant from Chicago have something important in common... They are a part of the Outdoor Afro Leadership Team to reconnect African Americans...

Simply outside Lately, I have come upon many collections of photos online of black people, especially youth, connecting to nature in a variety of ways. Some images are sent to me by members of the OA community, and others I have found after researching image...

Our hearts melted when a member of the Outdoor Afro community on Facebook shared a link of photos, like the ones below that show images of black children enjoying and learning in nature in their 4-H camp in North Carolina in the 1940's. "What is old is new again." one...

So glad to spend time once again with my former co-worker and dear friend Manav Thapar to help re-connect my 9 year old son Billy Hunter to the art and fun of surfing! Read about the last time I knew Billy Hunter (the deepest sleeper of my brood) was excited when he...

My name is Nkrumah Frazier.  I am a member of the Outdoor Afro Leadership team.  Recently I was perusing some older pictures on my computer and stumbled across some pictures taken back in July of 2007 when my wife (Chelsea) and I reluctantly dropped our kids off at my...

Lassen Volcanic Park continues to be the hidden gem enjoyed by the Outdoor Afro community. For the second year in a row, we partnered with National Park Service staff to lead a snow shoe walk among in the park’s beautiful red fir forest and for the second year in a...

Sometimes things just don’t go according to the plan. You can buy or borrow almost any product that adapts to an outdoor lifestyle and experience, but sometimes oversight, lack of experience, or unexpected weather conditions can cause the best laid camping plans to...

Do you have a passion for the outdoors and want to share it with others?  Consider applying to join the 2013 Outdoor Afro Leadership Team today! In 2012, we successfully launched the volunteer Outdoor Afro Leadership Team of 13 folks - the OALT, who formed a team of...

What exactly is Geocaching, you ask? "Geocaching can be a fantastic way to spend some time outdoors, discovering and learning more about your world, in places both near and far, alone or with family and friends. It’s like treasure hunting, but the treasure is the...

What an amazing week! Just got back from Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, the largest outdoor industry show in the country that occurs twice yearly in Salt Lake City, Utah. In a proud and humble moment for Outdoor Afro, we received the Outdoor Industry Inspiration...

We are so proud and grateful to have spent another day with Northern California Outdoor Afros in partnership with Golden Gate Audubon. Together, we connected more people to our local natural assets to help preserve and enjoy them with others. It was such a perfect...

I am still tickled from our time this past weekend in the California Sierras as eleven Northern California Outdoor Afros participated in the annual Winter Trails Day by REI, coordinated by Outdoor Afro leader Rahman Batin and hosted by the co-op's Sacramento market....

Greetings Outdoor Afros: I’m Morgan Powell and this is my fifth blog here at Outdoor Afro.  I’m the founder of Bronx River Sankofa - a documentary series on Cable TV and Facebook featuring African-American environmentalists from New York City’s greenest borough.  Many...

As many of you know, this year marks a big transition as I fully embraced Outdoor Afro as an important part of my purpose, and since, the quality of my life has improved as it allows me to spend more time enjoying my family, and nature!  But beyond the scope of my...

Hope you are enjoying the winter and holidays as much as we are! Join us on Facebook and share your outdoor winter fun photos with us, like this one!

Hello Outdoor Afros: My name is Morgan Powell and this is my fourth blog here at Outdoor Afro.  I'm the founder of Bronx River Sankofa - a documentary series on Cable TV and Facebook featuring African-American environmentalists from New York City's greenest borough. ...

Recently, Outdoor Afro founder Rue Mapp, had a chance to chat with Laura Swapp who leads the Diversity and Inclusion efforts of REI out of their Kent, Washington corporate campus. She shares steps REI has taken to help the outdoors be more relevant and inclusive. Read...

Dear Friends, I am so grateful for you, and the forward evolution of Outdoor Afro. Together, we are a part of an amazing and diverse community who love and advocate for connections to nature. To be of service to this cause is a true gift, and I am thankful to be on...

This Veterans Day, we remember and are grateful for all soldiers who have served our country. From Crispus Attucks, to the Buffalo Soldier, to those who stood firm at Port Chicago. For all the unnamed, yet heroic men and women who have served in both peace times and...

As many of you know, the Obama administration has taken a unprecedented stand on connecting people to our public lands and national monuments from its beginning. Today, we at Outdoor Afro are delighted that this effort will move forward and continue in its progress to...

Outdoor Afro friend Audrey Peterman challenges us in her latest blog to rethink our relationship to nature in terms of our ability to survive natural disaster. Read on: Among the glaring lessons we should learn from Hurricane Sandy is that our technology-focused...

Survey Confirms a Positive Relationship with Rivers and Waterways in the Outdoor Afro community Nearly seventy Outdoor Afros from around the country were sampled in a short survey distributed via social networks that provided a snapshot of how and why people connect...

Our family recently moved into a lovely place back in my familiar, and dynamic hometown of Oakland, California. For the previous six years we resided in a nearby small and sheltered community known for its excellent schools, low crime, and civic pride. There, my...

Celebrate our historical connections to nature with this photo from Frances Benjamin Johnston (American, 1864–1952) 1899-1900. Platinum print, 7 1/2 x 9 9/16" (19 x 24.3 cm). Gift of Lincoln Kirstein to the MOMA

Guest Blog Submission and photos by Outdoor Afro Leader, Cliff Sorrell of a recent trip lead in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Outdoor Afros recently took on Point Pinole Regional Shoreline in Richmond, CA – it was such a great time! About thirty-five people of all ages...

By special invitation, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program and Coastal Stewards participated in Estuary Education Day at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency headquarters in Washington, D.C. on September 27, 2012 in celebration of National Estuaries Day and the 25th...

Submitted by Morgan Powell, a landscape designer, who edits Bronx River Sankofa on You Tube and Facebook.  He is passionate about New York’s Bronx River and its African American heritage. Here is his third submission in a series to highlight the generous yet delicate...

Morgan Powell is  a landscape designer who edits Bronx River Sankofa on You Tube and Facebook.  He is passionate about New York's Bronx River and its African American heritage. Here is Morgan's second submission in a three-part series to highlight the generous yet...

This week, we learned Rue Mapp, Outdoor Afro founder and CEO, was selected as one of TheRoot.com 100 black achievers and influencers between the ages of 25 and 45! See the entire list! Founded in 2008 under the leadership of Prof. Henry Louis Gates Jr. of Harvard...

This is the theme of a not-to-miss panel discussion at the Black Environmental Thought Conference this week at the University of Minnesota, presented by Carolyn Finney, Ph.D., University of California at Berkeley; Nina S. Roberts, Ph.D., San Francisco State...

On the morning of Saturday September 15th, 2012 Outdoor Afro South Mississippi converged on the shores and trails of the Lake Thoreau Environmental Center located in Hattiesburg, MS. The air was cool and crisp. Birds were flitting in the trees all around us. The lake...

Outdoor Afro had the pleasure of connecting with the inspiring Kweli Kitwana last week in person while in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. She and her husband, Mosi are lifelong hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. They have hiked many State and National trails; have camped...

Did you have a blast on a waterway this summer and have a cool video to share about it? Want a chance to win a pair of KEEN shoes? If you answered yes to both questions then this contest is for YOU! The Georgia River Network and Outdoor Afro have teamed up to help...

The warmth of late summer offers a promise of cool lakes, rivers, oceans, and backyard pools to cool us down, but unfortunately it seems many folks never jump in them. The Outdoor Afro community has taken note of a recent rash of outdoor related posts and videos these...

A few months back, the good folks at Duraflame sent over a box of roasting logs and a s'mores kit and asked me to take the product for a test spin. According to Duraflame, this is the first firelog designed specifically for campfire roasting. It is formulated with...

Check out this post and photos from Outdoor Afro Leader Alisha Pye! Outdoor Afro LA decided to have an end of summer beach "funday". So we gathered food, folks, kites, umbrellas, kids, music and we took over the sand. We laid out, soaking up the sun, frolicked in the...

This weekend, about two dozen Outdoor Afros came together to camp and whitewater raft on the lower fork of the American River. Inspired by our wonderful time with American Whitewater Expeditions (AWE) last year, we decided to return with more folks, and boy did we...

Queen's Chronicles: Frum de Ga'dun ta de Table: De Gullah/Geechee Sho Able! by Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation The world has come to appreciate my statement which is also the slogan of the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition-"Hunnuh mus tek cyare de...

Enjoy this guest blog and trip report by Zoe Polk, an Outdoor Afro Regional Leader and a human rights attorney! If you, like me, have been following the wonderful web series “Black Folks Don’t,” you know there are few things some of us just don’t or won’t do.  From...

This is how I began my group introduction this weekend at a summit of leading bird and travel bloggers from around the United States in Tucson, Arizona. In this crowd, I considered labeling myself a birder risky, like I might be ousted as an imposter from the group of...

Outdoor Afro is pleased to partner with so many great folks and orgs, such as Hike4Life.  After so many months of communicating via social media,  Jerel Ferguson, Hike4Life founder was able to generously share a guest blog on Outdoor Afro, and his inspiration to...

Just recently, Outdoor Afro had the opportunity to sit down and meet Barb Williams, REI Divisional VP/GMM - Outdoorwear, at Outdoor Retailer last weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our conversation was filled with laughter, industry insights, and great reasons to work...

Strengthening Outdoor Leadership Skills Outdoor Afro is SO excited to share with its community the exciting news of winning a Toyota Audubon Together Innovation Green grant of over $17,000 this year to support our Bay Area Outdoor Afro Leadership Team! As you know,...

Check out this trip report of a recent outing lead by Outdoor Afro leader  Beky Branagan in her own words. Our Story At 9:00 AM on Saturday, June 23rd, we met at the rest station at Umstead State Park, Cary, NC. Four of us attended including myself and my child,...

Queen Quet is a friend of mine, with whom I have had the privilege to work with since the beginning of Outdoor Afro. I am more than thrilled to finally host her first blog on the site that shares some of the rich history of the Gullah/Geechee Nation. Enter Queen Quet:...

By Outdoor Afro Contributor Reginald James Well, I didn’t really “spend about a week on Venice Beach,” but I always liked that line from Notorious B.I.G.’s “Going Back to Cali.” For me, Venice Beach has always been something of television and Hollywood fame. But I’ve...

Jared Harris' image was captured in the Johnson Science Tower on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. He is the friend of Outdoor Afro Leadership Team member Nkrumiah Frazier, and like him, is also an avid outdoor enthisiast!

The Abandon is a sci-fi TV series created by Keith Josef. Here’s the skinny: after a possible alien invasion, five black hikers in Upstate New York discover they may be the last humans on Earth and quickly learn the importance of survival, loyalty, and manhood: Of...

Check out the newest installment of the series, Black Folks Don't... by Black Public Media. Of course, we here at Outdoor Afro know that black people DO camp, and I know some Outdoor Afros will be offended by the title alone. But I invite you all to take it as a funny...

"Hope everyone gets in a little family time this weekend." - President Obama   How are you connecting with nature and family this weekend?

Outdoor Afro is proud to feature Viva Yeboah of Outdoor Afro Chicago! A passionate nature-lover, Viva joined our Outdoor Afro Leadership team in April. We welcome her and are so glad to hear her words about the OA Chicago kick-off event! On a windy 90’s degree day,...

Today was a special day in the Mapp household, my daughter Arwen and friend Maya began their first day at a week long summer program at Camp Bothin, located in Marin County, California with the Girl Scouts of Northern California. All last week was spent picking up...

Just recently, my family had a chance to return to Kampgrounds of America (KOA) to take part in their first ever “Blogger Night” at its new Ventura Ranch location in Southern California, to help get the word out about this terrific camping option for everyone....

Outdoor Afro’s Rue Mapp recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Maggie Ricketts, the Director of Talent Management & Recruiting of REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) Their interview touched on aspects of REI’s employment opportunities, philosophy,...

  Outdoor Afro Leadership Team (OALT) member Zoe Polk led her second outdoor event last weekend in Oakland, California's Redwood Regional Park - a unit of the East Bay Regional Park District. Each OALT member is committed to lead one trip per quarter and write a blog...

We sure hope not! Earlier this year, I was so excited to present in Atlanta for Keeping it Wild to share how outdoor organizations might be more relevant through meaningful partnerships. I appreciated the candor and honesty of the audience, many of whom took the time...

Sponsored by The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), in partnership with the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (HFNHP) Saturday, June 2nd, 2012  - 10:30 am to 2:00 pm The event will showcase some of the rich history that occurred along the Harpers Ferry section...

Join Outdoor Afro in getting excited about the second annual National Kids to Parks Day May 19th, 2012! What a great opportunity to celebrate nature with kids, families, and fellow outdoor people! The National Park Trust and our mascot Buddy Bison wants everyone to...

During the week of May 14th, Outdoor Afro's Rue Mapp is grateful to participate in the EECapacity Project that assembles 60 national environmental education leaders in Washington, DC for training in environmental leadership, cultural capacity, and community building....

Outdoor Afro A. Breeze Harper writes about her experiences hiking in Utah as a new mom and appeals for more black people to get outside and into our beautiful National Parks. Bryce Canyon National Park, May 2012 with Eva Luna (9 months old). She nursed 1/2 the time...

  Outdoor Afros had a blast last weekend at one of our largest meetups: Hike Angel Island! Hosted by Outdoor Afro  Sela Steiger and led by Cliff Sorrell of Trekking for Life, the route ventured around the South Western part of the island, stopping at different...

In March, Shelby Ward went kayaking with her hair-conscious younger sister and fashionista, Rosalyn in Tennessee. Here is their story. Let me tell you a little bit about my sister. Rosalyn likes fashion. On many occasions, she has added trendy accessories to my...

Ranked #1 Hiking Shoe by Outdoor Afros! What began as a quest for the perfect protective sandal, KEEN Footwear is now a pioneer in both outdoor gear and positive change. Outfitting nature-goers for 9 years, KEEN has always promoted a HybridLife, encouraging nature...

An ancient sport, Falconry is the keeping and training of birds of prey. Rodney Stotts is a Black falconer from Southeast Washington DC. He is the program director at Raptor and River/Environmental Education in connection with the Earth Conservation Corps along the...

What is Community? What is Environmental Education? What are signs of wellness in a community? What are issues that affect community wellness?     EECapacity in collaboration with Outdoor Afro invite you to participate in our:...

On a recent bright and beautiful Saturday morning, several folks got together to visit the Richmond Shoreline for a bike tour of California's Rosie the Riveter Memorial and other historic sights hosted by Outdoor Afro Sela Steiger. This was the first of several...

Outdoor Afro's Rue Mapp had the great pleasure of joining many other outdoor enthusiasts last Friday for the White House Conference on Conservation: Growing America’s Outdoor Heritage and Economy. Held at the Department of the Interior, the conference brought together...

I never considered myself a tree hugger before, but 150 year-old "Grandfather Beech" changed my mind! This tree is a resident favorite at Atlanta's Outdoor Activity Center, which houses the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance and Keeping it Wild two organizations that are...

Rue Mapp of Outdoor Afro is excited to present in Atlanta this week at Keeping it Wild and at the American Camp Association's (ACA) National Convention! ACA is an education partner of Outdoor Afro, and together they have designed curriculum for their e-institute...

Zoe Polk of San Francisco, CA is seen at Spooner Lake, NV enjoying the first snow of the season!

Creative Director and Co-Founder of BALANCE Edutainment Aaron Ableman shares information on their inspiring flagship initiative--Pacha’s Pajamas! Let’s turn all the mini-Afros into Nature Superheroes! I once heard it said that you are what you eat. Well, it's also...

In honor of Black History Month, the Adventure Cycling Association will announce the Underground Rail Road route this week! And Outdoor Afro is excited to share the news of this inspired 518-mile alternate Detroit route. The 2,000 miles Underground Railroad Bicycle...

  “You shouldn’t have to convince people to go to paradise,” --Shelton Johnson, Ranger, Yosemite National Park Although our national parks belong to all Americans, it’s a sad fact that very few people of color ever set foot in some of our country’s most beautiful...

As most of you know, Outdoor Afro has been run on solo steam these past couple of years since it began, and I now am quite grateful to have the help and support needed to sustain and grow this wonderful network. So I am proud to welcome intern Séla Steiger (24) who...

Contributed by Alex Kudryavtsev, a native of Russia and PhD Candidate at Cornell University. Alex conducts a participatory research project in the Bronx and elsewhere on how urban environmental education programs develop a sense of place in youth. I am also glad to...

I had such a thrill yesterday connecting with land loving friends in Berkeley, CA at the Bay Area Open Space Council's Rainy Season Gathering to discuss how we might better connect people to land in a relevant way. The following is re-posted from the Bay Area Open...

Posted originally on the 2012 King Holiday. Where will you serve in 2013? Stay tuned for an upcoming blog of Outdoor Afro activities this year! ~*~*~ Tonight I am still feeling lifted from my experience this Martin Luther King Jr. memorial morning when I joined over...

When I saw this nighttime image of Ocean Beach in San Francisco, it took my breath away. Using real film, the artist Africano Fotografia,  set his shutter to bulb for five minutes, and here is what we have (click for larger image): If you look at the upper right...

Want a space for the sharing of ideas, experiences and to build knowledge through a collaborative and democratic process that promotes equity and respect? If so, join the launch of the Urban EE Collective’s Professional Learning Community (PLC): Thursday, January...

The Snowy Day, by author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats (1916-1983) is a book I loved to read as a child, and in recent years have enjoyed with my own three children. Today marks the book’s 50th Anniversary, and is the first children’s picture book of its time to...

Dear Outdoor Afro Friends, 2011 has been a terrific year! Through the power of social media, we have seen our community steadily grow, and help people make culturally-relevant connections to nature and outdoor recreation. Throughout my travels this year, the hot topic...

It is always gratifying for me when the digital conversation leads to action, especially when it involves connecting folks to nature! At the start of the week, I had the pleasure of leading twenty-four Outdoor Afros on a day trip to Point Reyes National Seashore in...

I have come to love birding, especially in areas close to where I live. This weekend, me and two other Outdoor Afros (Clay and Abu) came together as a result of our online planning to enjoy birds and nature near home at the Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline Park, a...

Who says you have to give up your cuteness to be in nature? Check out Ola Ronke, a Brooklyn, NY yoga teacher and healthy food advocate, getting her garden on with much fashion!

Contributed by Jennifer Chambers, founder of Hiking Along Science & Hiking for Kids Last Sunday was one of those perfect fall afternoons in DC:  Bright blue skies, crisp autumn air and amazing colors of yellow, orange and red shimmered in the sunlight....

It does not matter if you choose to take to the streets, the #Occupy Movement has captured the imagination of everyone, and is not going away any time soon. The #Occupy prompt has become a symbolic directive to give voice to a wide range of concerns; from corporate...

Submitted by Donna Petagrew via Facebook, she writes: "My son George at the Tooth of Time summit peak (9,000 ft), Philmont Scout Ranch, Philmont New Mexico. This represented a summit in character as he had carried his teammate's gear in order for both to reach the top...

Contributed by J. Drew Lanham Birding while black; it's not something that I simply think about, it's something that I live. A birder since the age of eight, I've always been the odd one out; the "rare" bird in the flock. Now approaching the fifty year mark faster...

Last month's bird was the very common Warbling Vireo.  The proverbial pendulum has swung dramatically to the other side with this month's rare Indiana bird. I sometimes have difficulty deciding on which bird to mention for a "Bird of the Month".  Trying to decide...

Contributed by Outdoor Afro Chelsea Griffie: Here is the follow-up from Balanced Rock Foundation's  Women of Color Backpacking Trip we wrote about last summer - check out all the fun they had! The 2011 Women of Color Backpacking Trip participants knocked my socks off,...

Hello there Outdoor Afros! Kelly here from the Acta Non Verba: Youth Urban Farm Project! This past Saturday I was a guest of Outdoor Afro and Soul Food Farm at their annual benefit for Slow Food Solano, and the Farmer Veteran Coalition in Vacaville, CA. I have to tell...

Eliss Jackson shared on facebook a photo where she was recently SOS (Spotted on Sunday). I asked her to share more, so here is her wonderful report (Thanks Eliss!): This month, my fiancé Joseph and I rented a log cabin on Mt. Lemmon. We went because we needed a break...

A photo of Edward Barnieh's sister and mother, 8 months pregnant with him, taken in February 1978 by his dad in an urban park in Bloomsbury, UK. He holds that picture up in the exact same place February 2010. What memories do you have of your family enjoying nature?...

Originally Posted on Scientopia For urban dwellers who would love to garden, but feel as though they don't have enough, time, skills, or space, a re-popularized and fun solution is the sidewalk garden. These gardens not only invite beauty into the local surroundings,...

As I speak to more people these days about African Americans and the outdoors, a question that most often leads the conversation is, “Why don’t African Americans engage with nature?”, which admittedly prompts me to let out a little sigh... Since founding Outdoor Afro,...

Want to learn the best ways to break down grassfed beef into American and Italian cuts AND support urban school garden projects? If so, we invite you to take your love of good food and good deeds to the next level! Join Outdoor Afro at this fundraiser for Slow Food...

By Douglas "Birdman" Gray I've seen some great birds lately. Some distinctive ones. Some rare ones. Some colorful ones. Some with very lovely songs. But the bird that impressed me most over the last month is, for the most part, none of those things. This month's...

Contributed by Outdoor Afro Gloria Knox of Los Angeles, CA This summer my family took the opportunity to reconnect with nature.  In planning the obligatory summer vacation, my husband and I realized we were short on time and funds. We decided that a trip to an...

Teresa Baker shared on Facebook her time today at the Muir Woods National Monument. Where were YOU spotted on Sunday in the outdoors?

The Seward Military Resort has four deep-sea halibut charter fishing boats that operate seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day on Resurrection Bay.  All fishing equipment is provided, but we obtained our fishing licenses, and brought our own rain slicks and...

In collaboration with the East Bay Regional Parks, Urban Tilth, and Richmond Spokes, Outdoor Afro helped to produce today’s “Greenway to Greenway” community bike ride.   The ride was suited for all ages, and designed for riders to explore the benefits of local...

Ice Age Hiking in Alaska After our visit to the wildlife refuge, we leisurely moved along the scenic road toward the coastal fishing town of Seward that edges Resurrection Bay along the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. We landed at the Seward Military Resort, a popular yet...

Alaska is not much for words. It is entirely about the experience. We have all grown up with the iconic byline of Alaska rendered on a US map in a tiny square smaller in scale than the state of California, almost as if an afterthought. But the state is much bigger...

Hi Friends! I am off now on a four-day run in Alaska to take a quick survey of some of the adventure and beauty the state offers. We have a full itinerary that includes hiking along glaciers, viewing wildlife, and halibut fishing. Please follow us on Twitter (Hashtag...

"How big will the piranhas be?" Submitted by Outdoor Afro Brandon Pope, CIG, Education Specialist at the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. His blog exemplifies the need for relevant outdoor leadership to help youth feel more comfort and at ease to explore...

I always remind people that there are many ways to engage with nature. I have found bird watching to be a very satisfactory pursuit in that it compels me to engage with nature in an observant and deliberate way. Here is an article by Outdoor Afro contributor Max Wood,...

Outdoor Afro Zoe Polk shared with us today a photo where she was Spotted on Sunday (SOS) at the Sutro Baths. From thier website, the Sutro Baths are: "...a hallowed place in San Francisco, modern ruins on the edge of the continent. Crashing waves, labyrinthine...

Recently, I had the pleasure of spending time on Maryland’s Eastern shore with colleagues, Akiima Price, Chief of Education Programs at the New York Restoration Project, David Greaves, the Black Employment Program Officer for the EPA, and Nick Clemons, a National Park...

This may be old news for those of you who follow our Facebook Page, but I am still so tickled to be honored by The Black Weblog Awards, an annual celebration of Black social media excellence -- Outdoor Afro was recognized for Best Green Nature/Outdoor Blog! This was...

Getting outdoors does not have to require a lot of time or money, but they are the biggest reported barriers among Outdoor Afros. With these fun, and mostly free options below, you can get your outdoor fix on, without sacrificing an entire weekend or your piggy bank....

I just drove in from my time in nature with the kids at Feather River Camp where we spend a part of every summer. On the way home, I reflected with gratitude on how adaptive the camp experience is. For a change this year, instead of high impact adventure, tie-dye...

I remember my southern mom always used the term, raising sand to describe someone having a fit. When I saw these images shared by facebook friend Aimee Allison, I almost wanted to shout in response to these stunning photos of real sand. This is the same sand that...

It seems like these days we are all obsessed about having the latest and greatest in outdoor gear, and swear we just can't "live without" [insert gadget here] on our outdoor adventures. The folks at Eastern Mountain Sports thought it would be nifty to look back at the...

Reposted from Save Black Farmers Did you know? That only 1 in 100 farms are Black owned farms The average age of a Black Farmer is 63 1920, 14% of all American ag producers were Black 2010, ONLY 1% of American ag producers are Black These numbers account for Black...

July 2011, Session One Fellows: This month I had the good fortune to engage with leaders in sustainability from around the country with the Center for Whole Communities at Knoll Farm, located above the Mad River Valley in Vermont. Over the course of a week, under the...

Submitted by Outdoor Afro contributor Reginald James, who reflects nostalgically on a recent swim in a local lake with friends. A few weekends ago, I went swimming with a group of friends at Lake Anza at Tilden Park in Berkeley for the third year in a row. The idea...

Colleague Camille Dudley of Outward Bound Adventures had some terrific images of natural beauty on her facebook page.  I just had to share!

Last spring, I helped to organize a local event as part of a national campaign to get people connected to nature. As much as I wanted to share how wonderful the event was, how well attended and rich the experience, until now I was unable to do so because there was a...

So good, we had to repost! Happy Fourth! No matter how people feel about the outdoors, almost everyone feels inspired to get outside for the Fourth of July to enjoy the company of family, friends, and a grilled meal leading inevitably to an evening polytechnics...

Reposted from ActivekidsClub Last weekend my daughter and a friend did some balcony camping. For dinner that night we made fish cooked in foil packages outside. Cooking fish in foil with seasonal vegetables is a very smart and tasty way to cook fish. Less mess and...

By Danielle N. Lee Outdoor Afro Contributor and author of Urban Science Adventures! © It's summertime and the living is easy, especially if you're a kid.  Schools out and fun is all that is on their hyperactive minds.  We adults still have jobs to attend, bills to pay...

I was thrilled to see the Outdoor Afro facebook fan base cross the 3K mark this morning, as part of its steady and organic growth over these last two years. To commemorate the milestone, I asked our lucky 3000th fan to share more about herself, and what she cares...

Outdoor Afro Contributor Delane Sims Upon arriving at our nation's capital for the first time, my mind started racing about all the attractions I wanted to see in my short visit.  Of course, the White House was a must-see along with all the amazing historic sites in...

School is out! Summer is a great time to be outside together as a family. Listen to Nurse Rona and guests, Avery Cleary and yours truly on Childhood Matters as we discussed how to embrace, explore, and enjoy the beautiful outdoors together! Click to Listen!

The Duo Dishes, Chrystal and Amir are two passionate eaters, experimental cooks and friends based in Los Angeles, California. Their prowess in the kitchen is inspired by an endless zeal for eating, and the ability and desire to cook fearlessly. With roots that span...

Saturday, June 11th 10 am to 2 pm Meet at Rob Hill Campground Did you know that the Presidio is a birding hotspot in the Bay Area? After a short “binocular bootcamp and birding basics” youth ages 8 to 15 and their families will join experienced birders in teams on...

I was so glad to learn from my friend Roy, of The Camping Blogger that Eastern Mountain Sports have yet another infographic that gets down to the nitty gritty of what true risks there are to your health in the outdoors -- compared to hazards found right in your own...

By Tracey Friley Outdoor Afro Contributor and Founder of One Brown Girl Adventures I made the switch some time ago without even realizing it. I guess I should have figured it out sooner, but it wasn’t until I went to Santa Barbara recently that I suddenly realized...

It was a gift to spend time last weekend with visiting outdoor pioneer Jarid Manos, author of Ghetto Plainsman. Jarid writes poignantly in his book about his coming of age and the ways the outdoors was a catalyst for change in his own life. As Executive Director of...

Just got word that Outdoor Afro was nominated for Best Green/Nature/ Outdoor Blog for the Black Weblog Awards! Please take a moment to vote for us -- this is such a wonderful honor! The category we appear in is on page 5 of the ballot: Click Here to VOTE! The Black...

Women of Color Backpacking Trip - 30% off for all Outdoor Afros who sign up! Last October, Oprah Winfrey visited Yosemite National Park and asked the question: why don’t more people of color experience the outdoors and their national parks? They have wondered the same...

Meet Jarid Manos, Green Leader, Vegan Athlete, Youth Worker, Health Advocate, Father... Jarid is headed to the San Francisco Bay Area in a few days to read from his first book,  Ghetto Plainsman.   Jarid Manos is Founder and Chief Executive  Officer of Great Plains...

From the Outdoor Nation Website: What The Youth Summit is a 3-day event with 249 of your peers (give or take) so that we can find solutions to the challenges that are keeping people indoors. And, work with us on a project that you help design. Who YOU! You can be a...

Son of Outdoor Afro trying his hand at kite flying - Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA. Where where you spotted on Sunday?

Contributed by Roger Porter, who discovers something amiss during his recent trip to the beach with his daughter. He shares a thought provoking perspective. Please leave a comment below with your reactions. Today I found myself at Natural Bridges State Park near Santa...

Vanessa G. (33) is the co-founder of GirlTrek, a non-profit that organizes walking campaigns for African - American women around the country for health, wellness, and outdoor engagement. I was simply thrilled to find her and her inspiring site, and I think Outdoor...

I attended the Goldman Prize for Excellence last week in San Francisco as a guest of friend Christy Rocca of the Chrissy Field Center. The awards honored extraordinary individuals who demonstrated a fierce and courageous protection of their local spaces. In common,...

I just received this in my inbox -- I sure hope someone from the Outdoor Afro community can get involved! BBC CASTING NEW OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SHOW: BBC Worldwide Productions – the producers of Dancing with the Stars, Top Gear and What Not To Wear – is currently seeking...

National Park Week - April 16-24, 2011 Get out and discover something new about your 394 national parks! This year's focus, Healthy Parks, Healthy People,highlights the connection between human and environmental health and the vital role America's national parks play...

By Outdoor Afro contributor Kevin Gordon Now that the grass is greening, the birds are returning, and the smells of spring are in the air, it gets more and more exciting to prepare for camp. It's really magic contemplating what will happen this summer. What child will...

 I think a lot about the journey that led me to form a deep connection with the outdoors, and now see clearly how fortunate I was that my family had a strong connection to land and nature, and how my parents trusted institutions like the Girl Scouts, and our local...

Originally posted on Oakland Local Welcome Outdoor Afro guest blogger CB Smith, who shares her personal connection to natural spaces, and why it's important to support Balanced Rock, who provides the unique chance for women of color to connect with the outdoors on...

An Outdoor Afro community member just shared this clip with me as a fun reminder of how all creatures enjoy the mud:

From sea to shining sea, on every plain and foothill, leaders in every community will stand together and have FUN OUTSIDE as part of the Children and Nature movement’s month long youth-led initiative! As you know, my own family recently had a terrific time at a local...

By Douglas “Birdman” Gray, Outdoor Afro Contributor Last month’s Bird of the Month was a duck (American Black Duck), and my birding over last month somewhat compels me to remain with this family of birds (anatidae). As winter is winding down, and temperatures are...

Our newest Outdoor Afro contributor, Justice Fergie, recalls fondly her years at camp, and what it means for her own children today. My Girl Guide troop at sleepaway camp. That's me in the bottom left-hand corner. Don't laugh! Ok, go ahead. Remember sleep-away camp?...

I think Mr. Cube looks much happier with the fishing pole! What a difference the outdoors can make.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

It’s important to remember that Martin Luther King Jr. led a movement that was results driven with little rest toward a vision of equality and justice to benefit everyone. In the spirit of King’s work, celebrating his birthday as a day of service to address the...

  Discover California's Past Splash in the water Play in a safe place Camp under the stars Explore nature Learn to swim Play on a team Follow a trail Catch a fish Celebrate their heritage According to the California Roundtable on Recreation and Tourism, "Numerous...

By Douglas “Birdman” Gray, Outdoor Afro Contributor While I love birds and birding, if I'm honest with myself, I find that I'm a bit jealous of birds sometimes. The reason for my jealousy is the fact that, "Birds have wings...and tend to use them." On occasion, I have...

Outdoor Afro was fortunate to make contact with the American Camp Association (ACA) at the Grassroots Gathering hosted by the Children and Nature Network last summer, and after several enthusiastic conversations about connecting diverse communities to the outdoors,...

When visiting the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park years ago with my sister Delane in the summer, we both noticed the promotional materials for the winter Bracebridge Dinner and absentmindedly added it to our bucket list as an experience to have at least once...

By Outdoor Afro Contributor, Phoenix Smith, MSW Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to know -- Winnie the Pooh Wade in the water, Wade in...

Even though we lived in the city, my father remained true to his southern roots and was devoted to growing all types of things from the soil. And he consulted his Farmer's Almanac and later the Weather Channel regularly to inform his urban gardening plans. I have to...

Zoe of the San Francisco Bay Area (CA) wrote in to Outdoor Afro today to share a glimpse of her outdoor adventures this winter. She told us she began cross country skiing just two years ago, and fell in love with the sport! She writes, "I am an attorney in the [San...

Larry Volpe was recently honored aboard a  Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic Cruise around the San Francisco Bay for his innovative use of the outdoors to enhance classroom learning for his 5th grade students at Daniel Lairon Elementary School in Santa Clara...

Check out this guest blog by friend Dudley Edmondson from his blog, Fit Guy Outdoors, which currently highlights a birding trip from the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival that includes some more Outdoor Afros you may recognize! Had the pleasure last week of being...

In a recent Outdoor Afro Facebook discussion about African-Americans in the outdoor retail industry, a comment from Angela Medlin especially caught my eye when she mentioned her role as a clothing designer for The North Face. As much as I love sharing the many Outdoor...

While leading a team building exercise (birdwatching of course) at work a few months ago, the group encountered this month's Bird of the Month. Someone said to me, “I didn’t know we had birds like that around here.” This month's bird elicits that kind of comment from...

People always ask me who visits Outdoor Afro? Well, here is a snapshot of who Quantcast thinks you are (don't ask how they come up with these numbers), although the data is actually pretty consistent with my own survey results from last year: Compared to other...

Submitted by Outdoor Afro Contributor, Terri Davis-Merchant, of the fun blog: Try Anything Once Faux hiking? Oh yeah! I'm not really into outdoorsy stuff. Perhaps you've noticed that. I mean I guess I'm not really destined for it. Having grown up in a Black working...

Contributed by Blogger, Author, and Speaker Denene Millner of  My Brown Baby a weekly blog that provides thought-provoking, insightful, wickedly funny commentary on motherhood, for moms who love their brown babies, by moms who do the same. Through their posts, our...

This week has been so packed with activity for me and my family, I have hardly had a moment to sit down and capture its highlights to share with the Outdoor Afro community. But alas! -- A moment has opened to reflect in print on the equinox, which brought forth the...