10,000 Steps to Denali, Temescal Hike, and National Outdoors Day!
It's Alisha, Outdoor Afro Los Angeles Leader. This Saturday June 8th we had a Temescal Canyon Hike planned in the Santa Monica Mountains to support the first African American group to hike Denali. So our hike was in support of the 10,000 steps to Denali trek. Our hike also coincided with National Outdoors Day.
We started our day at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook where there were activities planned for the kids. They had camping gear set up to show how to set up a camp.
Along with camping gear lessons they also allowed children (and big kids like myself) to create buttons and bookmarks to show their support of 10,000 steps to Denali.
From BHSO, we met up with another group of teens from Watts and Compton inner city program who have had little exposure to the outdoors. We were paired with them through the Santa Monica Mountains Conservatory to encourage them to get outdoors more. Santa Monica Mountains Conservatory provided a bus and an amazing guide Anthony to take us on our hike and explore the canyon.
We got to Temescal and had a quick snack on the lawn, took a photo with both groups and paired off into two different groups to meet at the waterfall. There were so many of us we didn't want to overwhelm the trail.
On our way up we saw caterpillars, lizards, a garden snake and a red-tailed hawk. In true LA fashion we also saw a film crew filming a movie, haha. When we reached the top we sat for a bit and let the kids play around the waterfall which was dry. Anthony explained we're in a dry season. We had to watch out for poison oak. Quick tip: if its three let it be. If you see leaves in clusters of three leave them alone.
Many thanks to Kleen Kanteen and REI for keeping us hydrated. Thank you REI for keeping me warm and to Keen shoes for making my hike comfy. I also want to acknowledge Clif Bars for snack bars for the kiddos. We had an amazing time. Looking forward to many more collaborations with Santa Monica Conservatory, your rangers are amazing and knowledgeable. Thank you Anthony and Iann the volunteer.
Oh yes on our way down the canyon we came to a beautiful open field and my sister and the kids decided to jump and play.
We're Buggin'...June Bug of the Month
By Eddie Dunbar, Entomologist, Oakland, CA
A Sand Wasp - She's Got Your Back!
Sand Wasp ( Bembix americanus ) on daisy
When we think of the insects that are "good," typically only butterflies and honey bees come to mind. However, there are countless unsung insect good deeds that go unnoticed.
Consider the role of the Sand Wasp (Bembix americanus Fabricius). These are large wasps, nearly 1" long. They have green eyes and an abdomen with grey and black bands. Adults can be seen at flowers sipping nectar.
Yet, these wasps, truly, are the unsung hero of barbecues and picnics all over North America. Were it not for the Sand Wasp we might be up to our eyeballs in flies. Well, maybe not. But they do eat a lot of them!
Females sting pesky flies into paralysis and use their middle legs to transport them to their young in underground nests in sand. These wasps are excellent diggers. Using their spiny legs they can disappear underground in seconds. Burrows are from 6 to 36" in depth. Larvae in tunnel cells are provisioned with up to 20 pesky flies over a few weeks. The female returns again and again to replenish the supply of fresh meat. When mature, larvae spin a cocoon in the cell, pupate and emerge from underground as adult wasps. Several broods may be reared by a female wasp in a single summer.
So, the next time you are out and about and there are no flies to bug you, think about the Sand Wasp. She's got your back.
National Get Outdoors Day is Today!
New Media Effort Amplifies National Get Outdoors Day on June 8th, 2013
While more than 245 million Americans live within 100 miles of a national forest or grassland, research shows that a majority of children in some segments of the population are not spending active time outdoors. Research shows that only 37% of African American children ages 6-12 participate in outdoor recreation, compared to 67% of Caucasian children in the same age range. In an effort to motivate African American families to get outside more often and reconnect with nature, the Ad Council and the U.S. Forest Service have launched a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) in advance of the 6th annual National Get Outdoors Day on Saturday, June 8th, 2013.
“This new campaign seeks to get kids and families out to enjoy the wonders of our forests,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “The physical, mental and spiritual benefits our great outdoors provide are more important now than ever.”
Research has shown that children who play outside have lower stress levels and more active imaginations, become fitter and leaner, develop stronger immune systems and have greater respect for themselves and for others. Currently, most of the time that U.S. children today spend outdoors is spent participating in activities such as biking, walking, listening to music, or using electronic devices. Nature-based activities, such as bird watching, hiking, camping, and fishing are not as common.
“Many families are unaware of the benefits that nature provides children, including improving their physical and mental health and emotional well-being,” said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. “Through these PSAs we’re thrilled to continue our work with the US Forest Service to show families how close they are to a forest, park or grassland and encourage them to spend active time outdoors.”
“Parents will tell you that there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing their children’s eyes light up when they discover something new.” said Lewis Williams, Burrell Chief Creative Officer. “The forest is one of those amazing places where kids can flex their imagination muscles through exploration and discovery.”
These efforts will be supported through the campaign website, www.discovertheforest.org, which includes interactive games, a list of activity ideas and a convenient forest locator, powered by NatureFind and GoogleMaps, which allows users to find the closest forest or park to them, as well as corresponding Facebook www.facebook.com/discovertheforest and Twitter www.twitter.com/cheecker.
Celebrating Black Music Month Outdoors in Oakland!
By Zoë Polk
"CAN ANYONE NAME A SONG BY A BLACK ARTIST ABOUT BIRDING?” I asked. To be fair, I was having a little bit of fun with the group. It was a beautiful Saturday morning in Oakland and we were about to begin our hike into the redwood forest.
I had a song in mind that I was positive the group had heard many times before, but perhaps hadn’t thought of as about appreciating, studying, listening to birds. So then I sang some lyrics:
Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin', ("This is my message to you-ou-ou:")
Instantly, I saw the expressions of recognition form on everyone’s faces. Of course the song I was referring to was Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds.”
“What about a song tribute to trees, flowers and the sky? Can anyone name a song by an African American artist that's about appreciating nature?” After a similar response, I sang some more lyrics:
I see trees of green........ red roses too
I see em bloom..... for me and for you
And I think to myself.... what a wonderful world.
Again, we smiled and laughed at the familiar words of Louis Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World.” Music in the outdoors can mean different things to different people. At Outdoor Afro, we love to listen to the “music” of the wind blowing through trees, chirping birds, the ocean crashing on the beach and rain falling to the earth. 
We also love music that honors our environment and wildlife. As African American Music Appreciation Month, June is the perfect time to reflect on the love of nature described in songs of many of our favorite black artists. Moreover, it’s a perfect time to remember how much loving the outdoors is embedded into black culture. From Ella Fitzgerald’s versions of “Mountain Greenery” and “Blue Skies” to Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song” to “Country Girl” by the Carolina Chocolate Drops to “New World Water” by Mos Def, Outdoor Afro is jamming out to our own Black Music Month nature playlist.
Redwood Regional Park is certainly song worthy. With giant redwood trees, lush green ferns, fragrant eucalyptus trees and brilliant red madrone trees, it offers amazing diversity to every visitor.
In addition, it has numerous trails that allow you to have a new adventure every time you visit.
The Redwood Bowl Staging Area, where Outdoor Afro convened and had our second annual barbecue offers great amenities including a wide open space, which proved perfect for setting up a volley ball court and practicing yoga.
With music on our minds and our lips, we set off to explore the park. During the hike we took time to discern poison oak from other plant life- recalling “Rule of Three- Leave It Be!” We also kept our gaze above, taking in the enormity of the trees and scanning for birds.
And we continued to deliberate on the love for the outdoors in black music.
For example, we at Outdoor Afro often pay tribute to the Buffalo Soldiers, regiments of black soldiers who served in the U.S. Calvary in the 19th century. Many people are familiar with Bob Marley’s famous song titled “Buffalo Soldier” but few know that the Buffalo Soldiers were stewards of Yosemite and some of California’s most important wild spaces. So when asked to name a song by a black artist that is about black park rangers, the familiar sound of the steel drum, blaring horns and Bob’s smooth voice should ring in our ears.
We made our way on trails, starting on the West Ridge Trail and then descended down the Fern Trail to the base of the giant redwoods. From there we walked along the Stream Trail. Before making our ascent up the Starflower and Madrone Trails, we took some time to rest our bodies and discuss gear that assists our enjoyment of nature. I shared about each item I used when hiking, including hiking poles, hydration systems, and sturdy hiking boots. I also talked about my experiences shopping at REI, especially the helpful and knowledgeable staff who provided one on one service and advice as I decided which items to purchase.
Going through items on my person, I took time to explain how hiking poles provide comfort and support to my body on long and steep trails. I also emphasized the importance of quality hiking boots, like the KEEN Ketchums I was wearing, which are integral to stepping with confidence on different surfaces.
We also spent some time reflecting on how important it is to hydrate when hiking on hot days like Saturday. My personal choice is Klean Kanteen's double walled vacuum insulated bottle,which still had ice in it 6 hours after I filled it up! Moreover, we talked about how we can all take better care of ourselves, our environment and our wallets by using sustainable containers for our water consumption. Before the hike, I spent some time reviewing the resources and information available on this topic on Klean Kanteen's website, and learned a lot about why it is important to limit consumption of single use plastics. I was excited to share these lessons with Outdoor Afro hikers. For example, we contemplated the chemicals that are in our plastic containers and how those chemicals may contaminate the water we drink.
In addition, we all agreed that we are conscious of what we put in our bodies which includes knowing where our water comes from and what kind of process it went through before it was packaged. In terms of safety for the environment, I encouraged hikers to think beyond throwing a single use plastic in a recycle bin and get more information about how many bottles actually end up being recycled versus how many end up in the ocean. And finally we talked about reusable water bottles and hydration systems as long term investments which may require an more expensive upfront cost than a plastic water bottle but save money in the long run.
And of course we thought of a song by a black artist that to go along with that discussion:
Oh, mercy mercy me
Oh, things ain't what they used to be
No, no
Oil wasted on the oceans and upon our seas
Fish full of mercury
Oh, mercy mercy me
Marvin Gaye "Mercy Mercy Me"
After we finished the hike, we sat down to a scrumptious and bountiful barbecue in the Redwood Bowl Staging Area.
We had a leisurely afternoon in which Outdoor Afros got to know each other, talked about other activities we enjoyed outdoors and provided details upcoming trips with Outdoor Afro Northern California. In addition, as we told you in a previous post, Outdoor Afros definitely be bugging and Saturday was no exception. Two of our younger members delighted in finding lady bugs!
It was an amazing day and we were so honored to get to know, hike and barbecue with all of the wonderful Outdoor Afros who joined us!
Our hiking route
Want to try our hike? Check out the map below! Send us an email and let us know what you think!
Chicago Afros Head to Calumet Eggers Woods Forest Preserve
By Viva Yeboah, Outdoor Afro Leader, Chicago
Outdoor Afro Chicago joined the local community of Calumet, Wild Indigo Exploration, Faith in Place, Eden Place and several other organizations at Eggers Wood Forest Preserve for the Millennium Reserve Urban Biodiversity week. This celebration was part of the National Urban Biodiversity Week that focuses on connecting more people with nature in their cities and surrounding areas.
Wild Indigo Exploration, Faith in Place and Eden Place representing above!
Eggers Wood Forest Preserve! Ain't it beautiful?!
To highlight the many opportunities, the Calumet region was selected as part of the week long celebration. In recent years with federal, state and local support there has been a focus to restore the Calumet region. Included in this transformation is restoring and enhancing Calumet ecosystem. For more information visit, Millennium Reserve:Calumet Core Initiative.
Our day at Egger Woods included a bird hike, tree id hike and a restoration project. Additionally, nature theme games and art projects were available for children. Our bird hike was lead by Paul Gitau, Director of Birding Syke Holidays. Since we are in the height of migration, were able to spot plenty of birds including: Scarlet Tanager, Cerulean Warbler, Goldfinch, Red-headed and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, and White crowned Sparrow. The Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America book definitely came in handy for this hike. Our Tree id hike was lead by John Pastirik. We were able to identify plenty of plants and trees including: Purple Violets (Illinois state flower), White Oak trees (Illinois state tree), Wild Columbines, Mayapples and Jack in the pulpit! During our hikes a restoration project was completed, in which invasive plant Garlic Mustard were pulled. A ceremony in celebration of the Millennium Reserve Week was held and speech given by Arnold Randall, superintendent of Cook County Forest Preserve.
Spotted birds even before getting on the trail!
Click here for more photos of a wonderful day!
Letting Go and Letting Camp
Because even seasoned moms like me experience the tension and challenges of getting kids outdoors in a world filled with so many concerns and reasons to be afraid.
Most of you all know I have children - three of them. And each has been involved with some form of camping since they were barely out of my womb. But today marked the last time for a different kind of nature milestone: I sent my third and youngest child Billy to camp on his own for the first time for five whole days!
Starting in the 4th grade at my son’s elementary school, they attend camp with their classmates along with youth from two other schools matched to enhance class and racial diversity. A goal of this particular program is to foster greater empathy and cultural capacity for kids, and help them be better problem solvers in the context of a beautiful nature setting.
Last year, Billy’s older sister went to the same camp, and years ago at the tender age of eight, my teenage son attended our city’s youth camp - both on their own and with positive results. So I felt like an old hand at this, and was not at all bothered that I missed the parent information night for the trip, thinking, “I got this!”
The night before, Billy took responsibility for his packing list, and organized his bag as I sat from afar dispensing occasional advice. I giggled at the admonition on the camp list not to bring “pagers, Walkmans and radios” as Billy wondered aloud exactly what those items were!
I enjoy driving on field trips as it provides the rare glimpse into the social lives of my children and a pulse on what is most meaningful to them. With three 9-year-old boys in my truck this morning, I was tickled by how the conversation drifted from Calvin and Hobbs to the newest online game sensation to how gross udders are after the boys spotted a swollen milking cow on a farm we passed. Once we hit the oak lined hills of Napa, my son requested I play a favorite Carolina Chocolate Drops track so he could impress his classmates with how well he knew the lyrics, and in no time they were all singing the song together. It was a happy drive, and I was filled with the pride and satisfaction to practice the advice of sending kids to camp, a message I frequently share with others.
For a moment, we parents just stood there, looking and feeling awkward by how such a giant milestone felt oddly uneventful. Then I was surprised by the emotions that turned on as I walked to my car. I felt sad and worried; my nose began to tingle in the familiar way it can before tears flow. I stopped myself, but not before realizing that while I may be an outdoor badass, conservationist, and a lifelong champion of nature engagement, I am first a protective mama who is not immune to the tension and challenges of getting kids outdoors in a world filled with so many concerns and reasons to be afraid.
I also recognized that this was truly the last time I would experience this landmark with one of my children, each growing up so terribly fast. Part of me wanted to savor the pure sweetness of that moment, just a bit longer than was allowed.
As I pulled away from the driveway, I yelled out my window to Ms. Susan, his teacher, “Good Luck!” to which she deftly replied with a smile, “you don’t need luck when you have skills!” which snapped me back into confidence, knowing all would be well, and feeling grateful for Billy’s memorable opportunity and gateway into a lifetime of nature engagement.
For information about how parents can prepare to send kids to camp, visit the American Camp Association’s Camp Parents site: http://www.campparents.org/
Full Moon Hike
By Los Angeles Outdoor Afro Leader, Alisha Pye
Watching the full moon rise into the sky is a beautiful sight. Hiking in nature while watching the full moon rise and the sun set is exceptional. It's Alisha, Outdoor Afro Leader of Los Angeles. I was invited by the Santa Monica Mountains Park Rangers to attend the full moon hike.
We went to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook for a guided Full Moon Hike. We were lucky that the moon rose at 7:43pm and the sun was setting at 7:54pm. So as the sun set we were able to enjoy the full moon at its brightest. We almost didn't need flashlights it was so bright.
We were able to go into the theater prior to the hike to learn a few facts and about indigenous plants, animals. The guides were very informative even teaching us how to identify animals through their eye shine color. The kids in the group were fascinated.
It did get chilly, so of course layers were necessary. We decided to snuggle to keep warm. We hiked a little over a mile and then decided to take the stairs back up to the top. We had a blast.
We're going to try to go back every full moon for the summer. Just look at the view from the top, overlooking the city at nightfall. Spectacular views...
Outdoor Afro is Buggin': A New Series To Demystify Bugs!
Yep, you heard us right. We are going to talk about bugs! If you have been following us, you know we are smitten by birds, and knowing birds love bugs, how could we not get interested in what they are about?
But we also want to demystify bugs, and recognize their place in the ecosystem that we share with them. Yes, bugs can be creepy, slimy, and scary - they can bite, pinch, crawl, and sometimes make you run for the hills - or for your shoe! Yet they can also predate nuisances, help produce the sweetest of honeys, and have a hand in helping delicious fruits, vegetables, and flowers thrive. Right now insects account for 80% of all known species in the animal kingdom. Right now there are more than 1 million described species, but some scientists estimate there may be more than 30 million insect species. The fact is, bugs live with us, and we need them. And the better we can become educated about them, the more we can know and appreciate the world that sustains us all.
So please join me in welcoming Eddie Dunbar, our new resident Bug Bro. As a native of Oakland California, he has devoted his life to engaging citizen scientists in the Bay Area, California and the world to find ways to contribute to the science of entomology in ways that are meaningful to them and to celebrate those victories, no matter how small. Eddie’s own failures to complete a science degree and to participate with academicians in the sciences are why he struggles to involve others to perceive the study of insects as an art – one that finds its best expression in our own life experiences with our neighbor, the Insect, and in the personal recounts by Afros and others that result in blog posts and dramatic photography seen all over the Web.
Eddie is Founder and President of the Insect Sciences Museum of California, based in Oakland, CA. Here, he has found his life calling.
Junior Outdoor Afro Leaders Get Their Research On!
Les Franklin, a member of the Junior Outdoor Afro Youth Leadership Team (JOALT) and student at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, was the official recorder for a team conducting a survey of colonial nesting waterbirds, today. Hundreds of herons, egrets, and ibis tending to nests, eggs, and chicks...the island was buzzing with wildlife activity!
The JOALT is a pilot of the Outdoor Afro Leadership Team for youth, in partnership with the Maryland Coastal Bays program designed to connect leadership, environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation, and career pathways for high school students.
Camping With Kids? There is a Method to the Madness!
Planning a family camping trip Memorial Day weekend?
Here is some wonderful wisdom from USDA Forest Service Education Program Specialist, Mason "Amtchat" Edwards - originally posted on the U.S. Forest Service site
As an environmental educator, I’ve taken tons of kids outside for fun and educational experiences in the woods. Now, I am looking forward taking my own son out for his first discoveries and to create memories we’ll share for years to come. Since some of my friends have asked me for pointers on taking their kids camping, I figured I would share this with you too. I hope it helps. Plus, National Kids to Parks Day, is May 18. What better way to help children explore nature.
First and foremost is to involve the kids in the planning stages. Gauge what they are most excited about seeing or doing – is it waterfalls or caves, searching deep in the forest for bugs or looking for larger animals like eagles or moose– the possibilities are endless. The things they are excited about can be used to reinforce behaviors like following instructions or being open to trying new things.
Plan a trip that is the right size for everyone. Sure, I can easily cover 10 miles in a day, but the little guy probably wouldn't enjoy or couldn't handle that pace. Go based on your youngest person’s abilities, or even consider options for carrying them at times. There is no one size fits all, so tailor your trip to fit your family.
Be aware of your own expectations. I want my son to enjoy nature and camping as much as I do, so instead of the speed of the hike I will be sure to note things like smiles-per-hour. Who cares how long it takes us to get to the waterfall? After all, it’s our vacation time to spend together. I’ll encourage him to stop, explore and even teach me about the new things he notices.
I work in one of the best units in the Forest Service, and my son has become a de-facto marketing tool for Conservation Education. He is well-versed in the fun stuff, such as Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl. Those also lead him to becoming a miniature expert in Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. He has been studying the Leave No Trace Principles for Kids, a much simpler form of the longer version for adults. We create thoughtful and sometimes hilarious skits of what happens if people don’t follow the ethics. I can trust that he will treat other people, animals and natural resources with respect.
Make use of Discover the Forest, a Forest Service partnership with the Ad Council. We use the Where to go section to find nature places near our home and have been taking hikes and journaling what we find. We’re excited to compare those journals to the things we see on our actual camping trip. He might not realize it, but while he’s exploring, I’m grooming him for longer and longer hikes, and he’s taking it all in stride.
Practice as a game. After discussing our habitat needs – food, water and shelter – we packed a bag accordingly. Although we were at home, for 24 hours, we only used things that were in that practice bag. If the weather is nice, consider camping in the backyard for a more realistic effect.
Food. Practice sessions taught us that simple is best. We’ve figured out that sandwiches are easy to make and pack, so have been in several of our practice bags. Don’t fret about dinner: Sloppy Joes are easy, and I smile about anything that only uses one pot to make. Packing burrito wrappers has been a big hit. They transform into hand-help packages of yumminess… for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
We decided that each person will carry their own clothes, with layers appropriate for the weather. The tent, grooming and first aid live in my pack, while the flashlights, snacks and toys live in his smaller backpack – the same pack he takes to school. Other things in our bags include: area and hand cleaning supplies.
We decided to leave things like guitars, board games and most electronics at home, but we will bring a deck of cards and use my cell phone for its camera and options of geocaching, night sky maps and the bird identification apps available. That little forethought transformed my smart phone into a mobile classroom.
After all this exercise and fun, it should be easy to get him to sleep. Still, take this piece of advice: if serving s’mores, do it early because 6p.m. gives them enough time to burn off the sugar-rush before the sun goes down… which begs the question, “where did I put those sleeping bags?”
Happy Camping!