Botanical Gardens: An Urban Refuge
Looking for something fun to do with friends for Memorial Day, we finally decided to visit the Tilden Park Botanical Garden in Berkeley, California.
A botanic garden is a terrific place to go for an easy refuge from nearby urban spaces, and a chance to visualize the diversity and importance of plants in a natural environment.
Spanning ten acres, the Tilden Park Botanical Garden was designed in the 1940's as a preservation area, and showcase of California plants including rare and endangered grasses, shrubs, trees, and flowers. The area features a year-round creek that runs through the gently sloping site into a cool rainforest preserve with several grassy enclaves for picnicking or quiet meditation. And for those who want to learn about the wide array of plants, many species are labeled by name and region.
According the garden’s website, it includes “nearly all of California's conifers and oaks as well as collections of California manzanitas wild lilacs, grasses, aquatic plants, and flowering bulbs that are among the most complete to be found anywhere.” A visit here is indeed a virtual tour of the Golden State.
But did you know that botanical gardens are found near or within urban centers all over the country?
Here is a website that lists the best botanical gardens across the United States.
What is your favorite Botanical Garden? What do you like to do there?
Bay Area Open Space Council Honors a Legacy of Conservation
Photos by Rob Brodman
I had the fortunate opportunity to attend the Bay Area Open Space Council Conference organized by Breaking the Color Barrier alumna and Executive Director Bettina Ring to celebrate and reflect on 20 years of conservation in the Bay Area and beyond. At the capacity filled event in the beautiful Presidio Club House was a dynamic mix of individuals and organizations who shared a range of data and stories: from the good news of how the San Francisco Bay Area has benefited from preserving its open spaces, to the sobering reality of childhood obesity and other health problems plaguing urban youth today because of a lack of connection to the spaces in their own neighborhood.
Thus, the conference represented a thoughtful look back at battles won and lost, but also a look forward to what is possible through fostering new collaborations that stretch beyond business as usual. Over the course of the day, we consistently heard the message of how engaging underserved and diverse communities is no longer an option, but intrinsic to the ecological survival of all, echoing what is commonly known about the benefits of plant and wildlife diversity. Therefore this conference underscored a necessary shift from simply preserving acres to preserving the people who live on them.
Elizabeth Goldstein, President of the California State Parks Foundation shared compelling California State Parks data that proves that people care about their local parks "no matter their financial circumstances, background, or where they live," she said. The across-the-board support of the upcoming ballot measure that begins to address a decade of repair and maintenance backlogs and threats of park closures proves this.
The health benefits of outdoor engagement were also highlighted by Daphne Miller, MD, who shared that in addition to the known physical health benefits, there are some in the medical community who believe that time spent in outdoor spaces is beneficial for those suffering from depression, starting with just five-minutes a day outside.
Also in the building were Outdoor Afro favorites Dr. Carolyn Finney of UC Berkeley, who moderated a dynamic panel of youngish adults, like Ernesto Pepito from the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, regarding the cross generation challenges and potential for collaboration, and Hazel Wong of The Nature Conservancy, who shared how the ballot is a powerful conduit to land, wildlife, and water protection.
New friend Laurie Schoeman also passionately related her experiences on the front line of the financial, environmental, and demographic hardships facing Bay View Hunter's Point residents in San Francisco. Her silver lining is the recent opening of a green, community staffed EcoCenter at Heron's Head Park that came into fruition in spite of debilitating state funding obstacles.
Other conference highlights included a touching video retrospective of the Bay Area conservation movement, Golden Gate National Recreation Area Superintendent Brian O'Neill (1941-2009) and Conservation Legend Edward Wayburn, narrated by Doug McConnell of Bay Area Back Roads. A concluding poetry reading by Poet Laureate Robert Hass wowed the crowd with poems authored by children. Those poems proved to us all how powerfully youth connect to natural spaces when given a chance.
Overall, the conference was profoundly engaging, bringing together friends old and new. I was delighted to hear throughout the day an echo of the message heard in Washington DC last month: connection and engagement with natural spaces is for everyone -- and I am looking forward to seeing and taking part in next steps to make this vision a reality.
Jenna Burton is Red, Bike, and Green!
I met Jenna Burton last month at a bike ride in the San Francisco Bay Area that was just too much fun -- the Red, Bike, and Green ride she and her friends organize each month. The ride meandered through urban terrain as diverse as the people who live in it, and I can't recall laughing so much on a bike ride! Here is my interview with Jenna, who shares some of what she loves about cycling and the outdoors:
What is an early memory of riding your bike?
My dad taught me how to ride a bike. When I was a kid I was never allowed to go very far on my bike unless I was with my dad. He and I would ride everywhere. In hindsight, I realize how unusual that was for black folks in my hometown to hop on a bike and just ride all afternoon.
Describe your favorite bike.
I'm still learning about bikes but I really love the one that I have now. It's a Bianchi Eros. It's light weight and it is the perfect size for me. I experienced a lot on my bike - the most memorable being the AIDS ride from San Francisco to L.A. My bike was so good to me, I didn't catch a single flat!
How did the RBG ride come together? It's intentions?
RBG started with me reaching out to a bunch of friends and saying, "Hey, let's start a bike group!" The whole thing started by word of mouth. We would just invite people that we knew had bikes and would be down for something like this, told folks to bring friends, and hoped for a good turn out. Needless to say, we got off to a slow start. I think it's 
because none of us were exactly sure what we wanted this thing to look like - we just wanted to see black people on bikes. We saw bike riding as a unique approach to bringing people together and actively responding to the issues around health, environment and economic status within the black community. Now we see RBG as a way to build community and promote health.
Describe the type of people who ride with RGB?
What else do you like to do in the outdoors?
I like hiking. I've been living in California for about four and a half years and I've gained so much appreciation for nature and all of this beauty around me! Hiking allows me to take it all in and connect with my surroundings. It's really meditative.
To learn more about the Red, Bike, and Green Rides, visit their website or find them on facebook!
The Black Cyclone
In keeping with the theme of cycling, I was just "tagged" on Facebook by fellow cyclist and ED of Richmond Spokes, Brian Drayton in the following photos:
The photos are of Marshall “Major” Taylor, which were a pleasant surprise, as I had no idea that he even existed!
More about this man’s life can be found here and here. But basically, he was a turn of the century record breaker in cycling who also broke through the lines of discrimination.
But the most poignant reason to share these images, is that they are yet another reminder that African American engagement with outdoor activities is not at all new.
What is your family history involving bike riding?
Outdoor Afro Birders!
Outdoor Afro/Golden Gate Audubon Birdathon Trip
Saturday, May 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Martin Luther King Regional Shoreline
Yesterday a group of Outdoor Afro fans from the San Francisco Bay Area convened at Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline. The occasion was the Golden Gate Audubon Birdathon, but the trip ended up as a leisurely education on birds and their habitat led by veteran birder and GGA docent Judith Dunham. This was a relatively unknown part of East Oakland for some of the participants, many of whom have lived in the area for many years.
We started at the Arrowhead Marsh parking lot and walked along the path to the boardwalk, then returned and enjoyed lunch (that included some home made cornbread muffins) on the dock near the channel. Over lunch, Rue read from Camile Dungy's book, Black Nature, a favorite poem The Hummingbird, by Cyrus Cassells.
Next, we drove to Damon Slough and looked at birds in the bay and the seasonal pond. We saw a wonderful variety of birds. Some, like the herons and egrets, live here year-round. Others, like the Long-billed Dowitchers and Black-bellied Plovers, will soon migrate north to the places where they breed. As an extra bonus, we saw American Coots with young and Mallards with ducklings. Thanks to everyone for making this such a rewarding trip!
Never Too Late to Discover the Outdoors
I had an amazing childhood, but did not know about a lot of opportunities that were available to me.
I met Karen last week at a local college event, and discovered we had some wonderful things in common, such as motherhood, blogging, and a passion for the outdoors. Karen shares with us how she discovered outdoor recreation, and what it means to her family today.
What experiences did you have as a youth that influence how you interact with natural spaces today?
As a kid, other than going to a local park to play, or playing in my own yard, I did not do a lot when it came to outdoor recreation. And as a young adult, my idea of working out was going to the local gym. Which is not a bad thing, but it can be limiting.
How did your relationship with the outdoors change as you grew older and why?
When I met my husband, he exposed me to a whole new world of outdoor recreation. We went hiking, skiing, swimming, camping, and saw amazing waterfalls and scenery on various trails. Our kids love these activities, and are now amazing soccer players that can out run me any day. They also really enjoy rock climbing at a local gym for kids and adults.
What are some favorite things you enjoy doing with your family?
Once a year, my family goes to Tahoe for long snow trip weekend. We go with a couple of friends and family. It is always such a blast! Lots of snow, sledding, food and fun.
What is on your bucket list?
I would really love taking a Zero-Gravity flight, where you can float like an astronaut in space. That looks like a lot of fun!
Any final thoughts?
Yes! While growing up, I was not exposed to all the outdoor activities that are out there. I had an amazing childhood, but did not know about a lot of opportunities that were available to me. My kids have no idea how lucky 
they are to be able to do all the things they can do today. I never went on snow trips, stayed in cabins at Tahoe , went on hikes, or had a chance to experience rock climbing as a child. I think that people have to realize and be educated that it does not matter what race you are, or what culture you come from - any one can go out with family and friends and enjoy the out doors. It's not just for one race of people or culture, anyone can enjoy it! Go skying, sky diving, swim with dolphins, go hiking in the mountains and look at amazing waterfalls. It is something that we can all enjoy and is more attainable than most people think.
Karen lives in the Bay Area with her husband and two daughters, ages 9 and 11.
Angelou Ezeilo is Greening Youth
I met Angelou last year at the Breaking the Color Barrier Conference, although I got to know her better recently during our time in Washington DC last month.
What experiences did you have as a youth that influenced how you view and protect natural spaces today?
Although I grew up in the densely populated concrete streets of Jersey City, New Jersey; I spent every summer of my childhood exploring 45 acres of my parent’s property in upstate New York. I remember the excitement of packing our van for the 9 hour trip to the house that became our home for 4 weeks out of the summer. In addition to being fascinated by the unusually large road kill that we encountered on the road, I remember stopping at various parks and cool vistas along the way all in anticipation of a carefree, super fun experience with my siblings and summer friends. During my summer stay, I became intimately acquainted with all sorts of insects, amphibians, nocturnal species, reptiles and lots of fruit picked straight out of the trees. No one could tell me that this wasn’t my slice of heaven. I am sure that these experiences shaped who I am today and why I pursued a career in conservation. I am on a journey now to make sure all children have access to connect with nature. I believe they are all budding environmental leaders waiting for an opportunity.
What brought forth Greening Youth Foundation?
Greening Youth Foundation was birthed because of a disconnect I saw between land being preserved and the community surrounding the land- particularly children. Although my background is in law, I worked for quite a few years as a project manager for The Trust for Public Land (TPL). TPL continues to do amazing work in protecting public
places for people; however, I saw a disconnect between the communities that were being directly impacted/affected by the preservation work. In most cases, the surrounding community would ultimately benefit from the preservation work. However, often times communities weren’t always engaged at the embryonic stages of a project so that their voices are not only heard but utilized. I realized that children could play a pivotal role in the development of some of the work being done. The above referenced experiences were the impetus for Greening Youth, LLC., and Greening Youth Foundation (GYF). Greening Youth, LLC is a greenspace project management for-profit company that works with municipalities, counties and non-profit organizations to engage communities, acquire land and manage all due diligence involved with conservation projects. GYF is the non-profit sister organization that connects underserved youth to the outdoors and gives them access to careers in conservation. It is the goal of both companies to engage communities and expose them the transforming beauty and opportunities that exist in the conservation world.Why should African American families care about being "green" and engaging with natural spaces?
It is critical that African-Americans care about the environmental because they are inextricably connected to the environment and the effects of irresponsible decisions. When I speak to students and I notice that some of the
teenagers are rolling their eyes and wondering “what does this have to do with ME?” I immediately ask them how many of them know someone with asthma, diabetes, autism, or are overweight? After I explain how each of these illnesses that are plaguing African-American communities have been linked to environmental factors, I get their attention. If you care about the air, water, land and the food that you eat, then you should care about being green.How can people plug in to opportunities to get involved where they live?
There are many opportunities for people to get involved and make a difference. Often times people feel overwhelmed when trying to figure out what they can do, but it really should not be a scary project. No project is too small. Fortunately, there are plenty of grass roots organizations in every state that are working to make the planet a healthier place to live. GYF offers plenty of volunteer opportunities through its Youth Corps and with some of our annual projects in Atlanta. There are Keep America Beautiful affiliate offices in every state that offer opportunities. Local Girl Scout and Boy Scout organizations also provide opportunities. You have to be willing to take a moment out of your time to look - opportunities abound.
How will GYF change the world?
GYF will change the world one child at a time! For the upcoming 2010-2011 school year, through GYF’s Public School Initiative we will impact approximately 9,500 students. Additionally, through a partnership with the Department of the Interior, National Park Service our Youth Corps are working on projects, internships and youth crews in national
parks across the country. GYF is also effecting change by partnering with some of the big conservation organizations, like The Wilderness Society to establish a fellowship program so that young adults will be provided hands-on experience and the prospect of a job. GYF is excited about the continuum of engaging a student in elementary school through high school, providing internship opportunities while in college and fellowship placement upon graduation.GYF is also working to change the face of the conservation movement through its reality show, Green The Nu Black….stay tuned.
Changing social behavior one child at a time…we can make a difference!
Spotted on Sunday (SOS) Equestrian and Quartzite Edition
Just got a shout from Zetha Nobles who resides with her family in the hills of Oakland, California, where she and her children enjoyed some horse riding this afternoon. She writes, "It was so spur of the moment! I love us being outdoors and in the natural elements!"
Patina and her husband Nate were spotted at Devil's Lake State Park, Wisconsin, sitting on purple and pink quartzite rocks. Patina says, "We love hiking when it's nice out, and last winter we started skiing and snowboarding." Nice!
Where were you Spotted on Sunday?
Douglas "Birdman" Gray
"African Americans have a somewhat unknown heritage in the historical realm of birding"
Outdoor Afro interviews Douglas Gray, an avid birder, who shares in his own words the gratification he experiences birding, and why it is an important and relevant activity for anyone.
How did you develop an interest in birds?
My interest in birds started as a young child. I grew up on my grandfather’s farm outside Clarksville, Tennessee (actually Woodlawn, Tennessee, but “Woodlawn” is a lot harder to find on a map!). Naturally I would see many birds on the farm, and I’d ask my grandfather, “Granddaddy, what’s the name of that bird?” My grandfather, who only had a 6th grade education, somehow knew the names of all the birds we would encounter on the farm. I’m sure that’s what initiated my interest in birds. I’ve been told I don’t “look” like a bird watcher, so this question is probably the most frequent question I get asked.
Where is your favorite place to look for birds? And where in the world would you like to bird you have yet to visit?
Many times I’m looking for a particular species of bird, so many times my “favorite place to look for birds” is the particular habitat of the bird I’m searching for. However, if I “had” to pick a specific spot, it’s going to probably be in the southern United States. This past fall I went birding at a place called Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida…and had one of the best birding times of my life. I look forward to returning there soon and often. I like birding at National Wildlife Refuges across the US.
I would absolutely LOVE to bird throughout Central and South America, and also Africa. I’m also developing a good birding relationship with a friend who lives in Uganda, and will likely be going there next year.
Why should African Americans take an interest in birds and their habitat?
This is an interesting question. African Americans, like everyone else, should take an interest in birding, because it puts you “outdoors” and anytime one gets in the Great Outdoors, it is a natural stress reliever. Being out in nature is possibly, I believe, the most calming, relaxing, and unwinding thing one can do. It really helps put our sometimes fast paced and hectic lives into a better and more realistic prospective by slowing us down. And while out in nature, what better thing to do than bird? Yes, I’m using “bird” as a verb; I suggest the book, “The Verb To Bird".
And also, we African Americans have a somewhat unknown heritage in the historical realm of birding. John James Audubon is the “Godfather of American Birding”. Audubon’s mother was not well known. The reason for this is because she was a Creole slave. Audubon was born in Haiti in 1785.
Wow -- that's fascinating. So, if someone were to get started, what are the three most important things they need to have? Is it easy? What are some barriers (if any)?
I believe the three most important things to have in getting started birding are: 1) Binoculars, 2) Identification Guide, and 3) Desire. Binoculars are important because birds have no particular interest in folks approaching them and observing them. So the binoculars allow you to see birds up close, without actually having to be up close to them. I usually tell folks to get a decent pair of binoculars. You can get a decent pair of binoculars in the 60-100 dollar range. 
A bird identification guide is a very useful tool also. It will greatly assist in identifying the birds you do see…and just aren’t sure what they are. And having a desire to see birds will never be extinguished. Birding is a pursuit that will easily last a lifetime. A very close fourth item is to go birding with more experienced birders. Birders love passing along knowledge they’ve gained through experience. Find a free bird hike in your area by checking out the National Audubon Society’s web site.
Birding can be both easy and challenging. For example it can be easy identifying a bird as a “sparrow” that’s at your feeder, but it can be challenging differentiating the 3-5 different species of sparrows at your feeder, or the 20-30 different species of sparrows all within an hour's drive of the feeder in your backyard at different times of the year.
Anybody can birdwatch. There are no obstacles or barriers that cannot be overcome when the desire is there to see birds. (That includes obstacles like poison ivy and stinging nettle one may bump into off the beaten trail…lol.) I’ve even had folks on some of my bird hikes who have been constrained to wheel chairs…and some of those have been my favorite and most memorable hikes.
What was the first bird to make your ‘life’ list? What bird do you hope to see in the future?
I’ll answer this question by mentioning the bird that reignited my interest in birds. About 15 years ago I looked outside and saw a bird hopping around my yard and I had no idea what that bird was. It led me to buy my first Bird Identification Guide since my high school years. The bird was a juvenile robin. The very common American Robin was the bird that pulled me back into the world of birding.
Name a bird species you hope to see in the future:
Wow…I can’t even answer this question, because there are so many birds that I hope to see. I will say that it is my desire to see thousands of different bird species during my lifetime…and to enjoy and appreciate each and every one that I do see!
Douglas Gray resides in Indianapolis and works in Parenteral Engineering with Eli Lilly and Company. Most of his current birding takes place in Indiana, with a concentration on Central Indiana, where he leads bird walks for Backyard Birds.
President and First Lady Go Hiking This Weekend
President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama took a hike yesterday as part of their romantic getaway in the Ashville, North Carolina, Blue Ridge Parkway area that included dining and golf. Read about one woman's chance encounter. They are setting a terrific example of outdoor engagement in America's natural spaces for everyone.
Thanks Outdoor Afro Dustin Weeks for sharing!