From the inspiring peaks of majestic mountains to the serene shores of peaceful lakes, state and national parks offer a tranquil escape for many.

In recent years, reports like The Nature Gap have revealed that access to nature is disproportionately denied to people of color due to their living environment and economic status. This lack of access has had devastating impacts on their physical and mental health. While 63% of the U.S. population is white, they make up between 88% and 95% of all visitors to U.S. public lands.

Being able to access nature is a basic human right. In America, this hasn’t always been the case. It wasn’t until recently that the National Parks Service realized that it’s foundation was rooted in racist and separationist ideals.

American parks were defined, conceptualized and managed by powerful white elites who were racists and eugenicists, according to NC State's KangJae "Jerry" Lee.

White Americans often overlook the privilege of being able to easily access and enjoy nature. People of color are 3 times more likely than white individuals to not reside close enough for easy walks into parklands due to systemic forms of inequality that persist even today.

Despite the progress we've made in recent years, people of color face deep-rooted stigmas and traumas that prevent them from enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking or camping - an experience shared by so many others. This lack of exposure to nature can bring forth anxieties related to wildlife encounters due to a perceived threat against their safety. This means minority groups must overcome generational trauma, lack of education, resources, and representation, fear of the unknown, and even shame, and then plan carefully if they want an enjoyable experience; going out together for support amongst friends is sometimes essential due this very real disparity.

Understanding Nature Deprivation

Nature deprivation is defined as the lack or absence of meaningful connections with nature. For people of color living in urban areas, this can mean limited or even zero access to outdoor green spaces, or any places where they can experience nature safely.

A recent article states that; “numerous social scientists and practitioners have sought to unearth and address multiple constraints and barriers to participation by minoritized populations in nature-based leisure activities, such as hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and birding. The need to address constraints for these populations, particularly in the United States (U.S.), is often framed around a desire for enhanced relevancy due to the growth of population subgroups and the economic benefits generated from participation in leisure pursuits. This frame, however, centers the dominant culture as desiring change and able to profit from increased engagement of diverse groups of people without necessarily understanding or addressing constraints to leisure that are rooted in historical trauma.”

The legacy of institutionalized racism has created an unequal playing field when it comes to enjoying outdoor recreational activities - so this is something we must be conscious of, and strive towards rectifying with policies that promote equitable opportunities for all.

Let’s take a look at how this issue affects people of color, its repercussions, and how we can help ensure everyone has equal access to wild spaces.

Impact on Mental Health 

The connection between humans and nature remains one that is deeply rooted in our biology and mental health. However, when access to nature is limited or denied, it can lead to depression, anxiety, and poor self-esteem among young people due to a lack of meaningful relationships with the environment around them. Additionally, studies also suggest that there are positive psychological effects associated with spending time in green spaces, such as improved concentration, enhanced creativity, and reduced stress levels.

Impact on Physical Health 

Not only does nature deprivation have an impact on mental health, but physical health as well. Studies show that people who live in areas with higher levels of green spaces tend to be more physically active than those who don’t have easy access to parks or other outdoor recreation opportunities. Spending time outdoors can also improve overall fitness levels by increasing cardiovascular strength and promoting weight loss through activities like hiking or swimming. Furthermore, research indicates that physical activity in natural settings can reduce obesity-associated diseases such as diabetes and heart disease among youth populations from disadvantaged backgrounds who are at greater risk for developing these illnesses early in life due to limited resources available within their neighborhoods.

The Danger of Nature Deprivation in Young Men of Color 

Young men of color are an at-risk demographic that needs positive role models, father figures, and mentorship; statistics say they often don’t receive those vital elements within their own homes or communities. Without these resources they can be more vulnerable to negative influences such as gang activity or drug use. The lack of connection with nature also makes it harder for them to appreciate the sense of wonder that being outdoors provides and limits their ability to find peace and solace outside their own home environment. Statistics also say that 64% of Black households are without fathers present, followed by 49% Native Americans, and 42% Hispanic or Latino. Non-Hispanic White households accounted for 24% of fatherless families. Without these types of support systems, young men of color may struggle with negative self-image or low self-esteem.

Providing Equitable Access

We strongly believe that combining access to nature with mentorship and leadership by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) provides people of color with much needed support and guidance in their lives.

Addressing obstacles that hinder communities from having full and enduring connections to parks, we need more initiatives like the National Park Foundation’s ParkVentures program, which was created “in an effort to support equity-focused outdoor leaders and organizations by providing grants for programs and activities that help people create and strengthen life-long relationships with national parks. ParkVentures “supports projects that focus on representation, accessibility, and interpretation – all things that leaders in outdoor recreation and equity spaces identify as barriers for communities that have been historically excluded from parks and may not feel a sense of belonging in the outdoors.”

Our successes have been encouraging, but we must remember to take the big-picture approach in order for our progress to continue. Creating policies at a government level is important for providing structure and achieving sustainable solutions.

For young people of color in particular, there are programs like Camping To Connect that are working hard to provide equitable access to the natural world for all, by working directly with young men of color and igniting powerful conversations about environmental justice through the award-winning short film documentary, WOOD HOOD.

Camping to Connect pairs experienced BIPOC adult male mentors with underserved youth to provide them with unique opportunities for socialization and personal growth. Through these experiences in the outdoors, boys gain positive life skills such as problem solving and communication skills, while also having fun!

Youth get the chance to connect with nature and learn wellness practices like yoga, breathworks, and mindful meditation. They also develop leadership skills through various hands-on activities such as wilderness survival workshops, navigational skills, and leave no trace principles. By providing a safe space for these young men away from their urban environments, Camping to Connect offers them an opportunity to explore new possibilities, connecting them with mentors who understand their life experiences firsthand.

Camping to Connect was founded in 2018 to serve young men of color from New York City and is now expanding their work to Colorado, hoping to replicate their program to other cities across the US, by way of partnerships and collaborations with community organizations and school districts.

The goal is to create change by providing education and experiences that lead to equitable access to the natural world, so all kids get the same opportunities regardless of race or income level, and become healthier, more grounded and connected adults. Together, we create change today! #WeAllBelong Outdoors