Speak to the earth and it will teach you - Job 12:8
Welcome to folks in Kingston, NY!
Check back for the 2023 Schedule
Welcome to folks in Kingston, NY!
Check back for the 2023 Schedule
It is a fact that people from communities of color are under-represented on hiking trails. Speak to the Earth welcomes all to come discover the joys and benefits of a walk in the woods. The program offers 4 easy field trips to learn where to walk in nature, how to do it safely, and what you might see in the wild.
Rue Mapp, founder of Outdoor Afro, a movement of equity and justice in the outdoor recreation and environmental movement: “The trees don’t know what color I am. The birds don’t know what gender is. The flowers don’t know how much money I have in my bank account. I think we can rely on nature to be the equalizer for us so we can shed that weight. ”
From forthewild.world/listen/rue-mapp-on-nature-as-the-great-equalizer
Nadia Rodriguez is a hiking/camping enthusiast from New York who takes special interest in social and environmental justice, and equity advocacy. She works for the National Audubon Society: “Spending time outdoors is how I find peace and connection, not only to the Earth, but to my ancestors who lived off the Earth. It is my inheritance.”
From latinooutdoors.org/2020/07/a-homecoming-in-the-outdoors
Diabetes in the US by race and ethnicity (American Diabetes Association):
· 7.5% of non-Hispanic whites
· 9.2% of Asian Americans
· 12.5% of Hispanics
· 11.7% of non-Hispanic blacks
· 14.7% of American Indians/Alaskan Natives
Hypertension and Obesity (Centers for Disease Control):
Hypertension Obesity
Black (not Hispanic) 42.1% 47.5%
Hispanic 29.4% 46.9%
White (not Hispanic) 28.7% 38.2%
Asian (not Hispanic) 27.2% 12.4%
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation:
Immerse Yourself in a Forest for Better Health – Spending time in forests makes us healthier.
Exposure to forests and trees:
- boosts the immune system - lowers blood pressure
- reduces stress - improves mood
- increases energy level - improves sleep
- increases ability to focus, even in children with ADHD
- accelerates recovery from surgery or illness