Speak to the earth and it will teach you - Job 12:8
Welcome to folks in Kingston, NY!
Check back for the 2023 Schedule
About Speak to the Earth
Removing barriers for people living in urban core areas to experience wild nature and walking in the woods
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.
Why Take A Walk In The Woods?
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
Health Risks facing people in the US
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%
Benefits of Walking in the Woods
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
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