I’m advocating to make outdoor arenas reflect the diverse makeup of the United States.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the Avenue of the Giants in Northern California. There is such beauty and tranquility there. I can sit for hours gazing at those gentle giants, the redwood trees. Every turn along the twenty-plus-mile drive brings wonders and anticipation of what natural sculpture will jump out at you next. There are so many hiking trails and campsites in the area, I could spend days and not touch 5 percent of the open spaces. This is my happy place. The reason I work to increase diversity and inclusion in the outdoor industry is twofold. First and foremost, my motivation is to engage audiences in hopes of cultivating new stewards of the great outdoors. We need more faces— newfaces—to fight for the protection of our public lands. Second, people of color are in these spaces, but you would never know by their absence in outdoor magazines and the social media feeds of outdoor retailers. I’m advocating to make outdoor arenas reflect the diverse makeup of the United States. We, too, belong and it’s time that message is projected in marketing campaigns and publications.
Outdoor spaces lend themselves to conversations that can cultivate change and a stronger sense of self. When we gather in these spaces to have conversations, black, brown, and white individuals alike are soothed by the calmness of our surroundings. I think it is in those moments that we understand the importance of gathering, to experience our differences and our likeness and to have these difficult conversations, in hopes of them leading to a greater understanding of our purpose and obligation to the land.
I live in debt to those who came before me and in obligation to those who will come after. What better way to honor both than fighting for equal acknowledgment in outdoor spaces.
TERESA BAKER
Getting outside is a release for us all. And with that liberation comes the responsibility of respectful recreation. Here’re a few tips on remaining respectful in the outdoors:
PRACTICE “LEAVE NO TRACE” PRINCIPLES The nonprofit organization Leave No Trace (LNT) details excellent guidelines for minimizing your impact while enjoying outdoor spaces. If you spend time in the outdoors, you should give LNT a comprehensive read.
BRUSH UP ON YOUR TRAIL ETIQUETTE Being respectful in the outdoors doesn’t mean just treating the land properly, but other people, too. Remember to yield to those coming up the trail, don’t be afraid to say hello, and recognize that you’re not alone out there. Keep outside voices (or music) to a respectful level for other people and animals alike.
READ UP Familiarize yourself with local laws, ordinances, and customs that may impact you. Is it wildfire season? Is there trail maintenance that might divert your planned route? Knowing beforehand will make for a more considered experience.
LEARN SOME HISTORY Context lends a more meaningful depth to your time outdoors. Is your favorite park a historical farm that was donated to the community? What’s the Indigenous name of the mountain you’re climbing? Did Buffalo Soldiers play a pivotal role in a battle on the land you’re crossing? You might be surprised what you see in the land you play on.
ACT LIKE A LOCAL While you may be simply passing through, the locals use the land year in and year out. Be respectful of their spaces and be open to their words of advice.
KEEP PETS ON A LEASH While we trust our pets implicitly and know their personalities better than anyone, not everyone else does, and that’s okay. Keeping your pets on a leash and being respectful gives pet owners a good reputation and helps keep public spaces accessible for pets in the future.
CONSIDER BEFORE YOU POST We all want to share the incredible places that inspire us. The double-edged sword is that overexposure on social media can lead to a negative impact on a beautiful place that doesn’t have the proper infrastructure to handle its newfound fame. Sometimes those secret spots that were hard to find should stay that way. A little surprise in the world is welcome.
