A new film in a series called Everyone Outside features the work of Save the Redwoods League in its new era to create more welcoming and equitable park experiences that honor the diversity of Californians. The brainchild of Teresa Baker, founder of the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge, the film documents outdoor leaders from underrepresented communities being among the first to explore the League’s Harold Richardson Redwoods Reserve, a pristine old-growth grove in the remote hills of Sonoma County. The ancient forest is in the ancestral territory of the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians.
Baker brought along BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) thru-hikers, climbers, rangers, activists, foragers, and more. Among the group were Rahawa Haile, Kenja Griffin, Shaandiin Cedar, Michael Estrada, Miho Aida, Endria Richardson, Summer Winston, Alejandra Iraheta, Amanda Jameson, Sherman Dean, and Alejandro Lozano.
On their visit to the reserve, they shared their perspectives on engaging with nature in ways that feel relevant and resonant to them and their communities, from family gatherings to more interactive experiences with the natural world. This group’s insights were invaluable as we move forward in our public access planning for the reserve, which will be the first new ancient redwood park in a generation. Their feedback also will inform and inspire future park development projects such as Alder Creek in Giant Sequoia National Monument.
A moment that stood out for me on this magical day was a conversation about how the redwoods are all connected through extensive root systems, which turns out to be a metaphor for our own communities. In this moment, among my peers, I felt a deep sense of belonging in the outdoors. We need more of these moments for everyone.
Made in collaboration with Baker, the Outbound Collective, and Wondercamp, this film is the fourth in a series called Everyone Outside, an initiative to build a more inclusive and culturally diverse outdoor recreation community. Enjoy!
6 Responses to “Everyone Outside: Film Documents a Diverse Group of Outdoor Leaders at League’s Richardson Reserve”
Lowell Dodge
Terrific that Save the Redwoods is focusing on the need to engage diverse populations in its work and to expand their access to the magnificence of giant redwoods. I support this initiative 100%. In my view, this program might even be expanded to help compensate for the rather curious and distressing connection of some of the founders of Save the Redwoods with the eugenics fad of the early 1900s.
Cynthia Noel
Awesome…I’ve been enriched! Wonderfulness of humanity of colour in the redwoods! Thank you!
Janice Burns Chainey
Congrats to the Save the Redwoods League. I will certainly make a donation to this group ASAP! My family has donated to this group as well as Sempervirens for several years. I live in the redwoods. Keep up the good work. Janice Burns Chainey.
michael baffa
Wonderful to see in these times people coming together .
They are our future
Paul and Marilyn Felber
We applaud your decades long work and we’re very grateful for it. Bravo, all of you.
Mary P.
Hi, Do you have provisions for handicapped people?
Thank you, Mary Parker
Eastford., CT. The Quiet Corner