Closing the Nature Gap

FACT: Communities of color are nearly three times more likely than white communities to live in areas with no immediate access to nature (Hispanic Access Foundation report, 2020).

FACT: Participation and attendance at national, state and regional parks, as well as forest areas, tend to be disproportionate between white people and people of color.

The National Park Service revealed in its most recent 10-year survey that visitors to our 419 premier national parks remain overwhelmingly white: 77%. Just 23% of park visitors are of color, despite making up 42% of the U.S. population.

The lack of diversity and inclusion in outdoor spaces can be traced back to the very beginning of parks. Throughout history, people of color were not considered to be major stakeholders in outdoor recreation or park-related activities – in fact, they were intentionally excluded for generations.

FACT: U.S. Census data reveals that America is shifting to a white minority nation. It is anticipated that by 2044, the majority in our nation will be people of color.

What if the majority of our nation has no affinity for nature -- if 55% or more of the population don’t believe they have a place in the outdoors? The diversity gap in the great outdoors is systemic, and people of color need to have the opportunity to see themselves reflected in nature and outdoor spaces.

FACT: 76% of Adventure Crew teens identify as a person of color.

Nature is an intrinsic human right to which all people deserve equal access. This is why we exist. Adventure Crew breaks down all barriers to ensure our city’s teens come to know and love the great outdoors. And we must do more. We will do more – because Outdoors is for All.