The COVID-19 pandemic underlined the benefit of nearby green spaces, where children and families can safely breathe fresh air and freely engage with nature and wildlife. But a lack of public parks and healthy tree canopy in low-wealth and communities of color prevent many families from enjoying time outside. And it's not just accessibility to local green space—or even the nation's majestic national parks—that serves as a barrier to getting outside.
For many Black, Indigenous, people of color and people with varying abilities, recreating outside may involve facing microaggressions, harassment, and in many cases, acts of violence. Whether these instances occur in our national parks or local outdoor green spaces, people face unique challenges and barriers that vary by identity group. To address disparities and chart a path forward, the National Wildlife Federation has launched a multi-year Creating Safe Spaces initiative to hear from champions for greater and safer access to the outdoors.