Last week I attended the Localizing California Waters conference in Groveland, California. I was surrounded by water guardians and land stewards. I’ll be posting some of the information I learned, here on my substack.
Azenetha Martinez was speaking on behalf of Nature for All, an environmental and social justice nonprofit organization. Nature for All is committed to ensuring that everyone in Los Angeles has access to nature, especially those in underserved communities where many residents have never visited nearby natural areas such as the mountains or beaches. The organization focuses on advocating for policies and programs centered around the protection, creation, and connection to nature. They collaborate with various organizations to support the development of green open spaces, including parks and bike lanes, to enhance community well-being.
The work spans different regions of Los Angeles, including the San Gabriel Valley, South Los Angeles, and the San Fernando Valley, where Azenetha’s primary focus lies. In the San Fernando Valley, they are addressing environmental challenges, including high pollution levels and a lack of green spaces, especially parks, which is exacerbated by the scarcity of nature-based areas compared to toxic spaces and landfills.
To tackle these challenges, Nature for All has implemented a unique approach. Instead of creating parks within the densely populated community, they organize monthly nature trips to take residents, ranging from babies to seniors, to various natural sites such as mountains and beaches. These trips, accommodating about 25 to 30 participants each weekend, provide essential items like water, sunscreen, and even shoes when needed. During these excursions, certified California naturalists guide educational nature walks, discussing local ecology, land history, and environmental issues.
The nature trips serve not only as recreational outings but also as opportunities for participants to reconnect with nature, especially if they come from urban environments with limited access to green spaces. The joy and amazement expressed by participants, particularly when encountering unfamiliar flora and fauna, underscore the profound impact of these trips.
Recognizing the mental health challenges faced by the community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nature for All has introduced wellness and educational courses. These include healing circles, yoga sessions, and educational programs conducted at local schools in collaboration with teachers, parents, and community gardens. Their aim is to integrate nature-based activities, fostering healing and educational opportunities within the community.
Nature for All has expanded its focus to include school greening initiatives, benefitting from mentorship, toolkits, and grant support provided by Redesign LA. Collaborating with schools in the San Fernando Valley, they aim to transform campuses into green spaces, offering a reprieve from the concrete environment. Engaging with students, teachers, and parents, they prioritize community input and collaboration, ensuring that the projects align with the needs and visions of the residents.
While challenges include the urgency of time and the need to sustain community engagement, their success lies in building trust over an extended period. The trust they've earned through previous engagements, such as nature trips and mental health courses, has laid the foundation for their current school greening initiatives. Challenges notwithstanding, they are committed to nurturing partnerships, understanding that trust is a vital element in community-based work. Moving forward, Nature for All plans to refine their community engagement plans, maintain ongoing collaboration with teachers, and aims to showcase the positive impact of greening projects in our community in the coming years.
Click through to their website for more information about the Localizing California Waters Conference.