Massachusetts is investing in making outdoor recreation more inclusive by funding events aimed at groups that have traditionally faced barriers to accessing nature according to an article by New England Public Media.
Seventeen organizations serving low-income residents, people of color, individuals with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community have been awarded state grants to support activities such as rowing, paddling, river rafting, hunting, and fishing.
Paul Jahnige, director of the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation, highlighted the public health benefits of outdoor activities, noting their importance for both physical and mental well-being, and described equitable access to nature as an environmental justice issue.
The grants range from $5,640 to $10,000, with groups across the state using the funds to implement transformative programs.
The Berkshire Black Economic Council, for example, received $10,000 to teach young people how to safely hike, fish, and hunt while challenging stigmas around Black and brown individuals engaging in outdoor spaces.
Other recipients include Seeing Rainbow, a trans-led nonprofit in Berkshire County that organizes weekly hikes, and Pride Day on the River, which celebrates diversity through rafting and kayaking events on the Deerfield River. Holyoke Rows also received funding to enhance its annual rowing regatta, furthering its mission of inclusive participation.
This initiative underscores the critical role outdoor recreation plays in fostering health, equity, and community engagement.
By breaking down barriers and encouraging participation from underrepresented groups, Massachusetts is setting a standard for how states can leverage outdoor activities to address social inequities, strengthen environmental stewardship, and ensure that the benefits of nature are accessible to everyone.
