Confronting John Muir's Great Outdoors

While US National Parks are — for many — a symbol of people's connection to nature, many would be surprised to learn how the Parks' history and that of the wider conservation movement have often had their origins in racism, discrimination, and land grabbing from Indigenous groups. Today, the barriers to accessing public green spaces echo a history of exclusion for BIPOC communities.

In this episode, we examine what it means to enjoy the outdoors, survey the historical legacy of our National Parks and explore how the Sierra Club is helping steer a path towards equity.

Guests:

Allison Chin, Sierra Club President and Chair of the Board

Ariel Dela Cruz, Outdoors Educator and Sierra Club Angeles Chapter Board Member

Michelle Nijhuis, science writer and author of Beloved Beasts

Featuring music from Strange Pilgrim