Birding is for everyone – Really!

I left Ohio today, exhilarated after taking in a weekend of non-stop nature with friends old and new to kick off the annual Biggest Week in American Birding in Northwest Ohio, sponsored by the Black Swamp Bird Observatory. The festival boardwalk bordering Lake Erie, is a place where the most unusual migratory bird species land to rest before continuing their journey northward across the Great Lake. This year’s festival theme is “Birding for Everyone”, to help more people engage with an activity that supports both personal enjoyment …

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes – Marcel Proust

David Lindo, also known as The Urban Birder came to the San Francisco Bay Area yesterday to do a talk about his experiences birding around the world in urban centers, most notably in his hometown of London, England, where he is a well-known featured bird expert on television and radio. Lindo spreads the gospel of practical nature. Meaning, you don’t have to travel to exotic locations to find rare and delightful bird …

Lassen Volcanic Park continues to be the hidden gem enjoyed by the Outdoor Afro community. For the second year in a row, we partnered with National Park Service staff to lead a snow shoe walk among in the park’s beautiful red fir forest and for the second year in a row, we had a blast!
When we first arrived, Rangers Chris and Caitlin greeted us and explained the history of snow shoeing, including their use in Native American culture.
After all of us were fitted with our snow shoes, we made our …

What an amazing week! Just got back from Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, the largest outdoor industry show in the country that occurs twice yearly in Salt Lake City, Utah.

In a proud and humble moment for Outdoor Afro, we received the Outdoor Industry Inspiration Award, presented by adidas Outdoor, in the company category pared down by industry vote from over fifty esteemed and well-established organizations, including our rockin’ partner and supporter REI.
Check out the press release here.

I feel the award is shared by all the people who make up the Outdoor …

We are so proud and grateful to have spent another day with Northern California Outdoor Afros in partnership with Golden Gate Audubon. Together, we connected more people to our local natural assets to help preserve and enjoy them with others. It was such a perfect day. The warmth of the sun and people who attended made us all forget it was still winter.
Outdoor Afro Leader Cliff and Keshia of GGAS discuss native plants
Clay, the official Outdoor Afro bird specialist!
Thirty Outdoor Afros and fifty more attendees from Girls Inc., California Conservation …

I am still tickled from our time this past weekend in the California Sierras as eleven Northern California Outdoor Afros participated in the annual Winter Trails Day by REI, coordinated by Outdoor Afro leader Rahman Batin and hosted by the co-op’s Sacramento market.
This was a cross-promoted MeetUp of Outdoor Afro, designed to help people learn through easy and fun lessons and demonstrations how to snowshoe and cross country ski. Participants were also exposed to brands that can help make these experiences comfortable. I was especially stoked to see our sponsor …

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As the founder of Outdoor Afro, you know I am passionate about the great outdoors for everyone to enjoy. Here is more:
Outdoor Afro Kickstarter from Community Bridge Video on Vimeo. 
Inspired by my family, I started Outdoor Afro in 2009 to share this passion using social media. The message quickly resonated with thousands of others from around the country who shared their own images and stories that affirmed African Americans do have a positive and historic relationship to nature.
In …

While I was celebrating with the Root 100 last week, Outdoor Afro Atlanta had the opportunity to gather up by invitation at the Len Foote Hike Inn!
 
About 20 Outdoor Afros showed for an autumn retreat, some traveling from as far as Florida to enjoy a day and night hike, delicious dinner, and breakfast the following morning. It is noteworthy these dedicated Outdoor Afros took time off work mid-week to make time for nature – what a treat!

 Atlanta’s Outdoor Afro super-star leader Reginald Mitchell said, “This was a great deal, and …

It’s been an amazing week for the Outdoor Afro community. I just came back from New York to participate in Henry Louis Gates’ 2012 Root 100 Gala to celebrate the most influential African Americans, of which I was honored to be a part. Among those recognized included Melissa Harris-Perry, LeBron James, and Benjamin Crump, among many other awesome, and passionate individuals representing a wide range of professional paths and vocations aimed at improving the black community. Check out the entire list

For me it was a huge honor to help represent the outdoor …

Guest Blog Submission and photos by Outdoor Afro Leader, Cliff Sorrell of a recent trip lead in the San Francisco Bay Area. 
Outdoor Afros recently took on Point Pinole Regional Shoreline in Richmond, CA – it was such a great time! About thirty-five people of all ages and from all over the Bay Area came together to hike, learn the history of Point Pinole, and identify local birds with the help of Golden Gate Audubon volunteer docents.

The hike was approximately 4 miles in length with some gentle slopes. The trail had …