By Outdoor Afro Contributor Danielle N. Lee
My first time skiing was an experience. I’m from the south, so frolicking in the cold or snow wasn’t a bog part of my childhood experience.  However, I love the outdoors and I love trying new things, so I joined a group of friends who introduced me to the basics of the slopes.
Preparing for my winter time Outdoor Afro adventure with Show Me Skiiers
It was an adventure!  I was far from great at it.  But I wasn’t deterred. So when I was invited to …

By Outdoor Afro Contributor, Javaughn Fernanders
There is an uneasy predictable phrase I hear after requesting my family’s presence in the great outdoors: “You don’t see us out there!”

Seeing. We are told not to believe what we see, and yet we trust our eyes not only to reveal truths about our immediate environment, but to tell us about our cultural practices.  This is why in 2010, I created a campaign of six posters named “Your History is Waiting For You,” to encourage African-Americans to reconnect to an environmental community from …

The reach and audience of Outdoor Afro is greater than ever before, and comprised of a diverse, smart mix of folks who hail from all over the globe. These last few weeks have represented some compelling milestones for the Outdoor Afro community:

1 Year Old
100 Blog Posts
1000 Facebook Fans
…and did I mention a trip to the White House? (more about this later)

But this site would not have grown without the influence and support of some very amazing and inspiring individuals. The first conversation I had that started the OA journey in earnest was with Dr. …

Danielle Lee of Urban Science Adventures shares an SOS moment at the St. Louis Gateway Arch and Jefferson Nation Expansion Memorial with her family!

Danielle is a Biologist and studies Animal Behavior, Mammalogy, and Ecology at the University of Missouri – St. Louis. She is preparing for a career in Science and Science Outreach, and completing her doctoral studies in Biology. Her blog is a web reference for environmental science, environmental education, and ecology.
Thanks for posting Danielle!

By Dudley Edmondson
Continued from Part 1
Now you need something for the head and hands. I usually wear a synthetic stocking cap. The word synthetic pops up a lot because it is the fabric most commonly used in designing “performance clothing” that is clothing specifically desinged to be used in a number of outdoor activities from climbing to cycling, running etc.

After a Run in 25 Below Zero Winds!

I think I own more performance wear than I do any thing else. A good fleece hat and they come in many weights …

In a rare TV watching moment, I came across an even more rare REI commercial. When the commercial ended, I wondered, did I just see people of color….camping — or was it wishful thinking? Well, of course I had to find the commercial on YouTube, and after about five views, I am now about 99.3% certain a black couple came out from under that rock.
Watch and tell me what do you think.

Couples Camping © Steve Prezant/Corbis
You can’t change your friends and family, but you can change the way you camp with them. Some moderate planning can make a big difference in your camping experience together. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your camping trips with loved ones:
Shared Space
In some areas, the outdoors still has boundaries, and it’s important to honor both the environment and neighboring campers. If you are planning to visit a drive-up or RV campground, make sure you have reserved a site that …