Land&People, Vol. 32, No. 2 - Fall/Winter 2020

FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 A BENEFIT TO MEMBERS OF THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND

A N EPI C WIN F OR PARK S h o w you mad e it hap p en

+ OUTDOOR LEADERS YOU SHOULD KNOW + A COMMUNITY’S FOREST + ADVENTURES ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL

adair f reeman r u t l e dg e

conserve land ...

and your retirement.

charitable gift annuity rates by age A charitable gift annuity with The Trust for Public Land can provide you with income for life while helping to conserve

65

70

75

80

85

90

5.1%

5.6%

6.2%

7.3%

8.3%

9.5%

land for generations to come. Here’s how: 1. Make a gift to The Trust for Public Land.

2. Receive a charitable deduction.

3. We invest your gift.

4. We pay you a percentage of the original gift for the rest of your life.

5. We apply the remainder toward achieving our mission of creating parks and protecting land for people.

to learn more, please contact: Christine Lambert Pentino, Director of Planned Giving 202.543.7552 or plannedgiving@tpl.org

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ƍƉ ƬƢƦƨƧƞ ƦƚƫƭƢƧ ƧƞưƛƞƫƫƲ

ƌƉ “It’s an investment in a more equitable, democratic future for rural communities.” ƞ Ưƞ ƫƥƚ Ƭ ƭ Ƣ Ƨ Ơ , Ʃ Ơ ƃ ſ

The Long Road to Victory 30 A 30-year advocacy battle ends with an epic win for America’s public lands.

Everlasting 40 In New Hampshire, a small town’s future grows with its forest.

A New Normal 51 Five leaders share their visions of how the outdoors can help us create a more inclusive society.

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F EAT U R E S

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OCT

NOV

DEC

Through uncertain times, monthly donors sustain our work protecting land for people today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. Become a monthly donor today.

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T P L. O R G · 9

OFF IC E R S pre si d e n t an d c hi e f exec u t i v e o ff i c er

Diane Regas vice p re s i d e n t an d dire cto r o f co n s e rvat i o n f i n a n c e

Will Abberger s e n i o r vi c e p re s i d e n t , g en era l couns e l, an d co rp o rat e sec reta r y

D. Malcolm Carson s e n i o r vi c e p re s i d e n t of f i e ld p ro g rams

Jeff Danter vice p re s i d e n t an d d i recto r o f philan t hro p y p ro g ram s

Jeff Hauk s e n i o r vi c e p re s i d e n t o f poli c y an d g ove rn me n t rel at i o n s

Bill Lee vice p re s i d e n t an d asso c i at e ge n e ral co un s e l

Margaret Madden s e n i o r vi c e p re s i d e n t a n d chie f fi n an c i al an d ad m i n i st rat i v e o ff i c er

James Obendorf vice p re s i d e n t an d directo r o f fi n an c e a n d acco u n t i n g

Michelle Pandori vice p re s i d e n t an d d i recto r o f hum an re s o urc e s

our mission:

THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND CREATES PARKS AND PROTECTS LAND FOR PEOPLE, ENSURING HEALTHY, LIVABLE COMMUNITIES FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.

Carrie Speckart s e n i o r vi c e p re s i d e n t a n d chie f marke t i n g an d co m m u n i cat i o n s o ff i c er

I Ling Thompson s e n i o r vi c e p re s i d e n t a n d chie f p hi lan t hro p y o ff i c er

Patricia Watson

how you can help: Our work depends on the generous support of people like you. donate: Use the envelope inside this magazine, or visit tpl.org/donate for other easy ways to give. learn more: Get timely updates on our park and conservation work near you.

Sign up for our e-newsletter at tpl.org/enews. share: Help us make the case for parks and open space. When you’ve finished reading this issue, pass it on!

Land&People magazine is a benefit to members of The Trust for Public Land.

1 0 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

PARKS IN FOCUS through this tumultuous year, I’ve been making a practice to count blessings. And the

nicholas lea bruno

from the president

parks and trails here in the San Francisco Bay Area are near the top of my list. Since the start publisher Eliza Sarasohn managing editor Julia Busiek designer Rachel Barnes media production manager Elyse Leyenberger digital production Jennifer Ramsey Jeremy Sammons

of the pandemic, spending time outdoors has become an even more important part of my daily ritual. And it’s not just me: open spaces across the country are fielding twice and even three times their normal demand. The Washington Post reported a spike in Google searches for terms like “trails near me.”

It’s the results of those searches that concern

the country to ensure that investments in parks

us. When you’re looking to get outside, maybe

go where they’re needed most. Almost 300 may-

your browser comes up with a list of options: a

ors have signed onto the 100% Promise to achieve

peaceful woodland, a convenient bike trail, or a

100 percent park access by 2050. I am incredibly

neighborhood playground. But for the 100 mil-

excited about the possibilities to truly move the

lion people in America who don’t have a park

needle on our goal of a park within a 10-minute

close to home, finding a place to experience the

walk of everyone in America.

outdoors has always been a challenge, and never more so than during COVID-19.

Walk, Conserving Land for People, Conserving Nature Near You, Cre-

conflict about where our country is headed. But we have rallied around America’s great outdoors.

spending time outside is critical to mental and

The power of parks to make our communities

physical health. We won’t rest until everyone

healthier, more equitable, and more resilient has

in America has an equal opportunity to feel at

motivated Trust for Public Land supporters for

home in the outdoors.

nearly half a century. So today, we’re in the exact

issue, you’ll read about the effort to save the All rights reserved. 10-Minute

It’s been a year of tough challenges and deep

As we have been so often reminded in 2020,

Together, we’re making great progress. In this

© 2020 The Trust for Public Land.

We are also working with communities across

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the

right place to help solve some of the most urgent issues facing our communities.

Thank you for being a part of the transforma-

longstanding federal program that funds parks

tional change to come. As a Trust for Public Land

and open spaces across the country. We’ve led

member, you are an essential contributor to the

this fight from the beginning, and—spoiler

parks, trails, schoolyards, and open spaces that

alert!—our supporters powered us across the

are strengthening neighborhoods and helping

finish line this summer, when a bipartisan

people thrive.

ating Parks and Protecting Land for People, Fitness Zone, Land for People, Land&People, LandVote, Northwoods Initiative, Our Land, Outside For All, Parks for People, Parks Unite Us, ParkScore, The Trust for Our Land, The Trust for Public Land, TPL, and The Trust for Public Land and LandVote logos and all other names of The Trust for Public Land programs

majority in Congress voted to fully fund LWCF every year, forever. This 240 percent increase in the program’s funding shows how our common

referenced herein, as well as their logos, are registered or commonlaw trademarks of The Trust for Public Land.

commitment to conservation can help bridge the divides in our nation.

Diane Regas president and ceo T P L. O R G · 11

M EET YO UR MATCH

This year, an anonymous donor will generously match your gift—dollar-for-dollar—if you send it before December 31. Your donation will go even further to help The Trust for Public Land protect more parks, gardens, and other natural places. That’s one good thing made that much better.

Give your EarthShare.

1 2 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

An EarthShare payroll deduction is one simple way to donate to The Trust for Public Land or more than 400 other environmental and conservation charities. Many corporate and government employers support EarthShare payroll giving. If yours doesn’t, ask them to start. If they do, simply decide on a single deduction or a recurring small one from every paycheck. Then designate us, member number 11440, as one of your conservation charities. For more information visit earthshare.org or email donor.outreach@tpl.org.

terray sylvester

800.714.5263 · donor.outreach@tpl.org · tpl.org/match

Get to know

board spotlight

B OA R D OF DI R E CTO R S

court esy of lucas st . cl air

Lucas St. Clair

lucas was born and raised in the North Woods of Maine. He pursued a Culinary Arts degree at Le Cordon Bleu and began his career in the restaurant and wine industry, before taking over his family’s operating

chair

foundation, Elliotsville Plantation, Inc. (EPI),

Thomas S. Reeve

in 2011. EPI owns and manages 125,000 Stephen W. Baird

acres of timberland in Maine. In 2016, EPI gifted 89,000 acres to establish the Katah-

George Bell

din Woods and Waters National Monument.

Page Knudsen Cowles

Today EPI works to enhance the commuJody S. Gill

nity’s ability to capitalize on this new public

F. Whitney Hatch

resource. Lucas enjoys paddling, hiking,

Christopher G. Lea

climbing, and fly fishing. He lives in Hampden, Maine, with his wife and two children.

Joseph E. Lipscomb Ignacia S. Moreno Caroline P. Niemczyk Michael Parish

I BELIEVE IN PROTECTING LAND AND CREATING

pond and protects wilderness along five miles of

PARKS BECAUSE … parks are portals into wild places,

the Appalachian Trail.

freedom, imagination, and adventure. Parks build Diane Regas

on themselves, are scalable, are paramount for

THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND’S WORK IS UNIQUE

Jeffrey A. Resnick

human understanding of the natural order, and are

BECAUSE ... we are able to work in so many

the jumping-off place for a world of adventure. We

different communities and landscapes across the

Laura Richards

need land protected in order for us to continue

country with the single focus of creating more

flourishing on Earth.

public land for the people of this country.

I SUPPORT THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND BECAUSE …

THE KEY CHALLENGE FACING THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC

Lex Sant Lucas St. Clair Sheryl Tishman F. Jerome Tone Keith E. Weaver Susan D. Whiting

the organization knows that starting at the local

LAND IS … choosing which projects to engage on.

level can lead to massive change. The Trust for

There are so many opportunities and we only have

Public Land also realizes that future environmental

the bandwidth to do so many things.

leaders can come from anywhere—they just need the spark of inspiration. Connecting people to the

I FIRST FELL IN LOVE WITH THE NATURAL WORLD

environment has always been at the heart of the

WHEN … I was growing up in northern Maine. My

work, and I believe it’s some of the most important

parents didn’t have electricity in our house growing

work we can do.

up so we were left to our imaginations and the great outdoors. It was the best way to grow up!

MY PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT AS A BOARD MEMBER HAS BEEN … the work I’ve been able to do to assist with protecting Bald Mountain Pond, a pristine 1,200-acre pond in the mountains of central Maine. The project creates new public access to the

?

WHAT ABOUT YOU? Tell us how you connect with nature.

Join the conversation on Facebook: facebook.com/thetrustforpublicland

T P L. O R G · 13

ƜƨƧƭƫƢƛƮƭƨƫƬ

Shawnté Salabertsssstttt

Joe Klementovich

story:

story:

story:

The Long Road to Victory

The Long Road to Victory

Everlasting

Simone MartinNewberryss

30

30

40

Simone Martin-Newberry is an illustrator

Shawnté Salabert is a Los Angeles–based free-

Joe Klementovich thrives on creating authen-

and graphic designer whose work is guided

lance writer interested in the connections

tic imagery for clients in difficult locations.

by a love of color, texture, movement, and

between humans and the natural world.

His photographs from the subzero ravines

rhythm. She has created art for REI Co-op,

Her work has appeared in Adventure Journal,

of Mount Washington to the bug-infested

the New York Times, the Guardian US, Emer-

AFAR, Alpinist, Backpacker, the California

mangrove islands of the Everglades have

gence Magazine, Chronicle Books, and many

Sunday Magazine, Outside, and Sierra, among

appeared in print nationally. Mountains,

others. She currently lives, works, and

other outlets. She is the author of Hiking the

rivers, and oceans always play an important

gardens in Chicago, Illinois.

Pacific Crest Trail: Southern California.

part in Joe’s work.

heysimone.com

shawntesalabert.com

klementovichphoto.com

WANT EVEN MORE LAND&PEOPLE? The digital edition of Land&People includes all the stories you love, optimized for your device—plus bonus content like video, easy social media sharing, and instant links to learn more.

Explore the digital edition at tpl.org/magazine.

Wherever you see the pointer icon in this issue, you’ll find bonus content in the digital edition. Go online to dive deeper into the difference you make as a Trust for Public Land donor.

learn more @ TPL.ORG/MAGAZINE

1 4 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

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Tell us what’s on your mind! We want to know what you think of the stories and photos in this issue of Land&People magazine. Send us a letter, email mailroom@tpl.org, or find us on social media.

Smarter schoolyards

+ Green schoolyards are a reasonable

SPRING/SUMMER 2020 A BENEFIT TO MEMBERS OF THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND

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solution to helping to address deficien-

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cies in park access and opportunities,

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but the idea comes with challenges.

When schools get crowded, their play-

+ TEN YEARS AFTER DEEPWATER HORIZON + COLORADO‘S NEXT STATE PARK + A RIVERFRONT REVIVAL FOR CHATTANOOGA

COOL SCHOOLS

+ This article achieved an important

grounds and sports fields are the first

goal of building public awareness

places administrators look for class-

regarding the benefits of transforming

room space. Some risk assessment and

antiquated school grounds into vibrant

public commitment to maintaining

living schoolyards. During this pan-

these sites as parks must precede

demic, this system change perspective

investment by a community.

is now even more vital.

Elisabeth Morgan via tpl.org

Dr. Raymond R. Isola via email

THE NEIGHBORHOOD C L I M AT E S O L U T I O N

T P L. O R G · 15

mike schirf

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+ All of us who worked at The Trust for Public Land, founded by Huey Johnson out of a ragtag collection of recent college graduates—kids, really—cherished the time we spent saving the world as part of Huey’s compassionate mission, one vacant lot at a time. He was at heart an environmentalist and he knew very well the forest and rivers and the ocean because that’s where he went to play.

He always brought us back some fish.

We love the legacy he left for us—to protect the land and protect life. May we, for the sake of all beings, do more than wish to make it so.

Fu Schroeder

Virtual vacation

+ Public lands are becoming increas-

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ingly difficult to access because of the

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surrounding private ownership. This

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shows how important the work you did

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is for maintaining public rights, protecting public lands, and ensuring all of us

+ Enjoyed hiking Zion Narrows a few

have access to our park system. Thanks

years ago. I was soaking wet and worn

for your work!

out by the time I got back to where I

Nicole S. Parker on LinkedIn

started! Can't beat the national parks for beauty and adventure!

+ Outstanding news. Zion is one of our

Judy Griffie on Facebook

national treasures and unlocks the explorer in all of us.

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Dave Lavender on LinkedIn

A fond farewell

+ I was constantly learning from Huey,

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and he would take the time to teach,

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without judgment and with humor

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so you could really learn … The best

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thing, the thing I think that saves me daily, is to have a North Star and let

1 6 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

+ RIP, Huey. Thank you for a life of

it guide you every day. You will learn

hitting it out of the park. Blessings and

more, be more useful to all, and have a

condolences to the Johnson family.

much better life.

Lauren Klein on tpl.org

Jodie Evans on rri.org

Sunrise is stunning at Bald Mountain Pond in central Maine. Long owned by a timber company, the pond, its rugged shoreline, and a vast old-growth forest that surrounds it are now protected forever and open to all.

there is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature— the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.

ƜơƫƢƬ ƛƞƧƧƞƭƭ

rac he l carso n

turn the page for … appalachian adventures family photos rest and relaxation T P L. O R G · 17

Preserving a

ƞƝƢƛƥƞ ƜƨƧƬƞƫƯƚƭƢƨƧ

traditional harvest

ƬƚƠƮƚƫƨ ƧƚƭƢƨƧƚƥ ƩƚƫƤ ƭƮƜƬƨƧ ƚƫƢƳƨƧƚ

the towering, many-armed silhou-

sprout from the very tops of the cactus’s

she harvests for friends and family to

ettes of giant saguaro cacti may be

raised arms. “After the blooms close up,

use throughout the year.

one of the most recognizable sights of

the bud goes from this tight green stage

Tucker says members of the Tohono

the Sonoran Desert. But few people are

and gradually turns red. Then the pod

O’odham Nation still harvest saguaro

so well acquainted with the saguaro as

will burst open, and you can see the

fruits this way throughout the cactus’s

Tanisha Tucker. She’s a descendant of a

fruit coming out,” Tucker says.

range. But nowhere else can you find

lineage of Tohono O’odham people who

To get at them, she wields a kuipad, a

more of these phenomenal plants than

have long harvested saguaro fruit from

long pole made from the ribs of a giant

Saguaro National Park outside Tucson.

cacti growing in what’s now Saguaro

saguaro, with a short crosspiece at one

This summer, we added 84 acres to the

National Park.

end to dislodge the fruits. Then she

national park, marking the fourth time

Dark red and naturally sweet, saguaro

uses the knife-like husk of the dried

we’ve helped expand it.

fruits have been an important—and

cactus blossom to scoop out the pulpy

The new addition isn’t far from the

delicious—food for generations of desert

fruit within. She says the fresh fruit

camp where Tucker’s family has har-

dwellers. Each summer, Tucker keeps a

tastes great—“Naturally sweet, lots of

vested saguaro fruits every year since

close eye out for signs the harvest sea-

minerals and antioxidants, like a desert

her great-great-aunt Juanita Ahil was

son is near: the fruits start as a bud at

superfood!”—but it only keeps for a day

young—well before this land was added

the base of the plant’s blossoms, which

or two. So she preserves most of what

to what was then Saguaro National

ƬƭƞƯƞƧ ƦƞƜƤƥƞƫ

Monument in 1961. Tucker says Juanita showed up to harvest the next summer and encountered resistance from the National Park Service. The agency’s typical rules forbade harvesting and gathering within their boundaries.

“We don’t do damage or overharvest,” Tucker says. “As tribal members, we’ve always seen saguaro as family, as people.

That comes in creation stories and our songs.” So the family organized a letterwriting campaign to change the rules so Tohono O’odham people could continue harvesting within the monument.

Today, Tucker runs the harvest camp with her cousin and sister and shares her family’s traditions with the public— including the importance of taking good care of the saguaro. “Saguaros grow nowhere else in the world,” Tucker says.

“We’ve always seen it as sacred. I’m glad the law does too.”

1 8 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

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– “Amid Protest and Pandemic, Urban Parks Show Their Worth,” CityLab, June 4, 2020

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P L. OORK G · 19 F I R ST TLO

APPALACHIAN TRAIL hiking all 2,190 miles of america’s most famous footpath is a daunting challenge—even without the threat of locked gates, “No Trespassing” signs, or scarce access points.

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A win for the

We can’t make the trek itself easier (and really, would you want us to?), but we’re making great progress against barriers to accessing it: we’ve protected 140 special places along the A.T. between Georgia and Maine.

We scored another A.T. victory this summer at Maine’s remote Bald Mountain Pond. We transferred trans nsfe ferr rred ed the p ond on d and its pond ownership, ensuring surrounding forest to public own wner ersh ship ip, ens nsu uring access forever. Upgrades to the boa at ramp ram amp p will m ake it easier to get out boat make on the water and pad ddl dlee to to the the ffar ar shore, where a section of paddle the A.T. climbs to tthe he summit sum umm mit off Moxie Bald Mountain—one

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off the most scenic sce ceni nicc spots on the whole trail.

2 0 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

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million acres of prairie that once blanketed Minnesota ... ... about 1 percent remains.

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She first learned to skate on the smoothly paved schoolyard at

plenty of trees for shade, a running track, and a turf field, Heyer says the schoolyard is an outdoor haven for the whole neighborhood when school isn’t in session.

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P.S. 111 in Manhattan—one of 210 school playgrounds we’ve helped rebuild and open to the public throughout New York City. With

F I R ST LO O K · 21

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address these individual behaviors, to educate patients in the doctor’s office about the importance of their own actions.

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But so much of behavior is not actually a matter of individual choice. Are there grocery stores within walking distance of your house, and do they sell affordable, healthy food? Do you live in a neighborhood where it’s safe to go out for a jog? Do you have a park or a trail to visit or are

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you exercising along a busy street?

:K\ DUH VRPH QHLJKERUKRRGV KHDOWKLHU WKDQ RWKHUV" It’s the effect of generations of inequitable investment. Across the country, low-income communities and communities of color have less access to healthy food, stable housing, and transportation.

Over 100 million people in America don’t have a park within a 10-minute walk of home. We published new data analysis this summer showing that, across the country, parks in communities of color are, on average, about half as big as parks in white neighborhoods and serve five times as many people. And parks serving majority lowincome households are, on average, a quarter the size of parks in high-income neighborhoods.

:KDW GRHV WKDW PHDQ IRU FRPPXQLWLHV IDFLQJ WKH FRURQDYLUXV" The coronavirus crystallized the urgency of addressing these structural inequities. So many of the places where we care for ourselves and our communities have been limited or closed— your gym, your place of worship, your coffee shop. What that means is, if you live within walking distance of a park, if your neighborhood’s streets are cool and shaded, you could safely get outside wearing a mask and get the

SADIYA MUQUEETH

you could maintain those social connections that

THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND’S COMMUNITY HEALTH DIRECTOR SAYS PARKS

are so important for mental health.

CAN HELP STOP HEALTH PROBLEMS BEFORE THEY START.

exercise you need, and you had a place where

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Take any negative health outcome, like diabetes. Your risk of diabetes is

You are vying for the same outdoor space as

correlated with whether you eat a nutritious diet and get enough exercise.

many of your neighbors. And since our data show

So the traditional, clinical approach to diabetes prevention has been to

parks are not equally distributed, we know that’s

2 2 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

likelier to be the situation in low-income

all of these things. It’s a matter of

we partner with neighborhood residents

neighborhoods and communities of

focusing our support among communi-

and health experts to make sure that the

color. These are the same communities

ties who are already working to fix the

parks we design reflect both the needs

who’ve been most affected by COVID-19—

social and structural conditions that

and desires of the community, and are

in part because of historical and current

cause health problems in the first place.

grounded in principles of good health.

resource deprivation, people of color

The United States spent $3.5 trillion on

The Colorado Health Foundation has

experience higher rates of health condi-

health care in 2017—but spending on

funded park development projects in

tions that are risk factors for getting seri-

public health made up only 2.5 percent

Denver and Colorado Springs, because

ously sick from a coronavirus infection.

of that. That’s a sign that our approach

those investments have been shown to

to health is still so concentrated “down-

benefit public health. They also fund our

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stream,” on reacting to the consequenc-

community engagement efforts, help-

es of structural inequities in a clinical

ing to create health-focused design and

setting—instead of investing “upstream”

inclusive programing at parks through-

I actually think that’s a false choice.

on interventions like equitable parks,

out the region. Because it’s not just

People need access to health care and

which give all people the opportunity to

whether or not you have a park nearby:

education. People need affordable food

live healthier lives.

and well-paying jobs. And people need

it’s the safety, quality, and inclusiveness of these spaces that promote health.

enfranchised communities have had to

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send resources upstream. This sum-

choose which benefit they’re “allowed”

You cannot make a difference at a struc-

mer, Congress passed a bill that fully

to have. But as a society, we can afford

tural level if you’re acting all alone. So

funds the Land and Water Conservation

access to nature. For far too long, dis-

We also advocate for policies that will

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Fund, a crucial source of public funding for parks and open space across the country. Now, communities have more stable and dependable funding they can use to fix these longstanding environmental inequities.

+RZ GR ZH NQRZ ZKDW LQYHVWPHQWV ZLOO PDNH WKH ELJJHVW GLIIHUHQFH" Five years ago, there was no nationwide database for analyzing the relationships between environmental inequities like too little open space or too few trees, and health risks like high heat, sedentary activity, and air pollution. So our research department built that database, and we use it to guide our work and to equip others—from community members to elected leaders—to advocate for the parks they need.

Residents of Philadelphia’s Grays Ferry neighborhood formed a walking group that meets at Lanier Playground, recently rebuilt and reopened with help from The Trust for Public Land.

P L. OORK G · 23 F I R ST TLO

“We see you, and you belong here in this park, whoever you are.”

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Living history as a teenager, martin luther king, jr., joined a vast seasonal workforce on Connecticut’s tobacco farms. The relative freedoms King experienced in the north—like worshipping at an integrated church and riding in the train car of his choosing—made a lasting impression: “After that summer in Connecticut, it was a bitter feeling going back to segregation,” King later wrote.

Today, we’re working to preserve the land and historic structures where King worked as a place where people can connect with the outdoors and learn about this little-known chapter in civil

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rights history.

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F I R ST LO O K · 25

THE ORGANIZER Neighborhood activist Taylor Toynes on parks and community power.

toynes wears the words of angela davis close to his heart: “prisons do not disappear social problems, they2 6disappear · LAND &PE OPL E · human FAL L /W I NTER beings.”

2020

ƝƨƧ ƭơƨƦƚƬ ƢƢ

insight

If you really want to see change, be as radical as you possibly can.

As a kid growing up in the South Oak Cliff section of Dallas, Taylor Toynes remembers long afternoons spent exploring the creek that cuts through the neighborhood. Sunk below street level, undeveloped, and overgrown, Alice Branch Creek was a “hidden jewel … it could actually be beautiful down in there,” Toynes says. But without any trails or maintenance, the creek became a place most folks avoided, more of an eyesore than a place to connect with the outdoors— something Toynes says is needed in a neighborhood with too few parks and high rates of chronic illness.

When Toynes came back to Oak Cliff after college to teach elementary school, he started to see how this pattern of unrealized potential played out in so many aspects of his students’ lives. They were bright, kind, and hardworking kids, but their families too often struggled to afford their basic needs.

So in 2014 Toynes started For Oak Cliff, a community organization with a mission to liberate Oak Cliff from systemic oppression through a culture of education, social mobility, and social capital.

Today, we’re working alongside For Oak Cliff and other community organizations to build new parks throughout the neighborhood—including a greenway along Alice Branch Creek. We sat down with Toynes to learn more about his leadership, and how parks are key to what he calls “the upcoming Oak Cliff Renaissance.”

What’s your vision for Oak Cliff?

How do you get rid of those razor blades?

When you look at a thriving neighborhood, there are a few

We emphasize building capacity within the community and

things that have to be in place for everything to play out

involving the community intentionally. This neighborhood is

well. One, you need a space for economic development: a hub

a resilient place and our people have been fighting for equal-

where dollars can be spent and circulated, and where business

ity for a long time. Our high school was so rundown that our

owners can work within the community. Two, you need great

students actually staged a walkout in protest. That’s what it

educational opportunities, with resources and facilities to help

took to get money for a renovation, so finally our kids can go

students achieve their best. And three, you need parks—a

to school in a building they deserve. We’ve also been a food

place for people to recreate and play.

desert, but we’re making progress on a plan to rebuild a shopping center and open a nonprofit grocery store. All this change

How does For Oak Cliff approach these goals?

is coming from within the community.

All these issues we face—from lack of park space, lack of eduin racism. It’s a long history of policies that were specifically

Given all the serious issues you’re taking on, why are parks a priority?

designed to oppress African American communities. Don’t

Parks are part of this broader renaissance that’s going on in

cational investment, poverty, crime—they have a root cause

forget it wasn’t too long ago that the mayor of Dallas was a

the neighborhood right now. Having those play spaces is really

member of the Ku Klux Klan.

important for our environmental health, which affects our

My dad used to say, “A drowning person will reach for a

physical health, and our mental health too: say you’re a kid in

rope full of razor blades to pull himself to safety.” For Oak

a tense situation, and you don’t have anywhere to go to exert

Cliff is trying to remove some of those razor blades so people

that energy in a positive way. Mentally, that could really faze

don’t get so cut up by the struggle to get free.

you! That can harm you. You can go out and explode. We have T P L. O R G · 27

youth that are doing that, because they don’t have a space

and raise families here. We have a wealth of knowledge, and

they can go to express themselves in any other way.

it needs to be honored more.

Sometimes when an outside group comes in, it’s like: you

What’s the current situation with parks in Oak Cliff?

could be having a holiday meal and a guest comes into your

I’ve served on the Dallas Parks Board, so I’ve been all over the

house and says, “This looks good, but we brought something

city to see parks in different neighborhoods. In the history of

else and you should eat that instead.” It’s been generations

park investments across Dallas, there’s never been a fair pro-

that we’ve been pushed aside like that. Maybe you even could

cess for deciding how dollars are spent. The same creek that’s

have brought in a much better meal, but you didn’t acknowl-

a dilapidated area in Oak Cliff, in other neighborhoods there’s

edge or receive what we already have on the table.

a beautiful trail along it.

The issue in our neighborhood isn’t a lack of open space.

What are some ways to honor that knowledge?

We’re in Texas—we have plenty of that. But we need more

The process of creating this greenway with The Trust for

than space. We need intention, investment, and amenities

Public Land has been a success because the community has

that make these spaces really work. How can we create a park

been involved every step of the way, and we’ve been making

that could hold our kids’ attention spans, help teach them

decisions about what this place can be. So it will be a place

about engineering or ecosystems? How can we design these

that’s representative of our community.

spaces to bring energy that everyone can enjoy? That’s what we want to bring to our neighborhood. I’m really looking

What does solidarity look like to you?

forward to what’s going to come out of it.

If you have some power in society, use it to advocate for the

How can other organizations support you?

you can put your power behind: defunding the criminal jus-

Anyone who wants to be involved in our neighborhood

tice system, abolishing prisons, abolishing the police.

issues that we advocate for. There’s a laundry list of things

I’ve been in South Oak Cliff almost all of my life, and I can

needs to wholeheartedly embrace the knowledge that our community members are the experts. I don’t care who you

tell you that nothing has really changed since I was a kid. Some

are, what your background is. You could have ten advanced

of the changes I just listed might sound radical to you, but the

degrees, it doesn’t matter. These issues you want to help

system we live in now has always been radical in the way it has

address, from education to incarceration rates to the envi-

oppressed marginalized communities like ours. So if you really

ronment? They’re our reality and our upbringing. It’s been

want to see a change, be as radical as you possibly can.

ƣ ƚ Ƭ ƨ Ƨ Ɵ ƥƨ ư ƞ ƫ Ƭ

generations of people that have been able to live, breathe,

The community has been involved every step of the way.

Alice Branch Creek is a source of pure potential for Oak Cliff.

2 8 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

rachid dahnoun

BE A LEADER. Become a Conservation Champion and help The Trust for Public Land connect even more people to nature. With your annual leadership-level contribution of $2,000 or more, you will receive insider updates on our park and conservation strategies.

Learn more about the impact you will have as a Conservation Champion.

Contact Emily Falk 415.800.5193 or champions@tpl.org.

co ns er vat i o n ch ampi o ns t p l .or g / c hampi o n s | champi o n s@tpl.o r g

T P L. O R G · 29

3 0 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

long road to victory Behind the 30-year fight to save America’s m o st i m p o rtan t parks p ro g ram : t h e Lan d an d Wat e r Co n s e rvat i o n F u n d.

By Shawnté Salabert Illustrations by Simone Martin-Newberry

Ss

tacke d behind Los Angeles like an o utsize d Ho lly wo o d film backdro p, the San Gabriel Mountains

exert a magnetic force. The pull is strong on a warm Saturday in early March, when I join what feels like half the city to wander the boulder-filled wash at the mouth of Eaton Canyon, a verdant cleave in the foothills.

That attraction to the places where concrete dissipates into dirt and sagebrush, streams and oaks, has only amplified during the coronavirus pandemic. Time in nature is suddenly an urgent necessity, the best way to tend to our well-being amid the turbulence.

So it was a fitting time for the Great American Outdoors Act to debut.

The bill, which senators introduced in early March and which became law in early August, provides over $9 billion to start fixing the maintenance backlog at federal lands like national parks and forests. And it guarantees full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the longstanding federal program that directs fees from oil and gas drilling to land conservation and recreation development.

The law that established LWCF in 1964 made it possible for Congress to eventually take in $900 million for parks and open spaces every year. But the program, which has benefited Eaton Canyon and many more locations in the San Gabriel Mountains and across the nation, has been allotted its full funding by Congress only twice since Lyndon B. Johnson signed the program into law.

A fully funded, permanently authorized LWCF has been the top policy goal for The Trust for Public Land for three decades. Making it happen was a colossal endeavor that required a diverse, visionary coalition of allies—from nonprofits to small-business owners, legislators to concerned citizens—working across decades to fight for one of the most important conservation wins of our lifetime.

T P L. O R G · 31

3 2 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

Ds

ave Arn o ld was smit te n with W est Vir g i nia’s Gau ley Rive r after he first dipped his

paddle in it back in 1976. A decade later, the waterway offered Arnold, by then owner of a paddle sports guiding company, another potent lure: the opportunity to advocate on its behalf.

After a pair of drought years in the mid-1980s threatened his livelihood, Arnold joined a group of commercial guides and recreational boaters dubbed Citizens for the Gauley River to rally legislators to ensure a regulated flow of whitewater each fall. Thanks to their efforts, the waterworks crank on every September to drain upstream Summersville Lake, creating the adrenaline-soaked delights of what’s now known as “Gauley Season.”

Recreation on the Gauley and the nearby New River proved a boon for the local economy—one of the main reasons Congress established the Gauley River National Recreation Area in 1988, with the support of Representative Nick Rahall, who’d been instrumental in codifying Gauley Season. There was one

Since its inception, funding for LWCF has undulated nearly

big problem, however: the Gauley’s banks had only a single

as wildly as the Gauley itself. Most years Congress has appro-

public access point. And though the National Park Service had

priated less than half of the $900 million the fund makes

a presence in the area, since the New River had come under

available for parks and conservation. And sometimes much

its management in 1978, the agency wasn’t exactly flush with

less, as was almost the case in 1981, when then Secretary of

cash—at least not the kind that would entice timber compa-

the Interior James Watt suggested essentially defunding the

nies to hand over their acreage.

program (an idea thwarted by congressional champions).

While he’d scrapped to purchase his own access points over

Ensuring that what’s deposited in the fund is funneled back

the years, Arnold knew that once logging began closer to the

to the American people in full has long been a priority of The

river, it would affect the immersive natural experience that

Trust for Public Land’s legislative efforts—in part because the

had first drawn him to the area—and that kept his custom-

organization relies on this funding to protect land and create

ers coming back. He sought a way to protect those views and

parks. “We wouldn't have been able to get nearly as much

open up crucial public access. Arnold began talking with the

done in the past 50 years without LWCF,” says Jordan Schreiber,

park’s superintendent about tapping the Land and Water Con-

director of national advocacy and outreach at The Trust for

servation Fund, and soon became one of its loudest advocates.

Public Land. “That being said, we're not just pushing for LWCF

“It’s the fuel that will continue to make this park grow and

in order to keep our own doors open; we're pushing for LWCF

mature,” he says.

because it's an incredibly important resource for communities

Now an estimated 60,000 paddlers float the Gauley each

across the country.”

year, and all of the public access points, including three secured by The Trust for Public Land, were funded by LWCF. Thanks in large part to this recreational tourism, Fayette County escaped the hardship that plagues much of southern West Virginia in the wake of coal mining’s decline. While LWCF helped bolster his community’s livelihood, it wasn’t pure economics that drove Arnold’s advocacy. “If you have something that’s diamond class, you better take care of it,” he

If you have something that's diamond class, you better take care of it.

says. “And here, Congress had passed something that was supposed to do that, but the money was getting jerked around.”

T P L. O R G · 33

Alan Front joined The Trust for Public Land’s staff in 1984.

Alas, that was another strikeout. Still, each attempt offered

Sobered by Watt’s 1981 attempt to abolish the fund, Front and

a shimmer of hope, and advocates kept at it. Meetings on the

his colleague Harriet Burgess partnered with The Wilderness

Hill. Phone calls. Email campaigns. Fly-ins. Op-eds. All the

Society to present to Congress a wish list of places around the

while, The Trust for Public Land and others kept using what

country that would benefit from LWCF appropriations.

Thanks to efforts like these, support for LWCF grew in both

LWCF money they could shake loose year after year to make a difference on the ground.

the White House and on Capitol Hill. Rhode Island Republican

But in 2015, the unthinkable happened. At the end of its sec-

Senator John Chafee and Arizona Democratic Representative

ond 25-year authorization, LWCF was due for renewal. Despite

Mo Udall introduced the first bill attempting to fully fund

the program’s long track record and history of bipartisan sup-

LWCF back in 1988. During the Clinton administration, Con-

port, a vocal minority in Congress that opposed the expansion

gress even appropriated full funding for the program—twice.

of federal land ownership managed to block legislation that

Though the 1988 bill fizzled, the attempt “set the stage for

would reauthorize the funding. When the deadline ran out,

future bipartisan efforts,” Front says. It also galvanized a coali-

LWCF expired.

tion of conservation organizations, outdoor recreation groups, business owners, and local officials who used their broad reach to educate the public about LWCF and seek passage of

Wq

i t h t h i ck fo re sts p o p u lat e d w i t h grizzly bears, creeks flowing with cutthroat

promising legislation like the Conservation and Reinvestment

trout, and an undergrowth flush with mushrooms and berries,

Act of 1998.

Montana’s Haskill Basin is an escape for residents of nearby Whitefish, who hike, bike, ski, hunt, fish, and forage amid its natural splendor. The basin is also home to threatened wildlife—and is the source for much of Whitefish’s drinking water, as well as a steady supply of timber that supports the local logging economy.

The public’s right to explore Haskill Basin had long been secured on nothing more than what Chuck Roady calls a “handshake deal.” Roady is vice president and general manager of F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company, which has operated in Haskill Basin for over a century. While the company’s relationship with the city was positive, it still faced pressure to offload parcels to private developers. “Probably a week or a month didn't go by that somebody said, ‘Well, can I buy this 160 acres up by the ski area, or could I buy this?” says Roady.

Whitefish mayor John Muhlfeld worked alongside Trust for Public Land staff to protect the Haskill Basin and ensure public access. Half of the $16.7 million asking price came through LWCF; the City of Whitefish rustled up the rest by levying a resort tax increase. The deal was finalized in 2016, securing critical habitat, water rights, and recreational access, while keeping much of the land as working forest. Everybody had chipped in—and everybody won.

“It’s been the most rewarding and biggest accomplishment I’ve worked on in my fourteen years in city government,” Mayor Muhlfeld says. “It’s going to be something that people can look back on in a hundred years and say, ‘Wow, that was visionary.’”

3 4 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

T P L. O R G · 35

3 6 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

Ji

u st as it to ok collab o rati on to p rotect Haski ll Basi n , so, too, did it take a diverse collec-

tion of voices to ensure LWCF wasn’t lost forever after its 2015 expiration. “They always say that defense kind of focuses people’s minds, right?” says Amy Lindholm, who manages the Land and Water Conservation Fund Coalition, launched in 2009. “The program being on life support really got people's attention, and I think caused a lot of folks to join the cause.”

The coalition offered its members—from national groups like The Trust for Public Land, The Wilderness Society, and The Nature Conservancy to local groups from across the country—shared messaging and support, as well as an opportunity to strengthen the case for LWCF. Kaci Preston participated in the American Hiking Society’s NextGen Trail Leaders program, which introduces young people to public lands advocacy. By the end of her tenure last year, Preston received the ultimate payoff—Schlanger Park, in her hometown of Pittsburg, Kansas, would receive LWCF funds for improvements. Preston was thrilled. “I advocated for that. I helped push that through, and now I'm seeing the effects in my own town,” she says. “It really made me feel like elected officials do understand us, and they do hear us.” necessary to visit them, or live in communities without much green space of any kind.

I advocated for that.

Now I'm seeing the effects in my own town.

LWCF has helped Denver shrink its park access gap, creating places like Montbello Open Space Park. Once a vacant lot tucked between an industrial area and a low-income community, today it’s a native prairie landscape that features an outdoor classroom, a climbing boulder, play equipment, and trails. The Trust for Public Land drew funding from LWCF to create the park, in partnership with Environmental Learning for Kids, a nonprofit that connects youth with experiences in

Happy Haynes, executive director of Denver Parks and Recreation, knows firsthand the importance of increasing close-

science and outdoor learning.

Haynes envisions a future in which young people start con-

to-home outdoor access. She grew up in the city; her own

necting with nature as soon as they walk outside, and grow

story of connection to the land began at a neighborhood park

into adult stewards of those same places. She’s advocated for

she used as a shortcut while walking to school. The nearby

full LWCF funding to realize that dream. “Having that long-

Rocky Mountains, however, seemed a world away—just as

term vision, continuity, connectivity, and predictability with

they do for many Denverites who lack the transportation

the funding allows us to think big,” she says.

T P L. O R G · 37

Ti

hese dive rse but u n i fi e d vo i ces rang

Pastor Martin Martinez is a member of Por La Creación, a

clear. Congress voted in 2015 to extend LWCF for

public lands advocacy program rooted in faith-based steward-

three years; when the fund expired again in 2018, the coali-

ship whose members spoke up for LWCF. Growing up in east-

tion kept the pressure on Congress, until legislators voted to

ern Los Angeles County, he sought refuge from difficulties at

permanently authorize it in February 2019.

home in nearby San Gabriel Canyon. As an adult, he returned

Still, it would be another year before Congress addressed

with his congregation to worship, conduct baptisms in the San

full funding. Senators introduced the Great American Out-

Gabriel River, and lift their voices in song, feeling the reverber-

doors Act on March 9, 2020; though temporarily sidelined by

ations of the canyon walls as the mountains sang back.

the pandemic, it passed the Senate on June 17 and the House

Martinez knew the healing power of the mountains; he saw

a month later. The bill—and full funding for LWCF—was

it not only in himself, but in the young people he mentored

signed into law on August 4.

as a youth pastor, many of them gang members, whose

California Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán hopes that

resolves softened in nature’s embrace.

more of that money flows into cities. She cosponsored legisla-

Like so many people I talked to who’ve given years of

tion which provides LWCF funding to create outdoor access

time, creativity, and energy to achieving the long-held goal

in densely populated areas that need it most. “It’s my belief

of a permanent, fully funded LWCF, Martinez is savoring this

that regardless of where you live, regardless of your zip code,

victory and reveling in the power of his community showing

you should have access to open space, you should have access

up and making themselves heard.

to clean air,” she says. “In so many communities of color and

“It was a tremendous blessing for us to say, ‘Wow, we

low-income communities, quality parks and green spaces are

spoke out,’” Martinez said. “‘We did something and it cre-

considered a privilege when they should be a right.”

ated the change.’”

3 8 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

ƩơƨƭƨƬ ƥƨƫƞƧƳƨ ƝƚưƤƢƧƬ ƫƢƜơƚƫƝ ƟƫƞƞƝƚ ƧƢƜƤ ƛƞƧƬƨƧ ƛƫƢƚƧ Ʀƨơƫ ƚƧƠƞƥƚ ƝƞƜƞƧƳƨ ƚƧƧƢƞ ƤƮƬƭƞƫ ơƮƧƭ ƜƚƩƭƮƫƞ ƝƨƮƠ ƬƭƫƢƜƤƥƚƧƝ ơƨƥƥƢƬ ƛƞƧƧƞƭƭ ƫƚƜơƢƝ ƝƚơƧƨƮƧ ƚƧƧƢƞ ƛƚƧƠ ƜơƫƢƬƭƨƩơƞƫ ƭ ƦƚƫƭƢƧ ƣƨƫƠƞ ƫƢƯƚƬ ƧƢƜƤ ƛƞƧƬƨƧ ƛƫƢƚƧ Ʀƨơƫ ƬƭƞƯƞƧ ƠƧƚƦ

Parks have always been a source for community health, equity, and resilience.

During COVID-19, they’re essential lifelines connecting us with nature, each other, our neighborhoods, and our world.

Because #ParksUniteUs — it is on US to unite for parks. We need your help to create more parks, for more people, in more places.

Learn more: tpl.org/parks-unite-us

tm

EVERLASTING A N E W E N G L A N D TO W N ’S F U T U R E G R O WS W I T H I TS F O R E S T

jerry and marcy monkman

By Lisa Foderaro Photography by Joe Klementovich

4 0 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

Jx

ason and Kara Hunter run Hub North, a rustic resort in

to explore and enjoy the trails they love so much (a few of

the tall timbers of northern New Hampshire. Throughout

which they even helped build). So when a former scout camp

the year, the Hunters point their guests toward the area’s still-

came on the market in 2016, they worked up the funding to

wild forests, mountains, and rivers in search of all kinds of

buy the place. It was a big job to shore up or tear down the

adventures: “In the summertime, we cater to mountain bikers

camp’s crumbling structures, build a new kitchen, install an

because they can ride in and ride out,” Jason says. “In winter,

outdoor shower, put up a yurt, and pitch a few sturdy canvas

the glade skiing is now a big draw. That’s a huge benefit for us

tents. But since Randolph residents took collective ownership

as a business.”

of their community forest 20 years ago, buying the land from

The Hunters’ business is a few miles down the road from

a private timber company with help from The Trust for Public

Randolph Community Forest, which The Trust for Public

Land, the Hunters have watched the steady increase in visitors

Land helped establish in 2001. This 13,000-acre expanse is a

who come to explore it. Tapping into that potential, the Hunt-

landscape of dense green mountains, their slopes covered

ers reasoned, was a pretty safe bet.

with maple, birch, ash, and pine. Delicate wildflowers like

Today, Randolph Community Forest is the cornerstone of

bluebead lily and flat-topped aster greet visitors at trailheads

the area’s growing outdoor recreation economy, which sup-

to destinations like Lookout Ledge and Mount Crescent. In late

ports families like the Hunters across the region. At the same

June, a patch of snow still shone white on one summit.

Randolph Community Forest is a big part of the reason the Hunters decided to open Hub North. They’d long dreamed of owning a business where they could welcome new people

time, this vast and productive forest supplies a sustainable source of timber for local mills, protects clean water and wildlife, and helps the town balance its budget.

But two decades ago, the fate of this land—and the future of the people who rely on it—was a lot less clear.

JASON AND KARA HUNTER OWNERS: HUB NORTH

T P L. O R G · 41

The land that’s now Randolph Community Forest once

This was the situation Randolph residents faced, just as a

belonged to a local timber company. Its owners hired local

brutal ice storm in 1998 decimated the region’s most profit-

loggers and allowed the public to hunt, hike, and fish on

able standing timber. The corporation that owned 13,000

the property. But by the late twentieth century, this forest

acres surrounding the town sought to cut its losses and

was one of many across the region that had ended up in the

announced its intention to sell its holdings in northern

hands of far-flung investment firms.

New Hampshire.

Marcy Lyman, former coordinator of the Community Forest

Back then, Randolph resident John Scarinza worried that

Collaborative, said timber investment firms started buying

people would be kicked off the land if it were to fall into

forests in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine in the 1980s.

the hands of a housing developer. “There was always public

“In some cases, they would own it for seven to fifteen years,

access here,” says Scarinza. “It [could] dramatically change

harvest the timber, and then sell the land into smaller parcels

the town if, all of a sudden, you developed 13,000 acres into

for development,” Lyman says. Meanwhile, rural communities

five-acre house lots.”

for whom forests are an economic lifeblood were suddenly

What’s more, the easiest land to build on sat on the other

watching revenues flow to far-off boardrooms more con-

side of the mountains from Randolph’s town center. “Logisti-

cerned about shareholders than townspeople.

cally, if you are the municipality of Randolph, you can’t get

R A N D O L P H C O M M U N I T Y F O R E S T B L A N K E TS S LO P E S O V E R LO O K I N G

T H E TO W N S O F G O R H A M A N D R A N D O L P H , N E W H A M P S H I R E .

4 2 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

DAV I D W I L LC OX A N D J O H N S C A R I N Z A , E A R LY P R O P O N E N TS O F R A N D O L P H C O M M U N I T Y F O R E S T

“

W E H A D N O M O D E L S . T H I S WA S T H E F I R S T C A S E O F I TS K I N D IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.

”

your garbage trucks, plow trucks, or maintenance trucks up

“Naturally there were concerns,” recalls Scarinza, a former

and over,” says Scarinza, who chairs Randolph’s planning

state police officer who’s lived in New Hampshire most of his

board. “It could dramatically change your tax base.”

life. “Are you going to buy land that traditionally was logged

So the solution slowly came into focus: the town itself could buy the land.

Town forests weren’t exactly a new idea at the time. In New

and lock it up so you won’t be able to do anything except hike and look at birds? It was my job to go out and talk to those people and say, ‘You know what I’m about. This is going to be

England, it’s a tradition with roots in the colonial era, when

working forest … You’re still going to be able hunt and we’re

surveyors set aside public commons for grazing livestock and

going to harvest wood.’”

wood lots to provide fuel for schools and churches.

But by the late twentieth century, the community forest

As The Trust for Public Land helped secure public funding, residents pitched in $600,000 in private donations. In

model had become a relic of a time before global economic

late 2001, the Town of Randolph became the proud owner of

forces began chipping away at the region’s forest-based economy

10,200 acres of forest.

and way of life. So in the late 1990s, Scarinza and another Ran-

In the two decades since, The Trust for Public Land has

dolph resident, David Willcox, got together with Dave Hough-

helped create more than 30 community forests, from New Eng-

ton, a Trust for Public Land project manager, to hammer out

land to the Pacific Northwest. The organization also advocated

an updated version of this time-honored tradition.

with lawmakers to create a federal program to fund commu-

“We decided that ‘Well, we won’t know whether we can do

nity forests, which over 60 American communities have so far

it unless we try,’” says Willcox, then a member of the plan-

tapped to gain local control of their surrounding woodlands.

ning board. “We had no models. This was the first case of its

“Today, these town forests are still sustaining local timber

kind in New Hampshire.”

economies,” says Shelby Semmes, the organization’s Northern

As Willcox set about writing letters to state and federal representatives and identifying potential sources of funding to

New England director. “But they’re also proving beneficial in ways earlier generations didn’t anticipate: protecting water-

acquire the land, Scarinza embarked on a homegrown public

sheds, attracting tourists, and safeguarding green space as

relations campaign.

communities grow.”

T P L. O R G · 43

A GROWING MOVEMENT

C O M MUNITY MUN IT Y F O R E S TS With roots in New England, the community forest movement is branching out across the country.

Keep an eye out for upcoming projects like these.

BUTTE FALLS F O RE S T NAME G O ES HER E COMMUNITY FOREST OREGON

430 ACRES

“When Randolph Community Forest was created, we wanted the highest priority to be good forest management,” says Scarinza, who’s long held a seat on the town’s forest commission, which makes decisions about the forest’s future with the community’s benefit—economic, social, and environmental—in mind.

Malcolm Washburn has cut trees in the community forest

BEAR RIDGE F O RE S T NAME G O ES HER E COMMUNITY FOREST

in recent years. A third-generation logger, Washburn grew up in Pittsburg, the northernmost town in New Hampshire. As a veteran of the timber trade, he is keen to see working forests remain active and intact in New Hampshire, where the forest

WA S H I N GTO N

800 ACRES

products industry contributes $1.4 billion annually to the state’s economy. “It’s nice to know that it’s going to be available as a timber resource and managed for that,” he said of Randolph Community Forest. “It’s important for logging jobs.”

DOWNEAST LAKES F O RE S T NAME G O ES HER E COMMUNITY FOREST MAINE

2, 025 ACRES

In addition to providing livelihoods for local timber workers, revenues from timber harvests provide a steady source of funding to towns, contributing to much-needed economic stability.

“This is a very depressed area in northern New Hampshire,” Scarinza says. Median incomes in the county are about $13,000 below the national average, and one in five children is living in poverty. Last year, the town made $105,000 on the forest’s har-

SI N CE 2001 Trust for Public Land supporters have helped create 34 community forests, guaranteeing public access to 29,000 acres in 9 states.

4 4 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

vest—plus $20,000 in revenues from maple syrup production.

Across New England, revenues from community forests are directly benefiting locals’ pocketbooks, funding important municipal investments: a new school bus here, a new fire truck there—without costing local taxpayers. In Randolph, most revenue from the community forest is reinvested in the land itself: maintaining 26 miles of roads and six bridges, building new trails, and improving wildlife and fish habitat.

M A LC O L M WA S H B U R N

“

T H I S I S G O I N G TO B E A WO R KI N G FO R EST .

”

T P L. O R G · 45

“

T H E M O R E O PT I O N S FO R P E O P L E TO G E T O U T A N D E X P LO R E , T H E B E T T E R .

4 6 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

”

S H O P O W N E R M I K E C H A B OT

ƣƞƫƫƲ ƚƧƝ ƦƚƫƜƲ ƦƨƧƤƦƚƧ

T H E P R ES I D E N T I A L RA N G E F R O M A V I E W P O I N T O N T H E RA N D O L P H CO M M U N I T Y FO R EST

“The Trust for Public Land’s work to create community

some trees and underbrush to create glades for skiing, the com-

forests shows the economic benefits of strategic conservation

mission gave a green light—and expanded a trailhead parking

guided by locals’ priorities,” says Trust for Public Land board

lot at the end of Randolph Hill Road.

member Sheryl Tishman, who’s also on the board of North-

“Now, if there are five inches of new snow, there are 30 cars

Light Foundation, which supports the organization’s commu-

up there at the end of the road, packed in,” says Scarinza,

nity forest program. “It’s an investment in a more equitable,

who lives along the road to the trailhead and watches cars

democratic future for rural communities.”

drive by all winter bearing plates from New York, New Jersey,

By promoting a vibrant forest, the town is aiding another key driver of the region’s economy: tourism. Three hours from

Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

Then there is the Randolph Ramble, a ten-kilometer trail race

Boston, the region is gaining steam as a weekend destination.

in the community forest that draws hundreds of athletes in late

The shelves of Gorham Hardware and Sport Center are

October. They climb 2,025 feet up Mount Crescent, where they

divided between traditional hardware and outdoor gear. Mike

are rewarded with views of the Presidential Range. The event

Chabot, the owner, sells trail maps, wool socks, cast-iron

provides an economic pick-me-up during the shoulder season,

camping stoves, fishing tackle, snowshoes, and “the little

falling between peak fall foliage and fresh winter powder. (The

odds and ends you forget when you come up here,” he says.

race was suspended in 2020 due to the pandemic.)

Chabot took over the store from his father, who opened it in 1964. He applauds Randolph’s decision to take control of

These projects point to another benefit of community forests: local control over the land. Around Randolph, the

the forest, rather than let it slip away to a developer. “As far

federally managed White Mountain National Forest spans

as business is concerned, the more options for people to get

over 750,000 acres. But some special events and projects that

out and explore, the better,” he explains. “The people who

contribute to the local economy are easier to make happen

come up and visit, they stay at an Airbnb or go to the local

in a community forest than on federal land, says J.T. Horn,

diner down the street. And then the people who own those

a senior project manager with The Trust for Public Land.

businesses buy my hardware.”

“Things like cutting backcountry ski glades or running a trail

Randolph residents have welcomed ideas to boost recreation-

race are hard to do in the national forest. There is lots of

al use of the community forest. When the Granite Backcountry

red tape. Whereas the Randolph Community Forest can say,

Alliance approached the forest commission about clearing

‘We’d love to host you.’”

T P L. O R G · 47

ƞ Ʀ ƛ ƞ ƫ Ʃ ơ ƨ ƭ ƨ Ơ ƫ ƚ Ʃ ơ Ʋ ƛ ƫ Ƣ ƚ Ƨ ƚ Ƨ Ɲ ƞ Ʀ Ƣ ƥƲ Ʀ ƨ ơ ƫ

“

I F YO U H A R V E S T M O R E T H A N W H AT YO U G R O W , S O O N E R

O R L AT E R YO U W O N ’T H AV E ANYTHING LEFT,

”

Many families have come to rely on the Randolph Commu-

“Yes, it’s important to generate revenue on the forest, but

nity Forest for their economic well-being—which is exactly

it’s also important that we do the best job we can ecologi-

why the town has eschewed opportunities for short-term

cally,” Scarinza says. “There should never be a tendency for

profit since gaining ownership of the land 20 years ago. The

our forester to say, ‘Let’s cut that tree because it’s worth a lot

forest commission fosters a diversity of tree species, rather

of money, even though it would be better for forest health to

than the monoculture of maples preferred by paper compa-

keep it.’ Our choices are driven by what’s best for the forest

nies. That way, if an invasive pest attacks one species, many

and what’s best for the wildlife.”

others will remain. “If you harvest more than what you grow,

“Maybe that costs us a little more than if we were harvest-

sooner or later you won’t have anything left,” says logger

ing only on a profit-driven basis," Scarinza continues. “But

Malcolm Washburn.

it’s worth it.”

D O W N TO W N G O R H A M , NEW HAMPSHIRE

4 8 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

T P L. O R G · 49

the best parks are created

by community, for community.

Hand-painted murals liven up Westwood Park in Denver, Colorado. ƭơƞ ƭƫƮƬƭ Ɵƨƫ ƩƮƛƥƢƜ ƥƚƧƝ

thank you to the vf foundation!

We’re grateful for partners who share our commitment to creating outdoor access where it’s needed most.

Thanks to The VF Foundation, we’re working with communities in Denver, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Atlanta to plan and build healthy, resilient parks for all.

5 0 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

ƭơƨƦƚƬ ƛƚƫƭƨƧ

A NEW NORMAL Our everyday lives went sideways in 2020.

Where do we go f rom here? Meet f ive leaders with a vision for how the outdoors can help us heal, and a plan to build a more eq uitable future for all.

BY JENNY BRUSO T P L. O R G · 51

A NEW NORMAL o utdo o r “Thei nd ust r y ver s i on o f who i s o utdo o r sy do es n ’ t r ep r es ent most o f us .

’

”

Ʃƞƭƞƫ ơƚƧƬƨƧ

‘

JENNY BRUSO CREATOR OF UNLIKELY HIKERS

W

hen I was a kid, I used to spend all day in the ocean. My

While my whiteness is a calling card of outdoor culture,

mom would have to get up from where she was sunbath-

my size and queerness were at odds with what I was seeing.

ing to make me eat or put on more sunscreen, and then it was

Comments from other hikers referencing my size frequently

right back out to the water. I’d float on the surface and let the

puncture(d) the sense of place I felt while hiking.

swells gently bob me around and dare waves to crash into me,

I needed people to talk to about this. I needed commu-

like I could tame them. They’d tumble me, sometimes danger-

nity. In 2016, I started Unlikely Hikers—a diverse, antiracist,

ously. I’d finally break free and gasp for air, salt water burning

body-liberating outdoor community featuring the underrep-

my nostrils and going down my throat. This was when I felt

resented outdoorsperson. We’re an Instagram community, a

most alive. When my lips turned blue and my teeth wouldn’t

nationwide hiking group and, now, a podcast. The outdoor

stop chattering, it was time to go home.

industry version of who is “outdoorsy” doesn’t represent

Those days in the ocean, or coasting my bike down the

most of us. We are people of size, Black, Indigenous, People

biggest hills, or gardening with my mom, are my best child-

of Color, queer, trans, and nonbinary. We are people with dis-

hood memories. My childhood was hard, and as I grew up, life

abilities and people who use the outdoors to aid our mental

became harder. I forgot how to access that joy. At some point,

health. We talk about access, politics, and conservation while

I didn’t notice like I used to. Have you ever been immune to

we honor the land and its Indigenous stewards. We explore

mountains? To sunsets? I have. I forgot how beauty can break

and build community at these intersections.

me apart and fix me up even better than I was before.

This summer, I interviewed outdoor leaders who aren’t

About eight years ago, I began dating someone who loved

simply diversifying the status quo, but creating a whole new

the outdoors. I found my way outside again in the form of day

outdoor culture from the ground up that is for everybody

hikes and I rediscovered that wonder, that inherent sense of

and every body. I asked them about their outdoor careers and

place I knew when I was a kid. My world opened back up, but

lifestyles, how they experience parks and public lands, how

this rediscovered freedom to be was conditional.

COVID-19 has shifted plans, and their hopes for the future. I

I noticed very early on that outdoor culture was something

hope their stories inspire you to take inventory of your own

else entirely. In the Pacific Northwest, particularly around

outdoor experiences. Each of us has a responsibility to use our

Portland, Oregon—the whitest big city in the U.S.—it wasn’t

privilege to benefit those who have less access. How can you

exactly surprising that most of the people on trail were white.

be part of creating this change?

This image of the outdoorsperson was even more pervasive on social media and in advertising.

T P L. O R G · 53

A NEW NNORMAL OR MAL

t he ways t hat peo ple do . We don ’ t have to b e l i ke t hi s .

”

5 4 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

ƥƨ Ʈ Ƣ Ƭ ƚ ƚ ƥ ƛ ƚ Ƨ ƞ Ƭ ƞ

e do es n ’t “dNi satcur r i m i nate i n

AMANDA JAMESON C O M M U N I T Y R E L AT I O N S D I R E CTO R B I G C I T Y M O U N TA I N E E R S “W

e can be better than the systems that we grew up in, the systems that we inherited.” Asking Amanda Jameson

it’s taught me that nature doesn’t discriminate in the ways that people do. We don't have to be like this.” What she’s

about thru-hiking is like hitching a ride to a place you didn’t

gained from hiking, along with her work with organizations

know you needed to be until you get there.

like the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and Camber

“I like walking. Preferably, for long distances. Day hikes

Outdoors, has given her an advantage for translating deep

don’t really do it for me. I need at least a few days to really

experiences and passing on knowledge into her work with

be able to settle into my body,” says Jameson, who uses the

youth through Big City Mountaineers.

pronouns she, her, and hers. “Before the pandemic, I started

I asked her how outdoor culture, land management agen-

climbing, but mostly, I just like walking and existing in nature

cies, and parks can do better for youth. For starters, she urges

and being reminded of how small I am.”

decision-makers to just take them seriously. “Young people rise

Jameson is a writer, a long-distance hiker (she got her “trail

to the occasion when they’re asked to,” she says. “Not only is

name,” Zuul, on the Pacific Crest Trail), and the community

there a lot that young people can learn from older people, but

relations director for Big City Mountaineers, a nonprofit pro-

there’s a lot that older people can learn from youth.”

viding free access to outdoor experiences for youth from dis-

COVID-19 has made it harder to support youth in the

invested communities. Her experience of walking over 3,500

outdoors for the time being. Big City Mountaineers had to

miles on long trails has been just as formative as the degrees

cancel their trips this summer. But they’re using this time

she’s received from Vassar and Oxford.

to look inward. “We’ve committed the organization to being

Each of these journeys has revealed what Jameson describes

antiracist, which is a lot of work,” Jameson explains. “We’re

as “multiple ways of knowing … There are the things you

not always going to get it right. It’s going to be three steps

have been taught, that you cerebrally know. You can know

forward, four steps back.”

a statistic and you still don’t know what that means for the

Jameson also says it’s past time for people in power to

lived experience of someone.” Long-distance hiking, on the

choose who they’re really serving: “If you are trying to cater

other hand, is Jameson’s source for an “embodied sense of

to both people with marginalized identities and people who,

knowledge about the world. About truth. About perspective.

whether knowingly or unknowingly, are a part of systems of

Long-distance hiking has shown me just how much our reality

oppression who aren’t actively working to break down those

is socially constructed.”

systems of oppression, what you're going to be left with is

While the outdoors is far from the apolitical space the

the latter group,” she says. “The people that are oppressing

culture has pushed for so long, Amanda believes in the power

people. The former group should not be expected to tolerate

nature provides. “As a Black queer woman living in the U.S.,

their own oppression.”

T P L. O R G · 55

A NEW NORMAL We have to “ d i s m a nt le t he systems o f ablei s m .

Ɯ ƨ Ʈ ƫ ƭ ƞ Ƭ Ʋ ƨ Ɵ Ư ƚ Ƭ Ʈ Ƭ ƨƣ Ƣ ƭ ƫ ƚ

”

5 6 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

VASU SOJITRA ATHLETE AND DIVERSIT Y, EQUIT Y, AND INCLUSION STRATEGIST

Y

ou will probably find Vasu Sojitra (he/him/his) outside.

As an activist, I know it can be exhausting to be asked

The North Face–sponsored athlete loves to connect with

how to be a good ally. People have a world of knowledge at

the natural world through whatever means, from skiing to

their fingertips every day via the internet, but we’re asked to

trail running, packrafting to biking. With his motto, “ninja-

defend our experiences and educate, while enduring oppres-

sticking through the woods to bring intersectionality to the

sion and mistreatment. When I asked Sojitra what non-

outdoors,” Sojitra is challenging the biases facing a person

disabled people can do to be better allies, he gamely offered

of color with a disability. He is a cofounder of Earthtone

ideas. “Take the time and initiative to understand these issues.

Outside, a nonprofit that elevates the visibility of Montana’s

Volunteer with organizations working with people with dis-

outdoorspeople of color, and a member of the In Solidarity

abilities. Break out of your bubble. You will likely feel uncom-

Network, a new initiative building a better, stronger, more

fortable because you might not know how to handle someone

diverse outdoor industry. He’s also worked for Eagle Mount

with autism or someone in a wheelchair, but I personally

Bozeman, an organization empowering children and adults

think most people learn through either personal experience

with disabilities through outdoor adventure.

or storytelling.”

Meanwhile, you might be wondering what the heck “ninja-

Sojitra lost his job with Eagle Mount because of COVID-19,

sticking” is. “I use crutches all the time, but when I reframe

but he’s ready for the next chapter. He’s planning to get a

my activities as ‘ninjasticking,’ it’s kind of this more positive,

master’s degree in public administration, to learn about some

active, dynamic, powerful thing,” says Sojitra, who lost his

of the inner workings of the outdoor industry. From there, he

right leg to a blood infection when he was nine months old.

wants to start consulting on diversity, equity, and inclusion

“Whether it be on trail or going grocery shopping, whatever

issues for outdoor brands and agencies, to put some of his

form of mobility I’m taking part in can be ninjasticking.”

ideas into action.

Sojitra says that despite stigma around the term, “the word

Disability is diverse. It can be visible or invisible, and you

‘disability’ for me is actually very prideful. It’s okay to have a

can’t know someone’s needs just by looking at them. While

disability, we just have to make sure the barriers that are put

Sojitra doesn’t have many accessibility needs to consider, his

on us by systems of ableism are being dismantled and people

experience with those who do through his work at Eagle

are actively working to help support folks with disabilities.

Mount influences how he sees the world. “I was down in

“Throughout history, the most marginalized people are left

Rocky Mountain National Park and out of the 355 miles of

out of these conversations,” Sojitra says. “We’re seen as dispos-

trails there, only four miles are accessible,” he says. “If we can

able. COVID-19 has been a prime example that people don’t

build a super highway, we can do better!”

take disabled and marginalized people seriously.”

T P L. O R G · 57

A NEW NORMAL ple ca n “Peo c o me i nto t hes e s p ac es as t hey a r e .

W hateve r way t hey i nteract with nat ur e i s va l id.

ƬơƚưƧ ƥƢƧƞơƚƧ

”

5 8 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

MERCY M’FON C REATOR O F WILD DIVERSIT Y “A

s a queer African woman, there are so many ways that we don’t get to just be. We’re so heavily stereotyped. We

conquering mentality—the narrative that compels us to go faster, stronger, harder, longer, crush, conquer, etc. “I think

don’t ever get the benefit of the doubt. People are intimidated

outdoor recreation is also centered around profit-driven

by us whether we’re aggressive or not and it makes just walk-

activities,” M’fon says. “Can’t we just go relax? In this capital-

ing through society like walking on eggshells.” That’s Mercy

ist country, working hard is what makes you ‘good,’ so when

M’fon (she/her/hers), founder of Wild Diversity, an outdoor

you're recreating, you have to be working hard there as well,

organization centering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

because it's ‘good.’”

(BIPOC) and LGBTQ+ communities in Portland, Oregon.

Wild Diversity focuses on reinvesting in community knowl-

I asked M’fon how the outdoor industry and public lands agencies can show up better for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communi-

edge expansion through outdoor education and skillshare. The

ties. She says that funding and access have tended to accrue to

group limits barriers to outdoor adventure through sliding-

established, longstanding conservation organizations, short-

scale fees for adventures and education, scholarships, and a

ing community-based groups like Wild Diversity. “We still

gear-lending library. They offer all kinds of activities, from

can't get permitting in these spaces because the system parks

day hikes to movie nights to bird watching. Regardless of the

and wilderness areas use puts orgs like mine at the mercy of

setting, M’fon believes it’s enormously important for mem-

nondiverse organizations supporting diverse organizations,”

bers of underrepresented groups to have a safe, intentional

she says. “And then they go on to talk about how they can’t

community of peers to experience the outdoors with. “To be

get Brown people into the backcountry. I think they just need

able to be part of an affinity group feels like being at home,

to get a little bit creative.”

where you’re able to take your pants off. You feel safe. You can

M’fon acknowledges the weight of inertia she’s been work-

be yourself.”

ing against for years: “The way-things-have-always-been-done

“We face so many challenges regularly as communities of

mentality is really heavy in the outdoor industry and not much

color and queer and trans people. Doing something that's

has evolved in a long time,” she says. But she’s not giving up

challenging in our free time can be a deterrent,” says M’fon,

on her vision for a future where the outdoors can nourish and

who has over 15 years in community leadership as an educa-

sustain BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. In that future, “We

tor and facilitator. “I want people to know that they can

have access to safe spaces, summer camps for our communities,

come into these spaces as they are and whatever way they

permits, the things other groups have had, historically, as part

interact with nature is completely valid. Things don’t have

of their introduction to the outdoors,” she says. “Outside, I see

to be rigorous or wildly adventurous. They can be, but it can

no dominant outdoor culture, no specific thing taking up all

also be really chill.”

of the space. I see infinite outdoor activities and styles of being

M’fon says it’s past time to dismantle outdoor culture’s

outdoors that feed the mind, body, and soul.”

T P L. O R G · 59

A NEW NORMAL

I ca n j ust “ stand i n t he l i g ht and tel l peo ple who I am .

ƭƚ ơ Ư ƨ ƫ Ʋ ƛ Ʈ Ƨ ƭ Ƣ Ƨ Ơ # Ɲ ƞ Ƨ Ư ƞ ƫ Ƣ Ʀ ƚ Ơ ƞ Ʃ ơ ƨ ƭ ƨ Ơ ƫ ƚ Ʃ ơ Ʋ

”

6 0 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

ERIN PARISI MOUNTAINEER AND LEADER AT TRANSENDING7

E

rin Parisi (she/her/hers) is a stepmother, a partner, a lover of the outdoors and—in her own words—she “happens to be trans.”

In 2018 she launched TranSending7, a nonprofit breaking down stereotypes of trans people through athleticism. Since then, we’ve shared space in many outdoor arenas where she

and people in their advertising,” Parisi says, aiming to break up the dominant ethos of masculinity in mountaineering. “For decades, I heard men—my own friends—saying things like ‘Don’t be such a woman.’”

Parisi says allyship means speaking up in situations like

spreads her mission and goal of climbing the so-called Seven

these. “Often, people feel like they need to be silent or agree

Summits—the highest point on each continent. “When I came

with a bully in order to not be singled out themselves,” she says.

out, I decided it was important for me to be seen,” she says.

“When you speak up, especially when other people are present,

Growing up, Parisi says she internalized negative representa-

you isolate the bully and celebrate the person being othered.”

tions of trans people, to the point that she denied her own truth. The fix? “Going to the highest point on every continent

As it has for so many of us, COVID-19 has challenged her approach. Typically, she pushes back against negative ste-

where there are no more shadows, where I can just stand in

reotypes by showing up in person, connecting with as many

the light and tell people who I am and not hide.”

people as she can, dismantling ignorance and invisibility with

Fewer than 500 people have reached all Seven Summits, and

her presence. Without these connections, “It’s too easy [for

of those, fewer than a hundred are women. Parisi is doing one

others] to accept the media’s portrayal of trans people being

better: she will be the first known trans person to accomplish

punchlines,” she says.

this feat. (So far, she’s reached Aconcagua, Elbrus, Kosciuszko, and Kilimanjaro—twice.)

This despite the tall odds stacked against trans athletes in the

Changing individual minds matters—but few things change without institutional change. She calls for gender-neutral approaches to infrastructure like restrooms, programs like

outdoor industry, who Parisi says struggle to get funding to take

team sports, and even the language outdoor leaders choose.

on their most ambitious dreams. “Why do you think no other

“When you go to a national park and you sit down at the

trans person has climbed Mt. Everest? It’s because we don’t

fireside chat and they start with, ‘Hello, ladies and gentlemen,’

have the support the industry has given cisgender athletes.”

a person like me thinks, ‘Well, I better keep my mouth shut,’”

But TranSending7 isn't just about her. “I want to help trans people in the outdoors … I’d love to see a trans person sail

Parisi says.

Parisi’s accomplishments and advocacy are all the more

around the world, or be the first to go to the North and South

impressive because she’s faced such challenges to get this far.

Poles, or bike across the United States.”

Mountaineering is a hazardous passion—but too many trans

Parisi acknowledges that outdoor culture is becoming more

athletes face injustice and danger before they even lace up

inclusive, but queer and trans people are still left out. “I’d like

their boots. “We need to prioritize making people feel safe,”

to see more clubs and brands celebrating diverse partnerships

she says.

T P L. O R G · 61

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6 2 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

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T P L. O R G · 63

Ɲ ƚ Ư ƞ Ƭ ơ ƨ ư ƚ ƥƭ ƞ ƫ

trail’s end

THE LAST CRICKET blame it on october. A nor’easter blows rain for three straight days and the gleam of blackened tree trunks lifts every summer thought from my head. Then one night I find myself by an open window after dark and realize the only sound in the woods behind the house is wind rustling the leaves, the clack of bare branches.

I’ve missed it. Again.

My intention every year is to listen for the last cricket, the explosion of silence after its ridged wings have struck their final chirp. I imagine it as somehow akin to Bashō’s temple bell whose sound, after the bell has stopped ringing, comes pouring out of the flowers. I have no reason for wanting to mark the occasion other than a poetic temperament and a feeling that the mindfulness required of such a task is its own reward.

The idea usually arrives in September when the crickets are

the smell of cut grass in the outfield around him, the oil

at their most frantic. I toy with the thought of camping out

darkening the mitt he absently jabs a fist into while waiting

the night it seems likely they’ll stop. I imagine myself keenly

for a pitch, the coolness oozing from the deep woods beyond

attuned to the hypnotic lull, aware that if I fall asleep, even

the parking lot. That boy’s parents are young and strong,

for a moment, I could miss it. The novelty appeals to me. The

and time hasn’t grayed their hair and carved lines into their

invention of such an inconsequential drama. It would make

faces. That boy’s grandparents smile and blink and breathe.

no difference to anyone whether I succeeded, or if it took

To have him back, if only for a moment, is a restoration of

me years to accomplish. The achievement would be mine

innocence, the melancholy of which sings to me. I want

alone. Sometimes to up the ante, I imagine decades of failed

to rise to the last cricket’s call and inhabit a quiet empty

attempts until maybe one night—when I’m an old man, stum-

enough to contain my every contradiction.

bling, bearded, blind, bereft of all hope—a Zen-like oneness

All the noise I make in this life isn’t mine but rather part of

with the woods sets in and from nearby, under the bark of a

some discordant harmonizing to which, season after sea-

rotten log, I hear the teeth of a cricket wing crackling the air,

son, I hum along. Nothing is inconsequential. Nothing. But

and listen, knowingly, as the world resolves itself in silence.

somehow in the rush and bustle of my days, I lose the thread.

It’s easy to think so fancifully when the crickets are going

October comes along with its dazzling, razor-edged contrasts—

gangbusters. A time of abundance props up the fiction that

warmth and cold, light and dark, color and gray— and other

you’ll always have enough. In September the sun shines on

stories start singing. By the time I remember my intention to

trees full of apples. The first stars of frost on the lawn feel

listen for the last cricket, the silence is already everywhere.

as far off as real stars, wintergreen and blinking. In Septem-

Come the spring, I think, I’ll listen for the first.

ber, the crickets deliver to me every lost dream of childhood. From the depths of my love and loneliness, the boy I once was emerges again to lie awake all night listening. His insomniac mind conjures impressions from a late ballgame:

6 4 · LAND &PE OPL E · FAL L /W I NTER 2020

steve edwards lives in massachusetts and is author of the memoir breaking into the backcountry. this essay appeared in the autumn 2020 issue of orion magazine.

we hope you enjoyed this issue of land&people.

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