KIM WOODFORD HELPS THE UNDERSERVED FIND JOYIN NATURE

Living on the shores of Lake Erie will challenge your love for the outdoors when the temperatures begin to dip from November - March and the days become shorter The breeze you embrace in July now sends chills from your toes to your forehead. For those in the Black and brown communities, the resistance is stronger Recent statistics from the Cleveland Metroparks show an overall increase in visitors in these communities.

The Cleveland Metroparks annual review of visitorship to the parks indicates an increase in visitors correlating with the Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine. During this time, they report, “In 2020 and 2021, there were 19+ million recreation visits which is an average of nearly 1 million more visits since 2019.” As part of their report, the Metroparks surveyed visitors and found the demographic make-up of new and returning users is younger and more diverse. The timeframe was large, 30 years, but in that time, Black visitors increased by9%, and Hispanic visitors increased by3%.

Kimberly Woodford, the founder of Journey On Yonder (JOY), is working to move even more members of the Black and Brown communities from hibernators to hikers.

JOY is Woodford's side gig. During the day, she is a Commercial Sales Manager for the City of Cleveland's public electric utility, Cleveland Public Power Before starting “JOY,” Kim served four years as a volunteer leader with Outdoor Afro (Ohio), where she built a network of Black outdoor enthusiasts and ally partners with park and environmentalorganizations.

She holds a bachelor's in Communications, is an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist and a Tree Steward, and People for Trees Ambassador with Holden Forests and Gardens. Kim serves on the board of the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS) organization, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), as chair of diversity and inclusion. She is also a founding member of Black EnvironmentalLeaders (Bel) in Cleveland, Ohio.

When not out getting her nature therapy, Kim enjoys spending time with family and fur babies, hiking, and gardening.

Woodford recently shared her love of the outdoors with Phenomenal Woman to encourage more Black and brown women to embrace nature as a part of their regular self-care.

PW:What is JOY?

KW: Journey On Yonder LLC (JOY), a greenspace, consulting business that focuses on diversity equity and inclusion (DEI), community engagement, and outdoor/nature experiences. My business services center at the intersection of DEI, health and wellness and environmental justice and stewardship to inspire Black and Brown people to find JOY through healthy experiences in nature.

My work in this space has influenced hundreds of people including, adults, young people, groups ,and individuals, specifically in the Black and Brown communities to visit our local and national parks by leading activities such as enjoyable hikes and other nature inspired outdoor activities year-round. JOY's work also involves engagement services with organizations such as CommunityDevelopment Organizations to curate resident workshops aimed at reimagining use of vacant greenspace and trees in Black and Brown neighborhoods as well as creating imaginative nature tech workshops in communities affected by the “digital divide.” JOY also includes DEI advisory services to environmental/conservation organizations.

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PW:What is your goal with JOY?

KW: To change the perception of who belongs in outdoor spaces - we all belong. Inspire underserved communities and communities of Color, specifically Black and Brown, to have healthy experiences in nature that will increase positive health outcomes; increase awareness and advocacy for environmental justice and stewardship And increase awareness of career path opportunities in the environmentaland conservation sectors.

PW: With shorter days and colder temperatures, Black and Brown people tend to hibernate from November until mid-March or April. What are the benefits of getting outside?

KW: This time of year, it's easy for many of us to fall into hibernation and isolation, which, if we're not careful, can lead to increased stress, depression, and anxiety that people may characterize as the winter blahs. So, here's a reason to get outdoors. Being in nature helps to decrease the cortisol levels that contribute to sadness and depression while increasing your "happy" hormones (endorphins), which is backed by science. Keeping our mental and emotional health intact is important, so taking in some crisp cool air is one way to help stimulate and invigorate the mental and physical wellness. It also helps with short-term memory.

There are other benefits to being outside despite the chilly temperatures, like here in Cleveland. You burn more calories because your body works a little harder to stay warm while moving, so if physical fitness and weight loss are your goals, well, here's your reason. Layer up, wear warm headgear, gloves, and warm footwear with good tread, and go outside. It also can help increase energy levels, so you're not so tired or fatigued. Head out on one of your favorite park towpaths or in your neighborhood; just watch out for icy or slick patches on the walkways. Physical activities help reduce the risk of hypertension, reduce inflammation,and improve sleep.

Another benefit of getting outside year-round is it allows you to notice the natural world around you. Even though most of the trees are bare this time of year, there's still life around you, and I'm incredibly grateful to have the chance to observe the transformations of each season with frequent hikes and walks.

Another benefit is - connecting with friends and family out in nature can help improve relationships. For example, meeting up to learn new activities like learning about plant life in the area but it's really up to you and how creative you want to be.

PH:What are some of the best activities to partake in?

KW: Nature hiking is my favorite – I take advantage of our amazing national and metro parks systems. However you don't always have to be deep into the woods to enjoy a walk in the park; you can also visit places like our beautiful yet underrated cultural gardens. And there are many city parks as well. If you like water activities, try kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Birding, camping (tent), glamping (cabin camping), gardening, biking, and outdoor yoga.

PH:What is the best way to encourage people to get outside?

KW: I often get feedback from people saying they were inspired to participate because of the pictures I post on social media. The saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is true. However, I'm working on increasing my social media presence. But when people come to any of my workshops, and experiences, I intentionallycreate meaningfuland joyful spaces.

To connect with Kim, visit journeyonyonder.com, or Facebook.com/journeyonyonder