Bridge To The Outdoors

Interested in connecting and exploring the outdoors but don’t know where to start? Looking for spaces that challenge the narrative around the BIPOC communities relationship to the Canadian Outdoors?

The outdoor activity and educational programs landscape continues to be dominated and serviced by programs and organizations that are largely unrepresentative of BIPOC groups or individuals. When conversations and conferences on participation in the outdoors occur, these are the voices that often go unheard.

Join us for the first of a series of talks and walks that seek to challenge misconceptions around Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour’s relationship to the world of nature. Program participants will engage in an interactive discussion led by Nature Educator Demiesha Dennis of Brown Girl Outdoor World. Participants will understand the principle of nature as an act of self-care, build confidence about exploring nature safely in the city, unpack the concept of what it means to be in nature and examine how nature helps us to build supportive communities.

Throughout the Fall term, Hart House and Brown Girl Outdoor will present a mix of virtual and hands-on educational experiential programs that encourage growth, teach outdoor exploration skills and promote healthy dialogue and a mindfulness approach to nature. See the Event Details section below for brief descriptions of each event.

Oct 6, 1–2:30 pm: Our Collective Nature: Finding Community in a Natural World

• Participants will engage in an interactive virtual discussion around building community and exploring nature safely in the city. Register at the link above.

Oct 20, 1–2 pm: Discovering Nature at Your Doorstep

• An in-person walk through the Humber River Trail and Etienne Brule Park, with an opportunity to observe the Fall colours and the salmon run! Approx 3 km, beginning and ending at the meet-up spot - Old Mill Subway Station. More instructions, including weather cancellation, safety precautions and requirements will be given upon completion of registration. Register at the link above.

Nov 3, 1–2:30 pm: Know it. Love it. Protect it. Understanding Conservation and its Connection to Adventure

• Participants will engage in an interactive virtual discussion to learn about conservation- what is it and how should we engage with it? Participants will also learn the principles of ‘Leave No Trace Behind’ as it relates to urban adventure. Register at the link above.

Nov 17, 1–2 pm: Fall Into Nature

• An in-person walk to and through the Evergreen Brickworks exploring, identifying and observing the ways in which nature begins to prepare for the winter season. Approx 4 km, beginning at the meet-up spot - Rosedale Subway Station. More instructions, including weather cancellation, safety precautions and requirements will be given upon completion of registration. Register at the link above.