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Not everyone has equal access
to nature. 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Nature
(EDIN) is an official sub-committee of the Carden Alvar Executive. 

Our goal is to strive for local environmental clubs that are welcoming and inviting for nature lovers of all identities.

 

We aspire to identify

barriers to participation and enjoyment

of nature and where possible remove them.

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J. Mitchell-Wilson

Photos by D. Homer

Guided Walks

Tailor made to your needs and interests, connect with a walk guide for a personalized tour of the Alvar. These walks are open to everyone! 

Email us at: cardendiversity@gmail.com

Personal Growth

Making safe outdoor spaces for all is a community AND personal endeavour that requires education, personal reflection and growth.

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Community Connections

We look to our community for connection, support and leadership in the effort to dismantle barriers to participation in nature. 

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Member Meetings

EDIN informs the Carden Field Naturalist Executive on topics for Member Presentations that celebrate the diversity of nature and nature lovers.

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Photos by D. Homer

Photos by D. Homer

  • What do you mean by 'Not Everyone Has Equal Access to Nature'?
    The legacy and ongoing harms of white supremacy, colonialism, heteronormativity and ableism has made it so that 'Outdoor Adventure' is a very white, cis dominated space. From personal safety to inaccessibility both physically and financially, there are many barriers to participation in Nature. We know the benefits of being outdoors for our bodies, minds and hearts. We feel that this experience and communion with nature ought to be safe and easily accessed by every person on Earth.
  • Why is Equal Access to Nature Important?
    The benefits of connecting with nature are abundant, certifiable and cannot be revoked from the human experience. From expanding empathy, to communing with fellow creatures, breathing in fresh air, becoming wonderstruck and connecting to the physical and emotional aspects of nature is something each of us has a right to experience. "Connection to the land and doing outdoor activities are integral for mental, spiritual and physical health. Studies have shown that nature-based recreation can decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, while increasing cognition, restoration and overall well-being. This connection with the outdoors through nature-based activities also informs and encourages us to take action to combat the climate crisis. But that assumption — that the Canadian outdoors is a white and male space — persists, creating barriers, whether emotional or physical, for racialized, female-identifying, disabled and recently immigrated individuals." -Alia Yousef 'Purpose and Power: Meet 10 BIPOC adventurers challenging who belongs in the outdoors.' Aug. 21, 2021
  • What Can I Do to Help Increase Access to Nature?
    There are many ways to dismantle the dominant narrative of who belongs in the outdoors. Making it a safe space for folks starts with self-education. Exploring and confronting our own privilege leads to an understanding of how we uphold the oppression of others. This is an ongoing task that takes commitment and the ability to adapt to challenge and change. Informed advocacy and allyship flows from here. Support local and national organizations run by and made for racialized folks, queer folks and differently abled folks. Use your vote as your power to make it known that locally and beyond access to nature and a clean environment is a matter of policy. Ask existing local groups how they might aim to be more inclusive, work together to dismantle internal and external barriers based on race, gender, sexuality and ability.

J.Mitchell-Wilson

T. Wilson

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C. Curran

We acknowledge that we are on William’s Treaty territory of Turtle Island. We honor the First Peoples for their care and teachings about our earth.

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In order to learn and to heal we must all acknowledge past wrongs and the multi-faceted impacts of colonialism. We encourage everyone to thoughtfully participate in the journey toward meaningful truth and reconciliation. 

Follow Us on Instagram:

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Tel: (705) 345-1919

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