In a compelling final meeting of Thrive’s Natural Treasures Alliance, partners heard presentations regarding the importance of equity in the outdoors.

Now more than ever, people are realizing the vital importance of access to natural landscapes for the health and wellbeing of all people. It also takes people from all backgrounds to advocate for the protection of our natural resources so they can continue to sustain future generations.

Speakers from the November Natural Treasures Alliance  meeting included:

• Tim Kelly, Mayor of the City of Chattanooga, which has restructured its parks and recreation department to prioritize a regional network of outdoor recreation opportunities. 

• Robyn Carlton and Umar Muhammad of Lookout Mountain Conservancy, which protects the scenic, historic and ecological resources of Lookout Mountain through conservation, advocacy, recreation and education, for current and future generations.

• Brenna Kelly and Jackie Ellis of Southeast Conservation Corps, which operates conservation service programs throughout the Southeast that focus on meeting the needs of the natural landscapes while empowering people to cultivate compassion, responsibility, and grit through community service, hard work, and environmental stewardship.

• Clark Brewer of Huemans Outdoors, an inclusive, beginner-friendly, outdoor program that aims to connect underserved youth and families in Chattanooga with the therapeutic benefits of nature. 

As we close out the year, Thrive is ever grateful for the insight of each of our Natural Treasures partners, who, in the words of Clark Brewer, are willing to “talk like we’re family,” about complex challenges and how we can build solutions together. 

Join the Natural Treasures Alliance network in 2022.

Banner Image: Lookout Mountain Conservancy