Nature has long been a source of inspiration and renewal. For some communities, access to nature has not always been easy, not for lack of interest but because of historical and economic factors.
Today, that is changing. More people from all backgrounds are spending time in parks, forests, lakes, trails and mountains, walking, hiking, kayaking, biking and overall building deeper personal connections to the land. These moments offer physical activity, but also offer a sense of peace and belonging.
By enjoying these spaces, we find connection and a renewed appreciation for the outdoors, a place that belongs to everyone.
Community-Led Organizations Creating Space and Opportunity Outdoors
New community-led outdoor organizations are making nature feel more welcoming. Groups like Outdoor Afro are leading national movements to reframe how we engage with outdoor spaces. They are organizing hikes, creating moments of connection and fostering a sense of belonging in nature.
Other organizations, including Soul Trak Outdoors, Black Girls Trekkin’, Vibe Tribe Adventures and Hike Clerb, are doing the same. Whether hosting community hikes or rock-climbing sessions, these groups empower more people to explore the outdoors safely. Many of these groups also focus on youth, teaching the next generation to enjoy, share and protect nature. These groups are helping reshape outdoor culture in the U.S. In doing so, they are building community.
Nature and History: Honoring a Shared Legacy
The outdoors is a living history book. Across the U.S., national parks and historic landmarks tell powerful stories about the people, places and movements that shaped the country. Sites like the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail and Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park honor the sacrifices and triumphs of those who came before us.
Walking through these places connects us to our shared history and helps future generations understand their culture and the significance of the sites. Preserving these spaces matters.
Robert F. Smith’s Commitment to Outdoor Access
Robert F. Smith has seen firsthand the lasting impact that outdoor experiences can have on people.
The time Smith spent in nature as a child helped shape his values. The outdoors in Colorado offered space for him to reflect, learn and dream. Simple moments in nature provided a sense of clarity, and he believes all young people should have the opportunity to engage with the outdoors in the ways he did. That belief has informed his support for programs that expand access to nature and provide hands-on experiences that foster leadership, self-confidence and growth.
Through Lincoln Hills Cares, young people in Colorado access the outdoors through guided programs that encourage exploration and connection. In partnership with Fund II Foundation, Smith has also supported efforts to preserve historic landscapes and promote outdoor education through national parks and cultural sites.
For Smith, these initiatives are not only about preserving nature but also about helping the next generation build a lifelong connection to the world around them.
A Path Forward in Nature
Reconnecting with nature enriches our understanding of the world around us. By supporting outdoor organizations, preserving historical sites and expanding access to green spaces, we are building a future where every child can see themselves on a mountaintop or by the lake.
Learn more about how Smith’s philanthropy helps create opportunities for others by following him on LinkedIn.