The Trust for Public Land is proud to collaborate with communities – block by block, park by park, and city by city – to restore the public parks and outdoor spaces that gather us together. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event, whether in your neighborhood or online.
This special edition Park Bench Chat unveiled the new rankings and, provided a data-driven look at park equity across America’s largest cities, highlighting the extent of disparities in park space along racial and economic lines.
This Earth Month, Trust for Public Land President and CEO Diane Regas will be in conversation with Dana Bourland, vice president of the Environment Program at The JPB Foundation and author of Gray to Green Communities: A Call to Action on the Housing and Climate Crises; and designer, urbanist, and spatial justice expert Liz Ogbu, founder and principal of Studio O, which, in partnership with communities, leverages design to catalyze and sustain social impact.
Thank you for joining us for a Park Bench Chat about the growing movement to preserve and lift up a more accurate, equitable public memory of America. We were in conversation with Keith Weaver, Trust for Public Land board member and executive vice president of Global Policy and External Affairs for Sony Pictures Entertainment; and Brent Leggs, executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and author of Preserving African American Historic Places. They shared insights about places that tell the story of Black life in America, highlighting centuries of activism, achievement, creativity, and community. And we discussed how equity in historic preservation revitalizes communities, enriches our culture, and helps shape a more just and prosperous future for all.
Thank you for joining us for a virtual event on the future of public funding for parks and public lands. We learned how The Trust for Public Land donors helped us pass all 31 ballot measures we campaigned for in 2020, generating over $3 billion in new public funding for parks and conservation. We analyzed recent policy wins made possible by our donors, with a focus on equity and climate, and discuss opportunities for expanded public support at the federal, state, and local levels in 2021 and 2022.
Thank you for joining us on December 8 at 2:00 p.m. ET/ 12:00 p.m. MT/11:00 a.m. PT for a Park Bench Chat with corporate and advocacy leaders to discuss addressing social inequalities through philanthropic investments in communities, brand positioning, and fostering more welcoming and inclusive environments outside, within the workplace, and beyond.
On September 10, join us for a beautiful hike at High Point State Park, about 3 miles roundtrip. We will traverse a combination of the Cedar Swamp and Monument Trails, where we will circle the mountain ridges and climb uphill to take in breathtaking views of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and explore the Atlantic white cedar bog in the Kuser Natural Area. This is a moderate trail with a couple steep rocky sections. Well-behaved and leashed dogs are welcome to join.
On August 6, join us for a beautiful hike at Schiff Nature Preserve, about 3 miles roundtrip. This is an easy trail with a couple of rolling hills, a wildflower meadow, and a Wood Badge Lodge.
On July 9, join us for a wonderful hike on the Doris Duke Trail at Sterling Forest State Park, about 4 miles roundtrip. This is a moderate trail with a steady incline to the top, where you will be rewarded with a view of Mombasha Lake and the hills of Sterling Forest and Harriman State Park.
A virtual presentation and conversation to learn about The Trust for Public Land's work in South Gate transforming thirty acres of industrial land into a vibrant community park. In Southern California's City of South Gate, the Urban Orchard project will bring essential green space to a park poor neighborhood. The project includes a community orchard, wetland, and learning garden, which will be created and maintained by the Conservation Corps of Long Beach.
Pour your favorite drink and join Caroline O’Boyle, Chicago Program Director of The Trust for Public Land, for a Virtual Tavern Talk with Dr. Frances Kuo, Pastor Reshorna Fitzpatrick, and Dr. Sadiya Muqueeth who will share their research and observations about the connection of health and parks.
In our first Cool School park bench chat, we will explore how we can start off the year enjoying nature close to home. Join Susana Cruz from Chicana in Nature to learn about the benefits of spending time outdoors and how you can become a nature expert in your own backyard. After this discussion, Veronica Torres-Hazley from Healthy Latina Lifestyle will be leading the community through a calming virtual yoga session in a Cool School Park.
The Trust for Public Land released a new report on Jan 12th, 2021 entitled “The economic benefits of conserved lands, trails, and parks on the North Olympic Peninsula.” The report highlights the important role these resources play in the regional economy and will be used to help make the case for funding for conservation in the region with legislators, but also support community conversations around how best to intentionally plan for growth and conservation in this region. The project was the result of an essential partnership between The Trust for Public Land, Jefferson Land Trust, and North Olympic Land Trust. The effort was supported by public and philanthropic funding, including grants from the WA State Department of Commerce and Land Trust Alliance.
