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We are excited to officially launch the Pathways to Nature with CT Land Trusts program! The core mission of this community-centered conservation initiative is to foster equitable access to nature and conservation opportunities by cultivating long-term, collaborative relationships between land trusts and communities across Connecticut.

Building a Welcoming and Inclusive Community 

Pathways to Nature is designed to dismantle barriers to outdoor access and expand the reach of land trusts beyond their traditional audiences. We are focused on welcoming populations that have historically been underserved by land trusts, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, youth, faith-based groups, people with disabilities, and veterans. To ensure true accessibility, the program actively works to reduce physical barriers by providing vital transportation support, particularly for urban communities.

Diverse Outdoor Experiences 

The program features seven unique outdoor activities designed to engage participants while fostering learning and connection:

• Bird & Hike / Bird & Bike / Bird & Kayak: Guided excursions that combine physical activity with birdwatching and conservation education. Participants will learn to use digital citizen science apps like Merlin and eBird to identify and log local species. Hikes are great for land trusts with public hiking trails; bike outings require paved paths; kayaking requires river, lake, or pond access.
  
• Black History Hike: Hikes to Black Historic sites conserved by land trusts, co-led by local historians to promote culturally informed conservation and share the historical significance of these lands.
  
• Citizen Science: A student-led data collection walk paired with classroom visits from land trust representatives to review the data, discuss how it can be used in conservation, and share education pathways and career opportunities in conservation. Great for land trusts interested in youth and workforce development.
  
• Herbal Forage Walk: Educational walks with an experienced herbalist focused on identifying wild herbs and responsible foraging techniques. Great for nature preserves with a meadow habitat.
  
• Hike ‘n Yap: Short nature walks tailored for affinity groups (such as queer or disabled people) to gather for friendly conversation while enjoying the outdoors.

Powered by Partnership and Mentorship 

Each of these excursions relies on a foundational three-way collaboration between a land trust, a community organization, and a community field guide. By recruiting and mentoring community members to serve as field guides, we ensure that participants see themselves represented in conservation leadership. This mentorship also builds the long-term capacity of land trusts to sustain these inclusive programs independently in the future.

Through Pathways to Nature, we are taking steps to reshape the future of land conservation, ensuring that all communities feel a sense of belonging, ownership, and responsibility for Connecticut’s beautiful natural spaces

Plan a Pathways To Nature Event In Your Community

Know an expert birder, naturalist, historian, or herbalist who would make a great Community Field Guide? 

Want to refer a community-based organization for a Pathways to Nature event? 

Interested in organizing a Pathways to Nature event in your community? 

Please contact Vanessa, CLCC’s Community Conservation Coordinator.  Email Vanessa