Connecticut Land Conservation Conference
March 25, 2023, Wesleyan University, Middletown
Rick Newton
Dudley Edmondson
“In wilderness the ability to embrace freedom and be your true self is the healing medicine the mind needs.” – Dudley Edmondson
Over the last 33 years, Dudley Edmondson has become an established Photographer, Author, Filmmaker and Presenter. His photography has been featured in galleries and publications around the world. His photographic work and adventure travels have taken him to so many amazing places from the Arctic Circle of Alaska to the Bahamas.
As a young man, Dudley Edmondson discovered the power of nature and its ability to heal both the mind and body. This led Mr. Edmondson on a lifelong path to follow his passion and instill his love and knowledge of the outdoors in others and inspire a personal understanding and respect for everything nature offers. Mr. Edmondson has collaborated with numerous communities across the county to help urban youth and youth of color to experience nature and the beauty of the outdoors.
Mr. Edmondson was one of the first to highlight the involvement of African Americans in the public lands system. Unsatisfied with the representation of people of color among those in his outdoor pursuits, he created a set of Outdoor Role Models for the African American community by writing his landmark book, Black & Brown Faces in America’s Wild Places (Adventure Keen Publications, 2006).
Dudley appeared in the recent season of the PBS program, America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston, discussing his passion for birding and nature, as well as the importance of diverse communities enjoying the outdoors.
Dudley’s new book, available Jan. 7, 2025, is titled: People the Planet Needs Now – Voices for Justice, Science and a Future of Promise. Twenty-five Black and Brown scientists, environmental and social activists were interviewed, sharing personal stories and perspectives from across the United States (and one from the Philippines), with the hope of inspiring change on a global scale.
Workshops