Introduction to Tree Sisters
Due to the violent and overwhelming situations and scenarios communities of color have been receiving in the United States, African American, Asian, and Hispanic peoples have been found to have higher than normal risks of chronic stress. It is clear that there is a need for these groups to band together, not in protest nor to link arms and face the “other”, but to hold hands and heal together. It is for this reason that the idea for Tree Sisters came into being. This outdoor recreational group will provide a safe and welcoming space for women within these groups, providing time in nature, where some of the best healing takes place. It has been proven that mental health and stress can be alleviated with exposure to the natural world. These women will be free to settle among the roots of trails, campgrounds, and to listen and gaze upon birds, insects, and other wildlife, realigning with the heartbeat of mother nature as a feminine collective.
Due to the violent and overwhelming situations and scenarios communities of color have been receiving in the United States, African American, Asian, and Hispanic peoples have been found to have higher than normal risks of chronic stress. It is clear that there is a need for these groups to band together, not in protest nor to link arms and face the “other”, but to hold hands and heal together. It is for this reason that the idea for Tree Sisters came into being. This outdoor recreational group will provide a safe and welcoming space for women within these groups, providing time in nature, where some of the best healing takes place. It has been proven that mental health and stress can be alleviated with exposure to the natural world. These women will be free to settle among the roots of trails, campgrounds, and to listen and gaze upon birds, insects, and other wildlife, realigning with the heartbeat of mother nature as a feminine collective.
Chronic Stress and “Adventure Gap”
There has been a purge of media coverage over violence and/or prejudice against oppressed ethnic and racial groups in the country within the past decade. After ISIS became world-known, the Arabic community fell under bigotry’s microscope, while talk of a wall along the Mexican border rose in the air as the Hispanic community was accused of selling drugs and rape (BBC News). And of course, the murder of George Floyd sparked outrage and unrest among the African American community here in the U.S. and across the globe. And more recently, the Asian American community (specifically the elders) have been attacked by the public accusing them of starting the pandemic. All of this can add layers of stress to the human psyche, consciously or unconsciously.
According to the American Psychological Association’s Fact Sheet on Health Disparities and Stress, discrimination and/or perceived discrimination “has been found to be a key factor in chronic stress-related heath disparities among ethnic/racial and other minority groups” (APA). The impacts can become physical, evolving into diabetes or hypertension. Chronic stress due to discrimination or perceived discrimination can also lead to developing mental health disorders.
This is why exposure to nature is one of the things these groups of people need; a certain peace only nature can provide. A study done by Yale School of the Environment shows that spending time in nature can positively impact one’s mental health; “an antidote for stress” (YaleEnvironment360).
It has also been noticed by hikers belonging to these minority groups that there appears to be an “unbearable whiteness” within the hiking community. This has been referred to as the “adventure gap”, which Ryan Kearney at the New Republic claims is the result of class dynamics (Machado).
There has been a purge of media coverage over violence and/or prejudice against oppressed ethnic and racial groups in the country within the past decade. After ISIS became world-known, the Arabic community fell under bigotry’s microscope, while talk of a wall along the Mexican border rose in the air as the Hispanic community was accused of selling drugs and rape (BBC News). And of course, the murder of George Floyd sparked outrage and unrest among the African American community here in the U.S. and across the globe. And more recently, the Asian American community (specifically the elders) have been attacked by the public accusing them of starting the pandemic. All of this can add layers of stress to the human psyche, consciously or unconsciously.
According to the American Psychological Association’s Fact Sheet on Health Disparities and Stress, discrimination and/or perceived discrimination “has been found to be a key factor in chronic stress-related heath disparities among ethnic/racial and other minority groups” (APA). The impacts can become physical, evolving into diabetes or hypertension. Chronic stress due to discrimination or perceived discrimination can also lead to developing mental health disorders.
This is why exposure to nature is one of the things these groups of people need; a certain peace only nature can provide. A study done by Yale School of the Environment shows that spending time in nature can positively impact one’s mental health; “an antidote for stress” (YaleEnvironment360).
It has also been noticed by hikers belonging to these minority groups that there appears to be an “unbearable whiteness” within the hiking community. This has been referred to as the “adventure gap”, which Ryan Kearney at the New Republic claims is the result of class dynamics (Machado).
Other Hiking Groups and Organizations
Some existing hiking groups established in Dayton, Ohio include the Dayton Hikers, which is the largest active hiking group in the Dayton area, as well groups/clubs that students can participate in at their local universities. For example, Wright State University’s Wellness Program offers a hiking/walking group that can connect through Discord and schedule times and days to meet up for hikes and walks. The biggest difference, outside of the Dayton Hikers being open to the public and the Wellness Program being for students only, is that to be a member of the Dayton Hikers, no fee is required, while the Wellness Program charges $12-$24 for their program fee (Wright State University). Tree Sisters will not require a fee, similar to the Dayton Hikers. However, if the group decides to go on a camping trip or rent canoes for the day and a fee is needed, individuals can then pay for themselves in order to participate in these activities.
There are national outdoor recreational groups and organizations as well, aimed for minority groups. Outdoor Afro is a huge national outdoor recreational group for African Americans. One can simply pick the state they live in or want to visit, and the site will direct you to a “leader”, who guides the group to local parks and natural areas to rock climb, hike, camp, etc. Another national organization is Latino Outdoors, which, similar to Outdoor Afro, provides the opportunity to become a national community leader in conservation and outdoor education. The National Wildlife Federation also has a Women in Conservation Leadership group that provides links to Latino Outdoors, Outdoor Afro, Outdoor Asian, and other national organizations. All of these groups support the exploration and protection of the natural world in an inclusive environment.
Some existing hiking groups established in Dayton, Ohio include the Dayton Hikers, which is the largest active hiking group in the Dayton area, as well groups/clubs that students can participate in at their local universities. For example, Wright State University’s Wellness Program offers a hiking/walking group that can connect through Discord and schedule times and days to meet up for hikes and walks. The biggest difference, outside of the Dayton Hikers being open to the public and the Wellness Program being for students only, is that to be a member of the Dayton Hikers, no fee is required, while the Wellness Program charges $12-$24 for their program fee (Wright State University). Tree Sisters will not require a fee, similar to the Dayton Hikers. However, if the group decides to go on a camping trip or rent canoes for the day and a fee is needed, individuals can then pay for themselves in order to participate in these activities.
There are national outdoor recreational groups and organizations as well, aimed for minority groups. Outdoor Afro is a huge national outdoor recreational group for African Americans. One can simply pick the state they live in or want to visit, and the site will direct you to a “leader”, who guides the group to local parks and natural areas to rock climb, hike, camp, etc. Another national organization is Latino Outdoors, which, similar to Outdoor Afro, provides the opportunity to become a national community leader in conservation and outdoor education. The National Wildlife Federation also has a Women in Conservation Leadership group that provides links to Latino Outdoors, Outdoor Afro, Outdoor Asian, and other national organizations. All of these groups support the exploration and protection of the natural world in an inclusive environment.
Tree Sisters
Tree Sisters would be a female outdoor recreational group that allows young women of minority ethnic and racial groups to engage with others who come from similar cultural backgrounds. The purpose of this group is to provide an encouraging space for young women belonging to minority groups where they can feel comfortable, supported, and cared for. All women are welcome to join the hiking group; however, the intention is to initiate a group meant for minorities to gather and share something they may not have readily available to them; a group where they can meet other minorities and experience a collective healing from being on the receiving side of perceived discrimination. This group can meet monthly or biweekly if so desired and can organize where they would want to hike, when, or if they would like to partake in other outdoor recreational activities (plant trees, clear trails, pick up trash, bird watch).
As the warm months begin to thaw out the air and plants begin to grow green and tall, local hiking groups and hiking events have begun to assemble and head out onto the trails. Tree Sisters will have plenty of things offered to attendees during the spring, summer, and fall months, and for the daring and adventurous, members of the group can also go on winter hikes if they so choose. There are a variety of different trails and parks that the group can visit locally, including the Glen Helen Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Here, they can partake in night walks, bird watching, and even volunteer to help clear out the trails of trash, remove graffiti, assist in trail structure maintenance, and remove invasive species (Glen Helen). The Dayton area has many other diverse nature preserves and parks available to the public for the group to explore. The Three Sisters Trail in Sugar Creek is another great spot out of many in the Miami Valley that can be explored by the group.
Tree Sisters would be a female outdoor recreational group that allows young women of minority ethnic and racial groups to engage with others who come from similar cultural backgrounds. The purpose of this group is to provide an encouraging space for young women belonging to minority groups where they can feel comfortable, supported, and cared for. All women are welcome to join the hiking group; however, the intention is to initiate a group meant for minorities to gather and share something they may not have readily available to them; a group where they can meet other minorities and experience a collective healing from being on the receiving side of perceived discrimination. This group can meet monthly or biweekly if so desired and can organize where they would want to hike, when, or if they would like to partake in other outdoor recreational activities (plant trees, clear trails, pick up trash, bird watch).
As the warm months begin to thaw out the air and plants begin to grow green and tall, local hiking groups and hiking events have begun to assemble and head out onto the trails. Tree Sisters will have plenty of things offered to attendees during the spring, summer, and fall months, and for the daring and adventurous, members of the group can also go on winter hikes if they so choose. There are a variety of different trails and parks that the group can visit locally, including the Glen Helen Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Here, they can partake in night walks, bird watching, and even volunteer to help clear out the trails of trash, remove graffiti, assist in trail structure maintenance, and remove invasive species (Glen Helen). The Dayton area has many other diverse nature preserves and parks available to the public for the group to explore. The Three Sisters Trail in Sugar Creek is another great spot out of many in the Miami Valley that can be explored by the group.
Launching of Tree Sisters
The group will hopefully be available through local universities, libraries, YMAs, etc. The point is for it to be accessible to the women interested in joining. There will have to be a consensus on what would be hosting the group, whether a business/organization or individuals. However way, the important thing for this group is to have members that can help stem the group’s roots out to those who need it. Starting at universities may be a good start and it could continue to spread from there. The target audience would be young women in their early teens up to the oldest a woman can be.
Funding and Resources
To join the group, there would be no fees. The point is for this group to be accessible to those who feel the need to participate in a natural environment with other women. Although, like mentioned before, there may be fees regarding camping trips or canoe rentals, however, to be a part of the group, will be no fee. However, it is important, like the Dayton Hikers, for these women to formally sign up to be in the group. That way there is in the smallest way some order to the group. When it comes to travel, if a woman cannot afford to travel to the location they are heading to, another woman can offer rides, or the women as a group can come up with a way to financially assist that certain individual when it comes to travel.
The group will hopefully be available through local universities, libraries, YMAs, etc. The point is for it to be accessible to the women interested in joining. There will have to be a consensus on what would be hosting the group, whether a business/organization or individuals. However way, the important thing for this group is to have members that can help stem the group’s roots out to those who need it. Starting at universities may be a good start and it could continue to spread from there. The target audience would be young women in their early teens up to the oldest a woman can be.
Funding and Resources
To join the group, there would be no fees. The point is for this group to be accessible to those who feel the need to participate in a natural environment with other women. Although, like mentioned before, there may be fees regarding camping trips or canoe rentals, however, to be a part of the group, will be no fee. However, it is important, like the Dayton Hikers, for these women to formally sign up to be in the group. That way there is in the smallest way some order to the group. When it comes to travel, if a woman cannot afford to travel to the location they are heading to, another woman can offer rides, or the women as a group can come up with a way to financially assist that certain individual when it comes to travel.
Anticipated Challenges
The largest challenge thus far would be obtaining members or “sisters” and maintaining a stable number of people to participate/getting the word out about the group and spreading it. COVID is another possible challenge. Maintaining the respected purpose of the group’s existence. Another challenge, like mentioned above, would be spreading the word of the group. Although a good starting point to advertise the group would be college campuses, it may be difficult to get the college’s approval of the group because it is not funded by the school nor is it a group of the school. However, there is room here to grow and networking will be incredibly important during the first few steps into the creation of the group.
The largest challenge thus far would be obtaining members or “sisters” and maintaining a stable number of people to participate/getting the word out about the group and spreading it. COVID is another possible challenge. Maintaining the respected purpose of the group’s existence. Another challenge, like mentioned above, would be spreading the word of the group. Although a good starting point to advertise the group would be college campuses, it may be difficult to get the college’s approval of the group because it is not funded by the school nor is it a group of the school. However, there is room here to grow and networking will be incredibly important during the first few steps into the creation of the group.
Works Cited
“'Drug Dealers, Criminals, Rapists': What Trump Thinks of Mexicans.” BBC News, BBC, 31 Aug. 2016, www.bbc.com/news/av/world-us-canada-37230916.
“Fact Sheet: Health Disparities and Stress.” American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, 2012, www.apa.org/topics/racism-bias-discrimination/health-disparities-stress.
“Glen Helen: Get Involved with Glen Helen.” Glen, 2021, www.glenhelen.org/get-involved.
“Glen Helen: Outdoor Education Center.” Glen Helen, 2021, www.glenhelen.org/outdoor-education-center.
Machado, Amanda. “The Strangeness of Being a Latina Who Loves Hiking.” Vox, Vox, 10 July 2017, www.vox.com/first-person/2017/7/10/15935142/hiking-outdoors-latinx-identity.
Niekamp Andy. “DaytonHikers.Org (Dayton, OH).” Meetup, 2021, www.meetup.com/DaytonHikers/#:~:text=The%20Dayton%20Hikers%20group%20is,meetings%2C%20officers%20or%20a%20newsletter.
“Related Groups.” Women in Conservation Leadership, 2021, wcl.nwf.org/related-groups/.
Robbins, Jim. “Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health.” Yale E360, 9 Jan. 2020, e360.yale.edu/features/ecopsychology-how-immersion-in-nature-benefits-your-health#:~:text=These%20studies%20have%20shown%20that,reduce%20anxiety%2C%20and%20improve%20mood.
“SPRING 2021 PROGRAMS & EVENTS: Glen-Helen.” Glen Helen, 2021, www.glenhelen.org/events.
“Wellness Programs.” Wellness Programs | Campus Recreation | Wright State University, Wright State University, 2021, www.wright.edu/student-affairs/health-and-wellness/campus-recreation/wellness-programs.
“'Drug Dealers, Criminals, Rapists': What Trump Thinks of Mexicans.” BBC News, BBC, 31 Aug. 2016, www.bbc.com/news/av/world-us-canada-37230916.
“Fact Sheet: Health Disparities and Stress.” American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, 2012, www.apa.org/topics/racism-bias-discrimination/health-disparities-stress.
“Glen Helen: Get Involved with Glen Helen.” Glen, 2021, www.glenhelen.org/get-involved.
“Glen Helen: Outdoor Education Center.” Glen Helen, 2021, www.glenhelen.org/outdoor-education-center.
Machado, Amanda. “The Strangeness of Being a Latina Who Loves Hiking.” Vox, Vox, 10 July 2017, www.vox.com/first-person/2017/7/10/15935142/hiking-outdoors-latinx-identity.
Niekamp Andy. “DaytonHikers.Org (Dayton, OH).” Meetup, 2021, www.meetup.com/DaytonHikers/#:~:text=The%20Dayton%20Hikers%20group%20is,meetings%2C%20officers%20or%20a%20newsletter.
“Related Groups.” Women in Conservation Leadership, 2021, wcl.nwf.org/related-groups/.
Robbins, Jim. “Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health.” Yale E360, 9 Jan. 2020, e360.yale.edu/features/ecopsychology-how-immersion-in-nature-benefits-your-health#:~:text=These%20studies%20have%20shown%20that,reduce%20anxiety%2C%20and%20improve%20mood.
“SPRING 2021 PROGRAMS & EVENTS: Glen-Helen.” Glen Helen, 2021, www.glenhelen.org/events.
“Wellness Programs.” Wellness Programs | Campus Recreation | Wright State University, Wright State University, 2021, www.wright.edu/student-affairs/health-and-wellness/campus-recreation/wellness-programs.
