Conservation & Natural Resources Advisory Council Conversations:  Equity in the Outdoors

Source: Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Register Today!
CNRAC Conversations:  Equity In The Outdoors 

Thursday, April 29, 2021, Noon to 1:15 p.m

Join the Conversation

As an advisory board to Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Conservation & Natural Resources Council (CNRAC) provides input from a public perspective to the Department regarding conservation and stewardship of natural resources. CNRAC Conversations are being held to gain ideas, comments and suggestions from stakeholders and users of public lands across Pennsylvania.  CNRAC will use the input to help DCNR create better outdoor experiences for all Pennsylvanians.  

This first discussion will help CNRAC support DCNR in its efforts to learn more about how social barriers inhibit participation and enjoyment of Pennsylvania’s outdoors, particularly as parks and forests are experiencing record-breaking visitation numbers.   

Meet The Speakers

CNRAC has invited several individuals to help lead and guide the discussion and share their personal experiences of how social barriers affected their interaction and use of outdoor spaces:

  • Keisha Scovens, Let’s Go Outdoors: Along with her sister, Keisha founded Let’s Go Outdoors with the mission of Connecting City Communities to Outdoor Experiences.
  • Marcus Shoffner, Director of Diversity/Equity/Inclusion, Venture Outdoors:  Marcus is working to create equitable outdoor experiences while empowering the next generation of outdoor advocates. 
  • Taiji Nelson, Sr. Program Manager for Climate & Rural Systems, Carnegie Museum of Natural History: As a Naturalist Educator, Taiji is passionate about getting young people outside to explore and connect with nature and overcome the challenge of finding a sense of community around nature especially in urban areas. 
  • Paula Lewis, PA Outdoor Corps/DCNR:  Working with PA Outdoor Corps as a young adult helped Paula gain work experience, job training and educational opportunities.  She is now using that experience as a DCNR employee working on recreation and conservation projects.

Information on Participating

CNRAC Conversations will be held virtually via WebEx. To attend the public meeting, please click here to register.

We encourage questions, suggestions and ideas be sent prior to the meeting so CNRAC can include as many as possible in the discussion; please send to Katrina Harris, CNRAC Administrator, at kharris@bridgeconsultingcorp.com.  There will also be the opportunity to use the chat feature during the discussion to provide input.