Community Member

Black to the Land

Oakland, California

Black to the Land (BTL), founded in 2015, is an Oakland, CA coalition of Black, Brown, and Indigenous nature enthusiasts, to help BIPOC people actively engage in meaningful outdoor experiences. Through scientific research and community engagement, BTL looks to demonstrate the transformative power of nature in enhancing mental health and fostering self-determination. Partnering with the Thriving Earth Exchange, they scientifically explore the health benefits of a better connection to the land—to test the theory that it will lead to better mental health, less anxiety, and a stronger sense of self-determination.  Current work includes a community garden at Oakland’s Street Academy High School to create a community hub and food security model on-site. As well, they are creating a training institute and off-the-grid skills building center in Mendocino County. Additionally, they host a wellness through nature connection program for urban black youth and families with little access to nature.

Black to the Land Retreat

Hard pavement, traffic noise, and crisscrossing power lines overhead versus spongy soil, birdsong, and open blue sky? Spending time in green spaces is known to improve both mental and physical health. But the opportunity to safely be in nature isn’t available to many urban children and teens. Black to the Land (BTL) is providing that to people of color, especially youth, in Northern California. The community-based group has organized safe and supporting concerts, retreats, and workshops in off-the-grid skills and Indigenous knowledge. It inaugurated a community garden in Oakland as a community hub and to model sustainable food production. It partners with the American Geophysical Union’s global Thriving Earth Exchange in a study of the health effects of nature immersion, especially in terms of reducing anxiety and increasing self-determination. Goals include acquiring land to expand urban farming and food sovereignty and creating an institute to train people in sustainable life skills. 

Zappa Montag

For more information:

Developing a Nature-Connection Internship to Improve Mental Health for Black Youth – Thriving Earth Exchange

A2 Staff

A2 Staff

This profile was compiled by a dedicated team of staff members who conducted interviews and gathered information from various outlets, including news articles, social media, and other sources.

Contact

Zappa Montag

Website

Social Media

Climate Impacts

Air Pollution, Drought, Wildfires

Strategies

Art Activism, Community Farm/Gardens, Community Science, Halting Bad Development, Nature-Based Solutions

501c3 Tax Deductible

No

Accepting Donations

Yes