Children from low-income communities disproportionately experience stress and trauma in daily life and often have limited opportunities to connect with nature in their neighborhoods, schools, and across San Francisco. Therefore, we strive to make nature connection a regular and abundant experience for children in low-income communities.
Importance of ensuring equitable opportunities for children to connect to nature.
Historical and structural inequities: The histories of San Francisco and California have been created by the conquest for natural resources. Our neighborhoods are shaped positively by access to nature, and negatively by exposure to hazards.
Persistent inequities of environmental hazards and nature resources: People with low-income live in neighborhoods with the most environmental hazards and the least access and investments to nature. People with low-income also have less power and influence on local government, institutions, and services.
Benefit of nature resources: The benefits for nature for childhood development, learning, and health are now better understood. For example, access to nature is an opportunity to address toxic stress, trauma, and mental health.
Countywide responsibility shared across sectors: Many departments and institutions in each county can ensure equitable nature resources for residents.