We welcome Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to connect to nature! Through this guided experience, we hope to introduce people to the beauty of Point Reyes while fostering a space of healing, connection, and joy!

Spending time in nature has been proven to help reduce stress levels, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and improve overall well-being. I have felt these healing effects in a multitude of ways in my personal life. My time spent on the trails of Point Reyes has brought me immense spiritual, mental, and physical healing as I find myself more grounded in the present moment.

As a woman of color, I have found these moments outdoors to be fundamental to my well-being. Through this guided experience I hope to foster the same connection and healing that I have found within the beauty of Point Reyes.

As a group, we will hike up the Bear Valley Trail to Divide Meadow where one can be surrounded by beautiful trees, hear the sound of the running creek, and view the expansive meadows of the park. At the top of the trail, we will host a grounding exercise, reflection, and social lunchtime. This hike in total will be 3.2 miles and will be taken at a slow pace with multiple stops.

After the hike, there will be light refreshments and snacks available at the PRNSA patio, along with a guided poetry practice. This practice will include a short poetry reading, guided prompts, and an optional share-out. Writing materials will be provided if needed.

The hike will be provided in Spanish and English and the Poetry Practice will be primarily in English.

*This event is designed to center folks who identify as Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC). Please keep in mind that to honor the intention of the event we request that allies be mindful of not taking up space from others whom this event is centered around.

Event Directions and Transportation Information

Natalie Martinez was Born and raised in the South Bay of Los Angeles and grew up witnessing the manifestations of environmental racism amongst her community. Her lived experiences have created a deeply personal connection to intersectional environmental justice. She is dedicated to creating equitable access to healthy, safe, environmental spaces for BIPOC. Her academic pursuits have reaffirmed her passion for environmental justice, she is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Society & Environment with minors in Gender & Women’s Studies and Data Science at UC Berkeley.

What to Bring:

Day Pack

Lunch

Warm Variable Weather Clothing

Hiking or Comfortable Walking Shoes

Water Bottle

Notebook and Pen/Field Journal (optional)

Eventbrite Confirmation Email

COVID-19 Field Institute Guidelines

In accordance with Marin County and CDC guidelines for public health, we will require all participants to respect the following COVID-19 procedures:

• Perform a health self-check before coming to class using the CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus as a guide

• Do not attend class if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, suspect you have been exposed to the virus, or are suffering from any other flu-like or respiratory illness.

• Participants exhibiting signs of respiratory illness may be asked to leave class

During class all participants will be required to do the following

• Masks are optional outdoors for fully vaccinated individuals, but we recommend continuing to maintain a 4’-6’ distance from other participants or wearing a mask if gathered closely together

• Unvaccinated individuals are required to wear a face covering at all times

• Masks are optional indoors for vaccinated participants but strongly recommended

• Bring your own food and water

• We reserve the right to modify requirements as recommended by NPS regulations or local county health orders at the time of class

NOTE: Refund policy exceptions will be made for participants cancelling last minute due to COVID-19 infection or symptoms. Please contact us in this case.

Thank you for your continuing cooperation in following these guidelines to help keep everyone safe.