Walks that connect

The group gathers in a clearing. Surrounding trees buffer the wind. Our leader smiles, introduces herself, and asks what people see. Some call out. Others look away. We begin.

On April 26, 2025, People of Color Outdoors (POCO) founder Pamela Slaughter served as a community story leader for Urban Forestry's first interagency tree walk with the City of Gresham. Together with 30 community members, we visited parks in Portland and Gresham that hold social and historical significance for Black Portlanders. At each stop, people shared stories, along with the mental, physical, and spiritual benefits of spending time in nature.

Known as the Black Earth Day Stroll, the walk created a safe space to explore the outdoors in relationship to trees. Pamela told the group how People of Color Outdoors began and how it continues to provide access to environmental education and related opportunities.

Our partnership didn't end when the walk ended.

This fall, POCO is a contracted Registration Ambassador for PP&R's Yard Tree Giveaway Partners program. The goal is to increase outreach in priority service areas and help households sign up for free yard trees so canopy can grow where it's needed most. The program supports local community organizations with resources to reach neighbors in ways that work for them.

Connection runs through all of it. Our Recreation team also partners with POCO on community outreach, so families hear about activities and opportunities that interest them: swim lessons, a Zumba class, beginner trumpet, and more.

As we finish the stroll, the group relaxes in a circle. Pamela talks about the power of children and how leadership grows when adults mentor and support their interests. She urges us to show young people as much as we can outdoors, and to let them know that whatever they want to pursue - outdoors or in - we will be there.

That belief is the partnership.

Portland Parks & Recreation and People of Color Outdoors remove barriers and keep the door to nature open, from a culturally specific walk in the woods to a class after school to a tree planted at home.