Community Nature Connection

Mission

To increase access to the outdoors for diverse communities with innovative programs and in partnership with the communities we serve.

Organizational Summary

Community Nature Connection (CNC) is a non-profit organization and a leader in the

efforts to increase outdoor equity across Los Angeles County. For nearly 30 years,

through policy development, advocacy, and innovative programming, CNC has

addressed barriers to accessing the outdoors for historically and institutionally

underrepresented communities.

Some of the major barriers to accessing the outdoors include lack of transportation,

resources, diverse representation, inclusive practices, and awareness. These barriers are

an issue of equity and are directly addressed through our efforts to connect

underrepresented communities to nature, advocate for equitable access, advance

diversity in park careers, and collaborate with community organizations.

CNC has served tens of thousands of youth, families, and school groups from

underrepresented communities through a variety of programs, including recreation

access programs (Transit to Trails), youth leadership programs, workforce development

programs, and outdoor education programs. CNC staff are highly experienced outdoor

educators, heritage interpreters, and trainers, and are dedicated to the communities we

serve. CNC makes an effort to share best practices and replicable models for outdoor

equity-focused programming, and recruits youth from past leadership programs to

pursue professional development and lead CNC programming.