Inclusive Woods & Us

Inclusive Woods & Us is a young, grassroots, mission-driven organization, dedicated to increasing equitable access to the outdoors for economically marginalized residents of the city of Rochester, NY. We seek to amplify the call of nature that lives within each of us by providing outdoor exploration and discovery - overcoming the historical health inequity which deprives children and families of color access to the outdoors. We believe, and strong scientific evidence supports the premise that time spent in nature is a means to improve the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness of both children and adults, particularly those in less advantaged communities.

The cornerstone of our work is the IWU Day Hike Program, whereby we organize and lead age-appropriate hikes for children and families in local parks with trained hike leaders.  We serve children and families in city of Rochester by providing day hikes and other outdoor activities through our partnerships with schools, churches and community organizations.