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.