Spending time outdoors plays a significant role in reducing and improving mental health.
Studies have found that time spent outside in a natural environment regulates the sympathetic nervous system, helping to decrease a myriad of mental health issues such as stress, PTSD, depressive disorders, and ADHD — many of which are top issues plaguing the Black community.
In a 2021 survey on Outdoor Participation trends taken after COVID-19 lockdowns, it was reported that only 9% of Black people spend time outdoors for recreation purposes, compared to 72% of White people. Blacks also held the lowest participation rate, with only a 0.3% annual increase from the past three years.
Why Aren’t More Black People Spending Time Outside?
Systemic Inequities – Some researchers have theorized that Black people spend less time outside due to psychological pain caused by a prolonged history of stigma and discrimination. Urban environments of the 19th to 20th century were filled with unsafe living conditions and were known to house people of color and immigrants, while clean and green environments were reserved only for white people. In 1931, recreational parks such as the California State Park Commission sought to preserve their grounds for the “Nordic” race. Proponents of eugenics and conservationists believed that Nordics were more capable of controlling wilderness environments, while those they deemed inferior were incompetent. The opening of the National Park Service in 1916 prohibited admissions to Black Americans. Although Jim Crow laws were removed in 1965, many national parks, pools, campgrounds, and beaches in the South maintained segregation practices, leaving small, unappealing sections of recreational spaces for Blacks. Today, statistics show that many Black Americans live in polluted inner-city environments with fewer trees and less grass. This contributes to mental health issues and limits accessibility for Black families to enjoy the benefits of nature.
Misconceptions – There is a common false belief that “Black people don’t hike.” Since the beginning of time, every racial and cultural group have vastly engaged in the great outdoors, whether for survival or leisure. Notable African American figures who participated in outdoor ventures include hiker Robert Taylor and surfer Nick Gabaldon. In the past decade, numerous nonprofit groups focused on increasing Black people’s involvement in outdoor activities has emerged. These groups aim to dismantle stigmas and stereotypes about Black people spending time in nature and provide opportunities to combat mental health problems.
Ways Nature Can Improve Mental Health
In recent years, conservationists and other environmental activists have protested for more green spaces in urban areas. Studies conclude that people who live near green spaces are more physically fit, happier, and likely to live longer. Here are some more ways nature benefits mental health:
- Stepping outside even for only five minutes can significantly improve emotional well-being.
- Receiving direct sunlight can help improve sleep and decrease depression symptoms.
- Being outside promotes the motivation to exercise.
- Spending time in nature, whether by picnicking or by going for a walk, encourages relaxation and focus.
- Nature promotes civic engagement and nurture social connections, such as community gardens.

For more information about the Black Nature Conservation nonprofits, visit https://www.braidedseeds.org/bipoc-resources-blog/blackoutside.
Stepping outside even for only five minutes can significantly improve emotional well-being.
In a 2021 survey on Outdoor Participation trends taken after COVID-19 lockdowns, it was reported that only 9% of Black people spend time outdoors for recreation purposes.
Source:
https://outdoorindustry.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2021-Outdoor-Participation-Trends-Report.pdf
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22270487/
https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/14/us/national-parks-history-racism-wellness-cec/index.html
https://www.americantrails.org/resources/the-arch-of-history-is-long-but-it-bends-towards-justice
https://www.smconservancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Nick-Gabaldon.pdf
https://www.healthline.com/health/health-benefits-of-being-outdoors
https://www.epa.gov/G3/green-streets-and-community-open-space