Equitable Access to Nature
Mass Audubon is committed to increasing inclusive and equitable access to nature, so that everyone in the state regardless of income, physical ability or location has access to greenspaces, environmental education, and career opportunities.
Why Equitable Access to Nature Matters
Everyone deserves to enjoy nature’s benefits—from clean air and water to shade and recreation. Yet many families face barriers that make it difficult for them to access greenspaces: few community parks, limited transportation options, and a lack of available nature education programs.
What We're Doing
Nature in the City
Increasing and restoring urban greenspaces in communities that have historically lacked access to nature.
Early Career Programs
Opportunities for young professionals with identities that are underrepresented in the conservation field.
Accessibility
Ensuring that people of all abilities can meaningfully enjoy the nature of Massachusetts.
Camp for All
Ensuring that every family that wants their child to experience summer camp has the chance to do so.
School Programs
Providing environmental education to students disinvested communities, in and out of school.
Expanding Access to Sanctuaries
Making it easier for people throughout Massachusetts to get outdoors with free admission for select groups.
Our Goals
As we strive to protect the nature of Massachusetts, we will do so with an eye toward greater equity.
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20
New urban greenspaces include 3 new wildlife sanctuaries
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$2 million
Scholarships awarded to low-income families for nature education and camps.
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300,000
Children who will benefit from our education, preschool, and camp programs.
Featured Stories
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Urgent Land Project: Pawtucket Farm (formerly Rollie's Farm), Lowell
When Rollie Perron and other family members decided it was time to sell their 20-acre Christmas tree farm—the last one in Lowell—they hoped it might be possible to benefit the community. Others hoped so, too, and we now have a chance to do it!
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Magazine Beach Nature Center, CambridgeOld Building Becomes New Nature Center
Thanks to a partnership between Mass Audubon and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, we will bring nature education programming to Magazine Beach.
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Canoe Meadows, Pittsfield © Jan WernerDoctor-Prescribed Nature Through the Culture Rx Program
The benefits of nature offered at Mass Audubon's wildlife sanctuaries will now be directly available to patients of three Berkshire health care providers.
Take Action
We need your curiosity, commitment, and passion to ensure that our lands become more resilient, that more people than ever experience the magic of nature, and that we fight climate change—now and in the future.
Stay Connected
Don't miss a beat on all the ways you can get outdoors, celebrate nature, and get involved.