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Women in Nature: Building Community and Connection Outdoors

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Women in Nature: Building Community and Connection Outdoors

By Jennifer Nieto & Luisana Mendez

Imagen by Marie LePage – © Huellas Latinas – Eastman Nature Center

March is International Women’s Month, a perfect opportunity to recognize and celebrate the efforts and contributions that women around the world — and particularly in our state of Minnesota — have made in the outdoor industry. Women have been explorers, leaders, and environmental advocates, leaving a profound mark on conservation and outdoor recreation. However, their role has historically been overlooked.

Recognizing and sharing these stories not only honors their legacy but also inspires future generations of women to feel capable and confident in spaces that have traditionally been male-dominated. When women see others conquering mountains, exploring uncharted territories, or leading conservation projects, they feel more motivated to get outdoors, try new experiences, and connect with nature.

The role of women in the outdoors is a central theme in our organization, as highlighting their achievements and challenges helps to break down barriers and gender stereotypes. For a long time, outdoor activities and extreme sports were viewed as “male territory.” By challenging these stereotypes, we reinforce the idea that #NatureIsForEveryone, regardless of gender. Women have proven they are just as capable of leading expeditions, conquering peaks, and surviving in extreme environments, shifting the narrative about who belongs in the outdoors.

Women of the World: Blazing New Paths

Pioneering Women like Annie Smith Peck, Arlene Blum, Junko Tabei, Susan Butcher, Liv Arnesen, and Emma “Grandma” Gatewood have left an indelible mark on the history of exploration and adventure. Annie Smith Peck climbed the world’s highest mountains in the early 20th century; Arlene Blum led an all-women expedition to Annapurna; Junko Tabei was the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest; Susan Butcher won the Iditarod sled dog race multiple times; Liv Arnesen was the first woman to ski solo to the South Pole; and Emma Gatewood completed a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail at the age of 67. Their stories and achievements are a source of inspiration, paving new trails for other women in the outdoor industry and proving that courage, perseverance, and a passion for nature know no limits of gender or age.

Contributions of Latina Women in the Outdoors

Imagen by Marie LePage – © Huellas Latinas – Eastman Nature Center

Latina women have played a crucial role in the exploration and conservation of nature. Some of the most notable contributions include figures like Sylvia Medina, who is the president, lead author, and creative director of the Green Kids Club. She has dedicated her career to environmental issues and contributing to the preservation of animal welfare. She developed the concept of the Green Kids Club to help her children, as well as other children around the world, learn positive environmental habits from a young age that they could share with others.

Another important example is María Elena Giner, the first Latina woman to lead the International Boundary and Water Commission, responsible for overseeing water conservation and protecting natural resources in the region. These women not only contribute to environmental science, but they also open doors for more Latina women to get involved in protecting the environment.

Women of Minnesota in the Outdoors

Imagen by Marie LePage – © Huellas Latinas – Eastman Nature Center

Minnesota has been home to pioneering women who have left an indelible mark on the world of outdoor adventures. In addition to individual women, there are several groups and organizations that encourage women’s participation in outdoor activities, creating safe and welcoming spaces for them to connect with nature.

Kay L. Cunningham, for example, was one of the first to promote hiking in Minnesota and founded the group “Women Hikers.” Another important figure is Janet McIntyre, who was one of the first women to actively participate in organizing camping and hiking events in Minnesota’s parks. It’s also worth mentioning Cathy McNally, a woman who has led programs for the preservation of natural areas in the state, promoting both hiking and gender equity in these spaces. Her work has been crucial for the inclusion of women and girls in the conservation and enjoyment of Minnesota’s state parks.

In our state, we also find stories like that of Emily Ford, the first woman to complete the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin during the winter. Emily not only broke records but also promoted the importance of resilience and connection with nature during extreme conditions, inspiring other women to explore less-traveled paths and challenge their own limits. Another inspiring story is that of Devin Brown, a BIPOC leader in the outdoors, who attempted to become the first woman of color to kayak the entire Mississippi River, a monumental challenge that, although she couldn’t complete due to intense rainfall, sparked a conversation about the representation of people of color in the outdoors.

Lastly, we cannot forget Cheryl Strayed, the Minnesota author of the famous book Wild, who has been an inspiration to millions of women. Her personal story of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, a journey of self-discovery and healing, has motivated women to get outside, explore, and face both internal and external challenges. Cheryl’s story shows how contact with nature can be a powerful avenue for personal transformation.

The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the Outdoors

Talking about the participation of women, especially from diverse communities, is also an excellent way to emphasize the importance of creating inclusive spaces in nature. As more women from different backgrounds join outdoor activities, a stronger and more diverse movement is created, advocating for conservation and equitable access to natural resources. This inclusion helps bring visibility not only to women but also to other groups traditionally marginalized in the outdoor world.

For women in Minnesota and other parts of the world, the outdoors is not just a place for adventure, but also a space for cultural connection. Latina women in Minnesota, for example, are forming bonds with the land through programs that blend their cultural traditions with a love for nature. These experiences promote a deeper understanding of local biodiversity and how to preserve natural spaces for future generations.

Huellas Latinas: Empowering More Women to Go Outdoors

Imagen by Marie LePage – © Huellas Latinas – Eastman Nature Center

At Huellas Latinas, we firmly believe in the transformative power of nature. Through our hikes, camps, and outdoor programs, we aim not only to connect Latina women with the beauty of the natural world, but also to empower them to lead, explore, and feel safe in spaces that have historically been dominated by others.

Each activity organized by Huellas Latinas is an opportunity to build community, share experiences, and break down the barriers that prevent many women from accessing nature. By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, we are inspiring women to challenge their own limits, discover the power of resilience, and find in nature a space for personal growth.

Our mission is clear: we want more Latina women, and women from all communities, to see that the outdoors is for everyone. Through our shared experiences, we hope that each woman feels empowered to continue exploring, not only natural trails but also the potential within themselves.

Looking to the future, Huellas Latinas will continue working to create more opportunities where women of all ages and backgrounds can come together and enjoy what nature has to offer. We are committed to the legacy of strengthening women, inspiring future generations, and, above all, showing them that the outdoors is a place where we all belong.

If you are a Latina woman interested in exploring, connecting with nature, and being part of our community, we invite you to join us for our outdoor activities!

See you on the trails!

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