Pictured: Angelique Burton, director of advocacy for The Pride Tree, volunteering for public land maintenance activities at the National Wildlife Refuge outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo by Robert Edward Photography.

Happy Pride Month! On today’s episode, we’re discussing an important partnership in Nevada that provides safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community to recreate outdoors, build a relationship with nature and build a sense of belonging.

We learned about this partnership when Mihaela Genova, volunteer program manager for Get Outdoors Nevada, submitted a photo (pictured) featuring Angelique Burton, director of advocacy of The Pride Tree, contributing to her community by volunteering for public land maintenance activities at the National Wildlife Refuge outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. The event Burton volunteered for offered insight into how marginalized communities have historically been excluded from outdoor spaces.

Events like this one, part of a partnership between Get Outdoors Nevada and The Pride Tree, illustrate the impact that can be made when groups come together for a common goal. We were thrilled to talk with a few individuals about this partnership to learn more:

• Grant Frailich, Founder of The Pride Tree
• Shelly Kopinski, Director of Programs, Get Outdoors Nevada
• Mihaela Genova, Volunteer Program Manager, Get Outdoors Nevada

Tune in below to learn about this important partnership and how it is supporting the LGBTQ+ community, as well as fostering connections between nature and community. You’ll also learn:

• How Get Outdoors Nevada provides outdoor experiences for those who have limited opportunities
• How The Pride Tree provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth
• How collaborating with community organizations can impact your work
• Why allyship is so essential
• And much more!

Listen to the episode for the full story.

Additional Resources:

• The Pride Tree
• Get Outdoors Nevada
• Celebrating Pride Month in Parks and Recreation — Episode 138
• Creating LGBTQ+ Inclusive Intersectional Mentoring Spaces

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If you enjoyed this episode or learned something that might help you make a positive impact in your community, please consider donating to NRPA to not only support our storytelling efforts, but also our mission to advance parks, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all at nrpa.org/donate.

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