Virtual Lunch & Learn: Building Inclusive Environmental Programming

Wednesday, February 5 at 12:00 pm EST

How do we welcome everyone to environmental experiences? How do we ensure that we include those who are under-represented in nature programs, such as people of color, disabled, young children and older guests, and people with low economic resources? How can we avoid planning pitfalls that unintentionally exclude potential participants? Join SAHC’s Equity and Education Manager LaKyla Hodges as presents her top strategies to help you answer these questions.

This virtual Lunch and Learn will highlight real world examples of event planning, educational activities, and community outreach that illustrate the importance of being cultural aware and sensitive if we are to be inclusive in our environmental programs. Participants will consider real-world and be asked to share their own successes and struggles with engaging those who may have less comfort and experience with environmental and outdoor activities. LaKyla will present her top strategies for inclusive environmental education and outdoor activities.

Read more about LaKyla’s successful summer of youth outdoor programming on our blog – appalachian.org/summer-2024-youth-education.

Your Speaker: LaKyla Hodges
Equity and Education Manager at Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

LaKyla was born and raised in Durham, NC. She has had a lifelong passion for nature and community. These passions led her to Warren Wilson College where she completed a degree in Environmental Studies with a concentration in education. Since moving to Asheville, she has worked with the WNC Nature Center, MountainTrue, AmeriCorps, Bountiful Cities, and more on issues related to environment, community engagement, and EDI. As the Equity and Education Manager, LaKyla works to connect communities to nature and address the inequalities in green spaces.