Access to the great outdoors is fundamental to our well-being; yet, for far too long, this access has been inequitable. Communities that have historically been marginalized, segregated or otherwise excluded from public lands and waters have faced significant barriers to enjoying the countless benefits that outdoor recreation offers. In Maryland, we are taking a significant step forward to address these disparities by partnering with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Outdoor Recreation to launch its first Outdoor Equity Grant Fund.

Through this first-of-its-kind public-private partnership, we will be providing much-needed support to programs that are working hard to increase access to outdoor spaces for their communities. The beauty of this partnership is that we will all be working in tandem to empower underrepresented and underserved community groups to build their own authentic connections with nature and outdoor activities. As someone deeply invested in expanding access to outdoor recreation for all, I am thrilled to see this initiative come to life. It underscores the mission of Together Outdoors to make the outdoors more welcoming and accessible for everyone, especially those who have been left out of the conversation for too long.

Spending time outdoors benefits our physical and mental health in profound ways. From reducing stress and anxiety to boosting physical fitness, the positive impacts of nature are well-documented. Yet not everyone in our country has had equal opportunities to enjoy these benefits. In communities where parks, green spaces and recreational opportunities are scarce or inaccessible, the health and well-being of residents suffer. The Maryland Outdoor Equity Grant Fund is designed to change that.

By focusing on small, grassroots organizations, this fund is channeling resources directly into the hands of those who know their communities best. These organizations are on the front lines, working tirelessly to create opportunities for their neighbors to connect with nature. Whether it’s providing outdoor gear to Latine communities through Defensores de la Cuenca, facilitating water sports for veterans with Live Water Foundation, or introducing Baltimore City youth to camping through Mentoring Our Rising Entrepreneurs, these projects are making a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve.

The Maryland Outdoor Equity Grant Fund is a perfect example of how public-private partnerships can drive meaningful change. By leveraging resources from both sectors, we can support small, underfunded organizations that are already doing incredible work on the ground. This strategic approach not only helps bridge the “Adventure Gap” — the disparity in outdoor recreation participation among different demographic groups — but also ensures that the benefits of outdoor recreation are more equitably distributed across Maryland.

Moreover, this initiative is not just about recreation; it’s about stewardship. The projects funded by this grant are designed to foster connections to nature that go beyond just visiting a park or going for a hike. They aim to instill a sense of responsibility for the environment, encouraging participants to become active stewards of our natural resources. This is especially important in communities where environmental degradation disproportionately impacts residents, and where opportunities to engage in conservation efforts have been limited.

For example, Young Successful Leaders, one of the grant recipients, is using its funds to support community garden initiatives. These gardens will beautify neighborhoods and promote local agriculture while serving as spaces for outdoor programming and recreational activities. They will become hubs for community engagement, where people can come together to learn, grow and enjoy the outdoors in a meaningful way.

The work we are doing through Together Outdoors has already impacted hundreds of recreation businesses, nonprofits and public land management agencies. But as we celebrate these achievements, we must also recognize that there is much more work to do. The Maryland Outdoor Equity Grant Fund is just the beginning. By continuing to invest in initiatives that prioritize equity, inclusivity and community empowerment, we can build a future where everyone, regardless of their background or abilities, can experience the joy and healing power of the great outdoors and ensure that the outdoors truly belongs to everyone.

Ambreen Tariq is the senior program director at Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and manager of Together Outdoors, which works to promote inclusivity and diversity in outdoor recreation. She worked for 15 years in federal service, including at the Department of Labor and the Environmental Protection Agency.