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A bridge between communities and generations 

Andrea Salazar, bilingual environmental education specialist, describes her role at All Hands Ecology as a “bridge.” Together with the education team, she works across communities, creating programs that connect people with the outdoors and the joy of belonging in nature.

For Marin and Sonoma County residents, beautiful open spaces are literally outside the door. Yet accessing the outdoors is not easy for everyone.

“Historically, for a lot of BIPOC people, being outside doesn’t feel safe…” says Salazar. “Oftentimes you’re the only one of whatever group you are categorized in.”

Salazar points to a range of barriers to outdoor access for the communities she serves —from limited time and financial constraints to transportation challenges, language differences, difficulty with online registration, and a lack of confidence or experience outdoors.

Meeting barriers head-on 

Salazar and the education team are designing programs and tailoring outreach to address these challenges. Salazar leads outings where Spanish is the primary language. She is sensitive to safety issues — clearly communicating with participants and securing gates to protect privacy. She encourages and teaches participants, so they can hit the trails independently. She uses relationship-based outreach — working with agencies and organizations, arranging carpools, calling and texting, and following up personally.

Partners on the land 

Through a close partnership with Circuit Rider Community Services based in Windsor, Salazar and the education team have welcomed participants from two Circuit Rider programs: Vista Academy, serving youth involved in the juvenile justice system, and Raíces a Cumbre, which connects Latinx families to outdoor experiences. 

Juan Avila-Perez, Circuit Rider program manager, and his colleague Karime Mendiola, client services specialist, shared these stories and reflections.  

“Finding inspiration on the trail,” a story by Karime Mendiola, client services specialist  

“As our group began hiking at Bouverie Preserve, a youth naturally stepped into a leadership role. He pulled out his camera and began carefully photographing the landscape. His attention slowed the group down in the best possible way. One by one, other youth began to pause, observe more closely, and engage with the environment more intentionally. What started as one young person’s curiosity quickly became a shared experience of discovery.

“Among the group that day was my 12-year-old brother. At first, he quietly watched the older youth, paying close attention to how they explored the trail and framed their photographs. Before long, he pulled out his own camera and began searching for things to capture — small details along the path, views across the preserve, and moments shared among the group. By the time we were driving home, he was already asking when we could go hiking again— saying it was one of the best and most memorable moments he’d had outdoors…

“These moments—where mentorship, nature, and creative expression intersect — are difficult to measure but powerful to witness. They reflect the lasting impact that experiences at Bouverie Preserve and partnerships like the one between All Hands Ecology and Circuit Rider Community Services can have on young people and their families.”

Reflections on the partnership with All Hands Ecology by Juan Avila Perez, program manager 

About youth from Vista Academy: A court-ordered evening program that gives at-risk youth structure, support, and skills so they can stay out of detention and get back on track 

“Being in a space that feels protected and removed from the broader public allows our youth to let their guard down. In the context of the current social and political climate, that sense of safety is critical. It gives them room to relax, be themselves, and truly connect with the land and with one another. For many of our Vista Academy youth, these experiences become rare moments of calm and genuine connection.  

“For many of the young people we serve, daily life is shaped by stress, system involvement, and limited access to safe, open spaces. When they step onto the land, there is a noticeable shift.  We see increased openness, improved mood, and a greater willingness to connect with peers and mentors. These experiences support emotional regulation and reflection — critical to our work. Through these experiences, youth begin to see themselves differently — not just as system-involved individuals, but as capable, curious, and connected to something larger. This integration of land-based learning with mentorship allows us to address not just behavior, but the underlying need for connection, purpose, and growth.” 

About families from Raíces a Cumbre: A culturally focused outdoor program that connects Latinx youth with nature, builds well-being, and helps them grow into leaders. 

“The welcoming and culturally responsive approach from the All Hands Ecology team helps families feel seen, comfortable, and included. Ultimately, it’s more than educational experiences. The sense of belonging is what makes the learning meaningful and lasting.  Our Raíces a Cumbre families, many of whom are Spanish speaking, feel acknowledged and respected, which transforms the space from a place to visit into a place where they belong.  

“This partnership has helped make the outdoors feel accessible, safe, and meaningful. It’s not just about visiting a place, it’s about creating lasting connections that support healing, identity, and a deeper sense of belonging. It feels like the beginning of something lasting, rooted not only in shared goals, but in a shared belief in the power of connection — to the land, and to each other.” 

Help us welcome more people to the land 

Meaningful, culturally relevant experiences in nature can be life-changing for people. Developing trusting relationships with communities takes time and requires sustained support. Join us in welcoming people — who might not otherwise have access — into the outdoors.  Become a member today!