Nature Access for All

Audubon California is co-sponsoring a bill to ensure equitable and safe access to nature for all Californians.

As more and more people seek respite outdoors during this global pandemic, we have the opportunity to invest in our public lands and recreation—doing our part to make our state healthier and more resilient—while also increasing access to these green spaces for those who already suffer the worst impacts from environmental injustices.

California Asm. Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) has joined Audubon California and other sponsors to introduce a bill that would ensure that all Californians have safe and affordable access to nature and access to the benefits of nature​. 

Studies indicate the profound benefits of time spent outdoors in natural settings. Children who spend time outdoors in natural environments experience improved health and cognitive functions, strong motor coordination, reduced stress, and enhanced social skills.

However, research from the Nature Gap report shows that communities of color are three times more likely than white communities to live in nature-deprived areas and that 70 percent of low-income communities live in nature-deprived areas. In addition, Black, Latino, and indigenous people often encounter hostility or threats when trying to enjoy time outdoors. 

Levels of concern for the loss of habitat for fish and wildlife, inadequate water supplies, pollution in the air and water, the loss of pollinators, uncontrollable wildfires, and climate are of increasing concern to many communities across California but especially to communities of color and disadvantaged communities. Communities of color and disadvantaged communities are highly concerned about the future of nature, water, air, and wildlife.

The Outdoor Access to Nature (AB30) bill would direct all relevant state agencies, including the Natural Resources Agency, the State Department of Public Health, the Department of Transportation, and state boards to ensure that policies reflect the need of all Californians for safe and convenient outdoor recreation opportunities.

With respect to the implementation of this act, it is the intent of the Legislature that the state provides for the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and national origins. This includes soliciting, accounting for, and responding to the voices, needs, and priorities of communities of color, indigenous communities, and economically disadvantaged communities.

Maintaining urban green space is an important part of “30 x 30,” an international effort to maintain biodiversity and create resilience against climate change, recognized in an executive order signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. 

Audubon California-Sponsored Bill Recognizes Access to Nature as a Human Right and State Policy Priority
Right To Nature

Audubon California-Sponsored Bill Recognizes Access to Nature as a Human Right and State Policy Priority

First-of-its-kind bill would help address disparities in access to outdoor recreation in communities of color and elsewhere.

Read more

Bridging the Nature Gap
Audublog

Bridging the Nature Gap

California Bill Would Make the Outdoors More Accessible to Everyone

Read more

Governor Newsom Issues Groundbreaking 30 x 30 Executive Order
Press Center

Governor Newsom Issues Groundbreaking 30 x 30 Executive Order

California is first in nation to commit to protecting 30% of our lands and waters by 2030.

Read more

Promoting a Safe Outdoors for All
Audublog

Promoting a Safe Outdoors for All

Sarah Rose, Audubon California's Executive Director, reflects on the need to create a safer outdoors for all.

Read more

California Quail

Latin:  Callipepla californica

Illustration for California Quail

American Robin

Latin:  Turdus migratorius

Illustration for American Robin

Dark-eyed Junco

Latin:  Junco hyemalis

Illustration for Dark-eyed Junco

Golden Eagle

Latin:  Aquila chrysaetos

Illustration for Golden Eagle

News & Updates

CA Assembly Bill 828 Protects Vulnerable Communities’ Drinking Water & California’s Remaining Managed Wetlands
Advocacy

CA Assembly Bill 828 Protects Vulnerable Communities’ Drinking Water & California’s Remaining Managed Wetlands

Ensuring SGMA Doesn’t Leave Small Community Water Systems & Critical Wetlands High and Dry

Gratitude for Marine Sanctuary Advocates!
Advocacy

Gratitude for Marine Sanctuary Advocates!

A warm and sincere thank you to everyone who played a crucial role in advocating for the protection of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary along the Pacific Coast.

Policy

Assemblymember Kalra, Natural Resources Agency, and Advocates Kick Off California's 30x30 Partnership

— "...it prioritizes listening to communities and building partnerships between members of the public, tribes, and government agencies that are essential to meeting the 30x30 goals."
We did it! Audubon Flocked Together for Virtual Advocacy Day 2022
Audublog

We did it! Audubon Flocked Together for Virtual Advocacy Day 2022

This year is one for the books.

Press Release: Audubon California Hails Governor’s “30x30” Plan as a Crucial Step towards Protecting State Habitat
Advocacy

Press Release: Governor’s “30 x 30” Plan is Crucial Step towards Protecting State Habitat

"Governor Newsom’s plan is an ambitious yet achievable way to protect California’s people and natural resources."

Tras tres décadas desde la Proposición 187, los inmigrantes aún enfrentan obstáculos a los espacios verdes públicos
Right To Nature

Tras tres décadas desde la Proposición 187, los inmigrantes aún enfrentan obstáculos a los espacios verdes públicos

Para Juan Altamirano, director asociado de política de Audubon California, la lucha contra un legado racista en el uso del suelo en California es personal.

Three Decades after Prop 187, Immigrants Still Face Barriers to Public Green Spaces
Right To Nature

Three Decades after Prop 187, Immigrants Still Face Barriers to Public Green Spaces

For Audubon California Associate Policy Director Juan Altamirano, undoing California's history of racism in land use is personal.

Audubon California: Governor’s Revised Budget Will Make the Outdoors More Accessible to Millions
Press Center

Audubon California: Governor’s Revised Budget Will Make the Outdoors More Accessible to Millions

— “With today’s announcement, California takes a significant step toward protecting our state's biodiversity and ensuring that all Californians have safe and affordable access to nature.”
Audubon California-Sponsored Bill Recognizes Access to Nature as a Human Right and State Policy Priority
Right To Nature

Audubon California-Sponsored Bill Recognizes Access to Nature as a Human Right and State Policy Priority

— First-of-its-kind bill would help address disparities in access to outdoor recreation in communities of color and elsewhere.

How you can help, right now