On Presidents Day, we often think about leadership, legacy, and the long arc of decisions that shape our country. One of the most enduring legacies of U.S. presidents is the protection of public lands! From sweeping conservation movements to the creation of specific parks and trails, presidential leadership has played a pivotal role in making sure that places like Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) remain protected and accessible. The Presidency and the Birth of Public Lands Since the late 1800s, presidents have used their authority to conserve land for the public good. Today, the National Park System includes more than 430 sites that protect landscapes, ecosystems, historic places, and waterways, many of which exist because a president chose long-term stewardship over short-term gain. Beyond preserving scenic areas, these decisions were about clean water, public access, community well-being, and the belief that nature should belong to everyone.

At Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC), our mission is to build community, enrich lives, and catalyze support to ensure a sustainable national park for future generations. A core part of that work is helping increase access to Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), so that everyone feels welcome, represented, and connected to this incredible public space! This Black History Month, we’re reflecting on the deep and often overlooked connections between Black history and the outdoors, while also uplifting local organizations that are actively expanding access, building community, and enriching lives through outdoor experiences today. Exploring Access and Visibility: Who Gets to Feel Welcomed in Outdoor Spaces? For generations, the outdoors has been a place of freedom, healing, resistance, and joy for all. Yet systemic barriers like segregation, exclusion from public lands, and ongoing inequities have limited access and visibility in outdoor spaces for people of color. Today, Black-led and BIPOC-centered outdoor organizations are helping change that reality. Through intentional programming, shared experiences, and community-led leadership, these groups are creating entry points into nature that feel welcoming and safe. Their work aligns closely with CNPC’s belief that access to the outdoors strengthens not only individuals, but the community as a whole.