As women who have dedicated our careers to conservation and public service, we can trace our passion for the outdoors back to our childhoods. From being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Florida Keys to exploring the high desert of New Mexico, these experiences were not just recreational — they were formative. They instilled in us a deep love of nature and a commitment to preserving it for future generations.
These personal connections to the outdoors are why we, as leaders of the U.S. Department of the Interior, are so passionate about expanding outdoor access for all people.
In a time when our communities face growing challenges — from the mental health impacts of a rapidly changing world to the physical toll of increasingly sedentary lifestyles — access to nature is not a luxury but a necessity for the well-being of individuals and communities alike. This is why the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program — funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund and administered by the Interior Department — is so vital. The ORLP is a federal grant program aimed at expanding outdoor recreation opportunities in urban and underserved areas.
These grants focus on underserved communities that lack adequate access to parks, green space and the recreational activities they provide. The absence of such resources can have profound implications for the health and well-being of residents. For example, studies show that spending time in nature can reduce stress, im.
