The colors of nature are boundless, but the American conservationist movement has historically been mostly white, and the effects are still being felt to this day.

In the U.S., Black people are almost three times more likely than white people to live in “nature-deprived areas” – that is, areas without access to parks and other green spaces. That leaves Black Americans with fewer opportunities for the healing and health natural spaces can offer, something communities have keenly felt in these last two years of the pandemic.

As part of our Last Word series, the Illinois Nature Conservancy’s community outreach team gives “The Last Word” on how bringing diverse perspectives to conservationism - and truly listening to them - can bring about a natural change.