One of the animating principles behind SELT's mission of land protection, thoughtful stewardship, and outreach is the drive to connect people to nature. And for us, "people" means "everyone." No matter a person's ability, background, or circumstance, SELT believes all should have the opportunity to experience the wonder of the natural world.
Unfortunately, and far too often, the practice of enjoying the full scope of what nature has to offer has been enjoyed primarily by able-bodied people of European descent, many of whom have the leisure time and resources to recreate outdoors. SELT’s seeks to help make access to nature’s wonders more equitable and inclusive.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
To propel SELT's work of connecting people from all walks of life to nature, we have pursued partnerships and innovations that will provide real, tangible results for those who may face barriers to enjoying the great outdoors. These approaches are being coordinated by SELT's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, which is comprised of three of SELT’s Board Members, five staff representing all of SELT’s departments, and community representatives.
The committee is dedicated to building trust among the community and with traditionally underserved populations. They also seek to avoid reinventing the wheel by leveraging existing resources and joining already-launched projects. Perhaps equally important, SELT’s staff and board are fully committed to continued learning about relevant DEI aspects to best inform engagement strategies moving forward – especially white privilege and how it historically and presently drives inequitable access to nature
Land Acknowledgement Statement
SELT's conserved lands are located on N’dakinna, which is the traditional ancestral homeland of the Abenaki, Pennacook and Wabanaki Peoples past and present. We acknowledge and honor with gratitude the land and waterways and the alnobak (people) who have stewarded N’dakinna throughout the generations.
Current Initiatives
Researching Our Lands
At SELT we feel our responsibility is to understand the full history of the lands we steward, by researching the history of enslaved and indigenous people and their relationship to the lands we conserve.
With the help, expertise, and dedication of a team of volunteers, we are delving deeply into the land’s history, toward the goal of uncovering the comprehensive story of these places - a story that will blend the past, the present, and the future use into an honest and historically accurate narrative.
Trail Accessibility
SELT has purchased a HETAP device (High-Efficiency Trail Assessment Process), an exciting piece of technology that collects data on trail grade and terrain, among other criteria. With the data collected, SELT can share consistent information about a trail’s difficulty level, allowing users to select recreational options that fit their abilities.
In the future, this information will help us plan for and create public trails that are more accessible for people who have mobility challenges. Our staff will train on the HETAP during the summer of 2022, with a goal to begin implementation in 2023.
All-Terrain Learning Adventures
All-Terrain Learning Adventures (ATLAS) is SELT's nature-based education initiative, an outreach program design to connect children of all ages and backgrounds to the beauty of the natural world!
Our goal is to encourage an evergreen love of nature and cultivate the next generation of conservationists!
Wild play is a key component in the ATLAS approach, as it allows students to creatively discover their passion for the natural world while enjoying the forests and streams and fields of southeast New Hampshire.
All this happens through partnership with local school districts and organizations to conduct educational, experiential, and, most importantly of all, FUN outdoor adventures on SELT lands.
SELT and UNH Extension’s Health and Well-Being and 4-H Education and Youth Development teams are working together to deliver a fun, fulfilling outdoor program to help local school-age kids discover a love of nature, nurture mental wellness, and foster connections with land, self, and community.
