Author: Laura Martinez

This Session. Programming took place on Friday, November 1st, 2024 at Raleigh Parks’ Durant Nature Preserve. The Traditional Knowledge & Indigenous Engagement in Environmental Programming session explored the role of Indigenous knowledge in environmental education and programming. The session was led by David Rahahę́·tih Webb, Executive Director of Muddy Sneakers and a member of the Tuscarora Nation. We welcomed 50 members of the DEEP community and others to participate in a land acknowledgment and grounding moment, followed by an indoor lecture with outdoor activities.

Goals:

1. To understand the role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Native Science in environmental programming
2. To understand the legacy of colonization on environmental programming
3. To learn about ways that TEK and Native Science can be incorporated in current programming in a variety of contexts

This Session. Programming took place on Friday, May 3rd, 2024 at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Exploring Intersectionality: Birding & Identity session explored the intersection between birding and historically-excluded identities, specifically race. The session was an opportunity to delve deeper and explore how various identities intersect with the activity of birding and discuss its implications for conservation efforts and environmental justice. There were opportunities for DEEP Collaborative folks, Duke staff and faculty, and community members to interact with museum-guided interpretations of the Audubon Gallery and a guided bird-walk of the grounds from two North Carolina State Ph.D. students. 

Goals:

1. Enhance Understanding of Intersectionality: Attendees can aim to deepen their understanding of intersectionality by actively participating in discussions about how historically-excluded identities, particularly race, intersect with activities like birding. This goal involves actively engaging with diverse perspectives and experiences shared during the session to broaden one’s understanding of how various identities intersect and influence experiences within environmental activities.
2. Promote Environmental Justice in Conservation: Attendees might set a goal to explore the implications of intersectionality on conservation efforts and environmental justice. This could involve critically examining how different identities influence access to and participation in environmental activities like birding, and brainstorming ways to promote inclusivity and equity within conservation initiatives.
3. Engage with Diverse Perspectives: Attendees could strive to actively engage with museum-guided interpretations of the Audubon Gallery and participate in the guided bird-walk led by North Carolina State Ph.D. students. This goal involves actively listening to and learning from diverse voices, including museum staff, academics, and community members, to gain a multifaceted understanding of the intersection between birding and identity.

A special thank you to Jill Taylor from the North Carolina Museum of Art and Deja Perkins and Jin Bai from North Carolina State University for facilitating!

Photo Credit: Jin Bai

This Session. Programming took place on October 10th, 2023 at the Forest History Society. The Environmental Justice: Know Your Local Soils session explored a brief overview of What is Environmental Justice? In this session, participants discussed the science behind diagnosing soil for chemical contaminants, the sources and health impacts of common contaminants, and how to reduce possible exposures for vulnerable populations. Participants worked in groups learning to use an online diagnostic tool, Check Your Dirt NC! developed by the Duke Superfund Research Center in collaboration with NC State Cooperative Extension. There were opportunities for partner organizations to engage in cross-dialogue with other local organizations to learn more about the ways in which EJ work is currently done in the Triangle.

Goals:

1. Review the basic principles of environmental justice
2. Learn what chemical contaminants in soil are, where they come from, how they impact human health, and how to reduce exposure
3. Identify instances of soil contamination as an environmental justice issue and how to apply this awareness to education and advocacy work

Thanks to Chiara Klein and Liz Shapiro-Garza from the Community Engagement Core Duke University Superfund Research Center for facilitating!