“Wilderness is not a luxury but necessity of the human spirit.”
–Edward Abbey
For centuries, humans have experienced a passionate and nuanced relationship with the outdoors. The natural world has inspired brilliant works of visual art, served as the backdrop of countless novels, films and podcasts, and most importantly, it is a force that we interact with each and every day.
Living in nature provides countless joy-filled opportunities that also improve our wellbeing, especially in Minnesota. With our 10,000-plus lakes, pristine green spaces, prairies, forests and more, it’s easy to find a way to enjoy the world outside our doors.
But the outdoors presents challenges for us as well – especially urgent is the changing climate and what will need to be done within our lifetimes to reverse the damage. Drought and unpredictable weather patterns, loss of some species and infestations of others, rising ocean waters and melting polar caps rank among the adverse consequences to the change in our atmosphere. Without action, an enjoyable outside could become a distant memory for future generations.
Historically and today, distinct groups of people have also been excluded from feeling welcome in natural spaces and enjoying outdoor activities. Racial segregation has created inequities in accessibility and opportunities to comfortably experience outdoor spaces.
When considering the great outdoors, we face dichotomy: Happiness and freedom for some, and challenges for others. That complexity has led TPT to increase our focus on what is beyond our walls: the outdoors.
Minnesota Outdoors explores Minnesotans’ relationship with the outdoors – and the historic and contemporary factors that shape those relationships for different communities. Leveraging multiple media platforms, in-person events, and several engaging content projects, Minnesota Outdoors helps to create new narratives and reclaim forgotten narratives about the outdoors as a space for all Minnesotans.
© Twin Cities Public Television - 2022. All rights reserved.
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