ATA Stands in Support of Black Lives Matter

The Arizona Trail Association (ATA) stands in support of Black Lives Matter and issues impacting Indigenous and other People of Color. We recognize they have faced hardship and discrimination for too long, and we want to help everyone reach a place of fairness, equality and cooperation.

One way we already work to be ever more inclusive is with our Seeds of Stewardship and Gear Girl programs. Since 2011, we have helped more than 10,000 young people of diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic status enjoy nature with meaningful opportunities to connect with natural landscapes in their areas.

Last year the ATA added a full time employee whose responsibility is to engage traditionally under-represented communities with the Arizona Trail, helping to guide our perspective and priorities. We always strive to actively invite all people, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, ability or economic status to experience the Arizona Trail.

To read the Arizona Trail Association’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement, developed in 2019, please click here.

With that in mind, we ask members and users to let us know what might better serve all citizens in making our National Scenic Trail even more of a shared treasure. Since 1994, our vision has been “a continuous, non-motorized path from Mexico to Utah connecting deserts, mountains, canyons, forests, communities, and people.” We think we can be a more unifying force with input and feedback from you.