“Changing the Narrative: How the 40 Acre Conservation League is Bringing Diversity to California’s Wilderness”

Emigrant Gap, Calif. is a place of stunning natural beauty, with snow-capped peaks, lush green pastures, and a serene lake that reflects the surrounding landscape like a mirror. It is here that Jade Stevens, co-founder of the 40 Acre Conservation League, is working to change the perception that outdoor activities are only for white people.

The 40 Acre Conservation League recently secured $3 million in funding to purchase 650 acres of land north of Lake Tahoe, with the goal of creating a haven for Black outdoor enthusiasts. This land will not only help the state reach its conservation goals but also serve as a cultural landmark for Black Americans who have historically been excluded from outdoor spaces.

The name of the group, inspired by Gen. William T. Sherman’s unfulfilled promise of “40 acres and a mule” to emancipated slaves, speaks to the historical injustices that have prevented Black Americans from enjoying and stewarding large open spaces. Stevens and her team are working to address these disparities by creating a space where everyone feels welcome and safe.

The land purchased by the 40 Acre Conservation League is not just a place for recreation and conservation, but also a site for community building and economic development. Stevens envisions a nature center, fishing pier, and hiking trails that will not only protect the environment but also provide opportunities for Black and brown entrepreneurs to create sustainable outdoor ventures.

The group’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, with support from local officials like Cindy Gustafson, who sits on the Placer County Board of Supervisors. Gustafson recognizes the importance of diversity in land stewardship and sees the league’s work as a sign of hope in a time of increasing environmental challenges.

As Stevens leads tours of the newly acquired land, she is filled with a sense of purpose and determination. She knows that changing the narrative around Black people and nature will take time, but she is committed to creating a space where everyone can feel safe and connected to the outdoors.

In a world where racial strife, police violence, and economic disparities dominate the headlines, the work of the 40 Acre Conservation League serves as a reminder that protecting the environment and confronting historical injustices go hand-in-hand. By creating a space where Black Americans can feel welcome and empowered, Stevens and her team are not just conserving land, they are creating a legacy of inclusion and environmental stewardship for future generations.