Clean River Partners

In the picturesque landscape of the Cannon River Watershed, we’re here to tackle a challenge that many queer youth, especially those who are trans or non-binary, face when it comes to finding inclusive outdoor activities. 

Traditional recreational programs often create barriers by separating activities by gender, leaving many gender-expansive youth feeling unwelcome. It’s so important for queer youth to have a safe space to explore and enjoy nature without the worry of being misgendered or left out! Plus, there’s a lack of education around queerness in nature, and every young person should learn about the amazing diversity our world has to offer. We want queer youth to see themselves in nature and recognize that their identity is a beautiful part of our planet.

That’s why we launched QUEERY (Queer Unity, Environmental Education, and Recreation for Youth)!

This new nature club is here for queer and questioning middle and high school youth, and it’s led by our wonderful trans non-binary naturalist. The best part? It’s completely free! We meet monthly for fun activities that help participants learn outdoor skills, build friendships, and discover how queerness shows up in the natural world. So far, we’ve enjoyed nature journaling, hiking, birdwatching, and even tours of local greenhouses and cultural centers!

Our dream is to create a welcoming, watershed-wide club that brings together youth from all sorts of communities.

With more funding, we hope to offer even more exciting experiences! Imagine a weekend trip to an environmental learning center where participants could try out activities like cross-country skiing, climbing, or a thrilling high-ropes course. 

Donate $50 today to help us ensure that queer youth in our area can thrive in nature, connect with one another, and embrace their identities in a welcoming and supportive environment.