People of Color Outdoors

People of Color Outdoors (POCO) is a Portland, Oregon-based nonprofit organization that connects people of color and white parents of children of color with nature through free outdoor recreation, environmental education, and leadership development. Since 2017, POCO has grown a community of more than 8,000 members and provides opportunities for children, youth, and families to explore Portland’s parks and travel throughout Oregon to experience hikes, paddles, bird walks, fishing trips, stewardship projects, and community gatherings that create joy, belonging, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors.

POCO believes that access introduces people to nature but belonging transforms people into environmental stewards. Through programs such as the POCO Guardians environmental education program, Youth and Adult Birding Leadership Cohorts, Youth
and Adult Hike Leadership Cohorts, outdoor skills training, youth peer teaching, and partnerships with parks, schools, and conservation organizations, POCO is working to nurture the next generation of environmental leaders while helping ensure that everyone sees themselves reflected in Oregon’s treasured natural places. To deepen those connections, POCO’s founder has authored a series of three books celebrating Portland’s urban wetlands, helping readers of all ages discover the ecological, historical, and cultural significance of these remarkable landscapes.