How shared experiences in the Sonoran Desert changed the way a group of teenagers see the world
From left: Miguel, Isaiah, Madison and Claire in Tucson Mountain Park, Arizona, during an expedition with the Ironwood Tree Experience
Film examines impact of wilderness on four young Tucson residents
Growing up in this era of political upheaval, pandemic and climate change – Madison, Miguel, Claire and Isaiah share their passions and concerns, and discuss what they’ve learned while hiking in the Sonoran Desert with the Tucson-based Ironwood Tree Experience.
The new film, “In Our Nature: Youth Speak,” introduces us to four Ironwood Tree Experience participants as they explore the desert, speak from the heart about how nature inspires them and ultimately set their sights on the bigger, bolder frontiers of public advocacy.
What emerges is a message of hope that reaches beyond their amazing corner of the Southwest.
Watch the full film below:
Spanish subtitles are available on the YouTube Video – Click settings at the bottom right of the screen to make a selection.
Los subtítulos en español están disponibles en el video de YouTube. Para seleccionar, oprima el botón de configuración que se encuentra abajo y a la derecha en la pantalla.
“In Our Nature: Youth Speak” follows four very different young people, as they discuss how public lands around Tucson have shaped them, and even helped them understand the social justice issues impacting their lives.
About Ironwood Tree Experience
Ironwood Tree Experience is a non-profit organization that connects Tucson-area youth with their community through experiences in nature. Among the group’s initiatives is the Wilderness Warriors program, which was created with support from The Wilderness Society to connect youth with public lands and inspire them to protect wild places. Participants not only learn about local ecosystems and native plants and animals, but also about the history of their region, how public lands are managed and what it takes to protect them.
