Visit AccessNatureNJ.org! This mobile-friendly website provides detailed information and images of trails and scenic locations that are accessible to at least some degree. Let us know what you think of the site and how you suggest we improve it! Please reach out to Sean at sean@pinelandsalliance.org with feedback.
Getting outdoors in nature is good for our health and well-being. Studies have shown that if people feel safe, time in nature can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and improve mood among many other benefits.
Despite being the most crowded state in the nation, New Jersey has a large amount of preserved open space, with most of it being within the Pinelands National Reserve. The forests, streams and ponds found here are a vital resource for the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors.
Unfortunately, access to the vast natural areas found in the New Jersey Pinelands can be difficult if not impossible for people with physical or other disabilities. Visiting natural places can often be a logistical nightmare – impossible access and lack of accommodations leave visitors feeling unwanted, unsafe, and uncomfortable. Barriers include a limited number of trails and other adaptive outdoor equipment, poor advertisement, poorly maintained, and a lack of comprehensive and reliable information on the accessible places that do exist
PPA launched The Pinelands is For Everyone project. We are allying with individuals with disabilities, organizations dedicated to the welfare of those with disabilities, and public and private landowning agencies to help overcome these barriers so everyone can enjoy the benefits of time in nature by visiting the parks, forests and preserves which our state and communities have protected.
Read the Report
As a key starting point and foundation, we held two virtual “Town Hall” meetings and several focus group conversations to learn about the challenges and solutions to making natural places in and around the Pinelands accessible for the use and enjoyment of people with disabilities. These conversations included individuals with a variety of physical and intellectual/developmental disabilities, caregivers, and professionals who work in the disability healthcare and services fields. Read, or listen, to the report.
The Project
The Pinelands Alliance is teaming up with extraordinary individuals and partner organizations for this initiative. Learn more about this project!
Access Nature Forum
The Access Nature Forum was developed to provide a means for those with disabilities to unite and have a voice and be heard. Learn more and get involved!
Project Partners
PPA is the leading environmental constituency-building and advocacy organization for the protection and enjoyment of the New Jersey Pinelands, an ecologically unique region of 1.1 million acres in Southern New Jersey. In addition to support from the State’s Division of Disability Services, we are privileged to be working with a growing circle of terrific partners. Learn more about our partners!
NATURE: ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL
Since the initial funding of the Pinelands Is For Everyone project, the campaign has grown to a statewide initiative, “Nature: Accessible for All” through critical funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to facilitate this campaign. Visit the website and find accessible spots in New Jersey!
Videos and Town Hall Discussions
See the videos and replays of our town hall discussions that have informed this project. Topics include nature trail evaluations and the work we are doing with some of our partners. You can also take our survey and share feedback about your nature experiences.
This initiative was funded (or funded in part) by an Inclusive Healthy Communities Grant from the Division of Disability Services, New Jersey Department of Human Services.