Netwalk in Nature | BHWOCC x BGE X POCIE x BARR

📅 When: Sunday, July 19
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
📍 Location: Spectacle Island

RSVP HERE: Netwalk in Nature RSVP Link

Join BHWOCC at our 2nd Annual Netwalk in Nature, a collaborative outdoor gathering hosted in partnership with Black Girl Environmentalist, Professionals of Color in the Environment, and the Barr Foundation.

Designed for environmental professionals, students, and nature enthusiasts, Netwalk in Nature brings people together to build community, explore career pathways, and celebrate the many ways people of color are leading in green and blue spaces. This free event is open to members, as well as their friends, family, and loved ones upon registration.

Set against the backdrop of Boston Harbor, attendees will enjoy complimentary ferry transportation to Spectacle Island, outdoor recreation, networking opportunities, and a day of learning, connection, and fun.

What to Expect:

🌿 Connect with environmental professionals, students, and community leaders.

💼 Explore career opportunities at our mini environmental job fair.

📸 Receive a complimentary professional headshot.

🥾 Enjoy guided and self-guided outdoor activities, including nature walks, birdwatching, fishing, swimming, and exploring the island.

🍴 Share a complimentary lunch provided by the Barr Foundation while connecting with fellow attendees.

⛴️ Round-trip ferry transportation from Rowes Wharf is included, thanks to our partners at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay.

Whether you're looking to grow your professional network, discover new career opportunities, or simply spend a beautiful summer day outdoors, Netwalk in Nature is an opportunity to connect with both community and nature in one of Boston Harbor's most unique settings.

June Monthly Meet-Up | Currents & Connections

📅 When: Sunday, June 28, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
📍 Location: Tenean Beach

Join BHWOCC for Currents & Connections, a morning of community, learning, and exploration along the beautiful Neponset River.

In partnership with the Neponset River Watershed Association, we'll discover the river's rich history, vibrant ecosystems, and the ongoing efforts to protect and restore this vital watershed. Through a guided estuary walk led by environmental experts, members will learn about local wildlife, climate resilience, habitat restoration, and the important role the Neponset River plays in the health of our communities.

Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to connect with fellow BHWOCC members and community leaders who share a passion for environmental stewardship, justice, and building more resilient neighborhoods.

What to Expect

🌊 Guided estuary walk exploring the Neponset River and its surrounding habitats.

🌱 Learn from watershed experts about local restoration projects, climate resilience, and the river's ecological importance.

📖 Discover local history through storytelling and conversations about the river's past, present, and future.

🌿 Interactive nature activities including plant identification and opportunities to deepen your connection to the natural world.

🥐 Brunch and community-building with fellow BHWOCC members, partners, and friends.

Please note: This event will take place outdoors. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a refillable water bottle, sun protection, and anything else you'll need to stay comfortable throughout the morning.

May Monthly Meet-Up | What's Next for Boston's Coastlines?

📅 When: Friday, May 29, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Location: 15 Necco Street

As Boston plans for rising sea levels and a more resilient waterfront, the voices of our communities must be part of the conversation. Join BHWOCC for an interactive evening with the City of Boston Climate Resilience Team to learn about the future of Boston's coastline and help shape the decisions that will impact our neighborhoods for generations to come.

Together, we'll explore the Boston Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Study—a collaborative effort between the City of Boston and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to protect Boston's waterfront communities from coastal flooding and the impacts of climate change.

More than a presentation, this meetup is an opportunity to ask questions, share your experiences, and contribute your perspective through a hands-on Craft Your Own Public Comment activity designed to help inform future public-facing climate resilience tools launching in Summer 2026.

What to Expect

🌊 Hear directly from the experts as the City of Boston Climate Resilience Team shares updates on Boston's waterfront protection and climate resilience initiatives.

🗺️ Learn about the CSRM Study and how the City of Boston and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are working together to advance neighborhood-scale resilience.

📝 Make your voice heard by participating in a guided public comment activity that helps shape future climate resilience planning.

🎨 Create a Climate Hope collage alongside partners from the Stone Living Lab, imagining resilient and environmentally just futures for our communities.

🤝 Connect with community by building relationships with other women of color who are passionate about environmental justice, climate resilience, and community leadership.

Whether you're new to climate resilience or already engaged in this work, your lived experience and perspective are valuable. We hope you'll join us for an evening of learning, dialogue, and collective action.

Special Event: Wawa Gatheru at the New England Aquarium

📅 When: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
⏰ Time: Reception: 5:00–6:15 PM | Lecture: 6:30–7:30 PM
📍 Location: New England Aquarium

Join BHWOCC for a special evening at the New England Aquarium in partnership with the Boston Hub of Black Environmentalists, featuring renowned climate leader Wawa Gatheru.

The evening begins with an exclusive reception for BHWOCC and Boston Hub members, offering an opportunity to connect over light refreshments before gathering for a special lecture and live Q&A with Wawa Gatheru.

A Rhodes Scholar, climate activist, entrepreneur, and founder of Black Girl Environmentalist, Wawa will share her journey of building a more representative environmental movement while exploring the intersections of climate justice, inclusive leadership, and the power of reimagining who leads environmental change.

What to Expect

🥂 Private reception with light refreshments for BHWOCC and Boston Hub members.

🤝 Networking and community-building with fellow environmental professionals, advocates, and community leaders.

🎤 Reserved seating for an inspiring lecture and live Q&A with Wawa Gatheru.

💻 Virtual attendance option for those unable to join in person.

This free event is presented through the generosity of the Lowell Institute and invites attendees to think boldly about climate leadership, environmental justice, and the future we can build together.

Please note: Space for the BHWOCC reception is limited, and advance registration is required. We encourage members to reserve their spot early.

April Monthly Meet-Up | Women of Color Emerging Leaders in the Environment

📅 When: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Location: Fort Point Room

Celebrate Earth Day with BHWOCC at our Second Annual Women of Color Emerging Leaders in the Environment Panel—an evening dedicated to connection, storytelling, and celebrating the next generation of environmental leaders.

This special gathering brings together women of color from across the environmental sector to explore what leadership looks like when it is rooted in joy, justice, and belonging. Through an engaging panel discussion and meaningful conversations, attendees will hear from emerging leaders who are shaping the future of green and blue spaces while building community with one another.

Whether you're just beginning your career or are an established professional, this event offers an opportunity to connect with fellow women of color in the environmental field, exchange ideas, expand your network, and leave feeling inspired by the collective wisdom and leadership in the room.

This gathering is intentionally designed as a space for women of color to connect and share openly. We deeply value our allies and supporters and invite them to champion this work by spreading the word and helping sustain this growing community through their support.

March Monthly Meet-Up | Gardeners' Gathering Community Day

📅 When: Saturday, March 21
🕤 Time: 9:30 AM–12:30 PM (members are welcome to stay for afternoon workshops)
📍 Location: Curry Student Center

Join BHWOCC as we gather in community at the 50th Annual Gardeners' Gathering, a beloved Boston tradition that brings together growers, gardeners, and community leaders for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration.

This milestone anniversary is an opportunity to deepen our connections while exploring the intersections of gardening, environmental justice, and community leadership across green and blue spaces.

What to Expect

🌼 BHWOCC Morning Meet-Up
We'll begin the day with a casual meet and greet to connect, build community, and prepare for the day's events together. Final meeting details will be shared with registered attendees.

🌿 Opening Program
Attend the Gathering's opening celebration featuring Michelle Wu, Kim Janey, and leaders from Boston's environmental and urban agriculture community as they celebrate 50 years of collective gardening and community stewardship.

🥗 Community Lunch
Reconnect over lunch while networking with fellow BHWOCC members and attendees from across the Greater Boston gardening community.

🌻 Afternoon Workshops (Optional)
Members are encouraged to stay after our meetup to explore the Gathering's free workshops covering topics such as urban soils, native plants, hydroponics, herbalism, seed starting, biodiversity, and more. Workshops are led by local growers and educators, with multilingual programming available throughout the day.

February Monthly Meet-Up | Collective Care in Action

📅 When: Friday, February 27, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Location: Norman B. Leventhal Visitors Center

As we commemorate 100 years of Black History Month, BHWOCC invites members to gather for an evening centered on collective care, community, and action. Together, we'll honor the legacy of Black leadership by recognizing that protecting our neighbors and supporting one another are essential acts of environmental justice.

Throughout the evening, members will share a potluck-style meal, assemble community support kits for families impacted by immigration enforcement, and create handmade stress-relief sachets as small but meaningful acts of care. The gathering will also include a lightly facilitated, trauma-informed space for conversation, reflection, and resource-sharing.

We're grateful to be in collaboration with mission-aligned partners, including local small businesses and community advocates committed to responsible material sourcing and mutual support.

This gathering celebrates the leadership, care, and expertise of women of color. We believe our lived experiences, collective wisdom, and community networks are essential to advancing safety, belonging, and environmental justice.

December Monthly Meet-Up: Sustainable Shop & Clothing Swap

📅 When: Thursday, December 18
🕕 Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Location: UVIDA

Join BHWOCC for our Third Annual Sustainable Shop & Clothing Swap at UVIDA, Boston's first zero-waste store!

Refresh your wardrobe while giving pre-loved clothing a second life. Bring as many gently used items as you'd like—including clothing for all ages and sizes, shoes, accessories, and even books—and exchange them one-for-one with fellow members. It's a fun, sustainable way to update your closet while reducing waste and building community.

While you swap, take time to browse UVIDA's thoughtfully curated selection of sustainable goods and holiday gifts, making this the perfect opportunity to shop with purpose during the holiday season.

Whether you're looking to declutter, discover new-to-you treasures, or simply enjoy an evening with the BHWOCC community, we hope you'll join us!

November Monthly Meet-Up | Nature Walk at Blue Hills

📅 When: Saturday, November 15
🕥 Time: 10:30 AM–1:00 PM
📍 Location: Houghton's Pond Recreation Area

Join BHWOCC for a low-key nature walk through the Blue Hills Reservation in partnership with the Friends of the Blue Hills.

Together, we'll explore the trails of Blue Hills while learning about the area's local flora and fauna and discovering how spending time outdoors can support our mental well-being. This walk is an opportunity to slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy community in one of Greater Boston's most beautiful natural spaces.

Please wear comfortable sneakers or sturdy walking shoes and dress in layers, as the morning may begin cool before warming up throughout the day. We also recommend bringing a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated along the trail (water fountains and restrooms are available on site). Feel free to pack your favorite trail snacks, and we'll provide a picnic lunch to enjoy together after the walk.

October Monthly Meet-Up | Shirley-Eustis House Tour

📅 When: Saturday, October 18
🕥 Time: 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
📍 Location: Shirley-Eustis House

Join BHWOCC for a meaningful morning of reflection, learning, and community as we visit the historic Shirley-Eustis House in Roxbury.

Together, we'll explore the estate through a private guided tour of its beautiful grounds, gardens, and orchards while honoring the stories and legacy of those who were enslaved at Shirley Place. This experience invites members to reflect on Boston's history and engage in thoughtful conversation about the lasting impacts of slavery.

Our tour has been curated exclusively for BHWOCC members and will be led by Suzy Buchanan, Executive Director of the Shirley-Eustis House Association.

Light refreshments and a meal will be provided.

Join BHWOCC for an evening on the Charles River as we partner with the Charles River Conservancy for a guided kayaking experience. We'll launch from Paddle Boston and paddle along the river while learning about the Charles River ecosystem and the Conservancy's innovative Floating Wetland project.

We are excited to invite you to our biggest event of the year, our 5th Annual Retreat on August 12.

📅 Date: Tuesday, August 12th

⏰ Time: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

📍 Location: Ferry departs from EDIC Pier, Boston, MA 02210

You can register for the retreat here.

Now is a great opportunity if you haven’t officially become a member and receive our regular communication in the Google Group to become a member and join us for an incredible day at the Retreat.

The annual BHWOCC Retreats are day-long executions to a Boston Harbor Island, where you will be surrounded by fellow nature loving women of color who are dedicated to creating access to the outdoors for communities of color. Coalition Members have utilized the Annual Retreat to connect with each other, build a nurturing network, get grounded in nature, and make advancements in their own careers and in ongoing local initiatives.

This year, BHWOCC Members are taking the lead for Retreat programming. We are excited to offer breakout groups focused on professional advancement, led by your fellow members. Our incredible keynote speaker, Pallavi Kalia Mande, will also be shedding light on her own professional journey and sharing her truth and wisdom with us all. Pallavi is the Founding Director of Tamraparni.org and has been involved with water centric environmental restoration work in the Boston metropolitan area for the last two decades. With our incredible, diverse, and multi-generational membership spanning so many areas of expertise, we are sure that our breakout groups, keynote address, and conversations about professional advancement will resonate with everyone. 

Along with that we also have a full day of activities planned, including:

• Workshops: Interactive Member Led workshops designed to explore different aspects of professional advancement

• Food: Delicious meals and snacks to keep you energized throughout the day from local POC owned businesses and vendors

• Reconnection: Plenty of time to reconnect with colleagues, make new friends, and strengthen our community.

• Activities: Opportunities to relax, reflect, be grounded in the outdoors, and explore Cathleen Stone Island.

We hope you will join us for this special event—a fantastic opportunity to recharge, learn, and connect with our community. This event exemplifies the Boston Harbor Women of Color Coalition's mission to recognize and elevate the insight and leadership of women of color, advancing our communities' needs in green and blue spaces. Together, we can celebrate and support these leaders' vital contributions to a sustainable and inclusive future.

This month, we’re coming together at the ICA Watershed, a powerful space where art, community, and civic life intersect on Boston’s waterfront for our July Monthly Meetup and we hope you’ll join us!

Thanks to our partnership with the ICA Boston, we’ll be enjoying an immersive day of art, lunch, and learning across both the ICA’s main museum and their Watershed space in East Boston. From guided tours to a relaxing boat ride and a cozy light summer lunch, this gathering is all about inspiration, conversation, and community.

📅 Date: Saturday, July 27, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:30AM – 2:00PM
📍 Where: ICA Boston & ICA Watershed (check-in at the ICA Seaport lobby)

Space is limited to 30 attendees, so please RSVP by next week 7/18 to confirm your spot!

RSVP Here

June Monthly Meet-Up 

📅 When: Sunday, June 1st

⏰ Time: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

 📍Location: Spectacle Island (Meet at Rowe's Wharf)

To kick off the summer, our June Monthly Meet-Up is a special one—and it's open to both BHWOCC and POCIE members, along with your families! Join us for a fun-filled day trip to Spectacle Island, where you can soak up the sun, enjoy nature, fish, swim, play games, and have a nice picnic

We’re excited to offer this wonderful opportunity to experience one of the beautiful Boston Harbor Islands with your loved ones, and hope you’ll be able to take the time to detox and relax as the warm weather comes in.

May Monthly Meet-Up 

📅 When: Sunday, May 18th

⏰ Time: 12:00 – 2:30 PM

 📍Location: 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130 (Meeting at Visitor Center)

Join us for a private tour at the height of lilac season!
As the lilacs reach full bloom, we invite you to soak in their beauty and embrace the essence of spring. During this guided walk, you'll learn about the lilacs, the local flora and fauna, and the rich history of the area.

We will be offering two tour options happening simultaneously: one along a flat, easy walkway, and another on a more rugged path for those who enjoy a light hike. Please indicate your preferred tour so we can plan accordingly and ensure a comfortable experience for everyone.

April Monthly Meet-Up 

📅 When: Tuesday, April 22nd

⏰ Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM

 📍Location: 62 Summer St, Boston, MA 02110

We are thrilled to invite you to a special event organized by BHWOCC in partnership with the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF). This event is designed for our members and other women of color in the environmental industry, offering a unique opportunity to engage, learn, and connect with other professionals in this space. 

Panel Discussion:
Women of Color in Leadership in the Environment will bring together voices from across the industry to share experiences, strategies, and reflections on the evolving landscape of green and blue spaces. Together, we'll explore the future of these industries, the cultural wisdom that shapes our environmental work, and more.

This is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and inspire alongside fellow BHWOCC members and other women of color in the field. There will be time to mingle with other professionals and network with others as well!

Join us for an exciting evening at the Museum of Science as we dive into their new speaker series on the role of Indigenous communities in climate resilience.

As coastal cities like Boston face increasing climate challenges, what can we learn from Indigenous communities that have been on the frontlines of climate change for generations? How can Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) help us adapt and build resilience in the face of rising sea levels, flooding, and drought?

The featured speakers, Joseph Lee and Jason Steiding, will share their vital work in combating water-related issues and protecting natural resources.

About The Featured Speakers:

• Joseph Lee: Aquinnah Wampanoag journalist and editor of Our Living Lands, a weekly radio segment exploring the impact of climate change on Indigenous communities. Joseph’s work has appeared in The Guardian, Vox, High Country News, and more. His upcoming book Nothing More of This Land is set to be released in July 2025.

• Jason Steiding: A native Cape Codder and eagle clan member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. As Natural Resources Director, Jason works to protect natural resources and ensure sustainability for future generations, overseeing fish and wildlife management, water resources, food sovereignty, and more.

Join us for special meet-up at The New England Aquarium’s Quincy Animal Care Facility for an exclusive tour of the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center! This unique experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at the vital work the rescue team does to rehabilitate sea turtles and return them to the ocean. You’ll also get a tour of the Husbandry area, where experts care for a variety of marine life.

In this hands-on session, we’ll work together on food preparation, learn valuable cooking techniques, and discover the impactful work Green Roots does for the community. To top it off, we’ll enjoy a delicious meal made with fresh, locally grown produce from their farms, crafted with care and love.

About Green Roots:
Green Roots hosts cooking classes that address food insecurity, promote better nutrition, and connect people with farm-to-table meals while fostering a sense of community.

Learn more about their food justice program here: https://www.greenrootsej.org/our-work/food-justice

About Our Chef: Jojo Emerson
Jojo Emerson’s journey from professional baking to public health has fueled her passion for culinary education. With a background in baking, team building, and community health, Jojo believes collective cooking is a powerful tool for community building and cultural exchange.

With National Native American Heritage Month in November, we’re happy to bring you Potluck and Paint Night in collaboration with the North American Indian Center of Boston (NAICOB)!

Bring your favorite dish to share with the coalition and enjoy a guided painting session led by NAICOB artist-in-residence, Geraldine Barney. 

Who’s Geraldine Barney?

Geraldine is a visual artist and singer/songwriter originally from Northwest New Mexico, the eastern part of the Navajo Nation. Her work explores the relationship between the traditional Navajo values and beliefs she grew up with on the Navajo Reservation and contemporary city life off the reservation.

Potluck Details:
Please sign up for a dish on our Potluck Sign-Up Spreadsheet. We aiming to have around 25 to 30 members in attendance for this event and hope to have a wide variety of snacks, dishes, and drinks! 

Bringing a dish to the potluck is required but encouraged—you don’t need to bring food to enjoy what's shared! If you’d like to contribute, you can sign up for a dish in the RSVP.

NAICOB has been an incredible partner to the coalition, always showing up for us and our events, so we hope the coalition is able to give the same love back to them. We’re so excited to collaborate with them for this special evening, and it’s truly something you won’t want to miss! 

Sustainable Shop & Clothing Swap with UVIDA

For our upcoming October meet-up, we're excited to partner with UVIDA for a clothing swap! It's the perfect opportunity to clear out your closet and refresh it with some second-hand finds. We welcome all types of clothing in all sizes—shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, men's clothes, baby clothes, and even books!

Since it’s October, UVIDA is also accepting Halloween costumes! If you’ve got one to swap, bring it along and find a new one for the season.

You can bring as many items as you like, and it’s a one-for-one exchange.

We are excited to announce that the Boston Harbor Women of Color Coalition (BHWOCC) and Professionals of Color in the Environment (POCIE) are collaborating for Netwalk in Nature on Friday, September 6 on Peddocks Island from 9am-5pm!

Netwalk in Nature is a professional development experience like no other! We're taking over Peddocks Island to connect with each other and the outdoors by exploring the many career opportunities available on Boston Harbor and the greater environmental field. Join us to connect directly from folks at the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the National Parks Service, Massport and more while they take us around the island and share their professional experience and insights working on the water. You can also look forward to an engaging and relevant workshop with POCIE CoFounder Nia Keith, discussing strategies to navigate white dominated office spaces.

This event is perfect for folks who are eager to learn more about the vast array of career opportunities and connections in the outdoors, people looking to network with both BHWOCC and POCIE members, and those looking to enjoy nature alongside other passionate people of color. 

We'll have lawn games, food, headshots and more for a FREE DAY of connecting, networking, and career growth! RSVP HERE

This event is made possible through the Boston Harbor Island Partnership Innovation Island grant, thank you to all involved in making this opportunity possible!

Experience the beauty of Boston’s waterways with a delightful sailing trip at our August BHWOCC Monthly Meet Up. This is a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and bond with other members of the coalition! No sailing experience necessary and new sailors are encouraged. Piers Park instructors will guide our sail before we enjoy iconic Santarpio’s pizza at one of the most beautiful Boston Harbor waterfront parks.

We are once again planning on coming together for our fourth Annual Retreat at Thompson Island! We will have a keynote guest speaker, workshops, food, and time to connect, get grounded, and get inspired. The annual BHWOCC Retreats have been a hub of collaboration and inspiration. Coalition Members have utilized the Annual Retreat to brainstorm and implement strategic solutions to address swim safety, membership support, environmental justice, and more. BHWOCC continues to create a space that centers on women of color, focuses on cultivating relationships, creating professional pathways of advancement, developing culturally informed programming and events, and building strategies to address climate change in communities of color

Jasmin Graham is a marine biologist recognized for her contributions to conservation and social justice, particularly in shark science. In 2020, she co-founded Minorities in Shark Sciences, an organization dedicated to making the field more equitable, especially for women of color. The mission of the organization is to "give opportunities to people that haven’t had opportunities," addressing a critical need, as studies indicate that only 2% of graduates in marine biology are Black. 

Her latest work, "Sharks Don’t Sink" is a riveting, moving, and ultimately triumphant memoir that delves into the journey of a young Black scientist striving to thrive beyond the traditional boundaries of academia. Fueled by her profound connection to one of nature's most misunderstood creatures—the shark—this memoir sits at the intersection of science and social justice. It serves as a guidebook for learning to respect and protect some of nature’s most misunderstood and vulnerable creatures while also extending that same grace to ourselves.

Join us at the New England Aquarium as we celebrate the launch of Jasmin’s latest work!” This is a fantastic opportunity to meet Jasmin, hear her inspiring story, and get your copy of the book signed, and be a part of an exclusive members only reception prior to the event.

Get ready to dive into summer serenity with Linda Wellness Warrior! Join us in Franklin Park for outdoor yoga, where we'll embrace body trust, delve into breathwork, and discover yoga variations. This an inclusive yoga session open to all bodies and levels of experience. After our mindful practice, we’ll savor a delightful community lunch together.

It’s time for a garden party! Meet us at the Nightingale Community Garden along with the Trustees of Reservation to tour bountiful community garden plots and get them prepped for spring growth. BHWOCC Members will also enjoy light refreshments and learn about herbalism with BHWOCC Co-Founder Joye Williams!

It's time for spring cleaning and wetland restoration along the Mystic River at Gateway Park! BHWOCC Members from the Mystic River Watershed Association will lead the way as we help with soil preparation for planting, nest building, and mushroom soil inoculation after a picnic in the park!

BHWOCC is partnering with the City of Boston to explore the new Slavery in Boston Exhibit at Faneuil Hall. The exhibit confronts Boston’s role in slavery through stories, documents, and objects belonging to the enslaved folks who were brought in through Faneuil Hall.