Inspired by her passion for environmental justice and accessibility to nature, Christina Bell ’24 submitted a plan to a regional non-profit to create sensory trail stations and play areas at a local nature center. Her plan was so well received that she has been granted $5,000 to make her dream a reality.
The sensory stations and nature play areas at the Albert Family Community Forest (AFCF) in East Nassau will help connect people of all abilities with nature, to welcome people with disabilities, families with young children, and older adults.
Bell, an environmental studies and sciences major with minors in education and business, was selected for the prestigious award from the Open Space Institute through the Barnabas McHenry Hudson River Valley Awards program. She will receive the $5,000 award to support her work through an internship with the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance (RPA), a local non-profit environmental organization. RPA has agreed to support Bell as an intern with their organization during the coming academic year and to help fund the project she has envisioned.
The McHenry awards provide funding to exceptional undergraduate or graduate students for projects that strengthen and improve communities in New York’s Hudson Valley region.
“My goal is to create a space where everyone is able to be present to enjoy nature and build a connection with the environment,” she said. “One of the best ways to create this connection is by offering spaces for people, particularly those with disabilities, to explore and enjoy the earth through their senses. Disability inclusion is a fairly new concept in environmental justice, and it’s very rewarding to be an advocate for it.”
In addition to her commitment to environmental justice, Bell was also inspired by some personal connections in her life. Her grandfather, Joseph V. Reilly, was a teacher, principal and superintendent for years in the Rensselaer City School District, and served during summers as director of parks and recreation for Rensselaer County. She was also moved by the example of her best friend’s younger brother, who has autism.
“I have been close to this family for years and have seen the limitations they experience when it comes to being in public spaces,” she explained. “Our world isn’t built for people of differing abilities, and this trail will help address that.”
Her project will feature various installations such as sensory stations along the existing ADA-compliant trail at the community forest. These areas will be designed for engaging activities that work to stimulate and regulate senses.
Bell studied in Denmark during the fall 2022 semester, and noticed that public resources and facilities there are more welcoming to people with disabilities or developmental challenges.
Dan Bogan Ph.D., assistant professor of environmental studies and sciences, reached out to Bell last year about creating a proposal for the grant. As her ideas started to take shape, student and professor continued to develop her concept through a focused, three-credit independent study course that Bell completed this past spring semester. She submitted her application in April.
“Christina Bell is an exceptional student who shows great promise as a future leader,” Bogan wrote in his recommendation. “She has a vision for her career. She clearly has a contribution to make regarding environmental justice, and is passionate about providing opportunities for underserved members or our society to connect with nature. Through this proposed project, she is ready to work with her community, recognizes the benefit of learning as part of the process, and ready to lead as a citizen.”
When Bell was announced as a grant recipient, Bogan said, “It’s great to see her ideas be acknowledged by this funding agency. They recognized how significant her plans are.”