As part of our special REI environmental series, “RadioNature,” where we explore people’s connection to nature and the outdoors, we take you to the Bronx, an urban borough bordered by the Bronx River. It’s the only freshwater river that runs through New York City. And for the majority of low-income Bronx residents, it’s one of their only connections to nature and a break from urban life.

RadioNature is a year-long series that looks at how people of color connect with nature. Funding comes from the REI Foundation.

Radio piece and slide-show produced by Nusha Balyan.

Audio Engineer Matt Fidler.

Photos: Yasmeen Qureshi and Nusha Balyan.

To download an .mp3 of the 30-minute program, subscribe to the podcast at NPR or iTunes.

Radio Nature is a year-long series that looks at how people of color connect with nature. Funding comes from the REI foundation.

The REI Foundation focuses on supporting efforts to get more young people, including youth from diverse populations, into nature. Through this work, The REI Foundation’s goal is to help inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and environmental stewards.