North Austin News

Starla Simmons, a social worker, eco-therapist, and professor at The University of Texas at Austin, is making strides in the field of environmental justice. With over 15 years of experience, she integrates nature-based practices into social work to emphasize the connection between environmental justice and community care.

Simmons focuses on community-centered work by meeting with students at places like Gus Garcia Recreation Center and Urban Roots’ East Austin farm. She shared her journey and how ecotherapy plays a role in working with young people today.

"For me, spending time in nature has always been a healing source from the stress that comes with existing as a Black Woman," said Simmons. She explained how her upbringing in rural areas fostered a connection to nature that she now incorporates into her work with Black and Brown youth.

In addressing how she has implemented these practices, Simmons said: "I’ve done a lot of things in the past 15 years, and my practices are steadily evolving." Her initiatives include facilitating ecotherapy groups, taking kids camping, practicing mindfulness in nature, and developing training programs such as "Healing in Nature."

As an advocate for environmental justice within social work education, Simmons engages students by guest lecturing and promoting roles they can play within the movement. A student group called EJET (Environmental Justice and Ecotherapy) at UT was started by one of her former students. Simmons serves as Faculty Liaison for this group.

The rewards of her efforts are evident when participants reflect on their relationship with nature during ecotherapy trainings. "I love watching as people reflect on how they feel in nature," she noted.

However, challenges remain. "The toughest part is just knowing that people...have ALWAYS had beautiful practices and relationships with nature for their well-being — but that knowledge has been erased," Simmons explained.

On supporting young leaders in sustainability initiatives, she emphasized meeting them where they are and honoring their experiences: "There are plenty of youth who are anxious and hopeless about climate change."

Reflecting on her involvement with Outdoor Afro, a national non-profit celebrating Black connections to nature, Simmons stated: "The biggest impact...is around changing the narrative of 'who loves the outdoors.'"

Simmons advises others to nurture their authentic relationship with nature while learning about ancestral practices: "Nurture your own authentic relationship with nature! Learn about your own ancestral practices."

To support Austin's net-zero goal or nominate someone as a Net-Zero Hero for their contributions to sustainability efforts, contact sustainability@austintexas.gov.