Alumni Spotlight: Diquan Edmonds Continues Mission to Make Outdoors Accessible for All
Diquan Edmonds graduated with a master’s degree in parks, recreation and tourism management in 2019. Today, he is the education and outreach manager at Triangle Land Conservancy (tlc), an organization dedicated to saving places and land by working to safeguard clean water, protect natural habitats, support local farms and food, and connect people with nature. We recently caught up with Edmonds to catch up on his career and dedication to making the great outdoors great for everyone.
What drew you to work for the Triangle Land Conservancy?
“The main factor that drew me to my position was the ability to work outdoors – and directly apply the knowledge I learned in school to a work environment,” said Edmonds. ” I’m able to use my skills and experience to work on something I’m passionate about.”
Tell us about a typical day on the job.
“It varies widely. Some days, I’m working at my computer on grant applications, strategic planning, and administrative work. Other days, I’m able to be out in the field leading groups on hikes/programs at our Nature Preserves, working with high schoolers through our Pathways Into Natural Environments and Science program, camping, birdwatching, paddling, and more. While I definitely like field days more, I appreciate the variety of my position. I’m able to get outside multiple days per week!
“We also host Wild IDEAs events that are presented in a Ted Talk style and feature several speakers who present about different topics effecting our work – followed by a community expo. The latest version of the event was at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. I conceptualized the vision for the event (focused on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) and led the charge in making it happen.”
“I definitely was able to rely on my experiences at NC State when thinking about the program for the night – and used a lot of the connections I made throughout my time at State in putting everything together.”
What inspired you to study parks, recreation and tourism management?
“Growing up, I was always interested in the outdoors. I spent all day playing outside, looking at animals, and more. Over the years, I lost interest in the outdoors, but this interest was reinvigorated right before I graduated with my undergrad degree and has grown ever since.”
Edmonds was involved in the College of Natural Resources since high school, when he was part of the Environmentors program. He studied sport management during his undergraduate degree and later found his passion for local parks and recreation. After a year of working for the NCRPA, Edmonds had the opportunity to go back to school under a research assistantship.
How did you decide to focus on diversity and inclusion within your field?
“Just after starting the masters program at NC State, I took a trip to the mountains to camp out and watch the solar eclipse. I looked around and didn’t see any people of color there and it totally hit. I had been thinking about things I wanted to research, and I came back from that trip and knew that I wanted to focus on African Americans in the outdoors.”
Edmonds completed his thesis project — “Understanding the Perceptions and Experiences of African-American Outdoor Recreationalists” and went on to serve as program coordinator for the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association (NCRPA), where he focused on improving diversity, equity and inclusion in parks and recreation.
What did you enjoy most about your educational experience at NC State?
“As an undergraduate, I I was in the Engaging Leaders program in the College of Natural Resources. I have great memories associated with my time in the program. It not only introduced me to PRTM, but to CNR as a whole. As a graduate student in PRTM, I really loved the close-knit community of peers in the program. This made learning more fun, and provided a great support system. My favorite course was the PRT 351/651 Outdoor Recreation Consortium class. Having the chance to learn hands on about issues in the National Park Service and Great Smoky Mountains National Park was an invaluable experience.”
Why should students pursue this field?
“Sometimes, I can’t believe where this field has taken me. Being able to do fun things like camping, hiking, paddling, etc. for work is unmatched. Also, the opportunities to travel are really enticing. I worked a summer in Yellowstone National Park after graduating – and it was really amazing to work in a place that is a vacation for most. Every day brings something new.
“I also think that we have the responsibility to make sure that everyone is reflected in outdoor spaces – especially people who have been historically excluded from these spaces. I find working to dismantle systemic barriers to enjoying the outdoors really inspiring. Also, just being in nature is really inspiring for me. Being able to have spaces to enjoy the outdoors makes me want to continue to work in the field – and to make sure others have the same opportunity.”
2023 is the Year of the Trail in North Carolina. What are your favorite trails?
“My favorite trails are at Horton Grove Nature Preserve, White Pines Nature Preserve and the Cox Mountain trail at Eno River State Park,” said Edmonds.
When he’s not working on behalf of tlc, Edmonds enjoys being outside with his wife Melissa and their dog Sydney in Durham. He also serves on the Next Generation Advisory Council with the National Parks Conservation Association.