Equity in Conservation and Outdoor Recreation (E.C.O.R.) Summit for Action

The 2025 Equity in Conservation and Outdoor Recreation (E.C.O.R.) Summit for Action invites you to embark on a transformative journey at the intersection of equity, inclusion, and the great outdoors. Our two-day event is a call to action, bringing together thought leaders, activists, practitioners, and community members to engage in profound discussions about the vital role of environmental justice in conservation and outdoor recreation movements.

2025 Theme: "Roots of Resistance: Breaking Chains, Building Justice"

Our theme underscores the pivotal role grassroots movements and community engagement play in driving environmental justice and broader environmental and climate action. We believe that change begins at the local level and ripples outward, ultimately transforming the global landscape.

Join us at the 2025 E.C.O.R. Summit for Action as we collectively chart a path toward a more equitable and sustainable future. Together, we can activate change, empower communities, and ensure that everyone, regardless of identity, has the opportunity to enjoy and preserve the beauty of our wild and scenic places.

This year, Day 1 of the summit will be held virtually and is open to all. Day two of the summit will have in-person sessions held in Denver, Colorado, and hosted by the Denver Zoo. We are also hosting a plot summit satellite in person day in the Portland, OR.

Summit Dates and Times:
Day 1- Thursday, October 2, 2025(Virtual only) : 8am – 4pm PT, 9am-5pm MT, 10am- 6pm CT , 11am-7pm ET
Friday, October 3, 2025(In-Person only) :

• Denver, CO- Denver Zoo: 9 am - 4:30 pm MT at the Denver Zoo (Denver registrants only)
• Pacific Northwest (The Nature Conservancy - Oregon Conservation Center - 821 Southeast 14th Avenue Portland, OR, 97214): 10 am-4 pm PT (PNW registrants only)

Day 1 of the summit will be held virtually and is open to all. We have attendees who tune in from all over the U.S. If you are interested in the virtual sessions, register for a one-day ticket. During day two of the summit, we will gather in person in Denver, Colorado, and Portland, OR . Day 2 sessions are for in-person community collaborations.

2025 Summit Theme: Roots of Resistance: Breaking Chains, Building Justice

In a world grappling with the dual crises of environmental degradation and systemic oppression, the call to resist and build anew has never been more urgent. "Roots of Resistance: Breaking Chains, Building Justice" delves into the intricate connections between social and environmental inequities, exposing how systems of power and privilege perpetuate harm to both people and the planet. This years theme invites a deep exploration of resistance as a tool for dismantling these oppressive systems, highlighting the courage, creativity, and collaboration of communities leading the charge for justice.

Through this lens, the summit will center stories of resistance against environmental destruction, from fighting extractive industries to challenging policies that exacerbate climate change. Participants will engage with frontline leaders, activists, and organizers who are combating climate denialism, reclaiming stolen lands, and protecting vital ecosystems. By drawing connections between environmental justice and struggles for survival and sovereignty, we will illuminate the shared roots of these battles and the collective power required to win them.

This theme challenges attendees to consider how oppression manifests in environmental contexts, such as unequal access to clean water, air, and land, and how these injustices disproportionately affect marginalized communities. It also underscores the importance of collaborative resistance: partnerships across racial, cultural, and socioeconomic lines to forge a unified front against environmental harm and social inequities.

Key questions to explore include:
How do systems of oppression shape environmental injustice, and how can they be dismantled?
What role does community-led resistance play in advancing climate justice and equity?
How can the fight against environmental destruction be aligned with broader struggles for human rights and sovereignty?

Through keynotes, panels, and workshops, participants will leave inspired by real-world examples of successful resistance and equipped with actionable strategies to integrate justice into their environmental and social justice efforts. Together, we will break chains and build the foundation for a just, sustainable future.

Day Two- In Person Community Collaborations ​​​During the summit’s second day, we will gather in person to more deeply explore strategies for supporting community-led conservation initiatives. In a process directed by communities of color, we aim to enhance support, knowledge sharing, and action within environmental communities in Colorado. ​Day two of the summit is hosted by the Denver Zoo in Denver, CO and held at the Nature Conservancy in Portland OR and will incorporate Open Space Technology, a method of knowledge sharing focused on the interests of those in attendance. This will include conversation stations about the most pressing topics and issues impacting grassroots efforts in Colorado and the western U.S.

Panels for the 2025 Summit For Action

Resisting Climate Denialism and Disinformation  

Description: In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly, combating climate denialism is critical to advancing environmental justice. This panel will explore the roots of climate disinformation campaigns, often funded by powerful industries, and their impact on public opinion, policy, and environmental advocacy. Panelists will discuss strategies to counter misinformation, such as community-led science education, leveraging social media responsibly, and building coalitions.

Water Wars: Resisting Privatization and Pollution 

Description:Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, yet privatization and pollution threaten this essential resource for many communities. This panel will feature activists and organizers working to resist the commodification of water and fight against industries that pollute waterways. Topics will include legal battles over water rights, community-led initiatives to protect water sources, and strategies to counter the corporate control of public utilities. The session will also highlight the intersection of water justice with broader social justice movements, emphasizing how protecting water is integral to resisting systemic oppression and ensuring equity.

Workshop Cancellation Policy:

In the unlikely event that the summit is cancelled, all confirmed participants will be notified immediately and receive a full refund (minus the payment system fees).If a participant chooses to cancel their confirmed registration, or cannot or does not attend the workshop, the following refunds will apply:

The registered participant may invite another person to substitute their place in the workshop (in which they are registered) at any time at no charge;

If notice is received 25 or less days from the scheduled starting date, no refund will be offered; and If notice is received 26 or more days from the scheduled starting date, a %50 refund will be offered.

If you wish to discuss these policies and expectations, or have any questions, please contact the team at Ecoinclusive Strategies, LLC. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you on the day!