Low income neighborhoods and communities of color often experience more direct negative effects of a polluted world, but they are not well represented in the environmental movement.

Only 18 percent of people of color who live in King County say the environmental quality in their neighborhood is excellent, compared with 40 percent of whites, according to a survey by Elway Research.

Restoring a healthy environment in the Puget Sound area means "we must expand the environmental movement and include people from diverse backgrounds and cultures," the Seattle Foundation said in its report on priorities for 2009 and beyond.

Various efforts are underway to bridge the gap, including an urban farm providing vegetables to communities in South Seattle and a project funded by the REI Foundation and the National Audubon Society to create nature programs tailored to the needs and interests of culturally diverse communities.

AUDUBON STAFF

Kyle Patch (left) and his father Rodney Patch (center), who are Native Americans, help with habitat restoration in Seward Park as part of an Audubon program to bring more diversity into environmental programs. The program is funded by the REI Foundation.

A $110,000 grant from the REI Foundation announced this week will help Audubon build on the success of Latino-focused nature programs at three urban Audubon Centers, including Seward Park Environmental and Audubon Center in Seattle and centers in Los Angeles and Phoenix.

Many nature-oriented organizations in the country lack the cultural insights, language skills and community connections to effectively involve Latinos in conservation and experiencing nature, the groups said.

The REI Foundation's mission is to increase diversity among outdoor enthusiasts and conservation stewards, with a particular focus on young people.

Former REI CEO Dennis Madsen started YOLF the Youth Outdoors Legacy Fund, to encourage more kids to get involved with the nature, making grants around the country and focusing on urban and low-income neighborhoods.

Another local example is Marra Farm, a four-acre community farm in Seattle's South Park neighborhood. Its goals are to practicing sustainable agriculture and education and enhance local food security. Farmers grow more than 13,000 pounds of organic produce each year on Marra Farm. Local residents grow food for their families, and produce is also distributed in donations through the Providence Regina House Food Bank, Mien senior citizens, and Concord Elementary Schools. Some produce is also sold at the University District Farmer's Market through an employment program for at-risk youth run by Seattle Youth Garden Works.