"I didn't understand what a relationship with nature looked like," Alex Biswas said.
That uncertainty inspired Biswas to launch the group.
Biswas modeled the group after her former chapter in Seattle. And according to Biswas, around 750 people have participated in events since the chapter's inception two years ago.
Finding a connection
"I did grow up close to nature, but I didn't know how to interact with it," Biswas said. "My goal is just to create a space where people feel comfortable trying new things and then finding a space that is meaningful to them."
Biswas, who also serves as the chapter's partnerships manager, said the group tries to introduce members to a variety of sports and activities they may not have tried on their own.
"We do all sorts of things," Biswas said. "We'll do outdoor events like fishing, hiking and kayaking. But we also do social events."
Casting a line
For their most recent outing, dozens of members headed to the McKinley Park lagoon, on the city's Southwest Side, for an introduction to fishing in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
"My role here is to help and assist all of our beginner anglers and ensure that they learn how to fish and have a great time doing it," program manager Justin Fujii said. Along with help from the IDNR, Fujii guided participants through the basics, with the goal of catching panfish, including bluegill and sunfish. For many, it was a day of "firsts."
"This is my first fish in my life. He probably stole my bait three times, but I'm glad I caught him. And I'm so happy!" one participant exclaimed.
Representation in the great outdoors
For members like Rachel Chen, the group provides more than just a hobby. It provides representation.
"I feel like the Asian American community doesn't necessarily have great representation in the outdoors, or super obvious resources," Chen said. "This group is great because it introduces people to how we define the outdoors in a place like Chicago, which isn't necessarily known for being a super outdoorsy place."
Member Andy Chen agreed, noting that the community atmosphere makes it safe to be a beginner.
"I would consider myself outdoorsy. I really enjoy being in the sun, whether it's on the water or hiking," Chen said. "Like any new thing, there are challenges, like, 'What if I mess up?' But with the support here, and how everyone is at a beginner level, you just try and fail, and what works, works."
As for the day's catch, Fujii said the success of the day wasn't just measured by what stayed on the hook.
"I would be shocked if we don't catch anything," Fujii said. "They're going to go back with a little bit of algae!"