3 Hiking Tips from an African-American Naturalist

Iris Hill relaxes at home on her family’s land. Photo courtesy of Roxie Hill

Conservation biologist Iris Hill has worked for Tyler Perry studio, transcribed audio for Whitney Houston and auditioned to become a back-up dancer for Beyoncé. Her life transformed when she decided to merge her passion for acting with her love of nature and outdoor education. The result was Hidden Hikes, a nature based show where Iris and co-host Timothy Jones led guided hikes in the San Bernardino National Forest for local PBS station, Inland Empire

Iris grew up in Tuscaloosa, AL as the middle child of a local physician. When we spoke recently by phone she was back home in Alabama, rounding up stray cows and overseeing repairs on a broken section of fence on her family’s farm.

Of course, I had questions; so, here’s what I found out. Yes, it means walking every inch of fence line; and yes she can clamp wire like nobody’s business; but no, she was not on the set of Queen Sugar.

Welcome to the life of an African-American, Alabama-raised conservation biologist.

She spent a lot of time at the farm as a child and she came by her love of animals honestly, from her father and grandfather. At home, their laundry room became a nursery for orphaned calves, piglets, racoon kits, whitetail fawns and even newborn mice and armadillo. Her access to nature was a simple as walking out her back door. It was effortless.

It was only natural for her to want to become a veterinarian as she grew older. This was the plan since she was a little girl. Iris studied Pre-Veterinary Zoology as an undergraduate at Auburn University. Then she interned for the Montgomery Zoo and the large vet clinic at Auburn. Iris took all of the right steps, and yet, amongst the fecal samples and spaying and neutering, something was missing.

Iris grew up caring for orphaned calves, piglets, racoon kits, whitetail fawns and even newborn mice and armadillo. She and her parents always assumed that veterinary school was the next step. Photo courtesy of Roxie Hill

Iris explains that “I had a feeling that this isn’t really what I wanted to do. Part of me wanted to go to vet school, part of me didn’t. A couple of months later when I got a big thick packet from the Auburn veterinary graduate program, I was like, ‘oh no.’”

She ended up declining their offer of admittance. Needless to say, her folks were not thrilled. Her dad couldn’t understand why “all her life she says she wants to go to vet school then she turns them down. Who is going to take care of my cows?”

How many of us can relate to disappointing our parents?—I mean, honestly! It’s pretty much a minor for most college students who are straddling the line between their family’s expectations and their own.

Not long after, Iris met with the Associate Provost for Diversity and Multicultural Affairs at Auburn and explained her dilemma. That’s when she learned about a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant that would pay for graduate school and provide a stipend. So, over the summer she applied for the Lewis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Bridge to the Doctorate fellowship program.

When she graduated from college she immediately enrolled in the Auburn University graduate program for conservation biology with a focus on large felines.

Completing a nearly fully funded master’s of science in conservation biology was an incredible opportunity At the same time, Iris longed for something a little more interactive. So she took a summer off and signed up for an acting class at New York University instead.

Iris Hill, the co-host of Hidden Hikes, got to combine her love of acting with her passion for nature and education! Photo courtesy of Kimberley Garcia

Okay, so here’s one thing I forgot to mention. That idyllic childhood spent on her family’s farm in Alabama was also spent at dance recitals on stages in her local community and as far away as Paris where she was selected to perform from amongst her high school’s dance-line. Iris studied classical ballet from age 3 and picked up tap and jazz as she grew older. In graduate school, she even formed a dance troupe, AU Rhythm, with a friend. The stage and performing were just as important as her family’s farm in molding her path.

All the world’s a stage

After graduating with a master’s of science in conservation biology, Iris ended up in nearby Atlanta where her friend was an executive producer for Being Bobby Brown. Her friend invited her to intern on the reality show. Instead of entering a doctoral program, Iris transcribed audio for Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown. It was her first introduction to show business. After that ended, she joined Tyler Perry studios where she interned and later worked in the production office of Madea’s Family Reunion. That was followed by a production assistant job on Daddy’s Little Girls and House of Payne.

Iris considered moving to NYC before a friend suggested she try Los Angeles. So she did, with a short detour to Chicago to audition as a back-up dancer for Beyoncé. In LA, she modeled and also worked non-acting jobs, including at the Los Angeles Zoo where she gave educational tours to kids.

Years passed and Iris was feeling burned out. She missed academic work and she had a nagging knee injury which prevented her from being as active as she would have liked. So she started solo hiking instead. It gave her peace of mind and reminded her of home.

Who doesn’t want to see more black women shine as hosts of nature programs? Yes, please! More of this! Photo courtesy of Iris Hill

Her mom was upset about the solo hiking even though Iris explained that “none of my friends hike and I’m not going to wait around.” As a compromise, Iris enrolled in survivalist training and wilderness preparedness classes through a local outfitter. She also completed the Sierra Club basic course. That experience was eye-opening; she realized that she had been overlooking the vast network of trails and green spaces hidden in plain sight in and around Los Angeles. She fell in love with the rich biodiversity of L.A. county; ranging from the breathtaking falls of Angeles National Forest to the high sierra desert.

It was also a turning point mentally and spiritually as Iris started praying for God to show her exactly what she should be doing. If there was a way to combine her love of teaching, nature and entertainment she was ready for it.

Not long after, a good friend came to visit. He introduced her to Kristy Cooper, his producer. Iris remembers telling the producer about her goal of creating a kid friendly nature show. The woman responded with “oh my gosh, we’re in the process of creating a hiking show. Send me your resume!”

Dreams do come true! A month later, Iris got the call inviting her to become a co-host for Hidden Hikes, a nature show on a local PBS affiliate. Everything she had learned from her childhood on the farm, her graduate program, the Sierra Club, and her wilderness preparedness schools merged with her lifelong love of acting. Suddenly, Iris Hill, actress and Iris Hill, conservation biologist became Iris Hill, Naturalist.

Each episode they hiked around L.A. with a different family. On the show, Iris is energetic and radiant. Her hair is big and unapologetically black, she has an inviting smile and she’s partial to bright red lipstick. When she speaks you can’t help but notice her warm southern drawl.

“Hidden Hikes encouraged me and helped me to realize that my dreams are valid,” Iris explained. “It taught me that I have great ideas which can be on television. It’s a blessing to have people believe in you.”  The show ran for ten episodes before it was canceled due to funding constraints; but it was the jumpstart she needed—a project which perfectly embodied all of her passions.

These days, Iris is currently working on a new project, Nature Walks with Iris Hill, with the support of production company, Team Cooper Entertainment. And she has this advice for new hikers:

Iris and her rescued fawns, Kickboxer and Renegade. Photo credit: Roxie Hill

Be Curious

According to Iris, being a Naturalist simply means possessing a curiosity about nature and taking the time to learn what there is to know. Her favorite tool for identifying plants and animals is an app called iNaturalist. “You can take a photo of an unknown plant or animal, upload it and query other app users,” Iris explained. “I’ve been snapping pictures left and right on the farm in Alabama. Its a great tool for people who are curious and interested in learning more about nature”

Be Adventurous

Iris also encourages new hikers to “try to find like minded people because they’re out there.” Social media can be a great resource making it easier to connect with affinity hiking groups like Black Girls Trekkin,  Outdoor Afro or  Latino Outdoors. She believes that, despite the perceived negative effects, social media makes the world a little smaller. It also makes it easier to find people who look like you who also love the outdoors. “Or hike with people who don’t look like you,” said Iris. “The key thing is to face your fears and just do it.” Find a small trail and get started! Don’t live inside your comfort zone.”

Be Safe

Worried about dangers on the trail? There are a few things you should know. Iris‘ advice is to wear proper footwear, bring water and snacks and research trail information ahead of time. It’s also a good idea to check the weather before you go and let someone know where you’re heading and what time you’ll be back.

When she first started taking wilderness preparedness courses, she hiked in whatever she had on. At the time, her close friend couldn’t understand “why you don’t have hiking gear when you’ve been out in nature your entire life?” Iris laughed at the memory,  “I’m like, ‘you know my daddy’s country right!’” Her advice is to borrow before you buy. Hiking doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. While some items are not reusable or create safety concerns when used second-hand, many are reusable and perfectly fine! And it often makes more sense to borrow rather than buy.

To learn more about Iris Hill check out her website, or follow her on Instagram.