Whittier Narrows Nature Walk and Learn
Nature Walk & Learn at Whittier Narrows
Hosted by Designated Exceptional Services for Independence (D.E.S.I.)
Join D.E.S.I. for a guided nature walk through the Whittier Narrows Nature Center, led by Brissa — a D.E.S.I. community member, dedicated Whittier Narrows volunteer, and 2023 Volunteer of the Year. Brissa brings both lived experience and deep familiarity with this local ecosystem, making this walk as personal as it is educational.
Walk with us through native habitats, learn about the plants, birds, and wildlife that call Whittier Narrows home, and celebrate Latino communities' deep connection to the natural world. This event is part of D.E.S.I.'s commitment to building inclusive spaces where people with disabilities and their communities can experience the outdoors together.
Free and open to all. No outdoor experience required.
? September 17, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Tour begins at 9:30 AM)
? Whittier Narrows Nature Center | 1000 Durfee Ave, South El Monte, CA 91733
What to bring: Water bottle, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and your curiosity.
Latino Conservation Week Kick-Off Pachanga
¡Acompáñenos a celebrar Latino Conservation Week! Disfrute de una tarde en comunidad con comida, música, actividades, conversaciones sobre la conservación y mucho más. Celebraremos el liderazgo latino y nos conectaremos como comunidad para imaginar un futuro más accesible y comunitario para los parques y espacios verdes de Los Angeles.
English:
Join us in celebrating Latino Conservation Week! Enjoy an afternoon of community, food, music, activities, conversations about conservation, and more. Together, we'll celebrate Latino leadership and connect as a community to imagine a more accessible, community-led future for LA's parks and green spaces.
RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/e8BqV7HdxzmtMJLE9
AGENDA
12:00–6:00 PM
Comida + mesas comunitarias
Food + community tables
- Advocacy Table: NPCA and Latino Outdoors
- California State Park Resources: CA State Park
- Wildfire and Open Lots: Community Nature Connection
- Tree giveaway and plant propagation: Tree People
- Compost Giveaway: LA Compost
12:00–1:00 PM
Recorridos por Metabolic Studio
Metabolic Studio tours
1:00–2:00 PM
Clase de Bachata (RSVP needed)
Bachata class
2:00–3:30 PM
Panel de conversación: 30x30 y Nuestra Comunidad: A Conversation for the Future
Panel discussion
3:30–5:00 PM
Caminata Guiada de Naturaleza + Taller de Barro (RSVP needed)
Guided Nature Hike + Clay Workshop
5:00–6:00 PM
Música + convivencia comunitaria
Music + community time
Fin De Verano Sunset Hike @ Discovery Park with Nosotros En Naturaleza
Join Nosotros En Naturaleza for our Fin de Verano Sunset Hike! ?
We’re getting ready for NEN’s last hike of the summer! Come hang with comunidad, watch the sunset, and enjoy some delicious tortas (Caribbean sandwiches) from Un Bien, snacks and drinks.
This outing is open to anyone, with a special welcome to our Latine & BIPOC comunidad who may be new to outdoor spaces.
Trail Overview:
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 4:30pm-8:30pm (end time is a rough estimate)
Address: Discovery Park (47.65831, -122.40609)
What's provided:
• Snacks, bug repellent, and CATERED FOOD (please write any allergies on the form).
What to Bring:
• Hiking shoes/boots with grip, water, suitable hiking clothes (layers work best), packed lunch and extra snacks, hat, sunglasses, trekking poles (optional)
Transportation & Community Chat:
Need a ride or want to offer one to someone who needs one?
Join us on Heylo to carpool, ask questions, and chat with others before & after the hike!
Before You Sign Up:
• Registration is required and space is limited/capped (filling out this form does NOT guarantee you a spot)
• Everyone must sign up individually, even if you’re bringing a friend/family member
• Confirmations will be sent out via text/email. If added to the waitlist, we’ll let you know as spots open up
• Can't make it anymore? Let us know ASAP so we can pass your spot along.
Muchas gracias to Latino Conservation Week 2026 for making this event possible!
Registration Deadline: September 13th
Stay in the loop and catch future events by following us on Instagram → @nosotrosennaturaleza
FORM TO REGISTER: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeueRMUyb8W1KFHIvGaknIsyQggddLd5GVOP40uR9Gcyfrufw/viewform
Tree-mendous Times
The BSP Health and Wellness team will take 30–50 participants on a full-day educational trip to Turnball Canyon. Participants will learn about the canyon's ecosystem and the important role keystone species, such as the Sycamore tree, play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. The event will also introduce families to camping and outdoor recreation, helping them feel more comfortable exploring nature together. Activities will include a guided hike, meditation and mindfulness exercises, children’s scavenger hunts, and a visit to the visitor center. Funding will be used to provide transportation, helping remove a significant barrier to participation.
Pajareo y Jangueo
Bird Watching @ Barnett Park
Saturday, Sept. 19th | 9:00–11:00 AM
Barnett Park, Orlando, FL
Meet at Pavilion #1
Register on Heylo:
Celebrating Latino Conservation Week & Honrando Nuestras Historias
Join us for a morning of birdwatching and community in nature. We'll take a gentle hike through Barnett Park, learn about native birds of Latin America, and connect with one another. No experience needed — just come curious and ready to look up.
What to bring:
- Comfortable shoes
- Water bottle
- Hat & sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Binoculars if you have them (extras available!)
Activities: Hike • Bird Watching • Food • Giveaway
This is a family-friendly, beginner-welcome space. Come as you are.
Seminole, Miccosukee & Mascogo lands
Doña Ana Village Association X Compas Skateboarding Workshop
This Latino Conservation Week event will be hosted by Doña Ana Village Association and Compas Skateshop on September 18th 2026 from 530-730 PM and be located at the De La O Visitors Center (135 Joe Gutierrez, Doña Ana, NM 88007). During this Skateboarding Workshop, 15 participants will learn about the different components that make up a Skateboard, how they work, what they are made of and the differences between a variety of designs and models. After we learn about the components we will go hands with specialized tools to put the components together to make a functioning complete skateboard. To end the workshop, participants will be invited to explore DAVA's El Parque Alegre and conduct a skateboarding basics class with experienced skate coaches. This event will run in concert with a Community Celebration in the Doña Ana Plaza from 730-1000PM.
Wisdom Weaver Workshop: The Sun and the Seas
The Sun and the Seas: Where do waves come from, and what does that mean for us?
Facilitator: Kris Blike-Morales
Date: Wednesday, September 16th
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Location: Virtual
A brief overview about the earth science behind wave generation, how swell turns into the surf zone, the different parts of the surf zone, and who you might generally find in each area. The goal is to, together with this knowledge, look at surf reports and at the water from the beach, and decide where you want to be.
About Kris
In another (recent) lifetime, I was the Program Manager for Mike’s Paddle, and had gone through ACA Training to oversee lessons and events, and also play back-up-instructor when needed. A lot of this proposal comes from teaching an old “Intro to SUP Surf” curriculum.
Wisdom Weaver Workshop: Community Science for Community Health
Linda Mar Water Quality Part 1: Community Science for Community Health
Facilitator: Adriana Guerrero-Nardone and Jessica Knox (staff of Salted Roots)
Date: Thursday, September 10th
Time: 6:30pm – 7:45pm
Location: Virtual
This workshop will walk participants through the Linda Mar Water Quality Coalition’s two-year investigation into contamination at San Pedro Creek and Pacifica State Beach, one of the most polluted beaches in the country. Presenters will cover why Linda Mar matters to Salted Roots’ community, the environmental justice dimensions of the water quality crisis, and what two years of weekly bacteria testing and DNA analysis have revealed about the source of contamination. The workshop will close with an introduction to the Linda Mar Community Health Survey, a new tool launching summer 2026 to document the lived health impacts of pollution on surfers, swimmers, and beachgoers and an invitation for Salted Roots community members to help distribute it.
About Adriana (they/them/elle)
Adriana Guerrero-Nardone (they/them/elle) is a movement-builder, former educator, and the Executive Director of Salted Roots. With over 15 years in the nonprofit sector, Adriana centers joy as a strategy for healing and resistance while advocating for equity at the intersection of community, environment, and culture. At heart, Adriana is a sarcastic New Yorker with soft Bay Area edges — a Cancer who loves pizza, deep conversation, belly laughs, and cozy tea nights with friends. They live on Ramaytush/Muwekma Ohlone land with their partner and two beloved dogs, Nova and Roux.
About Jessica (she/her)
Bay Area native, Jessica Knox is an ocean enthusiast and long-time member of Salted Roots, where she works as the youth advocacy specialist and a surf program lead. Jessica’s work focuses on advancing equitable access in ocean spaces and amplifying youth voices surrounding conservation and environmental justice. The experience she has gained through leading and participating in programs has strengthened her commitment to community engagement and collective empowerment to develop a sense of belonging through connections to the ocean.
Educate, Connect and Care.
Educar, Conectar y Cuidar
Una conversación virtual para mujeres que buscan aprender, conectar e inspirarse para generar un impacto positivo en sus comunidades.
Tres mujeres líderes compartirán sus experiencias y cómo, a través de iniciativas de educación, liderazgo comunitario y conservación ambiental, han contribuido a transformar sus comunidades y proteger los recursos naturales. Será un espacio para escuchar historias, aprender de otras mujeres y descubrir nuevas formas de participar y generar cambios significativos.
Juntas reflexionaremos sobre el poder del liderazgo de las mujeres, la importancia de trabajar en comunidad y nuestro papel como agentes de cambio y defensoras de los recursos naturales. Regístrate Aquí: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/EhbVvvviQbCgQD-GdQeLag
Jueves 17 de septiembre | 6:30–8:00 p. m. (hora del Pacífico/Oregón)
Evento virtual
Educate, Connect and Care
A virtual conversation for women who want to learn, connect, and be inspired to make a positive impact in their communities.
Three women leaders will share their experiences and how they have created meaningful change through initiatives focused on education, community leadership, and environmental conservation. This gathering will provide an opportunity to hear inspiring stories, learn from other women, and discover new ways to get involved and make a difference.
Together, we will reflect on the power of women’s leadership, the importance of community collaboration, and our role as agents of change and advocates for natural resources. Registration Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/EhbVvvviQbCgQD-GdQeLag
Thursday, September 17 | 6:30–8:00 p.m. Pacific Time/Oregon
Virtual Event
