WASHINGTON – With the goal of creating opportunities for organizations and parks to engage Latinos and for Latinos to demonstrate their passion for the outdoors and protecting public lands, the 6thannual Latino Conservation Week will take place July 13 – 21, 2019 and is expected to be celebrated with over 150 events nationwide. Communities will have the opportunity to camp under the stars, go canoeing, take sunset walks, and hike with family among other activities as they engage in the outdoors and learn about stewardship.

“Latino Conservation Week is about engagement – groups and parks engaging Latinos and Latinos engaging with groups and parks,” said Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. “While this week is designed to highlight Latinos, we want it to be as inclusive as possible – all are welcome to participate and organizations are welcome to design their own events.”

Latino Conservation Week was launched in 2014 as a Hispanic Access Foundation initiative to encourage and support collaboration between a variety of partners including, individuals, organizations, businesses, churches and government agencies to develop and participate in events and activities that not only connect people with parks, landscapes, rivers, and wildlife, but also teach more about their responsibility as environmental stewards. Last year more than 150 events were held in partnership with more than 190 partners and sponsors including the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Latino Outdoors, REI, Audubon Society, George H.W. Bush Vamos a PescarEducation Fund, Sierra Club, and many more.

“This is a national collaborative effort with the potential to impact the Latino communities in large urban settings, emerging Latino communities, and in rural communities that aim to celebrate our heritage, culture, spirituality, and stories around our nation’s treasured natural places,” said Arce. “Latino Conservation Week is also critical in shining a light on the importance of Latinos as tomorrow’s environmental stewards.”

For organizations, parks and other groups interested in holding their own event, they should visit www.LatinoConservationWeek.com to post the event to the national calendar or please contact Jessica Godinez at jessicag@hispanicaccess.org for more information. This year celebrate online by following #LatinoConservationWeek and #LCW2019 on social media.

See full article here.

Take a break from work and escape with the Mexican Cultural Center in this exciting collaboration with the Denver Botanic Gardens. We will be hosting a relaxing FREE bilingual yoga class taught by Noemi Nunez. Be sure to reserve your spot as spaces are limited and filling up quickly!28 mats will be provided on a first come, first served basis

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-bilingual-yoga-class-at-mexican-cultural-center-tickets-64643398144?aff=efbeventtix&fbclid=IwAR065_GGXgyt3vS74Och-ZFO8ttq1PdTbwl8qyGdWO1uyvbLYW24jSKsDdw

Silver City is known has The Gateway to the Continental Divide. This hike will begin at the Upper Little Walnut Parking Lot and will be approx. 4 miles round trip. The trail is well maintained with plenty of amazing views. Participants are asked to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. We ask that all participants meet at The Silver City Visitors Center at 8am. Please RSVP to: simon@nmwild.org OR grecia@nmwild.org.

Max participants: 15

Mogollon Box also know has Box Canyon is a segment being proposed for Wild & Scenic designation. This hike with the help of Audubon, will focus on the birds that occupy Mogollon Box year round and on migratory bird species. We will also be talking about vegatation and habitat for birds that we encounter on this hike. Participants are asked to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen and shoes you don't mind getting wet. We ask that all participants meet at The Silver City Visitors Center at 8am. Please RSVP to simon@nmwild.org OR grecia@nmwild.org

Max participants: 20

We're meeting up in July with our good friends at Earth Treks in Englewood!

Brown Girls Climb has a partnership with Earth Treks, so when you arrive say that you are with the Brown Girls Climb meetup - the one day pass, rental harness, and shoes are all included with a discounted day pass of $17.

What happens at a BGC Meetup? Many wonderful things. Our meet-ups are a space for self-identified women and girls of color to engage in climbing. We also work on skills to help enhance your climbing and climbing experience, while also creating a safe space and building a strong community.

What to expect/Need to know:

-Make sure all Earth Treks and BGC waivers are signed.

-RSVP on the FB invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/379784429557943/

-Introductions

-Stretching

-CLIMB ON!

-Skill: Celebrate Latino Conservation Week

*non Latinx identifying folks are welcome as well. All ages, abilities, and experiences in climbing are welcome*.

All minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Please make sure you fill out all waivers beforehand or arrive early to fill it out in person. Everyone who attends our meet-ups must also fill out a BGC waiver and survey. This form helps us provide better care to each one of our participants!

BGC Waiver:https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5b0db22a7b82d/web/?fbclid=IwAR0lyj1whTLDPYSDKJurHYlCayxHpCLZfwc_xggHR8ZUPUPrVywDRwBMpwI

GYM waiver:https://app.rockgympro.com/booking/f/0c0c625b963c46f3a0873e03e2ffa5e5See you all soon!

Mile Dwelling is a hike up the West Fork of the Gila River. One of the segments being proposed for Wild & Scenic Designation. This hike is intermediate with numerous river crossings and beautiful scenery. Snacks and drinks for the hike will be provided. Participants are asked to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen and shoes you don't mind getting wet. We ask that all participants meet at The Silver City Visitors Center at 8 am. The drive is approx. 1.5 hours to the trailhead.

Please RSVP to: simon@nmwild.org OR grecia@nmwild.org

Max Participants: 15

Come join us for food, a float, and a hike! The Grapevine is adjacent to the first designated Wilderness area in the country. Participants can enjoy exploring the Grapevine and the Gila River, or can go on a hike. The hike will follow the main stem of the Gila River. There are multiple river crossings and plenty to see. The trail is also one of the most used alternate routes for the Continental Divide Trail. We will be providing activities for adults and children: e.i. Water Monitoring and Duck making. All of these activities and a float down the river. Participants are asked to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen and shoes you don't mind getting wet. We ask that all participants meet at The Silver City Visitors Center at 8am. Please RSVP: simon@nmwild.org or at 575-993-8091

Want to visit a new hiking trail but need a ride? We got you! Join us for a day of recreation, relaxation, and community building.
For questions regarding accessibility, contact Rene Melara: rene@latinooutdoors.org. 

Community Nature Connection & Latino Outdoors will be heading to Franklin Canyon Park in the Santa Monica Mountains with community members from Virginia Avenue Park. This event is open to the public.  RSVP with Rene Melara at rene@latinooutdoors.org.

All fitness levels are welcome!
Family-friendly.
All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

WHEN:
Bus Arrives at 8:00 AM and will return by 3:00 PM.

WHERE:
Meet at: Virginia Avenue Park (2200 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404)
Park destination: Franklin Canyon Park

WHAT TO BRING:
Wear weather-appropriate clothes and comfortable shoes. Pack water, snacks, sunblock, a hat, and sunglasses in a backpack.

Presented by Community Nature Connection and Latino Outdoors in association with Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority all working to connect you to your public lands!

Yuma East Wetlands Manager, Vianey Avila will be presenting on how conservation is happening here in Yuma and how our local community can help contribute. This presentation will be given in Spanish.

“La Luna Desvela: The Moon Reveals.”​

At 8:30 pm on the Observatory stage at 9697 Utah Trail, we honor Latino Conservation Week with a program in Spanish, English, and American Sign Language. Co-sponsored by the Wildlands Conservancy, Mojave Desert Land Trust, and Sky’s The Limit, the evening features Native American stories told by Blanca Villalobos, Whitewater Preserve’s Education Coordinator.

Art Basulto and Cindy Holland of MDLT will introduce live desert creatures and talk about conserving the land and wildlife. The program will close with music in Spanish, English, and Latin American indigenous languages as the moon rises. Guests are encouraged to linger under the desert night sky. Please bring your own chairs and/or blankets and dress accordingly for summer desert evenings. The observatory will have bales of hay for guests to sit on as well.

This event is free and all ages. Donations of $10 per vehicle are welcome to support continuation of programs such as these.