Article by Latino Heritage Intern Alejandra Garza & Community Outreach Fellow Chantelle Ruidant-Hansen
When the Spanish established the San Antonio Missions, they laid the foundation for a new cultural group to emerge: the Tejano people. The missions are a representation of the shift in culture, religion, lifestyle, and people that occurred three hundred years ago. Tejanos represent that change as well. Modern Tejano culture is a result of the blend of Spanish and native cultures and distinct to South Texas. The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park represents the broader story of Hispanic colonization, the Catholic faith, and the spread of the Spanish language. Connecting to this history, Latinos from many different backgrounds find their park at the San Antonio Missions.
Latino Conservation Week on July 14-22, an initiative of Hispanic Access Foundation is about celebrating the outdoors with the Latino community. The San Antonio Missions have a rich history that is rooted in the land and has fostered a strong local community including families of mission descendents. Their ancestors appreciated the natural resources long before the Spanish settled and changed their way of life forever. Therefore, Latino Conservation Week is a great opportunity to embrace both the past and present through nature. The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is hosting a week-long nature-based scavenger hunt for visitors. Through this event, visitors will learn about the natural resources, plants, and animals that were essential to the native peoples and the establishment of the missions.
As San Antonio continues to grow and construction is always ongoing, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park protects pockets of cultural and natural resources on the southside of the city. These lands protect and preserve the Spanish colonial missions built in the 1700’s but also the land that was home to the native peoples and drew the Spanish in to settle. A Spanish priest reflects on his exploration of the area:
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News Coverage
06 August 2018
The Voice: Celebrate the Great Outdoors During the Fifth Annual Latino Conservation Week
WASHINGTON D.C.
During the week of July 14 through 22, communities across California will enjoy and connect with the great outdoors during the 5th annual Latino Conservation Week. During the week more than 100 events will be celebrated nationwide with over 20 of the events scheduled in California. Latinos will have an 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.
“This week is about sharing the Latino community’s perspective on the environment, like the need to protect our public lands and natural surroundings for future generations,” said Maite Arce, President and CEO of the Hispanic Access Foundation. “Hispanics are passionate about the outdoors and hold a strong belief that we have a moral obligation to take care of it.”
Latino Conservation Week was launched by the Hispanic Access Foundation in 2014, to encourage and support individuals, organizations, businesses and government agencies to develop and participate in events and activities that not only connect Latinos with the outdoors, but also to teach them more about their responsibility as stewards of the environmental.
“As the largest minority group in California, the Latino community’s engagement is critical to ensuring the future success and preservation of our public lands in the Golden State,” said Arce. “We appreciate the vast number of California partners and sponsors who recognize the importance of encouraging more Latinos to go outdoors and experience all that our public lands have to offer.” Nearly 80 parks, organizations and community groups have joined Latino Conservation Week as sponsors and event partners.
Here is the full listing of events happening that week and also is available at http://www.LatinoConservationWeek.com and by following #LatinoConservationWeek and #LCW2018 on social media:
LOS ANGELES KICK OFF EVENT
Los Angeles National Forest
July 14th 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Come join Nature for All as they lead a community clean up at Wildwood Picnic Area. Attendees will have the opportunity to beautify the Los Angeles National Forest with much needed loving care.
TREE INDEXING WITH CLIMATE RESOLVE & AMIGOS
July 14th 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join Climate Resolve & Amigos as they seek to find out how much tree canopy is available at Whittier Arrows! These evaluations will help the community understand better how the trees are helping reduce the effects of heat.
EMERALD NECKLACE STEWARDSHIP EVENT
Whittier Narrows Recreation Area Community Science
July 14th 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
This event will educate attendees on the benefits of trees and urban greening. Hands on activities will provide more knowledge about the importance of tree species.
SKY’S THE LIMIT OUTING
Joshua Tree National Park
July 14th 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Attendees will learn more about the history of Joshua Tree and about careers in conservation. They will hike in the late afternoon and visit the Sky’s the Limit Observatory to stargaze, learn how to use a telescope, and meet with local astronomers. (Closed to public)
LEADING ON THE WATER
San Diego National Wildlife Refuge
July 16, 2018 9 am – 2 pm
Finding sea turtles, birds and fish is the goal of a partnership between Outdoor Outreach and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Participants will spend the day kayaking and learning about the native habitats of Southern California on San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, San Diego Bay Unit.
SAN GABRIEL RIVER OUTDOOR & ART EVENT
July 16th 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Self Help Graphics and Homeboy industries will be taking youth to Glen Camp Campground to enjoy nature. Also, artists will facilitate 2 workshops educating the next generation about block printing and screen printing.
FREE LECTURE, ENDANGERED SPECIES OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY
Mecca Library
July 16, 2018 11:00am—Noon
Families are invited to the Mecca Library to learn about local plants and animals that are in need of protection. Visitors will learn about endangered species from the Salton Sea to Mt San Jacinto and how conservation efforts enhance their survival. An illustrated slide show will be followed with a game for children to play “Operation Survival,” introducing them to the endangered species that call the Desert home. All will receive a reusable water bottle especially designed for hiking, featuring a chart showing how much water different ages of hikers should be drinking.
SUMMER FAMILY NIGHT SCORPION HUNT
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
July 17, 2018 7:30 pm – 9 pm
Join a nocturnal adventure in search of these mysterious creatures! Learn about scorpions and use an ultraviolet light to find them.
WHITEWATER PRESERVE RIVER WALK
Whitewater Conservancy
July 19th 9:00 am – 11:00 am
The preserve is next to the Whitewater Canyon and Whitewater River. Attendees will enjoy a brisk walk to the river to cool off and might even have the chance to spot a cute Cottontail Rabbit or the amazing Longhorn Sheep.
NATURE WALK WITH LOS ANGELES AUDUBON AT KENNETH HAHN STATE RECREATION AREA
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
July 19, 2018 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Join us for a walk to learn about birds and nature found in the beautiful Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. Enter the park from La Cienega Blvd, pass the guard station and drive all the way up the main park road (continue up the hill) to the very end. The meeting point will be at the picnic area/restroom where the main park road ends. We will provide binoculars to participants. All ages are welcome (families are encouraged) and the walk will be an easy pace on paved and unpaved surfaces.
Link to full story here
News Coverage
06 August 2018
NPS: Encontrando Su Parque
"...a very thick wood of corpulent mesquite, pecan, live oak, oak, mulberry, wild grapevine, and many other trees and different plants. It is populated by various handsome birds.”Father Morfi
These natural resources have continued to be an important part of the San Antonio ecosystem and a beautiful landscape for everyone to enjoy. Along the San Antonio River visitors can enjoy the hike/bike trail that links all the Missions together. This natural resource also links the people to their heritage. The missions are a home for families in the area and many can trace their ancestors back to them, and they continue to practice their faith and traditions in the churches.
Link to full story here
News Coverage
06 August 2018
Excelsior: Semana Latina de la Conservación trae actividades para toda la familia
Con motivo de la Semana Latina de Conservación o Latino Conservation Week (#LCW2018), a celebrarse desde el 14 al 22 de julio, se están organizando eventos a través de todo el país para que la comunidad latina, particularmente la juventud, goce de los terrenos públicos de la nación y que se involucre más en las iniciativas del futuro para poder conservarlos.
La Hispanic Access Foundation, una organización sin fines lucrativos con sede en Washington DC, puso en marcha esta iniciativa en el año 2014. El año pasado se realizaron más de 100 eventos.
“Se dice que si no lo conoces, no lo valoras”, dijo Christine Tamara, representante del Hispanic Access Foundation en el Inland Empire. “La Semana Latina de Conservación será una buena ocasión para alejarse de las ‘junglas del cemento’ y poder conocer a otros espacios más tranquilos y naturales que tenemos a nuestro alcance”.
Algunos eventos locales:
Búsqueda de escorpiones: 17 de julio a las 7:30 de la tarde. A diez millas de Palm Springs, encontrase en la calle Snow Creek Road cerca de donde cruzan la Carretera 111 y la Interestatal 10. Se debe de llevar agua, una linterna y zapatos cerrados. Gratis. Tels. (760) 862-9984 o (760) 641-8832.
Paseo de plantas nativas (en español): 18 de julio a las 9:30 de la mañana y 21 de julio a las 9:30 de la mañana y 2:30 de la tarde. Aprenda los nombres e historias de plantas del desierto en la reserva de Whitewater, 9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, y sus propiedades medicinales. Gratis. Tel. (760) 325-7222.
Link to full story here
Connecticut
06 August 2018
Fishing Day!
Latino Conservation Week is an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and learn how you can help protect our land, water and air. To celebrate LCW 2018, the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge will host a Fishing Day on July 21 at Beaver Bond Park, New Haven from 11 am to 3 pm. Enjoy the outdoors, fishing and free food at Beaver Pond Park! All ages welcome! Fishing equipment and lessons are provided.
New Mexico
26 July 2018
Ancestral Lands Day
Join us for a career day at El Morro with NPS staff who will explain what they do, why they do it and why you should too!
California
22 July 2018
Dia de la Familia
Hosted by the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, all Napa County farmworkers and their families are invited to the 7th annual celebration with food, music, community organizations, family activities, entertainment and more! Check out more info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/188968375037658/
Texas
21 July 2018
Biking to The San Antonio Missions with Latino Outdoors
A bike ride to Mission San Juan and Mission San Jose along the San Antonio Riverwalk.
New Mexico
19 July 2018
Lynn Middle Community School trip to the Gila
The Friends and OMDP will be heading to the Gila, with a bonus stop at LWCF funded site, City of Rocks State Park.
California
19 July 2018
Help build and maintain your local trails!
We will be performing trail trimming on Trail 71 and other trails in the vicinity. Please bring gloves, wear long pants and long sleeved shirts (recommended) and closed toe shoes (no sandals). Bring snacks and water, hats and sun screen are recommended. .
Trail work will wrap up around 1 PM and lunch will be provided.
California
18 July 2018
Peralta Creek Clean-up
Join Us in Celebrating Latino Conservation Week by removing invasive species and garbage to help restore the health of Peralta Creek. This is our creek, our health, our park. Food, refreshments, and tools will be provided. An educational aspect will be included as this is a service learning project.
