Being outside has historically been a part of Latino culture for generations. While Latinos are not always represented in mainstream conservation groups and movements, groups around the state and the nation are working to change that.

At the Bureau of Land Management New Mexico State Office, I have been learning a great deal about what it takes to manage our public lands from the perspective of a Cultural Resources Specialist.

While parks dot the urban and rural landscapes of Arizona, the critical connections these places have to the Land and Water Conservation Fund may not be as clear.

Waking up every day in Las Cruces and seeing the Organ Mountains with its abundance of wildlands, wildlife and natural beauty is arguably one of the best parts about living here. Getting to work on the conservation of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks and all of its history, culture and land is something I take pride in. 

Last month, environmentalists and conservation organizations across the country celebrated Latino Conservation Week, honoring the hard work Latino communities have done to protect our public lands and waters.

Piñatas, tres leches cakes, music, laughter and a good carne asada. These are some of the distinct memories I have of many parties throughout my childhood. They were often held outside, in backyards or our other backyards — the park.

Getting kids outdoors and in touch with nature is crucial today when it seems like millions of screens are fighting for our attention. But this is doubly important for Latino and other diverse communities, and the fate of our public lands may depend on it.

Latino Conservation Week is coming to St. George next week, and Conserve Southwest Utah is holding a variety of events to support Latino conservation efforts.

Latino Conservation Week is a national effort to promote conservation and provide recreational activities for Latinos.

On Sunday, July 21, 2019, experience Spanish language programs at Homestead National Monument of America. Enjoy a Spanish language tour of the Heritage Center exhibits or a guided bird walk, and a family picnic in the park’s shaded picnic areas.

Barely blinking and staring in awe, a group of children sit near each other at Sandy Point State Park during story time as they attentively listen to classic nature stories being read in Spanish.

A couple of days later, books are replaced by fishing rods, where another group of children watch fishing demonstrations to learn more about the activity. These, too, are in Spanish.

Demographics visiting state and county parks in the Washington Metropolitan Area have greatly diversified over the last five years. Traditional hikers and bikers are now joined by other populations, more prominently those of Latin American origin or descent.