Hispanic Access Announces Nuestros Bosques Faith-Based and Strategic Local Investments Request for Proposals

Hispanic Access is honored to announce the launch of the Nuestros Bosques: Faith-Based and Strategic Local Investments Request for Proposals (RFP) aimed at enhancing equitable access to urban tree canopy across the U.S. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the initiative allocates over $10 million in funding, with 80% targeted toward disadvantaged communities. Eligible organizations, including faith-based, community groups, and Indigenous can apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $1 million. 

As the urbanization of the human population increases, destruction of green spaces in urban areas is increasing at an alarming rate. Urban areas with less tree coverage, are often communities of color and tend to have higher levels of air pollution, which is linked to increased rates respiratory diseases, particularly in children. Latino neighborhoods have up to 21% less tree canopy coverage compared to predominantly White neighborhoods in the same cities. Solutions for nature access in urban areas should be a high priority to hit the nexus of biodiversity, climate gains, and societal benefits.

“The ‘Nuestros Bosques’ initiative is a crucial step towards ensuring equitable access to the benefits of urban tree canopy for communities nationwide,” said Hispanic Access Foundation President and CEO Maite Arce. “By prioritizing disadvantaged areas, we are addressing environmental justice and improving the quality of life for many families. These grants represent a transformative opportunity for organizations to foster healthier, more resilient neighborhoods, and we’re excited to support projects that will leave a lasting positive impact.”

Through funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (Funding Opportunity #: USDA-FS-2023-UCF-IRA-01) the U.S. Forest Service, an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USFS) is making historic investments in boosting the nation’s tree cover in urban, suburban and rural communities nationwide. In September of 2023, the USFS announced funding awards of $1.13 billion, including awards for 12 national passthrough organizations, including Hispanic Access Foundation. The organization received a $25 million award from the USFS to become a national pass-through partner for the “Nuestros Bosques IRA Initiative” promoting Justice40, Ten-Year Urban Forestry Action Plan, State Forest Action Plans, congressional, and America the Beautiful priorities. 

The application portal opens on October 18th, 2024. To learn more about how to apply, visit https://bit.ly/NBTrees24.

Funding for this project provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program.

USDA and Hispanic Access Foundation are equal opportunity providers and employers.

Hispanic Access Celebrates Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary Designation

On October 11th, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) designated the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS), making it the first Tribally nominated marine sanctuary in the U.S. and the first sanctuary designated in California in over 25 years. Today’s designation triggers a 45-day Congressional and State review, with final approval expected by December 2024. It represents a significant victory in preserving the Chumash people's cultural and ecological heritage while advancing the Biden Administration’s America the Beautiful initiative to protect 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.

Hispanic Access Announces Transition of Our Heritage, Our Planet Film Week to Next 100 Coalition

Today, Hispanic Access Foundation announced the ownership transition of Our Heritage, Our Planet Film Week to the Next 100 Coalition, who will continue in its tradition of celebrating the visual and storytelling traditions of Latino, Black, Indigenous, and people of color's voices and experiences in connection to our heritage and our planet.

Hispanic Access Announces Egg Harbor City, NJ as a Pass-Through Partner for the Nuestros Bosques, Our Forests Inflation Reduction Act Initiative

Hispanic Access is honored to announce Egg Harbor City, NJ as a pass-through partner for the “Nuestros Bosques (Our Forests)” five-year project through funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The project, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service hopes to increase equitable access to urban tree canopy while increasing community engagement and decision-making in local urban forestry.

Of streams and trees

It’s been a little over 2 months since I have started my RAP position as a hydrologist at the International Institute of Tropical Forestry with the US Forest Service (USFS) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Diving into My Dream: How the DIVES Program Helped Me Achieve My Scuba Certification

I live in Kansas City, Missouri, and work as a teacher and nature librarian in Kansas City, Kansas, right next to a beautiful lake. Recently, I finally achieved a lifelong dream of becoming a certified scuba diver, thanks to Hispanic Access Foundation’s DIVES program, to which I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity.

From Land to Sea: Discovering the Depths of Conservation in the Rio Grande Valley

In the heart of South Texas lies the Rio Grande Valley, a region known for its biodiversity and rich Tejano culture. From historically significant salt lakes to sprawling wildlife preserves, the Rio Grande Valley has something that would spark every conservationist's interest.

Into the Fellowship–Reflections on the Water

In my last blog, I touched on the beginning of my journey as a resource assistant for the USDA Forest Service, which I encourage you to read to follow this story cohesively (see editor’s note). Before I share more of my journey, I want to reflect on the places and experiences that have shaped me. Throughout this five-part series, I’ll highlight locations that deeply connect me to nature and have guided my path to becoming a resource assistant intern.