National Outdoor Groups Release Six “Recreate Responsibly” Tips for Enjoying the Outdoors Safely During COVID-19

In advance of Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start of the summer season – a newly formed coalition of outdoor groups created the Recreate Responsibly initiative to share ways for Americans to stay healthy while enjoying public lands, parks, trails, waters, and other outdoor areas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, more Americans are spending time outside because of the mental and physical benefits that fresh air and nature provide. As state officials reopen outdoor spaces, people want guidance on how to reduce the risk to themselves and others while enjoying time outside.

On Illness and Adaptation

I think I’m better prepared than most to weather this transition in our lives.

Not only because I’m relatively privileged, continue to have two wage-earners in our household, with a dog and a backyard and abundant green space nearby to enjoy spring in our small family unit.

That’s certainly true, and immensely helpful, and a gift I wish I could bestow on others. But I have another rather strange asset that has unknowingly prepared me for this, mentally and emotionally.

Partner Spotlight: Taking the Time to Explore Our Backyards

Growing up in big cities my whole childhood taught me to consider squirrels and pigeons as wildlife. When I moved to Colorado as an adult, my frame of reference drastically shifted. Out on the trails I’ve seen coyotes, fox, moose, and bald eagles just to name a few natural world friends. Seeing these creatures out on the trails in the mountains has been a great source of happiness for me and one I have missed most during these uncertain times of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Partner Spotlight: Continental Divide Trail Coalition Responds to COVID-19

The Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) is the 501(c)(3) national non-profit working in partnership with the US Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management to complete, promote and protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Founded in 2012 by a passionate group of volunteers and recreationists, CDTC is a membership organization working to build a strong community of supporters who want to see the CDT protected not just for today’s users, but for generations to come.

Conservation Webinar Focuses on Water and How the World Has (and Hasn’t) Changed

Hispanic Access Foundation is launching its new webinar series “Staying Connected to Conservation” on May 15. In the first webinar, “Water and How the World Has (and Hasn’t) Changed,” HAF and its featured guests will discuss the importance of staying engaged during this time — and how to do so from home; how COVID-19 has and hasn't changed the natural world; and improving resilience with green infrastructure.

Inclusion of the Great Outdoors in the Stimulus Benefits the Economy and Our Health

As our nation experiences the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of access to the outdoors – an outlet for communities to support our mental and physical health – is magnified. Unfortunately, those in less privileged communities find themselves in a double whammy of air pollution making the disease more severe, while lacking the green space that is so necessary to resilience, health, and well-being.

While Congress debates the details of future stimulus bills, Hispanic Access Foundation’s President and CEO Maite Arce released the following statement to encourage Congress to include the Great American Outdoors Act, a bipartisan Senate bill that would fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and address the maintenance backlog in our public lands, as part of the package:

Building our Virtual Intern Network

On May 6, the MANO Project hosted their second virtual Cafecito. A Cafecito is MANO’s way of bridging our intern community. This is an opportunity for MANO staff and interns to get to know each other and support one another through the COVID-19 pandemic. The Cafecitos are a direct response to the isolation we are experiencing as a global community. It is our intention to create a space where folks can laugh, have fun, and build a network of Latinx leaders.

Making the Best of a Bad Situation

Picture this: you finally get the chance to work in our nation’s capital.

Things are going great, you’re finally getting acclimated, and a little over a month in a deadly virus forces you to go back home and work from there. This is the situation I, and many other fellows find themselves in right now, and while most people may see it as a strictly negative situation, I figure it’s my chance to make the best out of a bad situation.

First Month as an NPS RTCA and HAF Fellow in the New Mexico Office

Throughout my life I have had the opportunity to live in different cities. What I have learned from moving is the ability to learn different techniques and skills that have made the process less tedious. Moving to Santa Fe New Mexico was not as complicated as it has been moving to other places in the past. When I was looking for a place, I decided that the place should meet with three requirements: 1) That the rental cost was within the budget I created 2) That the place had a centric location 3) If possible, that the place was furnished. I was lucky to find a room that met these qualities in a house where an elderly couple lives in. upon my arrival they received me with a warm welcome and made me feel almost like another member of their family.

Esposa, Madre, HIja, CEO, COVID-19

As the news about the coronavirus emerged, I was working from my home office as usual since I founded Hispanic Access Foundation ten years ago. I live on five acres in rural northern Virginia with my husband Ted, and my parents Elena and Jose, two dogs – both named Buddy, and a cat named Tula. Everyone at my house is older than me – even Tula. I am 52.