The resolution raises concerns about the unequal access to urban parks, green spaces, and wildlands that Latino communities across the country experience, and the large environmental and health disparities that disproportionately impact Latino communities. Two-thirds of Latinos say the health of themselves and their families have been harmed due to the high levels of air pollution and water contamination they are exposed to in their communities. The proximity of natural spaces to Latino communities can help mitigate air pollution and extreme heat that exacerbates the pollution. 

“Latino communities continue to prove they are passionate about the outdoors and hold a strong belief that we have a moral obligation to be good stewards,” said Maite Arce, President of the Hispanic Access Foundation. “We thank Representative Nanette Barragán for introducing this resolution to establish and elevate Latino Conservation Week, which would support its goal of breaking down barriers for Latino communities to access public lands and waters, elevating Latino leaders in the conservation and outdoor recreation space, and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. It’s been exciting to see the growth of Latino Conservation Week over the last twelve years and we look forward to seeing it become an established and officially celebrated part of Hispanic Heritage Month.”

From September 13 to September 21, communities throughout the country will enjoy and connect with the great outdoors during the 12th annual Latino Conservation Week (LCW), an initiative of Hispanic Access Foundation. Latino communities, organizations, businesses, families, and individuals will participate in a variety of activities, both in-person and virtual, like hikes, kayaking, park clean-ups, roundtable discussions, Q&A sessions, scavenger hunts, film screenings, etc., with more than 250 events being celebrated nationwide.

“Latino Conservation Week is a celebration of the deep connections that the Latino community has with the outdoors,” said Rep. Barragán “It’s a time to recognize our contributions to conservation efforts and to ensure that everyone has access to clean air, clean water, and open spaces. In my district, communities often lack access to nearby green spaces, health insurance, and clean water. Urban parks and green spaces help cool neighborhoods, clean our water, and actively filter air pollution. This resolution builds on the efforts of Latino communities to protect our environment for future generations, and to ensure no community is left behind in the fight for a clean environment.”

The members cosponsoring the Latino Conservation Week Resolution are: Darren Soto (Fla.),  Andrea Salinas (Ore.), Jim Costa (Calif.), Jimmy Gomez (Calif.), Veronica Escobar (Texas), Robert Garcia (Calif.), Nydia Velázquez (N.Y.), Adriano Espaillat (N.Y.), and Raul Ruiz (Calif.).

The organizations that have endorsed the resolution introduced by Rep. Barragán, include Regeneración - Pajaro Valley Climate Action, City of Pharr, Moms Clean Air Force - EcoMadres, Azul, Sierra Nevada Alliance, GreenLatinos, Leave No Trace, Nature Forward, Sonoma Land Trust, BASE Landscape Architecture, Asociación Guatemaltecos Sin Fronteras, Retos Servicios de Educación Integral, PEACE New Jersey, Wasatch Community Gardens, Immigrant Network of Johnson County, Tampa Bay Kayak Anglers, Wilderness Workshop, Jesse Miranda Center, ProShow Disc Jockey Service, Huellas Latinas, Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative, Immigrant Welcome Network of Johnson County, San Diego Bird Alliance, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, City of Olympia, ID Latino Conservation Week Planning Committee, Latinos Aventureros de las Carolinas, Purpose en Español, Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance, Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project, Nature Center of Watsonville, HawkWatch International, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, My Future Pathways, Centro CHA Inc, Transformados En Cristo/FMC, Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana, Iglesia Bautista La Resurrección, Iglesia Amistad, Iglesia Aliento de Vida, and Templo El Salvador de las Asambleas de Dios. 

The activities span several states, and a listing of public events and ways to participate virtually and in-person is available at www.LatinoConservationWeek.com. Celebrate online by following #LatinoConservationWeek2025 and #LCW2025 on social media.