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.

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