With the goal of creating opportunities for organizations and parks to engage Latinos and for Latinos to demonstrate their passion for the outdoors and protecting public lands, the 5th annual Latino Conservation Week will take place July 14 – 22, 2018 and is expected to be celebrated with over 120 events nationwide.
For last year's LCW, over 100 events across the nation were held by groups like National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, National Wildlife Refuge System, Latino Outdoors, REI, Audubon Society, Latino Outdoors, Save the Redwoods League, George H.W. Bush Vamos a Pescar Education Fund, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters and Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation.
"LCW is about engagement – groups and parks engaging Latinos and Latinos engaging with groups and parks," said Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation, which launched the LCW initiative in 2014. "While this week is designed to highlight Latinos, we want it to be as inclusive as possible – all are welcome to participate and organizations are welcome to design their own events."
The focus on Latinos stems from the historical lack of outreach into the community to provide opportunities for involvement in conservation and outdoor activities. As the largest minority group in America – one that is expected to grow to nearly one-third of the population by 2050 – the Latino community's role as stewards will be critical to the future success and preservation of our nation's public lands.
"Latino Conservation Week helps break down barriers to the Latino community's enjoyment of public lands, encourages new opportunities to experience these sites, creates a unique platform for reaching this community and inspires the next generation of environmental stewards," said Arce.
In just four years, LCW grew from 17 events a year to over 100 events annually. For organizations, parks and other groups interested in holding their own event, they should visit www.LatinoConservationWeek.com to post the event to the national calendar or contact Hispanic Access Foundation at info@hispanicaccess.org or 202-640-4342 for more information.
About Hispanic Access Foundation
Hispanic Access Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, connects Latinos with partners and opportunities to improve lives and create an equitable society. Our vision is that one day every Hispanic individual in America will enjoy good physical health and a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success, and civic engagement in their communities with the sum of improving the future of America. For more information visit www.hispanicaccess.org.
