ForestWatch Joins Allies in Celebrating Latino Conservation Week in Santa Barbara and Oxnard

The group for gathers before the start of the hike at the Rattlesnake Canyon trailhead.

Last month we participated in the national initiative, Latino Conservation Week. This is an effort by Hispanic Access Foundation that was designed to support the Latino community getting into the outdoors and participating in activities to protect our natural resources.

Trails and Tacos

In Santa Barbara, we partnered with multiple groups to host the third annual Trails and Tacos day. It was a fun day filled with hiking, learning about our local ecosystem, gathering Latinx community leaders, and culminating with a taco lunch in the park with a few birthday celebrations too!

Water Bettles were among the numerous bugs and insects spotted in the creek.

“The Trails and Tacos” event by Los Padres ForestWatch was one of the most educational and inspiring family activities we have attended. The event creates environmental awareness, builds relationships, cultural embracement, and a sense of community.

Latino families in the area need more opportunities like this to explore and connect with nature. Thank you Los Padres ForestWatch,” said Angeles Small—a participant and mom that joined us for the day.

A sincere thanks to Wilderness Youth Project, Del Pueblo Cafe, La Casa De La Raza, Food And Water Watch and Chicanx Culture de Santa Barbara for their partnership

Trails and Tacos Slideshow:

Charla En La Playa

Opening ceremony for “Charla En La Playa.”

In Oxnard we gathered for Charla En La Playa which translates to “A Discussion on the Beach.” Together with other community leaders, we held a discussion to address issues, spread awareness and explore solutions relating to public lands, conservation, environmental justice, climate change, worker rights and protections, and the Green New Deal.

“We are in the days of learning ancient knowledge, and applying it to current actions related to natural and cultural systems. We will do our part to conserve Mother Earth and her natural resources, for the benefit of our generation and those of the future,” said Christian Quirino, one of the co-organizers from Dr. Manuel M. Lopez Community Garden in Oxnard and also a ForestWatch intern.

Christian Quirino from Dr. Manuel M. Lopez Community Garden and ForestWatch intern gives a marine life presentation

Families from the area joined us along with community organizers, activists, and others that came from as far as Bakersfield to spend a day on the sand, engaged in discussion, meditation, lunch and a marine life presentation. There were activities for the kids too and plans to continue the event quarterly.

Stay tuned for more information regarding future discussions. Thanks to Dr. Manuel M. Lopez Community Garden, Food and Water Watch, SEIU 2015, CAUSE, UFCW 770, UFW Foundation, Californians for Pesticide Reform, and La Casa de La Raza for their partnership.

Charla En La Playa Slideshow:

Special thanks to Hispanic Access Foundation for their support and leadership with this initiative. You can learn more by visiting LatinoConservationWeek.Com

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