This month, we gathered beneath the expansive branches of a mighty sycamore tree at the Whittier Narrows Natural Area and Nature Center to celebrate Latino Conservation Week, an initiative dedicated to uplifting and supporting Latino communities as they connect with the outdoors and engage in the stewardship of our natural resources. The day was filled with a myriad of inspiring speakers who spoke about our deep-rooted connection to the land and the urgent need for greater inclusion of Latino voices in conservation, especially amid ongoing challenges and attacks on our communities. An ambassador from Nature for All shared her heartfelt reflections on the richness of our culture and highlighted the remarkable strength and resilience we consistently demonstrate. The speakers’ message reverberated throughout the day, sparking a warm and vibrant energy felt by all. Their words served as a powerful reminder that conservation is not only about protecting nature but also about safeguarding the people and cultures inherently tied to it.
Our chapter’s fourth Latino Conservation Week event was enhanced by the participation of chapter volunteer leaders, numerous partner organizations, including National Parks Conservation Association, Council of Mexican Federations in North America (COFEM), and ActiveSGV, hosting informational booths, alongside our Artist in Residence Kristy Sandoval. We shared a picnic featuring delicious tamales filled with fresa and piña, accompanied by a variety of other fun outdoor activities designed to bring joy. The day ended with a relaxing guided meditation, followed by a rhythmic drum circle that brought everyone together. People of all ages sat in unison, striking buckets and sharking tambourines in harmony, creating a resonant beat that filled the air and stirred the spirit. Music, much like nature, carries the power to heal, and for a moment, the heaviness of the past few months seemed to ease. It was a powerful reminder of why connecting people to nature through joyful experiences is so vital. A gentle reminder that Audre Lorde’s wisdom, urging us to nurture communal joy, remains as relevant now as ever.
The title we collectively chose for this celebration was Estamos Unidos en la Naturaleza, which translates to We Are United in Nature. This phrase captures the heart of our gathering and reflects our shared belief that nature should be a safe and welcoming space for all. It speaks to who we are at our core, a community bound together by our love for each other and the earth. In many ways, this love is the energy that fuels our advocacy for change. It’s the reason we show up to rallies, speak out in public forums, sign petitions, and overall mobilize for change. Latino Conservation Week gave us the opportunity to come together as a community in nature, making it especially meaningful for this reason. A special thank you to everyone, including the representative from LA County Supervisor Hilda L Solis’ team, who joined us for this memorable day and helped bring it to life. Let’s continue coming together to advocate for the land, the people, and the life we all deserve.
