Montgomery Parks kicks off the 10th annual Latino Conservation Week this Saturday to give the Latino community the opportunity to engage in various different activities that are beneficial to the environment.
The Hispanic Access Foundation started Latino Conservation Week in 2014 as a way to “connect Latino communities across the country with opportunities to get involved in outdoor recreation, conservation education, and advocacy efforts.” More than 220 events are expected to be held across the country this week, according to Montgomery Parks.
Seven different events are scheduled throughout the week from July 15 to July 23. The full schedule is below:
Climate Stories Screening & Cleanup – July 15 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Event is Full)
Glenmont Local Park – 3201 Randolph Road in Wheaton
First there will be a screening of Climate Stories created by Latinos from the county. Montgomery County Climate Stories Ambassadors are people from the community who stress the importance of teamwork in addressing the climate crisis. Afterwards, participants will go outside to clean up the park and neighborhood around Glenmont Local Park. Student Service Learning (SSL) hours are available. Children under 14 must attend with an adult.
Turtle Talk – July 15 at 10:30 a.m. (45 minute program)
Brookside Nature Center – 1400 Glenallan Ave. in Wheaton
Learn about the behavior, conservation challenges and physical features of Eastern box turtles with turtle ambassadors. This event is free and registration is required.
Kids Tree Climbing – July 17 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Long Branch-Arliss Neighborhood Park – 8810 Garland Ave. in Silver Spring
Children will be provided with the opportunity to engage in rope-assisted climbing in order to experience trees from a new perspective. Montgomery Parks’ arborists will provide safety gear, assistance and encouragement. No registration is required.
Bilingual Weed Warrior Event – July 18 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Cabin John Regional Park – 7400 Tuckerman Lane in Bethesda
Volunteer with the Montgomery Parks Weed Warrior Volunteer Program to use tools to help control non-native, invasive plants (NNIs) at Cabin John Regional Park. This will help native trees, plants, and wildlife have a healthier habitat. SSL hours are available for volunteers 16 or older. This event will be held in Spanish and English. This event is free and registration is required.
Nature Exploration at Crossroads Farmers Market – July 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Crossroads Farmers Market – 1098 Anne St. in Takoma Park
Montgomery Parks’ Nature on Wheels will encourage ecological thinking, exploration and play by bringing nature-based activities and games to the Farmers Market.
Kayak Clean-Up at Lake Needwood – July 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. (Event is full)
Lake Needwood – 15700 Needwood Lake Circle in Rockville
Montgomery Parks partners with Nature Forward, Defensores de la Cuenca, Identity, and Latin American Youth Centers to hold a 2-hour paddle and clean up session around Lake Needwood. Kayakers of all levels are welcome. Participants must be at least 12 years old and those between the ages of 12 and 15 must be accompanied by an adult in a tandem or nearby kayak.
Nature Walk at Brookside Gardens – July 21 & 22 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Brookside Gardens – 1800 Glenallan Ave. in Wheaton
Discover the biodiversity of wild animals that live around the water ponds and stream at Brookside Gardens, as well as the connection plants have with animals and humans. Participants will meet at the Visitor Center. The tour will focus on the Upper and Lower Aquatic Gardens and be led entirely in Spanish. This event is free and registration is required.
Find more information on events and registration here.
Celebrate the 10th annual Latino Conservation Week with Montgomery Parks on July 15 – 23. Find the full event schedule and learn how to get involved: https://t.co/rRugkGVHTb pic.twitter.com/Ex4ZL42KKu
— Montgomery Parks (@MontgomeryParks) July 11, 2023
Feature photo courtesy of Montgomery Parks.
