The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is supporting events celebrating Latino Conservation Week (LWC) from Sept. 14 to 21, according to a press release.
LCW, created in 2014, encourages the Latino community to participate in environmentally focused activities. LCW showcases the Latino community’s commitment to protecting and conserving the environment. The press release stated that the LCW gives “participants the chance to inform policymakers and the public about the Latino community’s views on important local and national conservation issues.”
County Executive Marc Elrich said, “Latino Conservation Week is an important opportunity to recognize the dedication of our Latino community to environmental stewardship here in Montgomery County.”
The week-long celebration is part of the Hispanic Access Foundation initiative. Its goal is to engage Latino communities, organizations, businesses, families and individuals, according to the release.
DEP Director Jon Monger said, “The Latino community makes up more than 20 percent of the County’s population. Latino Conservation Week is just one of the ways DEP recognizes the important contributions of this community towards environmental progress in Montgomery County. DEP is continually working to ensure resources are accessible and available to the public in their native language.”
DEP will have information tables and Spanish speakers and resources in the following events:
- Community Cleanup Day: Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wheaton Claridge Local Park, 11901 Claridge Road, Wheaton. In partnership with Montgomery Parks and Latino Health Initiative.
- Family Empowerment Resource Fair: Saturday, Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 51 Mannakee St., Rockville. Hosted by Montgomery College.
- Burtonsville Day: Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 14906 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville.
- Illumination Stations: Monday, Sept. 16 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Marilyn J. Praisner Library, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, and Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Olney Library, 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Road, Olney.
