Latino Heritage Week at Biscayne National Park

Natalia Vasquez Photography

Natalia Vasquez Photography

News Release Date: July 13, 2016

Contact: Matt Johnson, 786-335-3679

HOMESTEAD, Fla. --- Latino Conservation Week at Biscayne National Park will be held July 16 - July 24, 2016. It features free canoe tours, talks, activities and classes at the park’s Dante Fascell Visitor Center.

“Latino Heritage Week showcases the amazing resources of Biscayne National Park and the outdoor recreation opportunities close to the homes of Latino families,” said Acting Superintendent Bob DeGross. “It also highlights the involvement of Latinos in the outdoors and this community’s concern for preserving natural resources for future generations.”

Latino Conservation Week supports the Latino community getting outdoors and participating in activities to protect natural resources. Events are held across the country. Biscayne National Park events include:

• July 16 & 23 - From 10:00 AM to Noon, join rangers for a tour around Biscayne Bay. Learn canoe paddling skills and improve your understanding of bay resources. Canoe tour reservations may only be made at the park visitor center on the mornings of the tours.
• July 16 – From Noon to 5:00 PM, join the University of Miami shark research conservation group for talks and activities. Participants may learn about current research on shark behavior and biology from local experts.
• July 23 - From Noon to 5:00 PM, join the Debris Free Oceans group to learn about the issues associated with trash and pollution in local waters and what you can do to help.
• July 24 - Boating education class from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Learn how to safely navigate the waters of Biscayne Bay and appreciate more of the park's amazing resources.
• National Park Service employees are available to help park visitors learn how to navigate the federal government's job announcement and hiring website and improve their competitiveness.

Latino Conservation Week is an initiative of Hispanic Access Foundation. It supports the Latino community getting into the outdoors, participating in activities to protect natural resources, and building bridges that connect Latino communities with the information and services they need for a better life.

For more information about Biscayne National Park visit nps.gov/bisc or follow the park on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram at “biscaynenps.” The Dante Fascell Visitor Center is located at 9700 SW 328th Street, nine miles east of Homestead, Florida.

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About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 412 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.