News Release

Latino Conservation Week Activities Planned at Chamizal National Memorial

Date: July 14, 2017
Contact: Anne Doherty-Stephan

The National Park Service is pleased to announce that we are partnering with Velo Paso, City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department (MCAD), the Hispanic Access Foundation’s Latino Heritage Internship Program and several other partners to celebrate Latino Conservation Week, July 16-22, with special programming and events at Chamizal National Memorial.
 
We will kick off Latino Conservation Week on Sunday, July 16 with a family-friendly bike tour through downtown El Paso to this Sunday night’s Music Under the Stars concert at Chamizal National Memorial. On Tuesday – Thursday, July 18-20, Chamizal National Memorial will be hosting a free day camp, Camp Arrowhead, for kids ages 6-12. On Wednesday evening, July 19 at 7 pm will be our monthly “Chamizal Asks: What Do You Think?” program inside the theater.
 
Sunday’s bicycle tour with Velo Paso, “Two Wheels, One Barrio”, aims to highlight cultural, historical, and environmental conservation efforts in the local community. By biking, instead of driving, participants will have the opportunity to express their commitment to environmental stewardship and their love for the outdoors. By riding through some of the oldest neighborhoods in El Paso, participants will have the chance to embrace the rich history and culture of our area. By ending the ride at Chamizal National Memorial, participants will be part of a nationwide celebration of the National Park Service’s mission to preserve our natural and cultural resources.
 
Those interested are invited to meet at Cleveland Park, 510 N. Santa Fe St. El Paso, TX 79901, at 5:30 pm for a 6 pm departure. Participants are also asked to bring a working bicycle, helmet, lights, a spare inner tube, bicycle tools, water, and anything else they may want to enjoy the concert. All bicycles are welcome! Ice cream paletas will be provided by Velo Paso!
 
The bicycle tour will end at Chamizal National Memorial with a reggae, jazz, funk fusion concert by Chuco Soul Project, which will begin at 7:30 pm. This concert is part of the National Park Service’s long-running partnership with MCAD to host the annual summer Music Under the Stars concert series.
 
Chamizal National Memorial Superintendent F. Gus Sanchez also reminds participants, concert-goers and other visitors of the following rules for safe and fun family events at El Paso’s national park:
 

• No outside alcohol is permitted from June 1-August 31 each year; there will be park-authorized vendors selling food, alcohol, and other refreshments during these concerts. All coolers and ice chests are subject to search. Please be sure to have a designated driver and remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the summer heat.
• No pets (no dogs, cats, or any other animals) are allowed on concert days for the safety of the animals as well as park visitors.
• Glass containers are never permitted on the grounds.
• Grills are not permitted in the concert area surrounding the amphitheater but are allowed in other areas of the park. Please dispose of coals only in designated containers.
• Running, kicking, and throwing games as well as bicycling and smoking are not permitted in the concert area but are allowed in other areas of the park. Drones are also not allowed.
• Shade structures and umbrellas are permitted in the concert area but must be taken down before the concert begins.
• Chairs and blankets are welcome.

 
Chamizal National Memorial is also hosting Camp Arrowhead as part of its Latino Conservation Week programming! Children from 6 to 12 years old are invited to participate in this day camp, which will run from 9 am to noon on July 18-20. Participants will learn about nature, recreation, scenery, history, and culture on these three days using games, stories, crafts and other fun activities. The camp will also include a special marionette crafts workshop and an interactive musical performance by Carambola Community Music, both sponsored by MCAD.
Participation in Camp Arrowhead is free, but space is limited and quickly running out, so register for Camp Arrowhead today! Visit www.nps.gov/chamizal and follow the link for Camp Arrowhead for more information and to register. Registration forms are also available in the Cultural Center between 10 am and 5 pm daily. For additional questions, please call 915-532-7273. Pre-registration is required.
 
For Wednesday evening’s “Chamizal Asks: What Do You Think?” program we’ll be showing the film “Helluva Way to Treat A Soldier” about the fate of Buffalo Soldier, Thomas Smith, who had been stationed at Fort Craig during the Civil War. Park rangers from Fort Davis National Historic Site will join Chamizal National Memorial rangers for a dynamic, interactive discussion with program participants following the film.
 
For questions or more information about these Latino Conservation Week events please contact Esperanza Chairez at e-mail us or [phone] ext. 125.
 
Chamizal National Memorial: El Paso’s national park, where history and culture come to life.
About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 417 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.