News Release
NPS Photo
News Release Date: July 15, 2020
Contact: NewsMedia@nps.gov
Comunicado de prensa en español
WASHINGTON – The Trump Administration, the National Park Service, and National Park Foundation invite everyone to join in the celebration for Latino Conservation Week from July 18 through 26. Launched by the Hispanic Access Foundation in 2014, the week provides in-person and virtual opportunities to engage with public lands, including national parks.
“National parks preserve sites, offer performances and demonstrations, and share stories associated with Latino history and culture,” said National Park Service Deputy Director David Vela, exercising the authority of the Director. “They are also great places to simply get outside and enjoy outdoor activities such as picnicking, biking, or watching wildlife.”
A variety of National Park Service and National Park Foundation virtual activities, including educational programs and cultural events, will be offered. People are also invited to find a nearby national park- there is at least one in every state- and experience the health benefits of spending time outdoors. Be sure to check NPS.gov for updates about access and facilities and #RecreateResponsibly by following the guidance of public health officials.
“National parks and public lands are for all of us, and we’re excited to specifically highlight Latino contributions – past and present – to local communities across the country through the lens of these treasured sites,” said National Park Foundation President and CEO Will Shafroth. “Thanks to partners like the National Park Service and Hispanic Access Foundation, more and more people are finding their park during Latino Conservation Week and year-round.”
With support from the National Park Foundation, the National Park Service published American Latinos and the Making of the United States: A Theme Study in 2013. The theme study features essays by nationally recognized scholars addressing the contributions and experiences of American Latinos and provides a framework as the National Park Service continues to work with partners and communities to identify, preserve, and interpret buildings, landscapes, and other sites that tell stories of Latinos in America. The National Park Foundation also provided funding to help establish César E. Chávez National Monument and continues to support the National Park Service in its efforts to preserve and highlight Latino stories at national parks across the country.
Latino Conservation Week will also highlight the work of students in the Latino Heritage Internship Program (LHIP), a joint effort by the National Park Service, Hispanic Access Foundation, and Environment for the Americas to provide Latino college students with work experience in different career fields in the National Park Service. LHIP interns host virtual activities and share ways to get engaged in conservation and stewardship of public lands. This year, 28 LHIP interns are working in parks and programs, including Boston National Historical Park, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Office.
Follow events, share your own experiences, and get inspired on social media during Latino Conservation Week using #FindYourPark, #EncuentraTuParque, #LatinoConservationWeek, and #LCW2020.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 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, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION
The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help protect more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts and connect all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.
Last updated: July 15, 2020