Montgomery Parks is hosting a series of special programs in celebration of Latino Conservation Week, July 16-25, 2022. The goal of the week, founded in 2014 by the Latino Access Foundation and observed nationwide, is to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
“Latino communities are passionate about the outdoors and hold a strong belief that we have a moral obligation to be good stewards,” said Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. “Latino Conservation Week helps break down barriers for Latino communities to access public lands and waters, encourages new opportunities for engagement and inspires the next generation of environmental stewards.
As the Latino population grows, estimated to become a third of the US population by 2050, the community’s role as stewards is critical to the future success and preservation of our nation’s public lands. This year, there are expected to be more than 160 events nationwide.
In support of Latino Conservation Week, Montgomery Parks will host a variety of bilingual entertainment, nature, and conservation programs. Events include, a comedy showcase, tree climbing, and a movie night. All events are free and open to the public though some require registration.
Montgomery Parks’ Latino Conservation Week event schedule:
- Friday, July 15, Long Branch-Arliss Neighborhood Park, Parks Playhouse: Comedy as a Second Language/ La Comedia Como Segundo Idioma, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. An interactive comedy show featuring the stand-up comedy of immigrant and first-generation performers from Improbable Comedy. Ages 17 and up.
- Saturday, July 16, Wheaton Regional Park, 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. Latino Conservation Week Kick-off Fiesta! ¡Fiesta de inicio de la Semana de Conservación Latina! Enjoy local food trucks, Zumba from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., local organizations sharing resources, and activities for all ages. At 8:00 p.m. there will be a screening of Disney’s Encanto (with Spanish subtitles). Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and picnic blankets. FREE shuttle buses will run every 20 to 25 minutes from Wheaton Metro and Glenmont Metro to Wheaton Regional Park from 4:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Saturday, July 16, Long Branch-Garland Neighborhood Park, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Nature Walk, Forest Bathing and More!/Si Se Puede—Caminata por la Naturaleza, Baños de Bosque y Mas! Join the Audubon Naturalist Society and partners to celebrate nature. There will be forest bathing guides and nature tours, as well as community organization tables. The Si Se Puede participants will also be showcasing their yearlong recycling project. Rain date July 17. Registration required.
- Monday, July 18, Long Branch-Arliss Neighborhood Park, Kids Tree Climbing/Escalada de Árboles para Niños, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Safety gear, assistance and encouragement provided.
- Tuesday, July 19, Lake Needwood Boats, Kayak on the Lake/Kayak en el Largo, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Registration required.
- Wednesday, July 20, Brookside Nature Center, Turtle Talk/Charla de Tortugas, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. Come meet some of our resident turtles at Brookside Nature Center’s outdoor box turtle enclosure. Learn fun facts about these interesting reptiles and some of the conservation challenges they face. Registration required.
- Wednesday, July 20, Crossroads Farmer’s Market in Takoma Park, Nature on Wheels, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nature on Wheels is a natural science field station that brings nature programs and activities to anywhere in the county. Meet a naturalist, learn about wildlife, and explore nature with us!
- Thursday, July 21, Waring Station Local Park, Salsa in the Park/Salsa en el Parque, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Salsa in the Park event will feature free dance lessons from Salsa with Silvia from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., and live music by local band La Colombopercutiva from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from local vendors. Local community organizations will provide fun activities, giveaways, and resources.
- Saturday, July 23, Brookside Nature Center, Flying Squirrels/Ardillas Voladoras, 9:00 to 9:30 p.m. Maryland flying squirrels are abundant and active year-round, but rarely seen in the wild because they are nocturnal. Join a naturalist for a viewing program on the Nature Center deck at our squirrel feeding station 30 minutes after sunset. Rain cancels the program. Program presented in Spanish. Registrationrequired.