Initiated by the Hispanic Access Foundation, Latino Conservation Week (LCW) celebrated its 13th year this past week. The primary goals of LCW are to engage Latinos in outdoor activities, experience nature, and advocate for the protection of natural resources, spaces we’re historically excluded from or don’t have access to in the U.S. Throughout the nation, comunidad was invited to partake in activities such as bilingual nature walks, cleanups, educational workshops, and virtual programs hosted by an array of organizations, individuals and government groups.
This year in San Diego County, Surfrider San Diego was excited to partner with the San Diego Bird Alliance, San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat), San Diego Coastkeeper and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to put on a series of fun events for the San Diego Latinx community. Latino Conservation Week took place from September 12 to September 20, 2026.
Pero, like, why Latino Conservation Week?
Ask any biologist, ecologist, or conservationist about the importance of diversity in an ecosystem, and they’ll likely give you a well-rehearsed speech about biological niches and why maintaining the diversity of species is essential to the health and resilience of our natural world.
I believe we need to have that same conversation about the lack of racial and cultural diversity in the outdoors and in conservation.
Throughout my career, I’ve been uniquely positioned to help create positive change in conservation. As a Latina, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with a broad spectrum of students, educators, community members, and professionals who have invited me into their classrooms, workplaces, and communities. Those experiences have shown me that representation matters.
Research has repeatedly found that people feel more comfortable and welcome in spaces where they see aspects of themselves reflected. A diverse conservation workforce allows us to build stronger connections with diverse communities and brings a broader range of languages, backgrounds, cultures, and lived experiences to the work.
For me, caring for and connecting with the outdoors is about more than protecting beaches, ecosystems, and wildlife. It is about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to see themselves as part of the environmental movement and as a steward of the places that sustain us. My Mexican heritage and my experiences as a Latina inspire me to serve communities that have historically been underrepresented, promote cultural understanding, and amplify voices that can help move conservation forward.
Diversity is not separate from conservation—it is essential to it. If we want to create meaningful, lasting change for our natural world, we need people from all backgrounds at the table. That is what inspires me to continue this work: we are essential to the movement, and our voices, experiences, and connections to the land belong in conservation.
Vamos a jugar.
La comunidad was invited to play and learn at Kendall-Frost Marsh and Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center. Activities included a native plant walk, birdwatching, a fish seining demonstration, and so much more! Several local community organizations shared information about upcoming events and engaged patrons with activities.
The weekend fun was followed by a special screening of HAAGUA, a Native surf film, at Pure Project in Balboa Park. The film follows a group of Native American surfers as they revive ancestral traditions, blending cultural resilience with the cultural art of surfing to honor the past and inspire the future. We also had a conversation with Sophia Uribe, Native Like Water Chief Operating Officer and Surfrider San Diego Executive Committee Member, who inspired us with stories of her family, heritage and aspirations for the future.
This year we thought, “Why not just go outside and have fun? Let’s have a Beach Fiesta!” The planning orgs brought the supplies and la gente brought the vibes. We were joined by Latino Outdoors San Diego for a special activity where we were asked to reflect on how we connect with nature through their “Yo Cuento” activity. Fun games were also played that tested our Spanish-speaking skills with a game of Yo Sabo (a funny, grammatically incorrect way to say "I know" in Spanish). It gave us an opportunity to take a trip down memory lane, share stories and test our competitive spirit. We ended the night with new memories, new friendships and s’mores!
On Sunday, we culminated the week with a Stewardship Day Celebration at Chula Vista Bayfront with seventeen local organizations and individuals ready to fill the day with activities featuring birdwatching, kayaking, face painting, and hands-on activities that connect the community with nature, conservation, and stewardship. Hundreds attended and participated in Latino Conservation throughout the week.
Keep Showing Up.
If you’re Latinx and you’re reading this, I welcome you to show up! This is your sign to go to the guided hike, beach cleanup, bonfire, nature walk, or whatever it is you’ve been wanting to do. We are out there and we’re excited to say HOLA!
Photos: San Diego Bird Alliance, San Diego Coastkeeper and Surfrider Foundation San Diego.
As San Diego Chapter Manager, Joana will support volunteer-led efforts, programs, and campaigns throughout San Diego County. She studied Anthropology at San Diego State University (SDSU), where she grew an appreciation for culture, biology, and traveling.