WASHINGTON, July 13, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This weekend, the fourth annual Latino Conservation Week (#LatinoConservationWeek, #LCW2017) kicks off, continues through July 23 and will be celebrated with more than 100 events nationwide. The week is an opportunity for Latinos to demonstrate their passion for enjoying and protecting public lands through various outings, volunteer cleanups, educational events, roundtable discussions, film screenings and numerous other community activities in more than 15 states stretching from Massachusetts to California.

"Latinos are passionate about enjoying the outdoors and hold a strong belief that we have a moral obligation to protect it for future generations," said Maite Arce, president of Hispanic Access Foundation, which launched Latino Conservation Week in 2014 in its effort to showcase this community's commitment to the outdoors and provide opportunities for engagement. "The week's events introduce Latinos to new opportunities, new locations and new ways to translate their passion for the outdoors into making a difference for our nation's treasured natural resources."

Historically, Latinos have not been actively engaged to participate in our nation's public lands. Even with widely documented support, only eight percent of Latinos engaged in outdoor recreation in 2015, according to the Outdoor Foundation. Latino Conservation Week helps to break down barriers to the Latino population's enjoyment of public lands, encourages new opportunities to experience these sites, creates a unique platform for groups to reach out to this community and inspires the next generation of environmental stewards.

"As the largest minority group in America – one that is expected to grow to nearly one-third the population by 2050 – the Latino community's engagement is critical to ensuring the future success and preservation of our nation's public lands," said Arce. "We appreciate the vast number of event partners and sponsors who recognize the importance of encouraging more Latinos to go outdoors and experiencing all that our nation's public lands have to offer."

Nearly 80 parks, organizations and community groups have joined Latino Conservation Week as sponsors and event partners. These include National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, U.S. Forest Service, National Wildlife Refuge System, Save the Redwoods League, George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar™ Education Fund, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, Por la Creacion: Faith-based Alliance, Latino Outdoors, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, Atlanta Audubon Society, Los Angeles Audubon Society, Conservation Lands Foundation, Houston Zoo, REI and Whole Foods Market. A full list of participating groups is available here.

"The growth in participation and interest of Latino Conservation Week has been tremendous. What started as 17 events in six states has grown – in just three years – to more than 100 events in as many as 15 states," said Arce. "This is a national collaborative effort with the potential to positively impact the Latino community and our nation's treasured spaces."

The full list of confirmed events is available at http://bit.ly/2uSVhEV.

For media that would like to participate in any of these events, request interviews or need additional information, please contact Robert Fanger at Robert@hispanicaccess.org.

About Hispanic Access Foundation
Hispanic Access Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that improves the lives of Hispanics in the United States and promotes civic engagement by educating, motivating and helping them access trustworthy support systems. Our vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum improving the future of America. For more information visit www.hispanicaccess.org.

Contact: Robert Fanger
P: 317-410-7668
E: robert@hispanicaccess.org

SOURCE Hispanic Access Foundation

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