Every year from September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month: a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestry comes from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Nestled within this month is Latino Conservation Week, a celebration that highlights the deep connections between Latino communities and the natural world. Together, these celebrations remind us that heritage and conservation are not separate stories, but intertwined legacies that continue to shape our relationship with the land.
Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, established by President Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1988, it was expanded to a full month under President Ronald Reagan. The start date of September 15th is also significant, being that on that day in 1821, several countries including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua all declared independence from Spain. Soon after, Mexico (on September 16th) and Chile (on September 18th) also mark their independence days. Aligning the celebration with these anniversaries ties Hispanic Heritage Month directly to pivotal moments of freedom, identity, and cultural pride.
For many Latino cultures, the relationship with the natural world runs deep. This connection stretches back to many Indigenous traditions across the Americas, where communities lived in balance with the land, cultivating sustainable farming practices, protecting forests and rivers, and embedding respect for nature into their spiritual and cultural life. Family, community, and care for the land are values that continue to shape how many families view the outdoors. Whether through farming, fishing, gardening, or celebrating seasonal festivals, nature has long been a place of nourishment, healing, and
belonging for the Latino community. Simultaneously, the history of colonization, land displacement, and environmental inequities has meant that access to land and green spaces has not always been equal. Yet, their resilience and cultural stewardship continue to thrive, reminding us that conservation is not a new concept in Latino heritage, but a deeply rooted tradition.
Today, Latino voices are essential in the environmental movement. Organizations such as the Hispanic Access Foundation and Latino Outdoors are building community, providing outdoor access, and advocating for policies that protect both the people and the planet. Launched in 2014 by the Hispanic Access Foundation, Latino Conservation Week (LCW) takes place during Hispanic Heritage Month each year. Its mission is simple yet powerful: to engage Latino communities in conservation, recreation, and environmental education. Events include nature hikes, river cleanups, birdwatching outings, educational workshops, and advocacy campaigns, all designed to foster stronger connections with the outdoors. LCW not only celebrates culture but also addresses barriers to outdoor participation. By making conservation welcoming and inclusive, it empowers families, youth, and local leaders to become advocates for the environment.
This month, take time to celebrate Latino heritage and explore opportunities to get involved with conservation in your own community. Whether that means supporting a local event, joining a cleanup, volunteering, or simply learning about Latino-led organizations making a difference, each action strengthens the bond between people and planet. Heritage and nature are both gifts. By celebrating them together, we ensure they continue to flourish for generations to come.
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