Celebrate Latino Conservation Week 2022

Montgomery Parks is hosting a series of special events and programs as part of the 9th Annual  Latino Conservation Week, July 16 – 24, 2022 

Latino Conservation Week (LCW) was created by the Hispanic Access Foundation in 2014 to connect Latino communities across the country with opportunities to get involved in outdoor recreation, conservation education, and advocacy efforts.   

The week aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.  As the largest minority group in America – one that is expected to grow to nearly one-third of the population by 2050 – the Latino 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. We hope you can join us! 

*All events are free. 

¡LATINO CONSERVATION WEEK KICK-OFF FIESTA!
Saturday, July 16 | 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Wheaton Regional Park – 2000 Shorefield Road, Wheaton, MD 20902

Families are invited to come celebrate the start of Latino Conservation Week! We will have food trucks, Zumba, local organizations, activities for all ages, and once the sun starts to set the Encanto will begin! We will be playing Disney’s Enctanto at 8:00 pm on the big screen for all to enjoy, so bring your picnic blankets and get ready to enjoy a perfect summer evening.

KIDS TREE CLIMBING
Monday, July 18 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Long Branch-Arliss Neighborhood Park – 8810 Garland Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20901

Stop by Long Branch-Arliss Neighborhood Park to experience the fun and thrill of climbing a tree! 

Montgomery Parks’ arborists will provide safety gear, assistance and encouragement as they provide kids the opportunity to participate in rope-assisted climbing and experience trees from a whole new perspective.  No registration needed!

KAYAK ON THE LAKE
Tuesday, July 19 | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, or 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm 
Lake Needwood Boats – 15700 Needwood Lake Circle Rockville, MD 20855 
***Registration is Full Click here to join the waitlist (participants must be at least 12 years old.)  

Join Montgomery Parks and Latino Outdoors for an hour exploring the beautiful 75-acre Lake Needwood in a rental kayak. Look for wildlife, meet other outdoor enthusiasts, or just enjoy a peaceful paddle. Kayakers of all levels are welcome! 

Kayak, paddle, and life jacket provided. Water-friendly clothing and hat, strap-on water sandals or shoes (no flip-flops, please) recommended.  Arrive 30 minutes before your timeslot.  Participants must be at least 12 years old. Those aged 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult in a tandem or nearby kayak. Ages 16 and up can kayak independently.  

TURTLE TALK
Wednesday, July 20 | 10:00 am – 10:30 am
Brookside Nature Center 1400 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902 
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
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. 

MONTGOMERY PARKS AT CROSSROADS FARMERS MARKET IN TAKOMA PARK
Wednesday, July 20 | 10:30 am – 2:30 pm 
Anne St. at University Blvd. East in Takoma Park, MD

Join us at Crossroads Farmers Market in Takoma Park.

SALSA IN THE PARK

Thursday, July 21 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Waring Station Local Park – 12210 Stoney Bottom Road, Germantown, MD 20874

Salsa in the Park event will feature free dance lessons from Salsa with Silvia and live music by local band Ocho de Bastos. The event will have food and beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for purchase from local vendors and will also spotlight community organizations that will be providing fun activities, giveaways, and resources.

Whether you’re a Salsa pro or just a lover of live music, come experience and appreciate the rich culture of Latin American music and dance at Salsa in the Park. No registration is required.

ARDILLAS VOLADORAS

Saturday, July 23 | 9:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Las ardilla voladoras de Maryland son preciosas y abundantes en muchas zonas salvajes. Aunque estén activas todo el año, poca gente las ve porque sólo salen en la noche – son nocturnas. BNC estableció una estación de alimentación para que los visitantes puedan observar las ardillas de cerca. El programa empieza en la terraza superior del centro de la naturaleza (Nature Center) 30 minutos después del atardecer (cuando el cielo se oscurece). Si llueve, se cancele el programa. Program presented in Spanish.

PONTOON CLEAN UP AT BLACK HILL REGIONAL PARK
Sunday, July 24 |

20930 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD20841

CHOOSE AN ACTIVIITY YOU CAN DO OUTDOORS, ON YOUR OWN SCHEDULE

From nature challenges to crafts, there are many ways you can engage with nature right in your own backyard or local park!