“The first two goals are to provide families and kids with outdoor recreation opportunities close to home and to demonstrate community commitment to conservation,” said Sarah Thomas-Clayburn, Conserve Southwest Utah Community Outreach & Partnerships coordinator. For Latino Conservation Week, the focus is on the Latino community. Still, it’s important to know that everyone is welcome at these events.”

More than 11% of Washington County’s population identifies as Latino or Hispanic, she added. Conserve Southwest Utah organizes Latino Conservation Week with the hope of making the community aware of natural resources, including the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. Conserve Southwest Utah believes the well-being of communities can be supported if everyone feels welcome in outdoor spaces.

“We know it’s important to nurture environmental leaders from all backgrounds. It’s important to get together and celebrate the special resources we have access to in our community. st. George is one of a kind because of places like Red Cliffs,” Thomas-Clayburn said. “We are consciously making space for all community members to connect with the land and each other. And by doing so, we hope to improve lives and conservation outcomes for generations to come.”

She added that they are mindful of the heat, and many activities will be indoors. Advanced sign-up is encouraged on their website .

The event kicks off Sunday and Monday with an educational hike on the Rocky Peak Trailin the Three Peaks Recreation Area in Cedar City. This event is co-sponsored by the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance and Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah. 

“We will be exploring conservation of the nearby Antelope Mountain Range and its links with ‘Latinx’ (gender-neutral form of Latino) culture and heritage, as well as the history of the nearby Old Spanish National Historic Trail,” said Keegan Galloro, Latino community organizing intern, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.

The hike is an easy-to-moderate trail and requires 1.5-2 hours. Hikers will have access to a brochure, available in both Spanish and English, that will help drive conversation and camaraderie. 

Galloro said the involvement of all community stakeholders is essential to the current US conservation plan. Latino Conservation Week combines the passion for conservation projects and love for public lands into educational and fun events across the Southern Utah community.

“While the events are geared toward the Latino community, we want everyone and anyone to come down and get involved in the fun,” Galloro said.

Planned events

Monday

On Monday from 6-8 pm, there will be a Native Flora Workshop and Potting Party at the Tonaquint Nature Center, 1851 S. Dixie Drive in St. Louis. George. Attendees will learn about desert-friendly native plant species from a Latinx greenhouse manager and leave with a potted plant. Most of the event will take place indoors, except for the potting exercise, which will be held in the amphitheater next to the Nature Center.

The workshop on native flora and water-conscious landscaping will show an easy and affordable way for people to be “climate forward.” Keegan said native plants are specifically adapted to the environment of the Southwest desert. These plants use less water than bluegrass or non-native trees and bushes; They help secure the soil, prevent erosion and promote the capture of carbon and nitrogen from the atmosphere. 

The plants also promote healthier biodiversity by supporting the surrounding plant and animal communities.

Tuesday

Events include a free tour of the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site. One can learn about the dinosaurs who once roamed the Red Cliffs area and left their tracks and fossils there. The museum recently has installed signs in Spanish. After the free tour, there will be a party with food trucks at the front of the building. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Conserve Southwest Utah for Latino Conservation Week. Tuesday, July 19, we will host a free and private tour for participants,” said Diana Call, executive director for the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm and the DinosaurAH!torium Foundation. “The timing of the event couldn’t be better as we recently finished a new exhibit with signs translated into Spanish.”

Call said it is the first step in translating all the exhibitions into Spanish. In the past, they’ve had only a self-guided handout translated into multiple languages. To be more accessible to Spanish-speaking visitors, she said they plan to do much more. 

“We’re looking forward to feedback on the new exhibit and ways we can support our Latinx community in the St. George area,” Call said.

Thursday

From 9-10:30 am, children will enjoy the activities at Brooks Nature Park, located at 452 N. Main Street. The Red Cliffs Summer Story and Craft Session will feature nature stories in Spanish and English under a shady tree. Also, there will be a tortoise-themed craft for each child.