The week is a way for Latino communities to demonstrate their passion for the outdoors, said Maite Arce, president of the Hispanic Access Foundation - which started the initiative in 2014. But that's not its only purpose.

"It's also an opportunity to make sure that the Latino community is aware of other places that may not be traditionally visited by us: trails and parks and waterways."

The community has a strong commitment to protecting public lands, Arce said. Maryland's population is 8 percent Hispanic, according to the Pew Research Center.

Arce said transportation to parks is often a barrier for the community. The purpose of Latino Conservation Week is to make sure people who typically aren't represented on public lands have a chance to explore them.

"We break down those barriers to having them be able to actively enjoy their public lands,” she said.

For more on Latino Conservation Week, visit latinoconservationweek.com.