The Wilderness Society

Parks and monuments in the United States are powerful tools to showcase the nation's diversity and share stories about our history. However, less than a quarter of national parks and monuments and less than 8% of historical landmarks are dedicated to Latinos/as/x and other underrepresented groups. Many of the existing monuments and parks focus on Spanish colonial history, leaving out the full variety of the Latino/a/x experience. Here are some parks and historic sites that honor and preserve stories of Latinidad in the United States. ⤵️

🌿 Access to nature is a human right, but for many in underserved and underrepresented communities, it’s far from guaranteed. Outdoor equity funds are helping close the nature gap. Nature awaits everyone—let’s make it accessible to all. 🌍

It's #NationalWildlifeRefugeWeek! Did you know the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the only federal agency dedicated solely to wildlife conservation? With the biodiversity crisis accelerating —21 species declared extinct last year and 2 million at risk—they are critical partners in building wildlife and habitat resiliency. But it’s not just about protecting wildlife; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is also committed to expanding equitable access to nature. Their Urban Wildlife Conservation Program is making strides in improving green space access in cities across the country. With over 560 national wildlife refuges, including 101 urban ones close to major cities, there’s still more work to do. Local communities are calling for action to protect more land from development and climate impacts.

Every day is an opportunity to uplift Indigenous stories, history and experiences. On this #IndigenousPeoplesDay, we're celebrating and highlighting Tribally led and supported national monument wins and proposals across the West. President Biden has the power under the Antiquities Act to continue protecting Indigenous history and culture. Support Indigenous stewardship and sign the petitions to call for the designation of these Indigenous-led National Monuments: Bahsahwahbee, Nevada swampcedars.org Chuckwalla, Southern California protectchuckwalla.org Great Bend of the Gila, Arizona respectgreatbend.org Kw’tsán, Southern California protectkwtsan.org Sáttítla, Northern California protectsattitla.org @monumentsforall, #MonumentsForAll

This video gives us a glimpse into the heartwarming activities at Camp Beausite Northwest, in Washington 🏕️ Camp Beausite Northwest offers an inclusive and accessible camp experience for people with disabilities while providing respite for their caregivers. From outdoor education to recreational fun, they provide a welcoming space for 350 campers and 1,000 caregivers annually. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Y1vqck

Wildlife and habitat are vanishing. Just last year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) declared 21 more species extinct. Separately, international researchers estimated 2 million species to be at risk of extinction. There’s no question that the biodiversity crisis is getting worse, and the National Wildlife Refuge System is a key way to fight it. Right now, there are over 560 refuges totaling over 850 million acres in the system—but there is still room for more. Learn more about potential refuge designations and expansions ⤵️

🌟Historic First! Federal conservation dollars awarded to Tribal Nation. The Turtle Mountain Band of the Chippewa has been awarded $1 million for improvements to a family recreation area in North Dakota—making this the first Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) grant ever awarded to a tribal nation! This funding will support the development of five picnic and playground areas in housing sites located on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation. These improvements are a vital step in enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities for the community. This achievement is part of the historic $254 million investment from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Passing the EXPLORE Act will make ORLP a permanent resource for enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities.

These 15 national parks offer spectacular fall foliage viewing, as evidenced by these stunning photographs. Find out the best times to visit, and as always, don't forget to follow "leave no trace" principles when visiting. 🍂 🍁

🌟 Good news: Amazing local park improvements thanks to the historic funding announced last week by the Department of Interior! In Albuquerque, the City received $1.3M from the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) to conduct a much-needed, major overhaul of a park that hasn’t been upgraded in more than 40 years. 🌳 The upgrades to Mesa Verde Park are part of a larger $254 million investment in parks across the country, ensuring vital resources reach the communities that need them most. Let’s keep the momentum gooooooing by passing the EXPLORE Act, which would ensure that vital resources reach the communities that need them most. This would make ORLP a permanent resource for enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities.

This video features the inspiring work of Spirit of the Sun, an Indigenous womxn-led nonprofit in Denver that is dedicated to empowering Native communities. Their Indigenous Toddlers and Teachings Program is a once-a-month gathering where young Indigenous kids are taught about their connection to the natural world and their cultural heritage. 🌿🌍 From face painting and story time to connecting with animal relatives and exploring the Bright Nights exhibit, these special moments foster respect for Mother Earth and kinship among the young ones. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3BpXH4D