Family Raises Awareness of the Need Preserve National Parks For Latinos

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The Hispanic Access Foundation (HAF) and the National Park Service are working to spread the word to Latinos about the natural beauty of the nation’s national park system.

In a blog from HAF, National Park Service Director Jonathon Jarvis said: “one approach to building a stronger connection with the Latino community, particularly young people, is telling the story of the Latino historical and cultural heritage preserved by the parks.”’

In an effort to get more Latinos to national parks, Maite Arce, president of HAF and her family (the Arglebens) embarked on a four stop tour of some of the nation’s finest parks. During the tour which took place in July of 2013, the family created a video blog and used social media to speak about national parks in Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico.

Through raising awareness of some of the nation’s historic treasures, Arce and her family believe that Latinos can make a difference in preserving the land from pollution and oil and gas development.

According to the National Park Foundation’s American Latino Heritage Fund (ALHF), only 9% of the nation’s 54 million Latinos visit national parks each year.

While many Latinos are passionate about their local park system, Arce says they must “translate that enthusiasm to our national park system.”

In February 2014, Arce’s son Luke (19), who also took part in the tour, visited the nation’s capital to speak before the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. While providing a recap of the family’s park tour, Luke raised awareness among policymakers about the need to preserve the land.

Not only can national parks help connect young Latinos with nature, but they may also serve to increase levels of physical activity.

According to one recent study, access to recreational programs at national parks could increase levels of physical activity among youth.

To see some highlights from the Argleben family’s trip to four national parks watch the video series below.

Read more about the Four Stops, One Destination tour here.