Photograph by José Chávez
A new day, a new opportunity to improve our landscape.

Photograph by Tara Armijo
Water is the life blood of our planet and all who live on it.

Photograph by Arturo Gomez
From my own experiences, the conservation of public and native lands is essential for granting us access to the healing powers of nature, empowering us to reclaim our narratives and fostering a sense of belonging and stewardship.

Photograph by Enrique Botello
I am the proud descendant of a rich heritage, woven from the vibrant threads of Mexican and Spanish ancestry. Though the details of our ancestry may be shrouded in mystery, my family’s passion for preserving our values and traditions burns bright. From generation to generation, we have passed down the virtues of respect, humility, and kindness – lessons learned at the feet of our elders. But our virtues sometimes take the form of objects. Among our treasured heirlooms is a blanket of uncertain age, its history stretching back at least half a century. My uncle remembers it from his childhood, a gift from his mother, and it has since been passed down to his daughter. When she heard of my journey to the mountains, she lent it to me as a gesture of love and kinship. Though ragged and worn, with tears in its fabric, it remains a vibrant thing of warmth and beauty – a tangible symbol of the unbreakable bonds that tie our family together, and of the timeless artistry of generations past. This, to me, is the essence of conservation. It is the act of cherishing and preserving that which has value, whether it be a tradition, an heirloom, or a breathtaking expanse of wilderness. It is the recognition that true worth is not found in the fleeting allure of the latest and greatest, but in the enduring legacy of that which has stood the test of time. Conservation means breathing life from and into the past, thus ensuring that its lessons endure for generations to come.

Photograph by Christy Fierros
My mother was the first person to teach me the value of conservation and the impact we can have on our environment. Never waste food, never keep the water running, always reuse containers, and avoid mindless consumption are just a few of her teachings. Teachings that ring loud in many Latinx households. Although she learned these out of necessity due to growing up with little material wealth rather than a passion for environmentalism, they are actions that underpin environmental awareness. Conservation to me means living simply and striving for positive impacts to honor the complexity of our Mother Earth.

Photograph by Lebny Pargas
To me, Conservation Cultura represents the power of coming together through our shared love for the outdoors and our lands. It’s about finding a sense of identity and belonging within a community that values and appreciates each other and nature. Through my involvement with like-minded organizations, I’ve experienced a shift in perspective, recognizing the significance of giving back and protecting our precious natural spaces. Conservation Cultura is a journey of self-discovery, connection, and a deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world that inspire us to take action and preserve it for future generations.

Photograph by Carolina Ramirez
Conservation to me is building a closer connection with nature, and in doing so becoming passionate about protecting the planet and all of its inhabitants. Educating our youth on the importance of environmental stewardship and exposing them to new outdoor activities, experiences and career opportunities in the outdoors is essential for an inclusive and diverse approach to conservation. In this photo, I am celebrating my first international snowboarding trip to the French Alps in Chamonix. As someone who grew up dreaming of one day being able to afford to snowboard and to experience the mountains in such an epic way, I was immensely proud and emotional to fly the flag of my motherland, Colombia. I have since introduced my younger siblings to the sport and hope to someday teach fellow Latines how to snowboard.

Photograph by Angel de Jesús Huerta
Then and now. My dad taught me how to fish 30 years ago. This is the most recent photo of him fishing. He always taught me how to be gentle with nature and to take care of it. He also instilled the catch and release philosophy.

Photograph by Krystal Lazaro
To me, conservation means more than preserving and protecting a sacred space. To me, conservation means to honor, acknowledge and add to the history of a sacred place/space.

Photograph by Natalie Medina
Conservation could also mean to vote for those that will work hard to support conservation efforts and will do what it takes protect the environment. I like to wear this shirt when there are important elections to remind others to vote.

Photograph by Katarina Acosta
Conservation to me is the true protection of all of the natural resources we have been given since the beginning of existence.

Photograph by Desiree Vargas
What conservation means to me is how nature is in its own beauty and that I find peace when out planting plants and trying keep them protected at all costs and letting them grow and seeing how beautiful nature can be.