Latino Outdoors mourns the passing of Representative Raúl Grijalva, a tireless champion for environmental justice, public lands, and communities. His leadership and commitment to equity, justice, cultura, and protection in the outdoors have left an enduring legacy.
Congressman Grijalva’s roots run deep in the land. In an article for the Sierra Club, he said, “When I was a young boy in southern Arizona, the sky islands of the Santa Rita Mountains were my front yard, and the cactus-strewn plains of the Sonoran Desert my backyard. My father was a vaquero, a cowboy, on the historic Canoa Ranch on the outskirts of Tucson. I spent a lot of time with him as he worked the land. While we roamed the 4,800-acre property, my father shared his thoughts about the landscape and his reverence for the natural world. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, those weekends in the desert sparked my own respect for big, open spaces and, eventually, an appreciation for public lands.”
Throughout his career, Grijalva’s leadership was pivotal in defending America’s national parks and the communities that benefit from their protection. One of the first times Latino Outdoors connected with Congressman Grijalva was when LO Founder José González presented him with a piece of his artwork at a reception. The gathering, which included groups like Green Latinos, Hispanic Access Foundation, HECHO, and the Hispanic Federation, focused on the idea of the Latino Conservation Alliance.
Congressman Grijalva’s dedication to public lands, parks, and community access was clear. He consistently advocated for these causes, and his support for Latino Outdoors’ mission was evident when he participated in our film, “Estamos Aqui.” In that, it was obvious how personal conservation was to him and how deeply it resonated with our communities. He saw himself in them, and they saw themselves in him.
As the days go by, many will share all the different ways they knew him and worked with him. That speaks to his impact. For us, it was knowing he was a constant advocate for the work Latino Outdoors does. Even though he might not have been everyone’s “official” representative, he was certainly a representative for all of us—much like the tio or abuelo with the wisdom and experience to guide us. In many ways, he was a future ancestor. As such, he’ll continue to guide us with the legacy he leaves.
Fresh air and soul-nourishing food are guaranteed to comfort me in uncertain times. I’ve always loved food and cooking, but the recipes I find most uplifting are those that nourish my body and spirit. This usually means nostalgic and delicious Colombian recipes that my parents and grandma made me as a kid. What makes them even better is sharing them with friends y familia outdoors.
When we go outdoors, food provides our bodies with the necessary fuel for adventure, but it is also a wonderful way to stay connected to our roots and traditions. Most of my fondest memories with family, including those afuera, are centered around sharing a meal.
Enjoying food outdoors is not a new tradition for my family. My parents grew up going on paseos de olla (loosely translated to “a walk with a pot”) in the mountains of Colombia. They describe these outings as a walk and picnic in a potrero or field where their family would bring food in the same pots they cooked it in. Nowadays, we carry on this tradition at National Parks instead of my grandparent’s farm. Recently on my camping trips, I’ve been making the food I grew up eating in an attempt to hold onto my roots as I grow older.
I’ve gathered a few of my family’s favorite nourishing and traditional recipes that you can take on your next hike, camping trip, or backyard picnic to bring some Colombian comfort to your next paseo de olla.
My grandmother’s biography in the third edition of her cookbook: recetas de cocina para todos los días y ocasiones especiales.
Chocolate caliente con queso
Hot Chocolate with Cheese
There are several ways to make chocolate caliente and you’ll find different versions all over Colombia. This is how my family prefers to make it, but I’ve added different adaptations below for you to experiment with your favorite version!
Ingredients:
4 cups water
4 bars of traditional Colombian chocolate, found at your local Latin American market and some grocery stores (our family prefers Luker or Corona brands)
Cane sugar to taste, I would start with 4 TBSP
4 slices of queso fresco
Optional adaptations:
Use milk of choice instead of water
Use a pre-sweetened version of the Luker/Corona chocolate from the store
Use panela (called piloncillo in Mexico) instead of sugar
Add a cinnamon stick
Bring all the ingredients to a boil in a large pot. We traditionally use an aluminum olleta to make this, but any pot will do as long as there is extra room for the liquid to foam. As it starts to heat up, mix it with a wooden spoon every couple of minutes. We use a molinillo to foam the chocolate, but a spoon will do just fine.
Once the chocolate starts foaming and rising, remove from the heat until you see the foam start to settle (a few seconds will do). Then place it back on the heat. Repeat that process two more times. Do not leave it unattended; it will boil over quickly!
Turn off the heat and whisk with the wooden spoon or molinillo by rubbing your hands together. This will help foam.
Cut up the cheese slices and place them in 4 mugs. Pour the chocolate over the cheese.
Make it at camp or enjoy it in a thermos for the perfect on-the-go energy boost!
Calentado
Everything and rice, a Vargas specialty
2 cups cooked rice
1 can of beans (black or kidney)
1-2 cooked potatoes (whatever you have on hand!)
Ground beef or protein of choice (as a vegetarian, I enjoy ground seitan or crumbled tofu)
1 chopped tomato
Any veggies you have on hand, we usually use frozen peas and corn
1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
½ chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
½ teaspoon cumin
¼ cup vegetable broth or water
¼ cup cilantro
Squeeze of lime
To an oiled pan, add the onions and cook until translucent. Add the garlic, protein of choice, and seasonings. After the protein is cooked, add the remaining vegetables and cook for another minute or two.
Add the vegetable broth and remaining ingredients (keeping a bit of cilantro for topping). Cook until fragrant and all the ingredients are warmed through.
Top with salsa, avocado, or ají.
Enjoy this carb-packed, nutritious meal. We love this one for camping because we toss in whatever we have on hand. No beans? Use lentils! No potatoes? No problem, add more veggies.
Empanadas de hojaldre rellenas de pollo
Pastry empanadas filled with chicken (from my grandma’s cookbook)
1 lb pastry dough (can be found in the freezer section or made from scratch as my abuela does)
Filling Ingredients:
2 large chicken breasts (for a vegetarian option, replace with seitan or tofu)
1 small onion, shredded
1 tsp mustard
1 tsp cream or milk
1 tsp white vinegar
1 cube vegetable or chicken bouillon
Salt and pepper to taste
Other ingredients:
2 TBSPS butter
2 TBSPS all-purpose flour
1 egg yolk, beat
2 TBSPS milk
A sprinkle of cane sugar
Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper (leave marinating up to a day in the fridge).
Add the chicken and all the filling ingredients in a pot with 3 cups of water. Simmer on low heat for around 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked.
Remove the chicken and let it cool (do not toss the chicken broth). If your pastry dough is in the freezer, defrost it according to the package instructions.
In a separate pan, melt the butter with the flour on low heat. Add the chicken broth and mix to form a thick sauce. Chop the chicken into small pieces and add in the sauce. Mix and let the chicken soak up the sauce for a few minutes. Turn off the heat and let cool completely before making the empanadas.
Preheat the oven to 450F.
Roll out your pastry dough over a floured surface and roll out until it is very thin (~¼ inch thick). Using a cup, cut circles out of the dough.
Add a little bit of filling to one-half of each circle. Dip your fingers in water and moisten the outer rim of the dough. Fold the dough in half, over the filling, and using a fork, press to seal into shape.
Mix the egg yolk and milk. Add your empanadas to a sheet pan covered with parchment paper. Lightly brush the egg and milk mixture on each empanada and sprinkle with a bit of cane sugar. Bake until golden brown.
Once cooled, place it in a basket or container and enjoy it as a snack on your next hike!
It’s easy to overcomplicate food in the outdoors, but it doesn’t have to be complicated! Our families have enjoyed these traditional meals outdoors for generations. Next time you’re planning to spend time in nature, I encourage you to pull out your grandparent’s cookbook. It’ll make your time in nature that much more special.
Do you have a family favorite recipe you’d like to share with the LO comunidad? Send it to luisavargas@latinooutdoors.org along with a note on why it’s meaningful to you and we will include it in a future Yo Cuento blog post.
Yo cuento because our voice is más strong together.
por Jazzari T. Taylor
This past summer was a season of celebration, empowerment, and a deepened commitment to comunidades and conservation. As Policy Advocate with Latino Outdoors (LO), I’ve been inspired by the stories, cultura, and connections diverse communities have with the outdoors — lands that remain sacred to Indigenous peoples. Latino Outdoors is more than an organization; it’s a movement to close the “nature gap” by creating equitable outdoor opportunities for all. Our advocacy focuses on advancing environmental justice, equitable access, and expanding the conservation movement, aligning with initiatives like 30×30 and Justice40. This summer, we built collective momentum, fostering trust, honoring ancestral ties to the land, and inspiring Latine nationwide to connect with nature that is inviting for all.
Proposed National Monument Designation – Protecting Culture, Biodiversity and Expanding Access Outdoors
Latino Outdoors is committed to expanding the conservation movement in ways that prioritize culture, community, and equitable access to public lands. Our vision is grounded in creating spaces where everyone, especially historically excluded groups, can experience the outdoors. By centering the voices of Indigenous peoples, Latine communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups, we aim to build a conservation movement that is truly inclusive and community-driven. The proposed California national monuments – Chuckwalla, Sáttítla – Medicine Lake Highlands, and Kw’tsán – represent powerful opportunities to protect vital landscapes while advancing environmental justice and ensuring that the outdoors remains a place for healing, joy, and belonging for all.
The Chuckwalla National Monument proposal embodies a vision of inclusivity, as celebrated during the Orgullosamente Outdoors event on June 21, 2024. Latino Outdoors partnered in hosting the “Queens in the Desert” bus tour through Coachella Valley, featuring vibrant drag performances by Valentine Anger, Kitty & Kit Tapata, Ethylina Canne, MuthaChucka, and Burna Cross. Despite the heat, 56 participants stood resilient, celebrating cultural pride and nature’s healing power. Spanning over 600,000 acres, Chuckwalla is home to rich biodiversity and sacred spaces for Tribes. Protecting this area not only ensures access for Latine and LGBTQ+ communities but also honors Indigenous stewardship. Advocacy efforts have occurred on the ground and in Washington, D.C., with Latino leaders reinforcing the importance of Chuckwalla’s designation before Congress and the Biden administration. Latino Outdoors remains committed to uplifting Indigenous voices and ensuring this land remains a place where all communities can find peace and belonging.
The Kw’tsán National Monument proposal speaks to the interconnectedness of people, wildlife, and landscapes across arbitrary borders. Located east of the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument, Kw’tsán holds deep spiritual significance for the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe. The 390,000-acre monument would not only safeguard biodiversity and wildlife but also formalize Indigenous stewardship through a cooperative agreement. Throughout the summer, our work has underscored how these landscapes and the stories they hold are deeply connected, revealing a larger narrative about the environment and our place within it.
In August, I joined an EcoFlight over the proposed Sáttítla – Medicine Lake Highlands National Monument with Pit River Tribe leaders, highlighting the area’s cultural significance. The deep blue lakes and timber are crucial to the Tribe’s culture and spirituality. At the same time, Medicine Lake is a vital water reservoir for California that reaches communities as far West as San Francisco. However, the land faces threats from industrial development. Latino communities in nearby Shasta County are growing in presence and connection to the region, making inclusive advocacy even more critical.
We urge President Biden to designate and protect Chuckwalla National Monument, Sáttítla – Medicine Lake Highlands National Monument, and Kw’tsán National Monument to protect the Tribe’s ancestral lands, biodiversity, expand equitable access opportunities outdoors and sustainable management practices rooted in Indigenous knowledge.
BLM Recreation Summit
In July, I attended a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) meeting in Reno, Nevada, focused on developing the BLM Nevada Recreation Action Plan. With increasing demand for public land access, the BLM is rolling out its Blueprint for 21st Century Outdoor Recreation to enhance management and stewardship. Last October, I participated in a virtual roundtable hosted by the Foundation for America’s Public Lands, where community participants emphasized the need for diverse staff, multi-language resources, and accessible community engagement.
At this recent meeting, similar feedback emerged, but there remains a gap between ambitious goals and available resources like funding and staffing. This highlights the need for ongoing involvement in policy decisions impacting public lands. The “Respect. Connect. Protect.” campaign is a collaboration between BLM, the Conservation Lands Foundation, and the Friends Grassroot Network, which aims to promote safe and responsible recreation while fostering a deeper connection to public lands. Latino Outdoors is proud to support this initiative, which integrates relatable messaging to inspire respect for nature and broaden the conservation movement. We encourage you to share feedback with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at blm_nv_blueprintstatesummitfeedback@blm.gov to help address community needs and protect public lands.
Parks & Open Spaces
Our advocacy for parks, oceans, and natural areas in California serves as a model for other states by demonstrating how the intersection of art, culture, and environmental stewardship can inspire inclusivity and resilience in public spaces. In early September, I joined José Gonzalez and partners with California State Parks for the “Art in the Park,” highlighting the need for spaces that reflect diverse histories and cultures. Collaborations with artists like Andrea Campos, and working with agencies like the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) during Latino Heritage Month showcases how this approach not only connects communities to nature but also fosters a more profound sense of ownership and responsibility for protecting natural resources.
I’ve been honored to serve as a Coalition Chair for the California Parks Now Coalition for the last two years. With the support of over 30 organizations, we’ve been instrumental in advancing critical legislative priorities that emphasize equity, environmental justice, and public health. This summer, we worked together to write letters to representatives and Governor Newsom, urging support for bills that promote outdoor equity and ensure access to natural spaces for everyone, regardless of background or location.
One most recent success is AB 2939 (Rendon), which was signed by California Governor Gavin Newsome, establishing a framework for small, non-commercial outdoor equity programs to access parks without facing extra restrictions. As of September 22, 2024, this bill has been “chaptered” by the Secretary of State after passing both houses of the Legislature and being signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, ensuring streamlined park access for disadvantaged communities. Meanwhile, SB 1091 (Menjivar), focused on promoting green schoolyards and accessible outdoor learning spaces, is awaiting the Governor’s signature. This bill will support the development of greener, more resilient schools, especially in underserved areas.
As we move forward, the CA Parks Now Coalition will continue to work with legislators, building relationships and advocating for the critical funding necessary to maintain and expand access to our natural spaces, making the outdoors available to all. This serves as a model for a community-first movement focused on parks and public spaces across the nation.
Yes on Prop 4
Latino Outdoors joined organizations across California to advocate for the passing of YesonProp4 (SB 867), which placed a historic $10 billion climate bond on the November 2024 ballot. Latino Outdoors officially endorsed California’s Yes on Prop 4 this summer, joining over 200 organizations advocating for critical climate and environmental justice investments. The bond will fund parks, climate resilience, and environmental justice initiatives to protect California’s most vulnerable communities. Learn more about what this means for the future of California here.
Proposition 4 aligns with Latino Outdoors’ core values by promoting climate resilience, social equity, and access to outdoor spaces for underrepresented communities. With its passage, this bond will address wildfire prevention, flood protection, and climate adaptation needs, benefiting communities facing extreme heat, poor air quality, and water scarcity. While this proposition is specific to California, it serves as a model for climate action nationwide, highlighting urgent responses to global warming concerns that impact communities everywhere. These investments are set to empower communities by making the outdoors safer and more accessible for all. It’s now our responsibility that these funds are allocated accordingly and go directly into communities most vulnerable to climate impacts.
Outdoors Alliance for Kids (OAK) Coalition
The Outdoors Alliance for Kids (OAK) advocates for equitable access to outdoor spaces for children and families, with Latino Outdoors proudly partnering in this mission. Representing Latino Outdoors in this coalition is Melodie Mendez, the New York & Northeast Regional Coordinator. I am proud to have Melodie on the Latino Outdoors support staff and connect with her on OAK advocacy opportunities throughout the summer and moving forward.
Melodie amplifies the voices of Latino communities in discussions about outdoor access and environmental justice. Together, OAK and Latino Outdoors work towards fostering inclusivity in outdoor recreation and advocating for policies that support access to parks and natural areas.
The Futuro of Conservation and Advocacy Afuera Needs Your Support!
This summer of community, conservation, and advocacy highlighted the power of our voices to create change. Together, we can break down barriers and work toward inclusive outdoor spaces. In September, I participated in Latino Conservation Week (September 14-22) as a panelist at the Raíces y Futuro event with Nature Nexus Institute, sharing my story and emphasizing the Latino Climate Justice Framework (LCJF) in Latino Outdoors. The LCJF shows how we can drive meaningful change and guides the Latino Outdoors Advocacy Priorities approaches to create meaningful change in our comunidades.
I also attended the “New Era, New Leaders: 5 Years to 30×30” conference in Puerto Rico, hosted by the America the Beautiful for All Coalition. Set in Puerto Rico’s ancestral Taíno homelands, this gathering underscored the importance of inclusive conservation that respects local communities. Connecting with Puerto Rican organizations Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña, María Fund, Universidad de Puerto Rico, Derecho UPR, DRNA Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales de Puerto Rico (DRNA), Corazón Latino, La Maraña PR, EarthEcho International, we discussed the disconnect between government actions and community needs, where federal funding and external pressures shape land management decisions. True environmental justice means empowering these communities to lead.
As we aim for the 30×30 goal – conserving 30% of U.S. lands, waters, and oceans by 2030, frontline communities, including Latino communities, must be prioritized. We explored how the Justice40 initiative, which directs 40% of federal investments to disadvantaged communities, can close the equity gap. The LCJF advocates for conservation that addresses systemic injustices, ensuring Latino communities have access to nature and resources. This conference reaffirmed that conservation must focus on land and water and empowering those who care for it. The future of conservation is rooted in justice, and we must amplify the voices of those most affected for a more inclusive movement.
Your voice matters, and as we transition into 2025, staying engaged is ever more pressing to protect and support an organization where “…Latino communities enjoy nature as a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place” (Latino Outdoors Vision, 2024). Whether it’s advocating for equitable access to parks, supporting Indigenous rights, or pushing for climate justice, every effort counts. Here are five ways you can join the movement:
Join Us Outdoors to explore and connect with nature.
Share Your Story to inspire others and highlight the importance of outdoor spaces.
Vote to make your voice heard in local and national elections.
Know Your Representatives and engage with them about issues that matter to you.
Give Back – Donate to support the critical work of organizations like Latino Outdoors.
Together, we can amplify our impact and ensure that the outdoors remains a welcoming space for all.
When times get tough, there are two prerequisites for moving forward: a new sunrise and an undeterred voice.
Seguiremos aquí.
We will not be deterred from our mission, and we will continue to support each other as we move forward, guided by the belief that every person has a right to feel safe, welcomed, and valued in the outdoors and beyond.
