Latino Greenspaces project connects youths with nature

Youths gathered at Mount Talbert Nature Park in May for the kickoff of the Latino Greenspaces project, a partnership between Latino Network, Hacienda Community Development Corporation and Metro.

The students learn about nature through a bilingual, hands-on program combining science, art, music and cultural storytelling – all developed through a culturally appropriate lens.

The students learn through a bilingual, hands-on program combining science, art, music and cultural storytelling – all developed through a culturally appropriate lens.

At Oxbow Regional Park in July, the Latino Greenspaces participants played an icebreaker game.

At Oxbow, students learned about salmon migration along the Sandy River and reflected on the similarities and differences to human migration.

Native Latin American music, poetry and storytelling were a regular part of the outings.

By Sofia Basto

Sept. 2, 2015 1:06 p.m.

Bylined articles are written by Metro staff and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Metro or the Metro Council. Learn more

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Why do birds migrate? What challenges do they come across in their journeys? And how are these experiences similar or different for various animals, including people?

These are some of the questions 200 youths in the Latino Greenspaces project explored this summer at Metro parks and natural areas.

The project is a partnership between Latino Network, Hacienda Community Development Corporation and Metro to connect Latino youths to local natural spaces, as well as to introduce them to recreation opportunities and to careers in conservation. The students learn through a bilingual, hands-on program combining science, art, music and cultural storytelling – all developed through a culturally appropriate lens.

Thanks to support from voters for a parks and natural areas levy in 2013, Metro is able to provide more programs, classes, events and opportunities for residents throughout the region – including underserved communities – to enjoy, explore and experience nature.