Minnesota’s parks and trails are a big part of what makes living here so special. But not everyone has an easy path into those outdoor spaces. A local organization is aiming to change that.

Luisana Méndez has taken it upon herself to be a bridge between recent Latino immigrants like herself and the Twin Cities’ park systems. She’s the founder and executive director of Huellas Latinas, a nonprofit that helps Latino families connect with nature, with each other, and with their home here in Minnesota.