Nuestra Tierra Conservation Podcast

Part of the way that federal land management agencies can better reflect the diversity, stories, and culture of the people of this nation is by hiring people of color to lead their planning, management and engagement efforts. Francisco Valenzuela of the U.S Forest Service (ABQ) and Miguel Marquez of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife (San Francisco) talk about their experiences of working for federal land management agencies, their efforts to engage Latinx youth and communities, and give advice to young Latinx people who want to work in careers in federal land management.

The Outdoor Equity Fund is currently moving through the New Mexico State Legislature, through a joint bill that would create both the New Mexico Office of Outdoor Recreation and the Equity Fund. To put the need for this type of public fund into context, we talk to Xavier Morales, Director of the Praxis Project, who talks about the health impacts and social health determinants of Latinx communities (and more!). We talk to Jose Gonzalez, Founder of Latino Outdoors, who shares with us his story about growing up in Mexico and his transition to the United States. And we talk to Rep. Rubio, who gives us an update on the progress of the fund, navigating the New Mexico State Legislature, and her 300-mile bike ride from Las Cruces to Santa Fe. Press Play!

On the fourth episode of the Nuestra Tierra Conservation Podcast, we delve into the outdoor experiences of Latinx border communities, how those outdoor experiences shape Latinx views on environmentalism and conservation, and the need to reauthorize and renew the Land & Water Conservation Fund and its importance to Latinx and immigrant communities.

Featured guests on the podcast include Brenda Gallegos, wildlife biologist and associate director of the Friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks;

Norma Chairez-Hartell, museum curator, Hispanic Access Foundation fellow and founder of Murals of Las Cruces; and Johana Bencomo, director of organizing for New Mexico CAFe.

On this episode of the Nuestra TIerra Podcast we talk to a trio of outdoor recreationists who aren't just building brands and businesses, they're building community. Whether you mountain bike, fish or hunt, you have to tune in to see what these guys are doing.

Featured guests on this Podcast include Pablo Lopez, co-creator of the Monumental Loop and bike shop manager, Gregg Flores, videographer and owner of Where the River Runs (and mad scientist?), and Felix Hernandez, a cazador and environmental science high school teacher, and creator of New Mexico Avid Hunters.

Featured guests on this Podcast include New Mexico State Rep. Angelica Rubio, Climber & Latino Outdoors Brand Coordinator Maricela Rosales, National Parks Conservation Association Field Rep. Laura Navar, Latino Outdoors San Antonio Program Coordinator Josie Gutierrez and NM Wildlife Federation Communications Director Susan Torres. Don't sleep on this one!

Gabe Vasquez sits down with archaeologist Angel Peña of the Conservation Lands Foundation to give a recap of the first year of the Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project and talks all things about the proposed border wall.

Other guests on this episode include U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (NM), Deming hunter and educator Ray Trejo, and border wildlife biologist Fernando Clemente.