ParkVentures

The Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps crews worked on critical projects that support the protection of the sacred resources within Petroglyph National Monument. Many of the crew members are from local Pueblos or Tribes and have deep connections to the resources located within the monument, yet for some, working on the crew was their first opportunity to visit the monument and experience these connections. Indigenous Families Day brought together Pueblo and Tribal crew members and their families, along with Pueblo and Tribal families and Elders from across the region for a special day of prayer, healing, and reflection honoring their ancestral and ongoing connections to the lands within the monument.

Outdoor Outreach’s Climbing Over Barriers program increases access to, awareness of, and stewardship of Joshua Tree National Park through rock climbing. Outdoor Outreach engages youth from historically underrepresented communities, who face significant barriers to accessing national parks. Through overnight outings to the park, Outdoor Outreach promotes access and inclusion in outdoor spaces, meaningful connection with positive peers and mentors, and a culturally relevant, joyful introduction to Joshua Tree National Park.

Pajaritos was an immersive birding experience for Latinx youth local to Brownsville, Texas, their families and anyone in the community. The urban birding program brought multigenerational family units together to share meaningful experiences by exposing participants of all ages to the mental and physical benefits of spending time outdoors, and learning a new low-cost skill, while fostering inclusivity in birding.