The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will support events and activities celebrating Latino Conservation Week (LCW) from Sept. 14-21. This year marks the 11th annual LCW taking place during Hispanic Heritage Month.  

Latino Conservation Week was created in 2014 to encourage Latino families and youth to get outdoors and participate in environmentally focused activities. LCW showcases the Latino community’s commitment to the protection and conservation of the environment. Last year, more than 300 parks, organizations and community groups participated and celebrated LCW nationwide. 

“Latino Conservation Week is an important opportunity to recognize the dedication of our Latino community to environmental stewardship here in Montgomery County,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “This week is about ensuring that all our residents have the chance to engage with and protect the natural spaces that we cherish. I encourage everyone to participate in the activities, learn from one another, and continue the important work of preserving our environment for future generations.” 

The week-long celebration is part of the Hispanic Access Foundation initiative that has the goal of engaging Latino communities, organizations, businesses, families and individuals. LCW gives participants the chance to inform policymakers and the public of the Latino community’s views on important local and national conservation issues. Participants are encouraged to attend roundtable discussions, park clean-ups, online expeditions, scavenger hunts, film screenings, hike sessions, kayaking adventures and more.  

“Our goal is to support our communities through engagement and partnership in creating a healthier environment,” said DEP Director Jon Monger. “The Latino community makes up more than 20 percent of the County’s population. Latino Conservation Week is just one of the ways DEP recognizes the important contributions of this community towards environmental progress in Montgomery County. DEP is continually working to ensure resources are accessible and available to the public in their native language.” 

DEP will have information tables at upcoming events during Latino Conservation Week. Spanish speakers and resources will be available onsite. DEP will be at the following events: 

• Community Cleanup Day. Saturday, Sept. 21. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wheaton Claridge Local Park, 11901 Claridge Road, Wheaton.  In partnership with Montgomery Parks and Latino Health Initiative.   
• Family Empowerment Resource Fair .Saturday, Sept. 21. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 51 Mannakee St,. in Rockville. Hosted by Montgomery College.  
• Burtonsville Day.  Saturday, Sept. 21. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 14906 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville. 
• Visit an Illumination Station.  Monday, Sept. 16. 2:30-5:30 p.m. Marilyn J. Praisner Library, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, and Wednesday, Sept. 18. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Olney Library, 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Road, Olney. 

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