EcoLatinos

Community outreach: Ecolatinos has actively engaged the latino community in environmental stewardship through awareness initiatives, training/programs and via valuable resources. In partnership with local churches across prince georges and montgomery county, Ecolatinos has implemented best management practices, such as rain gardens and cistern/rain barrel installations. Through tailored training programs, we have disseminated information on environmental conservation and best management practices to youth and congregations. Our programs also create meaningful opportunities for community members to contribute to local park and river clean-ups and enhance neighborhood aesthetics. Additionally, stormwater drain stenciling initiatives raise awareness about the importance of stormwater management, fostering a collective commitment to environmental protection.

National fish and wildlife foundation (nfwf) grant for the equitable landscaping training program: Ecolatinos focuses on the needs of the first-generation, non-english- speaking portion of the latino population - a minor portion of the immigrant community but a larger percentage of the landscaper community. This constituency needs nontraditional approaches to education and training. Our program represents an enhanced approach to building a new component of the chesapeake bay landscape professional certification program (cblp) curriculum, in partnership with the chesapeake conservation landscaping council (cclc), specifically designed for a diverse new audience. Ecolatinos equitable landscaping training program engages latinos as environmental stewards by offering culturally appropriate, spanish-language landscape training that provides cutting-edge green infrastructure techniques focusing on environmental conservation and public health. This program not only increases access to quality environmental training to a diverse audience but also increases competitive skills in the green employment market and enhances wealth building for landscaping entrepreneurs.

Youth environmental after-school and summer camp programs: Ecolatinos conducted an impactful after-school youth environmental program and a bilingual summer camp, reaching nearly 60 high school students from predominantly latino neighborhoods in prince georges and montgomery counties. A. The after-school program introduced students to crucial topics, including advocacy, the legislative process, and the creation of a youth advisory group, while also empowering them with financial literacy skills and understanding environmental priorities, particularly those related to the chesapeake bay. Sessions on fafsa/msfaa, scholarships, and entrepreneurship provided practical resources to support their future goals. B. The summer camp offered immersive, nature-based experiences designed to deepen students knowledge of environmental science while fostering advocacy, leadership, and interest in green careers. Camp participants, many of whom were first-generation students from disadvantaged communities, gained hands-on experience measuring water quality in the potomac river and learning about microplastics and pollution. They also participated in invasive species removal, native planting projects, and learned about the role of tree canopies in local parks. Throughout the camp, students were introduced to role models, explored internship opportunities, and discovered potential careers in the green industry. These experiences equipped them with valuable skills and perspectives, empowering them to become future leaders in environmental conservation.

Partnership with the alliance for the chesapeake bay: Ecolatinos maintains a strong, collaborative partnership with the alliance for the chesapeake bay, leveraging their technical assistance and expertise to implement best management practices and green infrastructure solutions effectively. In addition to facilitating installations, Ecolatinos provides critical support with translations and targeted outreach, ensuring effective engagement with latino communities. Together, were driving impactful, positive change for our shared environment.