LATINO CONSERVATION WEEK
AT WHITEWATER PRESERVE
September 13 - 21, 2025
Whitewater Preserve » Latino Conservation Week
¡BIENVENIDOS a Latino Conservation Week at Whitewater Preserve!
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For Spanish, use the language button at the bottom right of the page
Latino Conservation Week: Disfrutando y Conservando Nuestra Tierra is an annual initiative by the Hispanic Access Foundation that empowers the Latino community to engage in the conservation of our natural resources and encourages outdoor exploration. At Whitewater Preserve, we proudly participate in LCW as part of our commitment to creating opportunities for the local Latino community to connect with their natural surroundings. We aim to provide a welcoming space where individuals and families can come together, discover the beauty of nature, and deepen their relationship with the environment.
Whitewater Preserve, nestled in the western part of the Coachella Valley, serves a region where the Latino community represents around 70% of the population. At Whitewater, we are dedicated to ensuring that all local residents can experience the peace and joy found in our natural surroundings. Whether it's through hiking into the scenic public lands further up the canyon or spending a day playing and exploring along the Whitewater River, our preserve offers a unique space for the Latino community to connect with each other and the beauty of nature.
Join us and our community partners for a variety of engaging activities and events throughout Latino Conservation Week! Whether you’re looking for a peaceful evening walk, family friendly games, or getting to interact with reptiles, there is an event for all to enjoy.
Some programs require reservations. Learn more about our events below!
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Alebrijes Painting Workshop
Saturday, September 13 | 10 am - 12 pm
Kick off Latino Conservation Week with us at our "Alebrije Painting Workshop"! Learn the rich history and artistry behind alebrijes, and then let your creativity shine as you paint and decorate your own. This workshop is recommended for ages 12 and up, but we’ll have extra supplies available for younger children to join in the fun. We can't wait to see you there!
Registration Required. Click here to register, or call our office at 760-325-7222. Spanish speaking staff available.
Raíces y Ritmos
Sunday, September 14 | 8 am - 12 pm
Join us for a rejuvenating outdoor experience that blends movement, nature, and mindfulness. Together we’ll begin with grounding yoga, continue with a gentle guided hike through the canyon, and finish with breathwork and a restorative sound bath. This special program is designed to connect you to the rhythms of the land while offering time to relax, restore, and reflect.
We’re proud to partner with Evolutions Yoga, owned by Inland Empire native and Latino entrepreneur Joseph Ortega, who brings his passion for wellness and community to this event.
Ages 12+
Registration Required. Click here to register, or call our office at 760-325-7222. Spanish speaking staff available.
Night Walk with Friends of the Desert Mountains
Friday, September 19 | 5:30 pm - 9 pm
Experience the magic of a summer evening with a captivating nature walk through the preserve! We’re thrilled to welcome our esteemed partners, Friends of the Desert Mountains, who will join us on this unforgettable adventure. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity—check out the flier and sign up using the link below!
Transportation and Food Provided
Registration Required. Click here to register. Registration opens September 2, 2025.
Danza Azteca
Saturday, September 20 | 1 pm - 2 pm | Limited Parking
We are thrilled to present Danza Azteca Citlaltonac, a Mexican indigenous ceremonial group and non-profit organization based in the eastern coachella valley. Their work focuses on Preservation, Education, Advocacy and Mental health through workshops, including Ceremonial Dancing, Drumming, Traditional Medicine, Storytelling, Music, Poetry, Arts and Crafts, and Talking Indigenous Circles. Join us for a danza presentation by Danza Azteca Citlaltonac, where you'll explore the Indigenous ceremonial traditions of Mexico through movement and storytelling.
No Reservations Required.
Vida en el Canon Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, September 20 | 11 am - 3 pm | Limited Parking
Discover life in the canyon with our nature exploration activity! This self guided scavenger hunt will help you learn about some plants and animals that live on the preserve, alongside some fun facts in English and Spanish. Pick up an I.D. sheet from the naturalist education table to start exploring.
No reservations required.
Wildman Dan Show
Sunday, September 21 | 11:30 am - 3:30 pm | Limited Parking
Daniel Quinones is a reptile specialist with a passion for educating audiences about the amazing world of reptiles. Through interactive, live reptile shows, Daniel introduces people of all ages to snakes, lizards, arachnids, and other fascinating creatures. Each show is designed to be fun, educational, and hands-on, blending science with storytelling to teach about reptile behavior, habitats, adaptations, and the important role they play in the environment. Daniel creates a safe and exciting experience where curiosity thrives and fears are replaced with fascination.
No reservations required
Juegos en el Parque
Sunday, September 21 | 11 am - 3 pm | Limited Parking
Enjoying the outdoors is more than just hitting the trails—it's about having fun together! Take a break from technology and reconnect with nature through family-friendly outdoor games. Join our naturalists for a lively afternoon featuring Parque Lotería, Giant Jenga, Giant Connect 4, Wildlands Cornhole, crafts and more!
No reservations required
LEAVE NO HUELLAS!
As we enjoy a fun week Disfrutando y Conservando Nuestra Tierra remember to “Leave No Huellas!”
This short film was created in collaboration with Latino Outdoor Inland Empire and The Wildlands Conservancy's Whitewater Preserve. This film features some important "Leave No Trace Principles" that help us all #recreateresponsibly.
There are 7 Principles of Leave No Trace that provide easy to follow guidelines to help minimize our impact when visiting the outdoors.
For more information about the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
