Latino Outdoors held its first event of 2024 at Midpen’s Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve in early February. Participants on the hike entitled Amor y Amistad embarked on a four-mile adventure while making new connections, chatting with friends and learning about plants and wildlife along the way. Many of the participants sought out Latino Outdoors as a way to build community with others who share a similar background and an interest in exploring nature.
Latino Outdoors is a nationally recognized nonprofit that connects communities to the outdoors with a focus on Latino youth and families. The hike was the first of many made possible through a recently expanded two-year contract with Midpen. Midpen and Latino Outdoors have been partners since 2015, but have reviewed their partnership on an annual basis until now.
Latino Outdoors volunteer Eve Yaret Martinez found the organization when she was new to the Bay Area. She had done a lot of solo-hiking as an adult and joined the organization to inspire others.
Hike participant Mireya Casarez found Latino Outdoors through Facebook when she was searching for people to hike with following knee-replacement surgery.
"Latino Outdoors has given me the confidence to continue hiking and exploring new places, while learning about the public open space the Bay Area has to offer," Casarez said.
At the end of the Amor y Amistad hike, participants feasted on pupusas, a flatbread stuffed with beans and cheese originating from El Salvador and Honduras, at the trailhead.
"I'm excited about continuing our partnership with Midpen," Latino Outdoors San Francisco Bay Area Regional Coordinator Aurora Cortes said, "It's great to have our partners' support in getting our Latino Outdoors community out into nature."
Upcoming events as part of Midpen’s partnership with Latino Outdoors include:
- A springtime hike at Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve
- Backpacking at Black Mountain Camp in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve
- A summer trails virtual video series
Everyone is welcome to participate in these engaging outings and activities.