Experience desert critters and biodiversity during Latino Conservation Week in St. George

Written by Stephanie DeGraw
July 17, 2023

ST. GEORGE — Anyone interested in getting up close and personal with reptiles and scorpions, or enjoying crafts and music, can do so during Latino Conservation Week, which begins Monday, July 17, and continues through Friday. Sponsor organization Conserve Southwest Utah will offer free daily activities to draw attention to the area’s biodiversity.

Conserve Southwest Utah volunteer Bryan Loya teaches children about reptiles during Latino Conservation Week in 2022, St. George, Utah, date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Conserve Southwest Utah, St. George News

“Latino Conservation Week is an annual celebration and awareness campaign fundamentally created to elevate voices, honor contributions and break down barriers that prevent inclusive access to outdoor recreation and conservation efforts,” Zach Valois, public lands program manager, wrote in an email to St. George News.

Valois said conservation and environmental awareness remain global issues. He hopes Latino Conservation Week extends beyond national borders and inspires communities worldwide to connect with nature and contribute to ecological preservation and sustainability. 

Since Southern Utah is losing biodiversity at a rate that outpaces scientific documentation, he said celebrations such as this one serve to foster the community’s understanding of the region’s biodiversity and cultural history. 

“We’ve chosen to highlight the importance of biodiversity,” Valois said. “This region hosts a transition zone between three major physiographic provinces — the Great Basin Desert to the northwest, Mojave Desert to the southwest and Colorado Plateau Desert to the east.”

He said such ecological transitions account for a remarkable array of plant and animal species, many of which are on the margins of their natural range.

“Individuals and communities cannot be expected to fully act upon and support conservation actions unless armed with a deeper understanding of local biodiversity,” he added.

Conserve Southwest Utah will continue to work closely with multiple diverse community members, local leaders and land managers to guide sustainable growth and resource management.

“By engaging in Latino Conservation Week, participants help us all foster a deeper understanding of natural and cultural history and environmental issues and inspire individuals to take action in their communities,” Valois said. “It serves as a reminder that we are all integral to the natural and cultural world.”

Inclusion is important to his staff, Valois added.

“We must continue to engage all voices regarding how we may achieve a balance between conservation and sustainable development practices,” he said. “The engagement of all community members, including Latino voices, is essential in finding conservation solutions that will benefit future generations.” 

Conserve Southwest Utah volunteers for 2023, St. George, Utah, date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Conserve Southwest Utah, St. George News

More than 11% of Washington County’s population identifies as Latino or Hispanic. Conserve Southwest Utah organizes Latino Conservation Week to make the community aware of natural resources, including the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. 

Planned events

Reptile Meet and Greet, Celebridades del Desierto

Attendees can stop by the Red Hills Desert Garden before the midday heat climbs for an up close and personal look at threatened, interesting local reptiles and other wildlife.

  • When: Wednesday, July 19, 9-11. a.m.
  • Where: Red Hills Desert Garden Slot Canyon/Fish Viewing Area, 375 Red Hills Parkway, St. George.

Desert Arachnid Nightwalk, Paseo del Alacrán

  • When: Friday, July 21, 9-10:30 p.m.
  • Where: Red Hills Desert Garden Pavilion, 375 Red Hills Parkway, St. George.

A local arachnid specialist will offer an easy nighttime walk along the trails of the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. The group will discuss the nocturnal lifestyles of this often-overlooked species and how many appear to have evolutionary roots in Central and South America.

This event is limited to 15 people — RSVP is requested.

Conservation Community Crafting Mixer, Hablando de Conservación

  • When: Saturday, July 22, 7-9 p.m.
  • Where: Pioneer Park Picnic Pavilion, 375 Red Hills Parkway, St. George, Utah.

Those who attend can make their voices heard by meeting fellow community members and sharing what conservation means in the form of a postcard. Free crafting activities for children, raffle prizes and light snacks and refreshments will be offered. Local artist Shangulu will provide casual Latin music.

Find a full list of events at this link.

Photo Gallery

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephanie DeGraw is an award-winning journalist. For 25 years, she engaged in journalism, broadcasting and public relations. DeGraw worked for the Salt Lake Tribune, Associated Press and The City Journals. She was a reporter for a CBS television station in Twin Falls, Idaho. She graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Broadcasting.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!