Event Recap: Cocktails and Conservation Happy Hour at La Flor de Calabaza
HECHO (Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors) proudly hosted the third installment of the Cocktails and Conservation education series at La Flor De Calabaza in Phoenix, Arizona on February 13 to present Happy Hour.
Those who attended learned about the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and the many ways in which it has helped to foster healthy communities and healthy landscapes in every state. HECHO Arizona Spokeswoman and Coconino County Supervisor, Elizabeth Archuleta spoke on the importance of protecting our open spaces, improving access of public lands and its connection to the Latino community.
“The LWCF is one of the most important pieces of legislation that has helped to conserve public lands that are vital to Latinx communities,” Archuleta said. “Not only does it protect our open spaces and improve access for everyone, but it represents a fundamental American value, that being able to recreate outdoors in national parks and public spaces, practicing centuries-old traditions is important,” said Archuleta.
Parks and Recreation Commission member, Isabel Chavez also spoke on their appointment and role in the Parks and Recreation Department, as well as on the importance of conservation education in communities.
“I’m a big proponent of education, and every event that HECHO has hosted is applicable to anybody, in any place,” Chavez said. “At another HECHO event, I was able to learn about healthy watersheds — a topic that was later covered in one of my department meetings, and it turned into a great conversation. By educating communities, we can help to change mindsets and offer new perspectives,” said Chavez.
The Cocktails and Conservation Education series serves to connect communities over various topics relating to conservation, public lands protection, healthy watersheds, wildlife habitats, climate change, and more. By educating communities about conservancy practices, HECHO unites people in the safeguarding of our precious public lands, and in urging appointed officials to do the same.
Visit the HECHO Events Tab to find a future Cocktails and Conservation Event near you.