From 2009 to 2013, Environment for the Americas worked with partners across the U.S. to examine ways to improve Latino visitation to natural areas and participation in science and outdoor experiences. Team Naturaleza in Washington’s Wenatchee River Valley is a result of outreach in that area. With the support from multiple agencies, including U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other non-governmental agencies, the community works together to introduce youth and adults to the Valley’s natural resources.
Project Director: Elisa Lopez
Elisa was born and raised in Wenatchee, WA surrounded by apple and cherry orchards. Her favorite parts in Wenatchee have always been natural spaces such as trails, rivers, and parks. This sparked an interest in the environment for her and a sense of responsibility for it.
She attended Washington State University and earned her degree in Zoology. Elisa is now the Project Director for Team Naturaleza where she gets the opportunity to share her passion for the outdoors with youth and bilingual families. Her hope is that her work will inspire the people she works with to also develop a sense of responsibility for the environment through experiences and education.
Learn more about the adventures of Team Naturaleza on Facebook.