Themed “Perteneciendo: Nuestras Raíces, Nuestra Tierra (Belonging: Our Roots, Our Earth),” this multi-media experience provided virtual and in-person dialogue, presentations and performances focused on the needs and interests of Latine environmental professionals, environmental justice advocates, educators, and nature enthusiasts.

Spanish interpretation provided by Marisela Rumberg and Ines Alicea.

Keynote speakers:

Dr. Jessica Hernandez poses alongside a poster images of her book Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science.

Dr. Jessica Hernandez

Dr. Jessica Hernandez, author of the award-winning book Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science.

“Estoy encantada de elevar las voces de los pueblos originarios de América Latina en NLC 2024. Siendo una mujer indígena, es importante para mí representar a los antepasados y a las siete generaciones en mi trabajo.”

Vanessa García Polanco pictured at her computer.

Vanessa García Polanco

Vanessa García Polanco, researcher and Government Relations Director at the National Young Farmers Coalition.

“I am looking forward to being in community with fellow Latine leaders to celebrate our work for more inclusive nature-based solutions and spaces from education to advocacy.”

See more of the agenda below
(additional presenters to be announced):

Images of men working in a stream; a woman on her bicycle; and a young man in a kayak.

The conference also included two days of immersive outdoor nature experiences appropriate to the time of year. Attendees of Naturally Latinos 2024 were inspired, reinvigorated, and connected to a growing community of people bringing about environmental change.

For conference updates, please bookmark this page and join our email list by clicking here and selecting the Naturally Latinos Conference option.

Thank you to our generous sponsors:
US Forest Service logo
The Campbell Foundation logo
Howard Hughes Medical Institute logo
Trust for Public Land logo
Maryland Ornithological Society logo
American Bird Conservancy logo
Bonsai Leadership Group, LLC
Montgomery Parks logo
National Wildlife Federation logo
Potomac Conservancy logo
Casey Trees logo
Chesapeake Bay Trust Logo
Choose Clean Water Coalition logo
Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection logo
Montgomery County Green Bank logo
National Parks Conservation Association logo
One Montgomery Green/Safe Healthy Playing Fields logo