New Ways to Connect with and Explore our National Parks

Event Details:

Join us and our partner, Nature Valley, on April 19 for a virtual Park Talk to hear from three national park advocates whose transformative park experiences were brought to life through our recent video series. 

Attendees will hear firsthand from panelists about lifechanging experiences in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Blackwell School National Historic Site and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Through the experiences of the panelists, you will learn the important role parks play in celebrating our history and culture and learn how to create your own unique and transformational park story!

Event Details
When: Wednesday, April 19, 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. ET︱5:30 – 6:30 p.m. PT
Where: Online; Zoom information will be provided when you RSVP
Co-Host: Nature Valley
Partners since 2009, NPCA and Nature Valley are celebrating and bringing awareness to the historical and cultural heritage of our Hispanic and Latino communities – while generating greater access to nature by preserving these public lands and national park sites.

RSVP

Featured Speakers:

Araceli Hernandez, Program Manager at Nature for All
Araceli Hernandez is a community activist from the Los Angeles San Fernando Valley who is passionate about connecting youth and underserved families to the outdoors. She founded 818hikes, a ‘zine focused on trails that are accessible by bus that later led to a social justice-focused hiking group. Araceli formerly led the Leadership Academy Program and Community Transit Program for Nature for All, a Los Angeles nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that everyone in the Los Angeles area has equitable access to the wide range of benefits which nature provides. Currently, Araceli as a Program Manager for an outdoor equity-based program in Panorama City and North Hills with Nature for All.

Daniel Hernandez, Board Member at Blackwell School Alliance 
Daniel O. Hernandez is a public relations professional, community advocate, and a native of Marfa, Texas. He is a direct descendant of Blackwell School alumni and currently serves on the Blackwell School Alliance board of directors. Daniel is passionate about working with underrepresented communities and amplifying historically obscured stories. Daniel’s career spans more than a decade working in state and local government, news reporting, and volunteer service. Daniel is currently a Senior Associate at Be Clear where he develops and executes strategic communications in service of mission-aligned clients and organizations. He is also a board member and former singing member of the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus.

Cristina Noriega, Artist
Cristina Noriega was born and raised in San Antonio and uses her paintings and public art to celebrate the unique culture and landscape of San Antonio. In 2017, she was commissioned to paint a mural for San Antonio Missions when the National Historical Park received its UNESCO designation. Cristina is a self-proclaimed outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking and riding bikes on the San Antonio riverwalk with her family.