Conservation

The goal of our Conservation Program is to help diversify the outdoors by engaging our community members to advocate for the protection of public lands and increasing the educational and recreational opportunities for  Latinx community members in the Coachella Valley.

Nuestro Desierto - CactusToCloud & COFEM

Last October, COFEM-Coachella (2021), and our partner CactusToCloud Institute applied for the highly competitive Outdoor Equity Grant Program from the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The California State Parks & Recreation received 384 applications and only 125 applications were approved. We are thrilled to announce that we are one of the lucky 125 applicants. 

Ideal applicants for the Nuestro Desierto Program are young adults intending to pursue their education after high school, supplement college coursework, and/or seek early career development. Preference may be given to individuals from low-income or mixed-immigration status households in and near the City of Coachella.   Listed below is a sneak peek of what you can expect! 

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• UC Naturalist Course + college credits

• Visits to some of the most iconic CA National Parks

• Exclusive visits to local UCR Research Centers

Space is limited to 20 Students. To learn more about this program, join our next Information Session on Thursday, August 11, at 5 PM in the Coachella Library.

Public Lands Defenders Workshop Series

This educational workshop series is focused on helping our community members learn more about their public lands and national monuments. They are offered twice a year, in English and Spanish.

Registration for our Fall 2022 session in Spanish will open soon. Stay tuned to register and for updates!

30 x 30 Campaign

Our staff and our 2021 Public Land Defenders graduates engaged in advocacy efforts to help ensure our California Deserts were included as part of California's 30x30 Plan by participating in California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) meetings for 2021-2022.

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COFEM is proud to announce that our Conservation Program Manager was selected to be the co-lead representing the Inland Empire Region, and continuing this effort on behalf of our deserts.  

Latino Conservation Week Activities

Join other Coachella Valley Latinx community members to explore and help give back to nature. All events are free to attend, but registration is required. 

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2022 Events included  

• Public Lands Defenders Graduation Camping Trip at UC James San Jacinto Mountain Reserve

• Family Day at Mount San Jacinto State Park

• Latinx Voices in Nature (online)

• Sunset Walk at Whitewater Preserve

• Stargazing Hike with Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz in the Mecca Hills Wilderness area.

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Stay tuned to this page for updates and to register for 2023 Latino Conservation Week events.