New ears are perking up and tuning in to the Nuestra Tierra Conservation Podcast, an effort of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, Latino Outdoors, and the Friends of the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks.
Following on the success of the grassroots organization program by the same name that focuses on outdoor recreation and conservation education, the Nuestra Tierra Podcast targets a statewide and national audience of Hispanic listeners and other stakeholders in the conservation community.
“The idea behind Nuestra Tierra has always been to expand the reach and influence of the program beyond southern New Mexico to the entire state, across the West, and with this podcast, nationally, and internationally,” said NMWF Community Relations Director Gabe Vasquez. “If we are intentional about engaging more diverse audiences to learn and experience conservation issues that matter to them and their communities, we have to invest in resources like Nuestra Tierra and the Nuestra Tierra Conservation Podcast. This is part of our small role in making a positive impact in conservation education and advocacy in New Mexico and beyond.”
Episode 1
In the inaugural episode of the Nuestra Tierra podcast, host Gabe Vasquez sits down with Las Cruces archaeologist and conservation advocate Angel Peña; past NMWF president, Deming resident, and sportsman Ray Trejo; binational wildlife biologist and small business owner Fernando Clemente of Santa Teresa; and one of New Mexico’s strongest conservation champions, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, to discuss the proposed border wall on New Mexico’s border.
- Trejo on the border wall: “It’s very untamed and wild and that’s what I appreciate about it. People from New York City, Chicago, or Washington D.C. don’t have a full understanding of the landscape along the border.”
- Peña on the border wall: “Here on the borderland we have some of the last intact Chihuahuan Desert grasslands, and there are species here that are unique only to this part of the world, and they’re already disappearing. There are species here that have already disappeared that my daughter will never get to see.”
- Clemente on the border wall: “It’s a big ecosystem that is very fragile. Anything you do can lead to changes to the actual habitat, and has a big impact on the wildlife species. The ecosystem is huge but it’s more susceptible to damage from human interaction. You’re going to stop migration and diversity.”
- Heinrich on the border wall: “It’s a place I’ve gone to recreationally for many years. I hunt down there and camp with my family down there. It’s a really special place. It’s an incredibly biologically diverse place.”
Episode 2
In episode 2, Gabe Vasquez sits down with all-star crew of Latina women making an impact in conservation and outdoor recreation in New Mexico and across the country. Guests include New Mexico State Representative Angelica Rubio; brand coordinator, climber, and Latino Outdoors coordinator Maricela Rosales; National Parks Conservation Association Field Representative Laura Navar, Latino Outdoors San Antonio Ambassador Josie Gutierrez, and New Mexico Wildlife Federation Communications Director Susan Torres. This an episode not to miss, as Latina women across the country are making a huge impact in the conservation and protection of our natural resources and outdoor recreation experiences.
Episode 3
Ever thought about building a brand or small business related to outdoor recreation? These guys are doing it right. In this episode, Gabe Vasquez talks with Pablo Lopez, co-creator of the Monumental Loop and bike shop manager; Gregg Flores, videographer and owner of Where the River Runs; and Felix Hernandez, a hunter, environmental science teacher, and creator of New Mexico Avid Hunters. What do they all have in common? Tune in…. and find out!
To access the Nuestra Tierra Conservation Podcast, visit www.nuestra-tierra.org or search for “Nuestra Tierra Conservation” on your Apple iTunes/Podcasts app.
