Video Stories
NPCA & Nature Valley
National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and Nature Valley, supported by a $200,000 donation, are furthering the permanent protection of places and spaces that honor the people and stories who shaped our public lands. Through a video series we 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 public lands and national park sites.
The series features three videos highlighting transformational park experiences by national park advocates in Texas and California. These stories are told through the lens of recreation, accessibility and representation, and family heritage. Each story is further brought to life through a unique piece of artwork reflective of each advocate’s experience and emblematic of the park site special to them.
NPCA will be launching videos over the coming months – continue below to learn more about each video as well as NPCA’s local work supported by Nature Valley’s donation. And be sure to check back for the next video!
Josie Gutierrez shares her connection to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, demonstrating how park access allows people to connect to nature through recreation, while also providing a space to find peace and relaxation in the outdoors.
NPCA’s impact near this park site includes:
That's Why We've...
Utilizing the UNESCO World Heritage designation at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to increase protection and preservation of this park that is closely connected to the surrounding community and celebrates the blending and individual histories of Hispanic, Latino, Indigenous and Western cultures.
Continuing to increase the capacity of NPCA’s San Antonio/Austin Young Leaders Council to engage college students and young professionals in local park protection efforts – including immersion trips and service opportunities.
And more! Learn about NPCA’s work in Texas here.
Blog Post
Celebrating Places and Stories Within Nature: San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
The first video in a new series showcases park advocate Josie Gutierrez and how exercising in San Antonio Missions transformed her appreciation for this natural and historical space. Her passion for the national park is now spreading across generations within her community.
Daniel Hernandez shares his personal connection to Blackwell School National Historic Site, illustrating the importance of this site’s designation as a national park for his family, the community of Marfa, Texas and for all Americans.
Disclaimer: this video was filmed prior to the Blackwell School receiving its designation as a national park site in October 2022.
NPCA’s impact near this park site includes:
That's Why We've...
Securing National Park Service designation for Blackwell School in October 2022. NPCA has long led the charge for new national park sites dedicated to diverse history and this victory was the result of a comprehensive advocacy campaign led by NPCA and the Blackwell School Alliance with support from Congressional offices, West Texas communities and advocates across the country.
Continuing community-building and on-the-ground efforts to support and establish the new park site.
And more! Read about NPCA’s efforts to support Blackwell School here.
Blog Post
Celebrating Places and Stories Within Nature: Blackwell School National Historic Site
The second video in a new series showcases park advocate Daniel Hernandez and his deep generational connection to Blackwell School National Historic Site in Texas.
Araceli Hernandez shares why access to the outdoors is transformative for individuals and their communities – one visit to a national park is all it takes to inspire a lifetime love of parks and desire to introduce other people to public lands near them.
NPCA’s impact near this park site includes:
That's Why We've...
Leading an active advocacy campaign in support of the Rim of the Valley which would expand the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and increase cultural resources and connectivity for communities near this unique park site.
Engaging college students and young professionals to serve as ambassadors for NPCA’s park protection and help build a stronger outdoor and conservation community in Southern California through NPCA’s Los Angeles and California Desert Young Leaders Councils.
And more! Learn about NPCA’s work in California here.
Blog Post
Celebrating Places and Stories Within Nature: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
The third video in a new series showcases community activist Araceli Hernandez and her work to increase access to outdoor spaces in her community.
Inspiring people to connect to nature and public lands begins with learning about these special places.
Now that you know more about these park sites, we encourage you to:
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LEARNthe rich history and stories surrounding parks and public lands in your community
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CREATEyour own park story – explore parks with your friends and family
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SHAREthe importance of protecting these places and stories with others
Be sure to follow along on NPCA’s Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Vimeo and TikTok as new videos are released over the coming months!
Since 2009, NPCA’s partnership with Nature Valley, and the $4 million donated to-date, has helped protect and preserve – as well as raise awareness for ways to enjoy and give back to – our national parks. For more information about Nature Valley, visit www.naturevalley.com.
Learn about the challenges and opportunities facing national parks, then use your voice to advocate on their behalf.
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