Event Recap: HECHO's Cocktails & Conservation Celebrates 50 Years of Earth Day
With the Grand Canyon set as their Zoom virtual backgrounds, over 20 community members came together virtually to celebrate Earth Day’s 50th anniversary with HECHO, enjoying a cocktail demonstration (a fan favorite, La Paloma), a virtual visit to the Grand Canyon, and climate change trivia.
Community members from across the nation participated in the event that was presented in partnership with the Grand Canyon National Park and the Grand Canyon Trust. Event presenters included HECHO Advisory Board and founding member, Elizabeth Archuleta, as well as Senior Advisor for the Stewardship and Tribal Programs at Grand Canyon National Park, Jan Balsom, Energy Program Director for the Grand Canyon Trust, Amber Reimondo, and Energy Program Associate for the Grand Canyon Trust, Megan Kelly.
“Despite being in unchartered territory as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve been grounded in our connections to family and community and are excited at finding new ways to interact while being apart,” HECHO Executive Director Camilla Simon said. “We’re delighted at being able to provide this event digitally, and at the prospect of being able to continue to host our Cocktails & Conservation education series this way for the foreseeable future,” said Simon.
The event provided information about what makes the Grand Canyon a Climate Friendly Park, sharing the park’s Climate Action Plan, as well as the threats of climate change at the park.
Rounding out the event, participants shared the ways in which they committed to implementing climate healthy practices, with answers ranging from reducing car travel by opting for bike travel instead, reducing consumption of single-use plastic, and incorporating a meatless day of the week into the calendar.
After the event, participants were surveyed to determine the success of the event, with attendees rating the event highly, and stating they would be extremely interested in future, monthly events. Based on participants suggestions, future event topics will range from conservation initiatives, being an advocate for public lands, and wildlife issues.
If you missed out on the event and would like to attend a future virtual Cocktails & Conservation, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter here.
To catch a recap of the event, view the video below:
