Preserving parks and other open spaces is a priority for residents in my district, and for me too. Many of us shared a similar upbringing. Unable to go on exotic sounding vacations like Disneyworld, most of us took to the hills. On weekends, my family would pack a picnic and go to a park.
Read MoreEngaging people in our rich history not only protects Hispanic culture, it also reminds people of the important role the community has played in this country’s evolution and often inspires them to get more involved in activities that help strengthen our communities.
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The U.S. Department of the Interior regularly leases public lands in order to extract natural resources, but that leasing process has not always been fair to the citizens of this country who are collectively the technical owners of these public lands. Which federal public lands do you think deserve protections?
During my childhood in Las Vegas I got to enjoy regular family outings to a slew of landscapes, from deserts and dry lakebeds, to marshland and forests. I remember gazing upon breathtaking sights that expanded my outlook on life and put into perspective my place in nature.
Read More"Spending time outdoors has always been a renewal to me, almost like going to church. In the hardest times of my life when I was facing adversity, I found that being outdoors, camping and spending time alone in nature rejuvenated me, brought me back, and cleared my vision of life.
Read MoreYou didn’t have to tell the kids to get outside and go hiking to get some exercise. That’s what we were always doing – we just didn’t call it that. You didn’t even have to hop in a car to go to a park or the woods. It was right out our back door. And with every action, we were getting acquainted with our natural resources and deepening our bonds with our planet and our heritage.
Read MoreSome of my favorite memories with my daughter, Vida, have been watching her as she explores her surroundings and challenges her own physical limits. At four years old, she has become acutely aware of her environment, even showing concern for the smallest creatures and things. It was Vida, in fact, that brought our love of hiking to our family.
Read MoreLast week, I attended a very informative event in Albuquerque organized by the Moms Clean Air Force. The public discussion addressed the impacts of oil and gas development on New Mexico communities. As many people know by now, the largest methane “hotspot” hovers over northern New Mexico, and oil and gas development in New Mexico is affecting communities water, air and access to public lands.
Read MoreEven so, I know for some, getting outdoors may seem daunting. There is a lot of equipment available and it seems like there are new products every day, designed to make your hiking and camping easier or more enjoyable. But in some ways, trying to make things easier has made them seem more out of reach.
We need more diversity in outdoor activities, including those jobs that cater to hikers, campers, hunters and anglers. HECHO has asked me to provide some tips to help others develop lifelong skills outdoors and I am happy to help!
Read MoreSeeing the wide-eyed faces of those kids and hearing their questions reinforced why I was there. I can be a part of shaping policy that affects our land, air and water, and that will ensure these kids have years of outdoor experience to look forward to.
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