How Hispanic-led organizations are strengthening Chesapeake Bay restoration

In the Chesapeake Bay region, the Hispanic population is over 1.4 million people—approximately 8% of watershed residents. However, Hispanic communities are too often left out of environmental decisionmaking and underutilized as stewards. Working to close the gap between communities across the watershed, these five Hispanic-led environmental groups target Latinx communities in their work to get them more involved in programs that boost environmental literacy, advocacy and restoration. 

Chispa Maryland

Spanish for “spark,” Chispa is a community organization dedicated to engaging, elevating and empowering Latinx communities to tackle issues related to climate and environmental justice. With programs active in six states across the country including Maryland, the organization takes a grassroots approach, carrying out campaigns and initiatives that turn Latinx community members into protectors of clean air and water. The work at Chispa relies heavily on volunteers known as “promotores” who are Latinx community members who take a skills workshop where they learn the necessary tools and skills needed to address environmental issues where they live. In Maryland, there are over 125 promotores who build relationships in their communities and expand environmental literacy.

Latino Health Initiative

Since their founding in 2000, the Latino Health Initiative (LHI) has been working to address health, language, economic and professional disparities impacting Latinx communities in Montgomery County, Maryland. Recognizing that climate and environmental impacts are public  health concerns, LHI incorporates environmental-related components into their various programs. For example, LHI hosts a “Charlemos con Zumba” or Let’s Chat with Zumba exercise program, that promotes physical activity and social connection while community partners present on current climate related topics. Presenters are able to educate participants on climate issues and make the connection to its impact on individual health and well-being. Participants also receive climate action kits that encourage them to make changes at home that benefit themselves and the environment. LHI has also hosted film festivals and capacity building workshops, and provides educational resources on their website in Spanish. 

Naturally Latinos - Nature Forward

Since its launch in 2017, the Naturally Latinos Conference hosted by Nature Forward has focused on the needs and interests of Latinx environmental professionals, advocates, educators and nature enthusiasts across the Bay watershed and beyond. 

Each conference has featured a different theme and brings speakers who are leaders in the Latinx environmental professionals community. The multi-day event consists of sessions and panels that discuss implications of various environmental disparities among Latinx communities as well as stories and lessons learned from speakers and organizations. The event also has a day dedicated to outdoor activities for participants to immerse themselves in nature. 

The upcoming 2026 Naturally Latinos Conference is themed “Fortaleciendo Comunidades y ecosistemas” or Strengthening Communities and Ecosystems, and will continue important conversations and make room for Latinx professionals to expand their networks. 

EcoMadres

Another national program that has state-based field teams in the Bay watershed, EcoMadres is a community of parents and caregivers who come together to help Latinx communities fight for clean air, a stable climate and protections from toxic chemicals. EcoMadres recognizes that Latinx children are at greater risk to health issues posed by environmental factors than other groups, and works to address the roots of the problems. The organization’s primary goal is to educate the community about the relationship between environmental issues and human health, so that affected individuals can advocate and demand solutions from policymakers.

ecoLatinos

Focusing their work in communities across the Chesapeake Bay region, ecoLatinos aims to amplify the voices of Latinx communities in their fight for social and environmental justice through outreach, education and advocacy. The organization takes a culturally sensitive approach to its programing, offering consulting services, educational campaigns and community outreach that is bilingual and culturally-relevant to Latinx communities. 

EcoLatinos also hosts various youth programs with the goal of instilling a passion and understanding of the environment at a young age. Environmental education and immersive activities allow Latinx youth to expand their access to the outdoors and open opportunities for environmental studies and potential career paths. With environmental fields often lacking in representation from various demographic groups, youth focused programs such as those at ecoLatinos can make a world of difference in the future of Bay restoration. 

While Latinx communities are becoming much more involved in environmental spaces than they have been historically, there is still plenty of work to be done in making them an equal voice in decision making. Organizations, events and programs that amplify the voices of Latinx communities are crucial to the future of the Bay, as well as the environment in general. By empowering Latinx communities to take part in environmental decision-making, these organizations are not only fostering involvement but also strengthening the foundation for a cleaner, healthier Chesapeake Bay.