An assessment of natural resource outreach and conservation education program preferences for Latino audiences associated with the Sam Houston National Forest in Texas

摘要

As Latino population size continues to increase, it is imperative that natural resource professionals identify ways to reach diverse audiences with conservation messages. This study assessed tools, methods and techniques of a conservation education and community outreach pilot program designed to reach Latino audiences. A survey was conducted on 16 study sites within 60 miles of Sam Houston National Forest in Texas. Findings from analysis of 321 Latino respondents indicated that, on average, Latinos preferred information and programmatic delivery in Spanish. Latinos exhibited an affinity for the use of the semi-bilingual Forest Information Team, los Amigos del Bosque "Friends of the Forest" and the Bosque Movil "Forest Mobile", mobile outreach station.;Latinos expressed high levels of interest in eight conservation topics presented in the survey instrument with 89% or greater being interested or very interested in each of the topics. Nearly 80% of all respondents were either likely or very likely to attend a conservation education program related to the eight conservation topics of interest. The top three outdoor recreation activity areas of interest in receiving information were wildlife viewing, picnicking and boating.;Implementation of recommendations based on these findings will certainly assist agencies and organizations in improving conservation education programs and community outreach opportunities designed to reach Latino audiences. Providing more opportunities for Latino communities to learn about conservation of natural resources and to become involved in stewardship opportunities will aid natural resource professionals in the management of public lands with the support of an informed Latino citizenry that better understands and supports natural resource conservation and management.