By Josie Gutierrez, 2024 Texas Women in Conservation Honoree 

As we near the end of 2024, I’ve thought a lot about my time as a Texas Women in Conservation honoree. Through my work with Latino Outdoors and partner organizations like Audubon Texas, I’ve had the opportunity to share my love of Mother Earth with countless people. And today, I want to encourage you to do the same. 

My love of nature has followed me for as long as I can remember. But the outdoors didn’t always seem as accessible as they do today, and I sometimes struggled to feel like I belonged in these spaces. 

But what I eventually realized is that the outdoors — our city, state and national parks, lakes, rivers, forests, beaches, mountains and beyond — have always been there to welcome us with open arms. Sometimes, the only thing standing between us and the magic that awaits us outside is ourselves. 

Changing this mindset is part of what makes my work so rewarding. As a Latina, I’m always encouraging my community — mi gente — to find that special place or activity that makes them feel one with nature. And there’s no shortage of things to do. Biking, hiking, swimming, canoeing, bird watching, fishing, camping, and the list goes on. 

Finding an enjoyable place to have and share these experiences can be even more fulfilling. For me, it’s Big Bend National Park. 

Located in Far West Texas, Big Bend has so much to offer. Mountains, valleys, rivers, streams, lush vegetation and the unforgiving terrain of the Chihuahuan Desert. Waking up to crisp mountain air and going to sleep with a sky full of billions of stars overhead. There are few places on Earth that are equally majestic and unforgiving, making it a treasured part of our state.  

Massive parks, though, can sometimes feel like a daunting place to get acquainted with these kinds of adventures. But that’s where community becomes such an important part of your journey. And the biggest thing I can encourage you to do is to ask questions. Lots of them.  

If you’re going to a bigger park, do some research and reach out to the park ahead of time for recommendations, packing tips, and even about what areas of the park might be more modern or primitive. But enjoying the outdoors doesn’t always mean embarking on a major trip or excursion. Go to a nearby recreation area, find a walking or hiking group, or even watch birds at a city park. 

While you're there, don’t hesitate to spark connections. Nature has a way of breaking down boundaries. I think about how this rings so true at Big Bend, where you can cross the Rio Grande into Boquillas, a humble Mexican community that thrives on the tens of thousands of visitors who come to the park every year.  

Seeing people connect over their love of the outdoors brings me such joy, a true highlight of the work I get to do every single day. And I encourage you to share the love you have for nature with others, too. It’s how we grow our community — and it’s especially important for the success and vitality of future generations of conservationists to see and know people who care about this critical work. 

Lastly, I encourage you to help honor other women who are making waves in conservation and connecting people with the outdoors and all they have to offer. Audubon Texas is currently accepting nominations for their 2025 Texas Women in Conservation awardees through December 13, and I encourage you take this opportunity to honor the work and dedication of the special women who continue to open doors and lead in this field. For more information, visit the Audubon Texas website.  

Receiving this award has been an incredible honor, one that I credit so many other women with helping me along my journey towards protecting and celebrating all that makes the outdoors so special. I hope your end of year celebrations are fulfilling, and I hope our adventures lead to our paths crossing very soon!