Reston, VA – This weekend, the National Wildlife Federation recognized José González, the founder of Latino Outdoors and a long-time professional educator with its National Conservation Education Award.

"González is an artful educator and creative thinker who inspires the Latino community and everyone who works with him,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “As the founder of Latino Outdoors, Gonzales is creating a national network of conservation leaders who are expanding and amplifying the Latino experience in the outdoors.”

The ceremony took place at the National Wildlife Federation’s annual meeting and celebration of the 80th anniversary of its founding, held in Estes Park, Colorado. The National Conservation Education Award honors educators who promote environmental and conservation awareness.

José González: National Conservation Education Award

José González is an experienced educator in formal and informal education settings with an array of associated interests in the arts, education, conservation, and the environment. He has broad experience as a K-12 public education teacher, environmental education advisor, outdoor education instructor and coordinator, and university adjunct faculty. He received his BA at the University of California, Davis, and his MS at the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources & Environment. As a Program Coordinator at San Jose State University with the California Mini-Corps Program, González trained and led groups of undergraduate students providing direct instructional services to migrant students in partner school districts and in outdoor education programs. José González is also the founder of Latino Outdoors. With roots in the past, a presence in the present and vision for the future, Latino Outdoors is a network of leaders committed to engaging Latinos in the outdoors, connecting families and youth with nature, and empowering their community of storytellers to explore and share their personal experiences. In his capacity at the head of Latino Outdoors, González fosters opportunities and builds collaborations with organizations seeking to diversify their outdoor and conservation programs; and conducts trainings, workshops, and speaking engagements around such topics. In fact, José often serves as a peer advisor to NWF California Director, Beth Pratt-Bergstrom, on a number of topics around urban community wildlife to youth and diversity in the environment. González has proven himself an artful educator and creative thinker in his work to engage, connect, empower and inspire, not only the Latino community but everyone who works with him.