GreenLatinos’ Urban Greening Initiative Shows Climate Resilience Starts at Home
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 04/22/26
MEDIA CONTACT: Cumbia Padilla, Communications Coordinator, 707-382-8113, [email protected]
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — In celebration of Earth Month, GreenLatinos is proud to share the growing impact of its Urban Greening Initiative, a community-driven effort advancing climate resilience, environmental justice, and authentic local stewardship across Albuquerque.
From expanding urban tree canopy and community gardens to bolstering youth workforce development programs and neighborhood compost hubs, the initiative has delivered measurable environmental and community benefits since its launch in August 2025.
Over the past six months, the program has:
- Trained 18 BIPOC Youth as part of the NextGEN Agriculture and Urban Forestry Program
- Expanded a 3-acre orchard and food forest
- Distributed 12,000 pounds of food to families via local farms and local gardens
- Shared 530 produce bags and thousands of seedlings, helping neighbors grow food
- Diverted 3,000 pounds of food scraps away from landfills – becoming compost, supporting local agriculture
- 3,400 community members participated in workshops and events
- 3,500 volunteer hours supporting local farms and gardens
“During Earth Month, we celebrate the real impact of our urban greening initiatives. When we invest resources directly into the hands of our communities, our planet heals,” said Amanda Pantoja, Urban Greening Initiative Coordinator with GreenLatinos. “Our neighborhoods have been caring for the Earth for generations, and this stewardship continues every day in our Latino households and communities. Seeing our people lead urban greening projects with their own vision and hands shows that climate resilience is not just a goal—it is a reality we are building together.”
In Albuquerque, local organizations distributed nearly 12,000 pounds of fresh food, trained 18 BIPOC youth in agriculture and urban forestry, and expanded food forests, compost systems, and irrigation infrastructure. “Urban greening and urban farming have been vital to our communities in Albuquerque. Not only do these projects feed those in need, but they also build stronger bonds, teach the next generations about our traditional connections with the land, and help mitigate the inequitable effects of climate change," said Carlos Matutes, GreenLatinos New Mexico State Director.
This Earth Month, GreenLatinos reaffirms its commitment to investing in frontline communities and supporting community-led, culturally grounded solutions built for long-term climate resilience.
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Acerca de GreenLatinos
VerdeLatinos (NOTA: GreenLatinos es UNA PALABRA) es una comunidad activa de líderes latinos, envalentonados por el poder y la sabiduría de nuestra cultura, unidos para exigir equidad y desmantelar el racismo, con recursos para ganar nuestras batallas ambientales, de conservación y de justicia climática, y motivados para asegurar nuestras políticas, Liberación económica, cultural y ambiental.
VerdeLatinos (NOTA: GreenLatinos es UNA PALABRA) es una comunidad activa de líderes latinos/a/e, envalentonados por el poder y la sabiduría de nuestra cultura, unidos para exigir equidad y desmantelar el racismo, con recursos para ganar nuestra justicia ambiental, batallas de conservación, climáticas e impulsadas a asegurar nuestra Liberación política, económica, cultural y ambiental.
