On Friday, August 22nd, the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund’s FUTURO scholars made waves on the banks of the Black’s Creek in Bordentown for their annual kayaking voyage. The program, facilitated by the D&R Greenway Land Trust, challenges students to work together, engage with the region’s natural resources, and begin envisioning the part they will play in preserving the majesty of the Delaware River.

The much-anticipated collaboration between LALDEF and D&R Greenway Land Trust has become a transformative opportunity for Trenton students to engage with the natural environment and enjoy access to outdoor education. This yearly voyage meaningfully dismantles disparities in accessing outdoor recreation and empowers students to engage with the natural world, helping to pave the way for the next generation of environmental stewards. 

“FUTURO’s annual kayaking trip with the D&R Greenway Land Trust is a much-anticipated highlight of the year” says Cecy Jimenez-Weeast, Executive Director of LALDEF. “For many of our students, this is the first time they’ve had the opportunity to get on the open water and learn about the wealth of natural resources within our communities. There is no greater joy than seeing our students embark on this wonderful adventure, resulting in precious memories for both students and staff alike.”

“My favorite kayak trip of the season is when D&R Greenway hosts an annual trip with LALDEF (Latin American Legal Defense & Education Fund).”says Lisa Bruno,  D&R Greenway’s Kayak Program Manager.  “The students are usually new to the waterways although they demonstrate natural paddling abilities and an authentic passion for kayaking.  It is inspiring to hear our participants say they are enthusiastic to kayak again.” In addition to the Kayak Education Program at Bordentown Beach, D&R Greenway offers The Discovery Center at Point Breeze, located at 101 E. Park Street. Learn more at www.drgreenway.org

FUTURO is a high-impact youth mentoring program for low-income immigrant and first-generation youth. The program provides support, over the course of two years, to help prepare students for the college application and enrollment process. Services provided include academic support, one on one mentoring, tutoring, application assistance, hands-on worktrips, college visits, and more. Since its inception, the FUTURO program has graduated more than 500 students and assured their enrollment in college. To learn more, please visit the LALDEF website, linked here: https://laldef.org/futuro/.

As the fight for a more equitable outdoors continues, one thing remains clear: access today begets stewardship tomorrow, and experiences like these help our communities set sail towards a brighter future for all. 

About the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund:

Founded in 2004, the mission of the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund (LALDEF) is to is to promote the rights of all immigrants (with a focus on the Latin American community in the Mercer County area); facilitate access to health care, education and legal representation; advocate for the integration of immigrants; and foster intercultural communication to strengthen our communities. To learn more or to support LALDEF, please visit www.laldef.org. You can also follow LALDEF on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About D&R Greenway Land Trust: 

D&R Greenway Land Trust is an accredited nonprofit that has reached a new milestone of over 22,000 acres of land preserved throughout central New Jersey since 1989. By protecting land in perpetuity and creating public trails, it gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. The land trust’s preserved farms and community gardens provide local organic food for residents of the region—including those most in need. Through strategic land conservation and stewardship, D&R Greenway combats climate change, protects birds and wildlife, and ensures clean drinking water for future generations.

D&R Greenway’s mission is centered on connecting land with people from all walks of life.

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