This interview originated from Sol del Valle and has been translated for English readers.
Alejandro (Jando) Jaquez-Caro, — raised in the Colorado River and Roaring Fork valleys — is Wilderness Workshop’s new Latino Community Liaison for the Defiende Nuestra Tierra advocacy program. He brings fresh ideas to strengthen the community’s connection with public lands.
A graduate of Colorado Mountain College and Colorado Mesa University with a degree in geology, Jando finished school right as the COVID-19 pandemic began — a moment when everything slowed down, sparking in him a strong curiosity to travel and explore. With limited resources, he looked for accessible ways to do so.
During college, he worked as a tutor, which led him to develop an interest in education. Eventually, he found the opportunity to teach at a UNESCO-affiliated school in South Korea. He taught ecology and culture to students from 5th through 12th grade.
In his classes, he focused on global cultures, exploring with his students the food, clothing, language and customs from different parts of the world, all while encouraging English practice. His experience as an international educator inspired him to keep connecting with people through sharing culture and appreciating nature.
What are three words to describe you?
Adventurous, patient, mentor.
How did you discover your connection with nature?
I didn’t really start using public lands until I was 15 or 16, thanks to friends who already knew how to get permits to camp or fish. I feel like that access came late for me, and I know many people in our community still haven’t connected with these spaces. That’s why I want to invite them to take that first step and discover that public lands are for them too.
What advice would you give to someone just starting to explore
the outdoors?
My advice would be to explore different clubs and look online for the various trails in the area. Even so, I know it can sometimes be hard to find that information, so I want to offer myself as a resource for those just starting out. They can ask me questions about different topics and activities, including what kind of gear is needed. I’m happy to help them find their way to public lands.
What proposals do you bring to your position at Defiende Nuestra Tierra?
My main goal is to invite our community to feel welcome in outdoor spaces and recognize that public lands belong to everyone. Often, we don’t realize we have access to them, or the risks and policies that could affect these lands. I want to make practical information accessible, like how to read a map, get permits or licenses, and explore these spaces safely.
I also propose creating volunteer opportunities like planting, park maintenance and clean-ups, since many in the community have expressed interest in actively caring for these places.
What is one goal you have in your position?
One of my goals is to invite community members to participate in various meetings like those with members of Congress and county leaders. We want more people from our Latino community to come to the table and have their voices heard. We also want them to share the different impacts they’ve experienced in their lives.
What kind of activities do you enjoy participating in?
Whenever I have free time, I like to go fishing by the river. Lately, I’ve also started exploring maps and trails that lead to more secluded lakes — alpine lakes. I love the adventure of reaching little-known places where few have walked.
The world can be a very busy place. Remember to take breaks sometimes, get outside, and enjoy all the beautiful things that surround us in our lives.
For more information about advocating for public lands, visit “Defiende Nuestra Tierra” on Facebook or send a message to Jando via WhatsApp (970-274-8126) to learn more about these efforts, how to get involved in activities or ask about local trails.