Walking and Growing Together: A Community and Nature Encounter
This past Saturday, as part of Latino Conservation Week, we joyfully celebrated the activity “Walking and Growing Together”, a space designed to reconnect with nature, strengthen community bonds, and promote overall well-being in Azalea Park and Union Park. The day began with a community gathering, followed by a nature walk where families, neighbors, and leaders enjoyed the beauty of our surroundings. During the experience, participants engaged in relaxation and breathing exercises, as well as a spiritual blessing, reminding us of the importance of balance between spirituality, mental health, and caring for the environment.
Pedro Ayala
9/22/20251 min read
A Space to Grow as a Family
“Walking and Growing Together” was more than just a walk—it was also a space for learning and connection. Families shared valuable time together, reflected on the importance of caring for trees, and discovered how connecting with nature strengthens both personal and community resilience. This gathering reaffirmed that simple activities, such as walking together, are powerful tools to nurture mind, body, and spirit.
Bosque Comunitario de Fe – Nuestros Bosques
This activity is part of the Bosque Comunitario de Fe – Nuestros Bosques project, an urban ecological corridor in Central Florida that seeks to restore and protect green spaces, strengthen mental health, and create more united and resilient communities.
The project is led by Christ The King Episcopal Church, with the support of the Hispanic Access Foundation, and in collaboration with local organizations such as Renacer Foundation, Observatorio Ambiental Hispano, Corpus Care, and Calao Corp.
Acknowledgments
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mónica Vargas (@conmonicavargas) for guiding the relaxation and breathing exercises during the activity, and to Fr. Hoower Cajica (@hoowercajica) for offering the spiritual blessing that gave deeper meaning to this gathering.
We are also grateful to Colombian Coffee Growers (@colombiancoffeegrowers) for the coffee station that welcomed participants, and to Elemental 4 U (@4uelemental) for providing a shared breakfast table with fruit, cookies, and light food. Their support made this event a complete experience filled with energy, community, and gratitude.
What’s Next
“Walking and Growing Together” marked an important first step in building a community movement focused on conservation and well-being. This is only the beginning of many more gatherings that will bring together nature, community, and mental health for the benefit of all residents of Azalea Park.
Learn more about this project at www.bcfazalea.org, follow our activities on social media, and relive the best moments of this event in our Instagram post: View post
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