Belonging can start with a single conversation on the trail. On a recent Saturday at Lake Lagunitas, the forest became a shared learning space for members of the Multicultural Center of Marin and One Tam partners from Marin Water and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. The bilingual outing focused on forest health and the water systems that connect Mt. Tamalpais to communities downstream.

The visit was part of the Center's new grant‑supported work to help community members understand where their drinking water comes from, the challenges facing those sources, and the solutions underway to protect them. It built on earlier trips to Bothin Marsh and Alcatraz that explored climate change and sea level rise through place‑based learning.

"This group is so amazing and eager to learn so they can go back into their community and be 'promotores' or supporters of environmental awareness," said Nopal Reyes, Program Manager for Climate Change Community Engagement at the Parks Conservancy. "Such a lovely day in the forest chatting about climate, change in our lives and parks, and how water connects us all."

By centering forest health, the outing highlighted how healthy ecosystems support clean water, wildlife, and human communities. It also reflected One Tam's mission to care for the mountain as one connected system, through collaboration that crosses agencies and communities.

Forest Walks in Spanish and English

Outings like the Multicultural Center of Marin visit, and the Parks Conservancy's recent Bilingual Birding events with Latino Outdoors and others, are developed with specific community partners to bring groups to the parks. At the same time, the One Tam partners are also exploring ways to invite the broader public into bilingual park experiences.

Available in both Spanish and English, our self-guided forest walks at Lake Lagunitas, Roy's Redwoods, and Rock Spring help visitors learn about fire, water, climate, and stewardship, at their own pace. Check out the maps to do the route yourself, or watch our fun video with Nopal and the Parks Conservancy's Zaira Sierra.

Bilingual resources like this lower language barriers and help more people feel confident visiting the parks on their own terms. They support One Tam's commitment to access and belonging, and to the idea that everyone has a place on Mt. Tamalpais.

Caring for the Mountain, Caring for Each Other

From bilingual forest walks to community‑led outings, these programs reflect One Tam's belief that caring for Mt. Tamalpais goes hand in hand with caring for the people who depend on it. By breaking down barriers such as language and transportation, One Tam, the Parks Conservancy, and our partners help more people see themselves as part of the mountain's story and its future.