A new movement is taking root in Wisconsin’s outdoor spaces. One grounded in culture, community, and the belief that nature belongs to everyone. Latino Outdoors, a national organization dedicated to expanding outdoor access and representation for Latino communities, has officially launched its first Wisconsin chapter in Madison.
For chapter founder Ariel Barrios Jr., the journey to this moment was as organic as it was unexpected. “It truly came together in a beautiful and unexpected way,” Barrios recalled. “I first met Karim, a passionate climber from Madison, at a climbing festival in Yosemite. Through him, I met Kassandra Luna, Beny Romo, Josue Piedra Gómez, and Angela Tinajero, all of whom shared the same passion for the outdoors and for community. When I mentioned starting a Latino Outdoors chapter here, everyone jumped in right away.”
Barrios, who moved from Chicago to Madison a few months ago, immediately noticed something was missing. “My partner Kassandra used to joke, ‘Where are all the Latinos hiding?’” he said with a laugh. “Once I got here, I realized she was right. Our community was here but often scattered or unseen.”
In Chicago, he explained, “there are countless spaces that celebrate community — whether BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or both.” In Madison, that visibility wasn’t as strong. “I wanted to bring that same sense of belonging here,” he said. “And once we started organizing events, we began to meet more and more of our gente. Watching those connections grow has been incredibly powerful.”
Outdoor recreation in Wisconsin can sometimes feel intimidating or exclusive, Barrios acknowledged. “We know that outdoor spaces can often feel uninviting when you don’t see people who look like you or share your background,” he said. “Latino Outdoors Wisconsin changes that by creating spaces where our community feels seen, safe, and celebrated.”
That mission comes to life through bilingual, family-friendly, and culturally grounded events — all offered free of charge to remove financial barriers. Whether hiking, kayaking, or simply gathering in a park, the chapter centers “joy, connection, and belonging over performance or experience level,” Barrios explained. “We’re redefining what ‘outdoorsy’ looks like. The outdoors belong to all of us.”
Since its launch, the chapter has already established connections with local schools, nonprofits, and organizations interested in collaboration. “It’s been truly heartwarming,” Barrios said. “That’s what Latino Outdoors is all about — building community and creating meaningful connections.”
The Latino Outdoors team recently hosted its first event at the local Greater Heights Climbing Gym. This free rock climbing session brought together approximately fifteen attendees from across Madison and the surrounding areas — many of whom were meeting for the first time. “It was incredible to see people come together, support each other, and try something new,” Barrios said. “Moments like that show exactly why this chapter matters.”
In Wisconsin, some of the biggest barriers to outdoor access are visibility, cost, and the lack of culturally welcoming spaces. The group addresses those challenges by prioritizing safety, inclusion, and cultural relevance in every event. “We want Latino families and youth to feel proud, welcomed, and fully part of Wisconsin’s natural spaces,” he said.
Barrios and the other volunteers: Luna, Romo, Piedra Gómez, and Tinajero, have big plans for their first year, including outings to local gems like Devil’s Lake State Park, a place close to Barrios’s heart. “Growing up in Chicago, I had no idea that such a beautiful place existed so close to home,” he said. “Being there felt like stepping into another world. I want to share that same spark with our community.”
Looking ahead five years, Barrios envisions a thriving, confident community taking up space across Wisconsin’s parks and trails. “Success isn’t just about the number of events we host,” he said. “It’s hearing someone say, ‘I never thought the outdoors was for me until now.’”
For families who might feel hesitant about getting outdoors, Barrios has a simple message: “The outdoors truly belong to you, too. You don’t need fancy gear or experience — just the willingness to show up as you are.”
”Nature doesn’t judge — it embraces us,” he added. “Whether it’s your first hike, your first paddle, or your first time simply sitting under the trees, you have a community waiting for you. You belong here.”
To learn more about Latino Outdoors Wisconsin, follow them on Instagram @lo_wisconsin or visit latinooutdoors.org.
