🌿Raices de la tierra
Where Culture, Nature, and Community Come Together
Raíces de la Tierra is a culturally-rooted, nature-based program designed to support families through creativity, environmental connection, and community healing. Inspired by ancestral traditions and guided by community wisdom, including contributions from partners like North Creek Network, we create bilingual spaces where children, youth, and caregivers reconnect with their stories, honor their identities, and build a sense of belonging.
What We Do
Our projects
Raices de la Tierra offers culturally grounded, nature connected activities that nurture identity, community, environmental awareness, and creativity. Our programs are intentionally accessible to low income, immigrant, multilingual, neurodivergent, and LGBTQ+ families so everyone can experience belonging, joy, and connection.
Air Quality Flag program
Raices de la Tierra uses the official Air Quality Flag Program from AirNow to help families understand daily outdoor air conditions. Each morning, we check the Air Quality Index and display the correct flag color so children and caregivers can make safe decisions about outdoor activity. The program teaches families how air quality affects health and when to adjust outdoor play. This supports our commitment to environmental learning and community wellbeing.
To check the air quality in your area, visit the AirNow website below.
Summer Camp
A free, five day environmental camp for low income families, held in a four acre riparian forest along salmon spawning grounds. Camp activities include:
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Environmental science
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Land stewardship and restoration
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Salmon fry release
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Watershed and creek exploration
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Foraging and food preparation
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Upcycling and recycled art
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Cultural storytelling
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Restorative circles
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Movement, sports, and outdoor play
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Guest naturalists, artists, and cultural leaders
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Nutritious meals prepared together
The camp is fully bilingual and neurodiversity affirming. Youth participate in ways that match their sensory needs, learning styles, and personal interests. Families who often experience barriers in traditional outdoor programs find a welcoming, safe, supportive environment where their cultures, languages, and strengths are honored.
Conversation Circles
Monthly bilingual circles that bring families together to explore identity, culture, belonging, emotional expression, and community care. These circles offer a safe and supportive space where every voice is heard and valued.
Monthly Community Day
A monthly gathering focused on nature, creativity, and cultural connection. Families participate in:
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Eco Art using recycled and natural materials
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Creek walks and environmental learning
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Cultural music and drumming
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Storytelling and intergenerational sharing
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Restoration projects with community partners
This consistent gathering helps reduce isolation and builds strong community relationships, especially for immigrant and multilingual families who often lack safe places to connect.
🌱 Our Commitment and Impact
Raices de la Tierra provides accessible, bilingual, and inclusive nature based experiences that support family wellbeing and celebrate cultural identity. We welcome immigrant, low income, multilingual, neurodivergent, and LGBTQ+ families, creating spaces where every child and caregiver feels safe, respected, and connected. Through hands on environmental learning, creative expression, restorative practices, and outdoor exploration, families build confidence, deepen their relationship with nature, and strengthen community bonds. Our programs are continuously shaped by family feedback, reflection circles, and intentional evaluation to ensure they remain responsive, culturally rooted, and impactful.
🏆 Partnerships and Recognition
Raices de la Tierra is strengthened by meaningful partnerships and community collaboration. We work closely with:
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North Creek Network
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Restoration 4 All
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UW Bothell
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Local artists, cultural leaders, and volunteers
The Well Being Community Center, home of Raices de la Tierra, received the Sound Green Solutions Award in recognition of its leadership in environmental restoration and youth engagement. This award reflects our shared commitment to ecological stewardship, community empowerment, and culturally rooted education.
