Cultural-immersion, Intercultural workshops and More
Eco-Alianza with Utah State University
Dr. Shannon Peterson’s Course
Dr. Shannon Peterson, Director of Global Programming at Utah State University, Justin Powell, Executive Director at Youthlinc, along with five students, joined us at Eco-Alianza de Loreto for a week of cultural-immersion, intercultural workshops, outdoor education, and leadership activities.
Dr. Peterson’s Intercultural Conflict workshops brought together Eco-Alianza staff and Utah State students in small teams to navigate real-world environmental negotiation scenarios, cultivating the culturally-nuanced skills essential for effective environmental leadership.
Beyond Eco-Alianza’s headquarters, the group traveled to Carmen Island to explore the ecological importance of estuaries, mangroves, as well as Loreto’s rich history of salt mining. The group also had the rare experience of visiting Coronado Island during rainfall. Across excursions, students engaged deeply with Loreto’s diverse ecosystems and observed species firsthand, including ample whale sightings and close encounters with dolphin pods. Hiking Tabor Canyon and horseback riding, offered further immersion in the region’s mountainous landscapes and native flora.
Coordinator of Environmental Education, Su Perez, invited the students and staff to lead teams of local children in a beach clean up, with an emphasis on collecting discarded cigarettes. The activity proved meaningful for participants of all ages, illuminating the environmental impact of everyday pollutants. Chemist Mario Jesus Moreno Reyes, led the students in dissecting the cigarettes to be cleaned, which will be repurposed into pencils during a future environmental activity, while explaining the exact process of material purification.
A special highlight of the visit was the presentation of a historic map from to Utah State University on behalf of Tony and Linda Kinninger. This map, one of the earliest known documentations of the Louisiana Purchase, will be housed in the university’s History Department.
Eco-Alianza remains a proud partner of Utah State University, and is both deeply gratified by the success of this collaboration and eager for those to come. These partnerships carry an added layer of significance in honoring the alma mater of Tony Kinninger, co-founder of Eco-Alianza de Loreto.
Empowering Our Youth: A Year of Environmental Stewardship and Community Action in Loreto.
We kicked off the year with a full agenda of dynamic and meaningful activities for children and youth in Loreto. We welcomed various school groups, and together developed workshops focused on water conservation and the importance of local ecosystems, strengthening their connection to the natural environment. The Nature Squad has shown remarkable growth, consolidating itself as an active space for youth participation. Its members are consistently engaged in activities designed specifically for them. Highlighting the importance of water, we organized a beach cleanup focused on cigarette butt collection—an impactful initiative that brought together students from the University of Utah, children from Calafia Elementary School, and the team from the Loreto Bay National Park. This inter-institutional collaboration reflects the power of working together to drive positive change in the community.
Internally, we continue to strengthen our capacities through two key workshops: one on waste separation and another on composting, recognizing the latter as a fundamental step toward more responsible waste management.
Join Us for the Loreto Film Festival on
April 24-25, 2026!
We are excited to unveil the Loreto Film Festival, set to take place in our beautiful community on April 24-25, 2026!
This extraordinary event in our outdoor theater will celebrate the art of cinema as a powerful medium for promoting conservation and raising environmental awareness. We’re thrilled to showcase the following confirmed films:
• The Way of the Whale by Franco Campos-Lopez Benyunes
• The Last Dive by Cody Sheehy
Each screening will feature engaging discussions with the filmmakers, providing an in-depth look at the stories behind their impactful works. Set against the backdrop of Loreto’s breathtaking skies, this outdoor festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Don’t miss it!
Her energy, sensitivity, and commitment make her a key ally in promoting a more conscious and sustainable future in our community. We are very excited about what’s to come! Join our environmental education workshops, participate, learn, and be part of the change.