Many see the expansion of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument earlier this year as opening new horizons for improving lives. And they also saw it as a way to introduce the beauty of the mountains to populations that traditionally have not had much access.

So, the foundation hosted a hike, with the goal of enabling participants “to appreciate the natural beauty of this pristine wilderness and celebrates the joint efforts to preserve it.”

Those efforts culminated on May 2, when President Joe Biden signed a proclamation that expanded the size of the moment by nearly 110,000 acres.

The group also used the moment to teach about the efforts that led to the expansion.

Advocates for years have long said that the expansion provides access for populations that have not traditionally had access to recreational lands in the mountains. Among them are Latinos, who comprised much of the crowd gathered Saturday morning.

“Nature is part of Latino history, tradition, and culture. Yet Latinos in California are disproportionately affected by a lack of access to nature and its benefits,” said Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation, in a statement. “The San Gabriel Mountains make up 70% of Los Angeles County’s open space and are one of the few places where residents can enjoy nature.”