Springtime, also known a camping season, may be some time away, but it's already on the minds of many, including Latino leaders who are involved with national parks and historic sites. Latinos, on average, don't utilize national parks, greatly due the fact that camping isn't a cultural practice. Midy Aponte, the Founding Executive Director of the American Latino Heritage Fund of the National Park Foundation, hopes to change that, however.

The American Latino Heritage Fund of the National Park Foundation was established by Ken Salazer, former Secretary of Interior. The fund's inception was prompted by a desire to make sure that parks and the historical sites are the future setting for Latino communities to gather, and to create new memories; as well as "preserve, reflect and engage the diverse stories and communities of American Latinos throughout American History and for future generations."

Aponte spoke with NBC Latino about the lack of Latino presence in national parks, her background and why she thinks that it's important that Latinos become active participants in outdoor recreational culture. Born to Cuban parents, Aponte was drawn from a career in communications and business to the National Fund Foundation because she saw a deep need to change the national dialogue regarding Latinos and their presences in parks and historical sites, and to make effective changes in the park's department.

She stated that many don't see Latino history reflected in the parks, that many think that it's too expensive, too far, and simply not a cultural practice that Latinos share with other ethnic groups.

"We are little by little deconstructing that. Entries are usually $9 or $17, and no, you don't have to camp or need a membership. There are hotels and resorts." Aponte stated.

Aponte is the first to admit that she didn't grow up with an interest in national parks and didn't visit a national park until 2011.  But, she believes that if the present 9 percent of Latino who visit national park rises, then Latinos will be able to uncover buried history and gain knowledge, and generate a connection with nature.

National parks offer activities such as hiking, long scenic drives, browsing waterfalls, mountain hikes, walks along canyons, channeling through caves, canoeing, rafting, kayaking, and other exciting excursions. While most minorities may not take advantage of activities like these, there are health benefits as well of education benefits that can be gained from visits to national parks.