Access to nature in southern Arizona has been limited not only by environmental risks but also by immigration enforcement and cost, according to a study about barriers to outdoor access for Mexican immigrants and low-income people.
Fiorella Carlos Chavez wanted to celebrate her birthday at a local park — set up at a table in the shade and enjoy the scenery.
“Then one of my friends told me, ‘You actually have to register and pay,’ and I said, ‘Register? I don’t get it’,” she said, referring to the fee required to reserve a picnic area for larger groups…