The 10th Natural History of the Gila Symposium takes place Feb. 28-March 1 at the Western New Mexico University Global Resource Center.
Presentations and Field Trips feature research, land management, conservatio, educational programs and policy focus on the Gila Region of Southwest New Mexico and Southeast Arizona.
Visit wnmu.edu/gilasymposium for information.
Several presenters have contributed to The Black Range Naturalist and the www.blackrange.org website effort in the past.
At 1:20 p.m. on Feb. 29, there will be a panel discussion of Citizen Science in Harlan Hall, Room 111.
Panelists include Steve Cary, Regional Coordinator Butterflies and Moths of North America; A. T. Cole, Owner/Manager of Pitchfork Ranch; Author, Alysiana Cook, Jose Barrios Elementary School, Children’s Butterfly Garden; Patrice Mutchnick, MS in Environmental Plant Biology, Director, Heart of the Gila.
This panel will provide insight into the methodologies of citizen science, how it is implemented, its strengths and weaknesses, and how they have participated in the process.
On Friday, March 1, there will be a walk starting at the trailhead for the Ciénaga Trail at City of Rocks. The walk is at 9 a.m. and limited to 15 participants.
Led by A.T. Cole and Steve Morgan (as Aldo Leopold). They will discuss the ciénaga as a landform, provide a historical context for the ciénagas in our area and the restoration efforts and techniques used in the restoration of this threatened landform. Support leaders will be available to discuss the use of the Merlin and eBird applications used in birdwatching and bird surveys. Bring snacks, water, and sunblock.