CDEC - Awareness and Community Participation.     Photo: Brax - VPC

The Chihuahan Desert Educational Coalition's 4th Annual Fiesta was by all accounts one of the best non-profit events in the area. Hundreds of people, young and old, came from all over the region to learn about the great natural wonder that is our desert.

For too long, the word "desert" conjured up images of the Dust Bowl. And for too long our community and political leaders showed little leadership in the area of public awareness and advocacy for the rich natural resources that are bountiful in our desert.

However, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that besides the magnificent Rio Grande Valley that we enjoy; the Chihuahan Desert is a perfect complimentary piece of the puzzle and should be respected and integrated into our culture and community with thoughtful planning and wisdom. The Fiesta brought together advocates for the environment as well as "green" minded students and adults from all over the area.

The amazing thing was that to many of the guests, Tom Mays Park in the Franklin Mountains, where the event was held; was a beautiful wonderland of such a diverse population of plants and animals. The mountain setting seemed almost a type of "alpine" micro-climated world that had those taking the rides from one end to the other completely appreciative of the scenery.

There were lectures, walking tours, mountain biking tours, horse riding tours, exhibits and live animals in cages to show to the guests.

One of the fiesta organizers, Ric LoBello, said that each year the event is bigger and better and he has high hopes for next years event far surpassing this one.

  Prepared by WestsideReader staff.

(Photos: File - Valley Publishing Company)

Send feedback to:

Editor, WestsideREADER.com

elpasotimes.com elpasoinc.com ktsm.com kvia.com utep.edu newyorktimes.com

Copyright © 2004-2008 Valley Publishing Company:
All Rights Reserved.