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Above: The Chisos Mountains, Big Bend National
Park, Texas We need the Chihuahuan Desert and the desert needs you!  Cactus wren by Robert Shantz
People to contribute content for our monthly newsletter and content for this
website. To
volunteer to help with design and content contact Rick LoBello at 915-521-1881
or write
lobellorl@elpasotexas.gov The goals of the organization include:
serving as a resource on information about the Chihuahuan Desert, encouraging
life long learning about the Chihuahuan Desert and collaborating efforts among
public educators, the public and CDEC to enhance conservation and education of
the Chihuahuan Desert. □
$5 Student Membership dues and contributions can also be sent to: Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition PO Box 9121
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Contact Us Click Here for questions and comments. To be added to our email list for updates write ADD ME in the subject heading.
The Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition Board of Directors meets every other month in Las Cruces and El Paso. For details on our next meeting contact any board member below. Board meetings are open to the public.
Rick LoBello, President Alex Mares, Vice President Keith Hall, Secretary Veronica Myers, Treasurer Judy Ackerman, Director
Members
Non Profit Organizations
Friends of Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park The Friends of Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park is a nonprofit entity whose principle and authorized purpose is to complement, contribute to and support, aid the function of and forward the purpose of the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park (MVBSP) located near Las Cruces.
Individuals
Rick LoBello is the Curator of Education at the El Paso Zoo. He is working on a variety of conservation education projects at the Zoo and in his free time.
Hundreds attend 7th Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta
The 7th Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta attracted hundreds of people again this year as the community celebrated the natural wonders of our desert and Franklin Mountains State Park. Sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Franklin Mountains State Park at the Tom Mays Unit, park staff, members of the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition, and other environmental education groups were on hand to offer free demonstrations, guided tours, guest speakers and informational booths designed to introduce the curious to the wonders of our fascinating desert.
Special thanks goes out to everyone on the planning committee including Texas Parks and Wildlife staff, members of the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition and the many partners from the area who came and set up information booths and offered their expertise on the area's flora and fauna and the vast array of recreational opportunities in the region.
Franklin Mountains State Park sent the following thank you message to all those who helped with the event:
On Saturday September 17, 2011, we successfully had our 7th Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta in conjunction with the 4th Annual Chili Cook Off at Franklin Mountains State Park - Tom Mays Unit. The Fiesta featured fun, educational, and interpretive activities for the public. Some highlights included great food, interactive exhibits from El Paso Water Utilities; horseback rides and hayride shuttle provided by the Serna Ranch; Van Shuttle provided by Southwest Expeditions, birding activities by Texas Parks and Wildlife Urban Biologist Program; exhibits on conservation efforts by Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition, among many others that provided valuable information on the natural history and culture of the Chihuahuan Desert. The Fiesta was the result of numerous hours that many individuals invested during the pre-event meetings and the day of the event. Once again, the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition (CDEC) members played a key role in the logistics and organization of the Fiesta. Many other park staff and volunteers were also critical for the completion of both events. Even though I would like to mention all persons that helped during the events, I will not because it would be very difficult for me not to accidentally omit names. I am confident to say that in Franklin Mountains State Park we are not only surrounded by beautiful desert mountains but by great staff, volunteers, and partners. In general, we received positive comments from visitors, volunteers, and exhibitors during and after the events. Over 25 organized groups contributed to both events. We all witnessed how the events were carried over smoothly and with no major incidents. This is a clear example on how strong partnerships, commitment, and organization result in things that enhance our community. Although we did not exceed last year's attendance, I am pleased to say that we had over 600 participants in both events. But most important many participants were new to the area, thus being exposed for their first time to the wonders of the Chihuahuan Desert. On behalf of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Franklin Mountains State Park I want to thank all of you for the outstanding team work that all of you demonstrated on Saturday's events. Your help and efforts substantially contribute to our mission in Texas Parks and Wildlife. Please extend my thanks to every person in your team. At Franklin Mountains State Park we feel honored and privileged to count with collaborators as you all. We will continue our commitment to joint conservation and educational efforts for enriching the lives of the people of El Paso through outdoors experiences.
For more information on how to have a free information or demonstration booth contact Diane Perez at deperez@epwu.org.
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