| Above: The Franklin
Mountains from Trans Mountain Road in El Paso.
August 7, 2008
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Gambel's Quail, US
Fish and Wildlife
Photo
Desert Sparrow by
Robert Shantz
|
4th Annual
Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta, September 20
Desert Sparrow by Robert Shantz
Join your friends and neighbors at Tom Mays
Park
New this year:
First Annual Chili Cook-off
Most people living in El Paso are
not very familiar with the animals and plants of the Chihuahuan Desert including
the Franklin Mountains in the heart of the city.
On Saturday, September 20
from 9am to 3pm El Pasoans can learn about animals and plants of the Northern
Chihuahuan Desert at the Fourth Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta/Franklin
Mountains State Park Lone Star Legacy at Tom Mays Park on September 22. Hosted
by the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition (CDEC), educators from across the
region will be on hand to offer free presentations and
demonstrations designed to introduce the curious to the wonders of our
fascinating desert. This year’s event will feature a special presentation on
efforts to create Pleistocene Parks in North America and Asia at 10:15 and
11:15am and the park’s First Annual Chili Cook-off.
The event will
run from 9AM-3PM at the Franklin Mountains State Park (western base of
Transmountain Rd.) in the Tom Mays Section. The entrance fee to the park will
be waived due to the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta joining the celebration of the
Franklin Mountains State Park Lone Star Legacy.
Franklin Mountains State Park will also be hosting its First Annual Chili
Cook-off at the park. Cooking
begins at 9:00am. Public samples will be available from 2:00pm. The judge’s
final decision will be announced at 4:00pm. There will also be raffles for
artwork beginning at 2:30pm. Interested participants can contact Richard Love at
(915)474-1384.
One of the highlights of the fiesta is a series of 15 minute
presentations about the natural history of the Chihuahuan Desert presented by
local experts. Presentations are scheduled from 10am to 2:45pm at the end of
the loop road in the park.
In addition to the presentations and activities at
information booths there will be an Upper Sunset Stroll guided walk at
9:30am.
Donations to
the Franklin Mountains State Park Endowment Fund will be accepted.
-
Facilities will be available for barbecues or picnics, attendees may bring
their own food.
Most of the Chihuahuan Desert – the
largest in North America, lies in México. In the US, it extends into parts of
New Mexico, Texas and Arizona. According to a new climate change report
published by the World Wildlife Fund “The Chihuahuan Desert is characterized by
a myriad of life forms that show incredible adaptations to the desert’s water
scarcity and harsh weather. Its biological heritage is threatened by poorly
planned human activities, which add on to the natural stresses that have driven
the evolution of life in this ecoregion. Human activities in the Chihuahuan
Desert have historically lacked adequate protection or proper management of its
rich natural resource base. Poor range management, overuse of both surface and
groundwater for intensive agricultural production, and urban expansion are the
most serious causes of biodiversity loss in the region. Climate change driven
processes would add to the existing threats, increasing stresses on a system
that evolved to survive on the edge.
The mission of CDEC is to
collaborate efforts among public educators, the public and CDEC in support of
programs that enhance conservation and education of the Chihuahuan Desert. 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. For more
information contact the President of the Coalition Rink Somerday at
505-524-3334, the El Paso Zoo Education Curator Rick LoBello at 915-521-1881 or
visit
www.chihuahuandesert.org.
2008 Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta Event Program
September 20, 2008
Tom Mays Park
At the End of the Loop at Site 38
Schedule of Talks and Walks
9:30am Upper Sunset Stroll, easy
walking, 30 minutes. Walk up a small mountainside to a nice vista. Led by
Alex Mares,
Education Coordinator, New Mexico State Parks and Kelly Serio, Park
Ranger/Interpreter,Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department
10:00am
Hiking 101 by Evon Bradley, Texas Master Naturalist
10:15am
Pleistocene Parks – Efforts to Restore Pleistocene Fauna in
North America and Asia by Rick LoBello, Education Curator, El Paso Zoo (plus a
Special Live Animal)
10:30 am
Update on Keystone Heritage Park by Bernie Sargent, Keystone
Heritage Park
10:45 am
Update on Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park by Alex Mares,
Education Coordinator, New Mexico State Parks
11:00am
Franklin Mountains State Park Junior Ranger Program by Kelly Serio, Park Ranger/Interpreter,Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department
11:15am
Pleistocene Parks – Efforts to Restore Pleistocene Fauna in North America and
Asia by Rick LoBello, Education Curator, El Paso Zoo (plus a Special Live
Animal)
11:30am
Conservation Conveyance – how YOU can help Preserve the Poppies by Judy
Ackerman, Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
11:45am
Noon
12:15pm
12:30pm
12:45pm
1:00pm
Mexican Wolves and More by Nancy Bain, El Paso Zoo Volunteer
1:15pm
Plants of the Desert by Cheryl Garing, Native Plant Society
1:30pm
1:45pm
2:00pm
2:15pm
2:30pm
2:45pm
Time is running out for
desert toads in more ways than one
by Rick LoBello
Red-spotted toads are commonly seen during the
rainy season throughout the Chihuahuan Desert. Photo by Rick LoBello,
taken July 13, 2008 in west El Paso.
Listen to the mating call of a male red-spotted toad.
July 14, 2008.
How many people living in the El Paso - Las Cruces area and beyond
have ever seen a little toad in their yard during the summer rainy season?
If you have chances are pretty good that the toad you saw was a red-spotted
toad. Red-spotted and other desert toads are breeding this week and some
people are hearing the mating calls of male toads.
It is almost impossible to drive through
west El Paso where I live and not be amazed at how quickly we are loosing what
remains of Chihuahuan Desert habitat for all kinds of species including the
red-spotted toads that I recently photographed near my home.
When I first built my house in 1992 I used to hear and see all kinds of
both red-spotted and spadefoot toads during the rainy season. This past
weekend, even though we recently had over 3" of rain, I found only one spadefoot
toad. I am concerned that much of the development that has gone on since
then has not only contaminated and or destroyed important breeding areas
for toads, but has also decreased native plant diversity important to the
insects that toads need to feed on.
In the next days and weeks the race will be on for desert toads and their
tadpoles as soon as the sun comes up and the process of evaporation steadily
causes temporary breeding pools to disappear. Some species of toads like
the spadefoot can make the transformation in just 9 days. But in the case
of the red-spotted toad their tadpoles need 40-60 days.
The race is also on for people to learn how to live with frogs and other desert
creatures. In the case of desert frogs like the spadefoot and red-spotted
toad I am sure that we can protect places for people and frogs. We just
need to know how much area they need and what plants and insects are important
to their survival.
At the Zoo next month we hope to inspire
people in our community to get involved with efforts around the world to help
frogs that used to share their habitats in this area with people, but now are
rapidly running out of room to survive. I hope we can do more for frogs before
we loose the opportunities we have now.
Red-spotted toad by Rick LoBello, taken July 13,
2008 in west El Paso.
Listen to the mating call of a male red-spotted toad.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is highlighting 2008
as the Year of the Frog to mark a major conservation effort to address the
amphibian extinction crisis. The Year of the Frog is also meant to engage the
public in amphibian conservation and to raise funds for AZA amphibian
conservation efforts into the future.
The Year of the Frog is also meant to engage the public in amphibian
conservation and to raise funds for AZA amphibian conservation efforts into the
future.
Listen and Learn about the Frogs and Toads of Texas
Top 12 things you can do to help amphibians:
Sign up to be a friend of frogs! Yes, I want to help save amphibians. Please
send me information about how I can help raise awareness, take conservation
action and support the global 2008 Year of the Frog campaign.
1. Learn about amphibians.
How much do you already know? With over 5,300 species worldwide, even the
world's leading amphibian experts know there's more to learn! So, pick up a
book, hop around the Internet or watch your favorite animal show on TV for more
fascinating froggy facts.
FREE DOWNLOAD – IUCN Amphibian Action Plan
2. Visit amphibians from around the world.
Have your very own amphibian adventure at your local
AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium. Zoos and aquariums are some of the best
places to see and learn about amphibians, especially species that are found in
other climates and countries, like South America, Africa and Asia.
3. Don't let the garbage get them.
Just like you, amphibians need clean water and fresh air to be happy and
healthy. Do your part to keep garbage and chemicals out of the natural
environment. The amphibians will "toadally" appreciate it.
4. Look for them nearby.
Chances are there are amphibians living in your neighborhood and maybe even in
your own backyard. Not so sure? Spring and summer are the best times to look and
listen for signs of amphibians. Explore your neighborhood and get ready for a
hoppin' good time.
5. Invite them to visit.
Want to create a wild welcome for amphibian visitors? Build a Toad Abode. It's
easy. Take a terra-cotta pot (decorate it if you want), put it on the ground
upside down, and prop up one side with a small rock. This is the toad's house.
Now hope a toad moves in!
6. Give them safe places.
Amphibians can be a little jumpy! Some species are quite cautious and timid, and
prefer to hide out under protective leafy, green vegetation. You can provide a
safe place to hide by adding native plant species to your backyard habitat.
7. Protect them from pets.
Croak! Curious cats and digging dogs cause a lot of stress for frightened frogs.
Be a responsible pet owner and discourage your canine and feline family members
from pestering wildlife, especially amphibians and birds.
8. Stick to the natives.
Never place non-native vegetation or release unwanted aquatic pets in the wild.
Amphibians are especially sensitive to competition and other threats from
non-native species. Help amphibians avoid sticky situations by keeping their
natural habitats in good condition.
9. Tell everyone!
You know amphibians are super cool. But, what about your friends and family?
Share your amphibian knowledge! Frogs, toads and salamanders need all the fans
they can get.
10. Use less stuff and recycle.
Remember, the biggest way to have a positive impact on the environment is to
make good choices about what you buy and what you use. If you use fewer
resources and recycle, you'll generate less trash. Salamanders, toads and frogs
won't be the only ones to benefit from your good decisions. Everybody wins!
11. Do your part in helping to protect habitat here in El Paso by
supporting local conservation organizations.
Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue
El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society
Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
Friends of Rio Bosque
Groundwork El Paso
Keystone Heritage Park
Mesilla Valley Audubon Society
12. Sign up to become a Zoo Volunteer. The Zoo is planning a
special event to help educate people about the Year of the Frog in August.
Follow this link for more information
http://www.elpasozoo.org/voltrain.htm
Chihuahuan Desert
Calendar - Events/Meetings
Click Here
|
Check out our
July, 2008
Newsletter
Time running out for toads
Take a Hike!
El Paso Hikes
Take a Hike
Chihuahuan Desert
Calendar - Events/Meetings
El Paso
Sign up
for the 2008 Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta
The Chihuahuan Desert Education
Coalition invites you and your organization to participate as a exhibitor,
vendor and or speaker at this year’s Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta on September 20 at
Tom May’s Park. This will be our fourth annual fiesta organized to increase
awareness of the Chihuahuan Desert. The event kicks off the Celebration of the
Mountains annual event in El Paso. For more information contact:
Exhibitor or Vendor booth: Contact Diane Perez at
willie@epwu.org or Virginia
vgalarza@epwu.org
Program Schedule of 15 minute Talks and Entertainment: Contact Rick LoBello at
lobellorl@elpasotexas.gov
State Park Permits to sell food: Contact Kelly Serio at
Kelly.Serio@tpwd.state.tx.us
Media Inquiries and other event Questions: Contact Rink Somerday at
rink@asombro.org
Through
August 16
Building a Bosque, A Vision Takes Shape. Special exhibit at the UTEP
Centennial Museum. Opening reception on April 23, 5-7:30pm For more
information: 915-747-5565,
www.museum.utep.edu and
www.riobosque.org.
August 9
El Paso Zoo Volunteer Training (No Cost),
9:00 am to Noon. Sign up in advance by contacting the volunteer coordinator at
915-351-5340 and completing the volunteer application at
http://www.elpasozoo.org/volunteerAPPL.htm
Behind the Scenes at the Zoo, Instructor: Rose
Janice
September 6
Visit to White Sands Missile Range
sponsored by El Paso Native Plant Society and El Paso Cactus and Rock Club
members have an opportunity to visit a restricted area of the White Sands
Missile Range. This field trip offers an opportunity to see parts of the Organ
Mountains, flora and fauna not ordinarily available to visitors. The trip will
be about six hours long including driving and hiking.
Note deadline: To participate in this activity, please send your complete
legal name and vehicle registration number (license plate number) to:
Agustusmc@sbcglobal.net or 915-592-1705 after 5:00 p.m. no later than July
25. Foreign nationals will need to provide passport numbers. A security check
will be performed on all potential visitors. Members who do not provide this
information will not be admitted to the range. Information about time,
gathering site and carpooling will be provided closer to the visit date.
September 13
El Paso Zoo Volunteer Training (No Cost),
9:00 am to Noon. Sign up in advance by contacting the volunteer coordinator at
915-351-5340 and completing the volunteer application at
http://www.elpasozoo.org/volunteerAPPL.htm
Chihuahuan Desert Workshop, Instructor: Antonia Alvarado
October 18
El Paso Zoo Volunteer Training (No Cost),
9:00 am to Noon. Sign up in advance by contacting the volunteer coordinator at
915-351-5340 and completing the volunteer application at
http://www.elpasozoo.org/volunteerAPPL.htm
Animal Handling, Instructor: Valerie Hearn
November 8
El Paso Zoo Volunteer Training (No Cost),
9:00 am to Noon. Sign up in advance by contacting the volunteer coordinator at
915-351-5340 and completing the volunteer application at
http://www.elpasozoo.org/volunteerAPPL.htm
Birds of El Paso Workshop, Instructor: Antonia Alvarado
December 6
El Paso Zoo Volunteer Training (No Cost),
9:00 am to Noon. Sign up in advance by contacting the volunteer coordinator at
915-351-5340 and completing the volunteer application at
http://www.elpasozoo.org/volunteerAPPL.htm
Animals of Asia, Instructor: Rick LoBello
January 3, 2009
El Paso Zoo Volunteer Training (No Cost),
9:00 am to Noon. Sign up in advance by contacting the volunteer coordinator at
915-351-5340 and completing the volunteer application at
http://www.elpasozoo.org/volunteerAPPL.htm
Animal Handling, Instructor: Valerie Hearn
February 7, 2009
El Paso Zoo Volunteer Training (No Cost),
9:00 am to Noon. Sign up in advance by contacting the volunteer coordinator at
915-351-5340 and completing the volunteer application at
http://www.elpasozoo.org/volunteerAPPL.htm
Discovery Stations, Instructor: Rose Janice
March 7, 2009
El Paso Zoo Volunteer Training (No Cost),
9:00 am to Noon. Sign up in advance by contacting the volunteer coordinator at
915-351-5340 and completing the volunteer application at
http://www.elpasozoo.org/volunteerAPPL.htm
Animal Handling, Instructor: Valerie Hearn
News
Briefs
John Moses of Texas Parks and Wildlife informed us of a new website about the
flora of the Franklin Mountains at http://apesproject.fhsepisd.com. The website
is part of an AP science project by Canutillo HS, Franklin HS, Senator
Shapleigh's office, UTEP, Texas Parks & Wildlife and a number of volunteers. The
students collected the information and prepared the web site.
Copyright and Disclaimer
All content on this site including photographs, graphics,
text and design is protected by copyright by either the Chihuahuan Desert
Education Coalition or the owners of the web pages linked to from this site.
By providing links to other sites, we do not guarantee, approve or endorse
the information or products available at these sites nor does a link indicate
any association with or endorsement by the linked site to
www.chihuahuandesert.org. |