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September 17 – 20, 2009
New Mexico’s last wild river, the Gila flows through the heart of Aldo Leopold Country. The river originates in the Gila Wilderness, the first wilderness area in the U.S., originally proposed by Aldo Leopold in 1921 and officially designated by the U.S. Forest Service in 1924. In honor of the 100th anniversary of Aldo Leopold’s legacy in the Southwest, the 5th Annual Gila River Festival will celebrate the historical connection of Aldo Leopold, America’s most influential conservationist, to the Gila. The festival will bring together experts and laypersons, artists, and scientists from many disciplines to foster an understanding of Aldo Leopold and his influences on the creation of the National Wilderness Preservation System, his relationship to the wild places he loved, the legacy of wildness he represents, and the importance of his conservation ethic to the protection of the Gila River. Guided and educational hikes and field trips, kayak trips, lectures, kids activities, and stewardship projects will take place in Silver City and on the Gila River in the Gila National Forest and Gila Wilderness Area.
For more information on the 5th Annual Gila River Festival or to volunteer for the planning committee, contact the Gila Conservation Coalition at 575.538.8078.
For more information on the Aldo Leopold Centennial Celebration 2009 and events scheduled in Arizona and New Mexico, click here.
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