September 2009

{FMWC} E-Newsletter September 2009

FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS COALITION
http://www.franklinmountains.org/

NEXT MEETING: September 16, 2009

Our meeting will be held at the El Paso Public Library’s Main Branch located downtown at 501 N. Oregon St. The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Maud Sullivan Gallery. The main branch’s location map and parking information are available online at:
http://www.elpasotexas.gov/library/ourlibraries/main_library/main_library.asp


Please try to attend the meeting but, if you can’t, please make use of the contact information in this newsletter and volunteer to help in the Coalition’s efforts. There are plenty of areas to choose from:

Help Man the Booth: We set up the FMWC display board and literature at various events such as Ardovino’s Farmers Market, the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta, and the Environmental Summit. It is great fun to talk to people about our Franklin Mountains and FMWC.

Politics: We meet with our elected officials to tell them about FMWC and the work we do.

Poppies Planning: The Franklin Mountains Poppies Preservation Celebration on Castner Range 2010 will be March 20, 2010, but planning is underway now. We need volunteers to help coordinate: Transportation, Parking, Exhibitors, Vendors, Education, Media and VIPs, Information Booth, Event Day Troubleshooter, Equipment/Furniture Coordinator, Sound systems, Photography, Video, Testimonials, Food, Set-up, and Clean-up. For more info call 915-755-4332 or write lobellorl@elpasotexas.gov

Outreach: Do you know an organization that needs a speaker or might join FMWC? Give us an introduction! Do you have a place to display or distribute our rack cards? Ask and we will send you some.

NEWS FLASHES

Preserving Castner Range:

El Pasoans care deeply about Castner Range, the crown jewel of the Franklin Mountains, where, weather permitting, poppies bloom in the spring. Preserving Castner Range is a top priority for FMWC and, thanks to Congressman Silvestre Reyes, we have some progress on this project. Since January 2008, FMWC has been working with the Congressman Reyes’ staff to determine the best way to permanently preserve Castner Range as natural open space. The end goal is to make Castner Range part of the Franklin Mountains State Park, however, the park cannot accept any land that remains contaminated with unexploded ordnance.

We have a new tool to preserve Department of Defense (DOD) land (like Castner Range) – a Conservation Conveyance. The Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act, passed in 2002, authorizes a Conservation Conveyance to transfer contaminated DOD land to a non-profit conservation organization. The land would be preserved in its natural state until it can be cleaned of contaminants (unexploded ordnance in the case of Castner). Once cleaned, the land would be transferred to the Franklin Mountains State Park.

Congressman Reyes included language in the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act regarding Castner Range Complex at Fort Bliss and expressing interest “[I]n maintaining this land for a conservation purpose.” Congressman Reyes included money for a Castner Range Conservation Conveyance Study in the Department of Defense Appropriations Bill.
(Mike Gaglio, Congressman Reyes, judy Ackerman)
In July, Congressman Reyes’ staff invited Mike Gaglio (The Frontera Land Alliance) and judy Ackerman (FMWC) to D.C. to talk about Castner Range. They met with Assistant Deputy Secretaries of the Army in the Pentagon, senior House Armed Service Committee staff, and Legislative Assistants of Senators Hutchison and Cornyn. Everyone they met was supportive of preserving Castner Range.

We anticipate more information from our new DC contacts after the August Congressional recess. Congressman Reyes and his staff deserve our thanks for their proactive efforts to preserve Castner Range – a natural treasure. You can contact him at 310 N. Mesa, Suite 400, El Paso, Texas 79901, Phone: (915) 534-4400.

Contact Kathy if you’re interested in having more Castner info e-mailed to you.


FMWC on Facebook:

Coalition members recently attended the Social Media workshop hosted by Nonprofit Enterprise Center at the El Paso Community College, perfect timing for our upcoming project to dip our toes into social networking with a Facebook page! Kathy McConaghie will be working on and editing this project – anyone interested in helping maintain the page, submitting photos, essays, etc. please contact her by email kmcconaghie@gmail.com or phone 915-227-5330.


City Sustainability Plan will go before Council on September 15th. Please contact Kathy by email if you would like a copy of the plan emailed to you. Thanks to Jim Tolbert for supplying this information to us. Jim has good blogs at www.elpasonaturally.blogspot.com and www.newmanpark.blogspot.com .


International Park:

Rick LoBello has a story at iloveparks.com summarizing renewed efforts to move the long proposed US Mexico International Park Proposal forward. Rick also has a summary of recent developments, including a new map and historical timeline, at iloveparks.com/peaceparks . We encourage everyone to learn more about this great project. Rick has also recommended two recent articles by Bonnie McKinley about the bears of the international park area - “If there ever was a symbol for this giant park I would say it was the Mexican black bear.” Read more at http://www.bigbendgazette.com/blog/_archives/2009/1/3/4044427.html &http://www.bigbendgazette.com/blog/_archives/2009/1/3/4120740.html


MARK YOUR CALENDARS !

5th Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta:

September 19, at Tom Mays Park in El Paso. FREE entry to Franklin Mountains State Park Tom Mays section all day as members of the community come together to celebrate the Chihuahuan Desert (www.chihuahuandesert.org).

Special presentations at the last picnic area on the left right before the end of the loop road:
10am Kevin von Finger – The Chihuahuan Desert Past and Future
11am Rose Janice – All about the State Reptile of Texas, Texas Horned Lizards
Noon Virginia Morris – Plants of the Franklin Mountains
1pm Rick LoBello – Wildlife of the Franklin Mountains
2pm Cesar Mendez – Franklin Mountains State Park Update

Franklin Mountains State Park will also be hosting a Chili Cook-off sanctioned by the Chili Appreciation Society International. The judged competition will include a public tasting and a “showmanship” category.
The Climbers of Hueco Tanks Coalition will be giving free tutorials on climbing basics. Join Park Ranger, Kelly Serio for an interpretive presentation on birds. There will be an outdoor equipment and basic skills presentation given by Park Rangers.

Park volunteers will sell donated items at the Fiesta from 9 to 3. PLEASE DONATE your good, clean, used hiking/camping/biking equipment and clothing to support your Franklin Mountains State Park.
Proceeds will go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation’s Lone Star Legacy endowment fund to be used exclusively for the programs and conservation of our beautiful Franklin Mountains State Park. If you have items to donate, please call Jim Tolbert at 915-613-4902 (leave your name and number if nobody answers); or email him at jimhtolbert@elp.rr.com.

If you would like to make a cash donation, please write a check to “Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation” and in the memo put “Franklin Mountains State Park”. Please mail your check to: Franklin Mountains State Park/1331 McKelligon Canyon Rd/El Paso, TX 79930-2649.


Friends of the Arroyo:

September 19th: Before you head up to the Fiesta, Friends of the Arroyo is having a workday the morning of Saturday, Sept. 19. Meet at the bench at the bottom of Virginia St. below Robinson, the Tennis Club parking lot. If you have garden tools such as hedge clippers, pruning shears, hoes or rakes, please bring them, as the supply of tools is limited. Many thanks from Matt Carroll, Senior Leader.


Celebration of our Mountains:.

September 19 through November 8, Get involved in this year's events. Learn more at www.celebrationofourmountains.org


El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society:

September 21, Monthly Public Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Rio Grande Campus of El Paso Community College, 100 W. Rio Grande, Bldg 4010, Room 119. “Rio Bosque Birdlife: Thirty Years of Change.” John Sproul, with UTEP’s Center for Environmental Resource Management, will speak on the changes in the birdlife at El Paso’s Rio Bosque Wetlands Park over the past 30 years. The public is welcome. Refreshments will be served.


El Paso Pride Environmental Summit:

September 25 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Camino Real Hotel, 101 S. El Paso, TX. Cost: Free. Information: the Summit brings together government agencies, local companies, high school students, environmental experts, and El Paso residents to discuss the different environmental issues in the community, find possible solutions, and implement the solutions. There will be continental breakfast and sit down lunch at no charge. Topic: “A New Day in the Sun”, to include renewable energy, solar, city of El Paso sustainability, tires and rubber pavement, and illegal dumping. RSVP REQUIRED: Grace Terrazas 834-4970 –FMWC will have a booth there (thanks, Judy!)


On the River, For the River:

September 26: Southwest Environmental Center's 13th annual On the River, For the River gala fundraiser, scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 5-10:30 pm. You won't want to miss this event. Chef Brian Curry and Andele Restaurant have teamed up to create a gourmet menu to rival the finest restaurants. And don't worry about food lines this year--there will be servers and multiple serving stations along with great music, High Desert Brews, fine wines, silent auction, and mingling with some of the friendliest and most interesting people around, all under the stars at the beautiful Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park. Local NPR radio host Carrie Hamblen will preside over the festivities. Governor Richardson has been invited as the keynote speaker. Guided tours of the park will be offered between 4:30 and 6 pm on the half hour. Tickets are $50 in advance, $55 after 9/23. ($25 is tax-deductible). Tickets are available at SWEC's office, Mountainview Market, Malooly's Flooring Company, Andele Restaurant, Las Cosas Kitchen Shoppe, and Milagro Coffee y Espresso. Great food, great fun, a great cause--it's a winning combination! Get your tickets today! For more info, call (575) 522-5552.


8th Annual Elephant Festival:

September 26, 27 The El Paso Zoo highlights our city’s favorite pachyderms Savannah and Juno in a celebration of elephants worldwide. Go to www.elpasozoo.org/adventure for more information about this delightful and educational event.


Teaching Ecological Complexity Through Field Science Inquiry (Ecoplexity):

September 26, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Location: Carlos M. Ramirez Tech2o Learning Center, 10751 Montana, El Paso, TX 79935. Cost: No charge. Teachers must make reservations. Contact Diane Perez willie@epwu.org. The Ecoplexity Project is a four-year project funded by the National Science Foundation. The purpose of the project is to provide resources and training for upper middle and high school teachers that will allow them to engage in authentic field research studies with their students. Training emphasizes the use of conceptual models and authentic field research skills.


El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society:

September 26, Field Trip - “Birds of Keystone Heritage Park.” 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Since Keystone opened in 1997, over 200 species of migratory and local birds and 22 rare birds have been found in this 52-acre permanent wetland. Keystone attracts a variety of ducks and shorebirds, plus other birds that are passing through. Young and beginner birders are welcome. Bring binoculars, although a few pairs will be available to loan. Call Ursula at 526-7725 for more info.


El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society:

September 27, Field Trip - “Day Trip to Otero Mesa, NM”. The public is welcome. Call Ursula at 526-7725 for more info.


Meet Your Neighbors – Animals and Plants of the Chihuahuan Desert Lecture Series:

October 8, 15, 22, 29, 7pm to 8pm. Meeting Place: El Paso Zoo in the El Paso Water Utilities Discovery Center, Meet at the Front Gate at 6:45 pm. Leader(s) name(s): Rick LoBello, Education Curator. 915-521-1881, lobellorl@elpasotexas.gov. This four part free lecture series is designed to introduce teens on up to the animals and plants of the Chihuahuan Desert with a focus on those species found within City limits and in local State Parks and wildlife refuges. Session 1 on Thursday October 8 will include an overview of the Chihuahuan Desert and places to explore the desert here in El Paso and the surrounding region. Session 2 on Thursday October 15 will focus on the plant life of the Chihuahuan Desert. Session 3 on Thursday, October 22 will focus on the invertebrates and reptiles and amphibians of the Chihuahuan Desert. Session 4 on October 29 will focus on the birds and mammals of the Chihuahuan Desert.


BOO at the ZOO:

October 24, 25, 31, It's merry not scary - kooky not spooky! It’s the largest outdoor, safe trick or treat event in El Paso! Pumpkin Bowling, Kiddie Mazes, Costumes Galore, Candy at Treat Stations sponsored by local businesses. We invite you to bring the kids to our fun, candy-filled zoo! Watch different animals eat, smoosh or play with pumpkins! Your kids will go away with a full bag of treats and a smile on their faces – you’ll leave with great photos and warm memories of your adorable little ones. (Call 521-1899 for event & booth sponsor info).


Schools Only: TecH2O Water Festival

October 29-30, Time: 9:00 a.m – 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Location: Carlos M. Ramirez Tech2o Learning Center, 10751 Montana, El Paso, TX 79935.Cost: No charge. Information: Water Festival is a fun hands-on event to promote water awareness and education that will lead to understanding of the regional water resources and to help protect it through conservation and pollution prevention, by inspiring thoughtful and proactive stewardship throughout the community.


Public: TecH2O Water Festival:
October 31, Time: 9:00 a.m – 1:00 p.m. Location: Carlos M. Ramirez Tech2o Learning Center, 10751 Montana, El Paso, TX 79935. Cost: No charge. Information: Water Festival is a fun hands-on event to promote water awareness and education that will lead to understanding of the regional water resources and to help protect it through conservation and pollution prevention, by inspiring thoughtful and proactive stewardship throughout the community. Children wearing Halloween costumes will receive a prize.


Park News
John Moses would like us to pass along these tidbits:

“Franklin summit hikers who want to walk the ridge south of Ranger Peak onto Comanche Peak need to remember that this is private property and the tower operator there will enforce trespass. The state park boundary ends roughly at the 3 utility poles in the saddle where Thousand Steps Trail heads down to the NW.

Dr. Marc Thompson has retired as Director of the El Paso Museum of Archaeology. He served in that capacity since 1998. It is not known if the city plans to seek replace- ment for him immediately.

If you missed the cover of the August issue of Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine and the accompanying article entitled "No Hike for Old Men -- Hiking the Spine of the Franklin Mountains" see: http://www.tpwmagazine.com/archive/2009/aug/ed_1/ “

Thanks to the Master Naturalists for passing another great article along: http://www.tpwmagazine.com/archive/2008/jan/getaways1/

And thanks again to Park volunteer, Richard Love, who writes: “Well Summer is winding down and the mornings are a lot cooler up on the mountain. The fall migration is under way and we are seeing new birds every day. The hummingbirds’ migration started real early. The resident Black-chinned hummers were joined by the Rufous hummingbirds. The first part of this month we were visited by the smallest hummingbird in the United States. The Calliope, who usually calls the North Western states and Canada home, visited our feeders for about 5 days before he moved on. Some of the other hummingbirds that visited our feeders are the Broad-tailed ,and Ruby-throated and possibly an Allens hummingbird as the last two are very hard to tell apart. The bird blind has been renamed. It is now officially called The Wildlife Viewing Area. We have a much better water feature with a solar powered water recirculation pump. The water is much cleaner and is a lot more photogenic. Some of the other animals seen recently: Rock Squirrel, Texas Antelope Squirrels and Cotton-tailed Rabbits. In the near future we will be doing some stealth photos to see what might be coming to water at night. There are still early morning hikes that can be scheduled - call Kelly for details. See you all at the Festival on the 19th. “
(Check out Richard’s photos in our e-newsletter - this month features Black-chinned, Broad-tailed and Calliope hummingbirds.)


MORE ZOO NEWS

From Rick LoBello:

Have you seen our javelinas? Are they pigs?
Meet the javelina, one of the newest animals at the Zoo. Javelinas, also called collared peccaries, are related to pigs, but actually are in a family of their own called Tayassuidae. Pigs are in the family Suidae.

Javelina are found throughout much of the tropical and subtropical Americas, ranging from the Southwestern United States to northern Argentina in South America. They feed on fruits, roots, tubers, palm nuts, grasses, invertebrates and small vertebrates. Javelinas live in the desert around the Franklin Mountains but are rarely seen.


New Interpretive Aide Training Program
October 10, 2009 to January 30, 2010
The El Paso Zoo Education Department is happy to announce a new training program for current and new Zoo Volunteers wanting to help with Education Programs in 2010. A new Interpretive Aide volunteer position has been created for those with a passion to help others better understand animals and the natural world at the El Paso Zoo. This training opportunity is free to anyone who is at least 18 years old and is able to meet the qualifications to become an El Paso Zoological Society Volunteer. Interpretation is defined as a mission-based communication process that forges emotional and intellectual connections between the interests of the audience and meanings inherent in the resource. Here at the Zoo our mission is to celebrate the value of animals and natural resources and create opportunities for people to rediscover their connection with nature. Interpretive Aides will help the Education Team at the Zoo accomplish that mission.

Twelve new Interpretive Aide training days are planned on Saturdays from October 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7 & 14, December 5 & 12, 2009 and January 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2010. Those completing requirements for Certified Interpreter, Animal Handling, America’s Interpretive Program, Asia Interpretive Program and Africa Interpretive Program will receive special patches signifying that they have completed all the Zoo requirements for each qualification. From October, 2009 to January 2010 volunteers are asked to attend at least 6 of the 12 sessions. The number of sessions you complete will determine what areas of the Zoo you are qualified to volunteer in, whether it is in the Americas Area, Asia or Africa. Education staff will offer a limited number of make-up sessions whenever possible during the 2010 calendar year for those who can not attend all the sessions they wish to attend. Each applicant accepted into the program will be asked to volunteer at least 8 hours a month helping with the Zoo’s education program or 96 hours from February 2010 to January 2011. To apply to be a candidate for the upcoming training program please contact Education Curator Rick LoBello at lobellorl@elpasotexas.gov by October 2, 2009. For more information call 915-521-1881.


FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS STATE PARK NEWS
All the latest news and information about upcoming events at the Park are available at the Park’s great website. Check it out!!

LONE STAR LEGACY
You can make a lasting contribution to the future of Franklin Mountains State Park with your tax-deductible donation to the Lone Star Legacy Endowment Fund. Checks, payable to "Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation" can be sent to: Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, Attention: Lone Star Legacy, P.O. Box 191207, Dallas, TX, 75219. Mark your donation to the endowment fund for Franklin Mountains State Park.

FMWC IN CYBERSPACE
This is the electronic version of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition newsletter. To be added to or removed from the distribution list, contact: j.p.ackerman@sbcglobal.net.
Many of you also receive the paper version of this newsletter. If you wish to help us save paper and postage by receiving the e-newsletter only, contact: j.p.ackerman@sbcglobal.net.


The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
Borderland Mountain Bike Association • Border Toasters, Toastmasters International • Bordersenses • Celebration Of Our Mountains • Centro San Vicente • Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition • Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue • Eco-Club EPCC • El Paso Archaeological Society • El Paso Cactus And Rock Club • El Paso County Master Gardeners • El Paso Native Plant Society • El Paso Regional Group Of The Sierra Club • El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society • El Paso Youth Symphony • El Paso Zoo • Environmental Advocates at UTEP • Friends of the Arroyo • Friends Of The Rio Bosque • Jolly Elders • League Of Women Voters Of El Paso • Mesilla Valley Audubon Society • Mountain Park Community Association • Photography Enthusiasts Of El Paso • Southern New Mexico Group Of The Sierra Club • Southwest Environmental Center • Skyline Optimist Club Of El Paso • Trans Pecos Chapter Of The Texas Master Naturalists • Vista Hills Rotary Club • Voter Education Project, Inc