Natural History of the Gila: A Southwestern New Mexico Symposium
Most people who live in southwestern New Mexico recognize the complex and diverse ecology of the area. An upcoming symposium will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the region. Natural History of the Gila: A Southwestern New Mexico Symposium will take place at the Global Resource Center, Western New Mexico University, Silver City, NM on October 6th and 7th, 2006. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
More information about the symposium, including a list of topics and presenters, can be found at http://www.wnmu.edu/academic/nspages/NaturalHistoryGilaSymposium.html. A registration form is also available on the website. The registration fee is $25.
The Gila watershed has been the focus of research over the past century. Research has covered a broad range of topics, including ecology, taxonomy, and conservation of birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, moths, invertebrates and plants. These research projects have originated from universities, state and federal agencies, from private conservation agencies and individuals. Results of these studies consist of published papers, unpublished studies, graduate student theses, reports, and manuscripts.
The major objective of bringing together researchers from a broad range of disciplines is to listen and learn from each other. Because so much research remains unpublished, the Symposium presents an opportunity to share past and on-going research with fellow scientists and the public. More than 30 individuals have submitted titles and abstracts. A number of organizations are cosponsoring this event. These include the Gila Conservation Education Center, Western New Mexico University, The Nature Conservancy, the Native Plant Society of New Mexico, and the Southwestern New Mexico chapter of the Audubon Society.
The symposium will consist of concurrent presentations on Friday, beginning with a keynote address by Gila National Forest Supervisor Marcia Andre, and field trips on Saturday. Field trips topics include: Gallinas Canyon: Botanical Highlights of the Mimbres & Black Range with Bob Sivinski; Fish Fauna of the Gila/San Franscisco River basin with Dr. David Probst; Stream Restoration with Van Clothier; Environmental impacts of Off Road Vehicles in the Gila NF with Chris Kassar; and Birds of the Gila with Dr. Roland Shook.
The organizers intend to use the momentum generated by the Symposium to develop and promote further research that will increase our understanding of the ecology and biological diversity of southwest New Mexico. Scientists, agency staff, and people in the region have responded enthusiastically to the idea of learning about the region in this accessible format.
Contact Information:
Natural History Symposium
Patrice Mutchnick
Western New Mexico University
PO Box 680
Silver City, NM 88062
Email: mutchnickp@wnmu.edu
Phone: 505-538-6642
www.wnmu.edu/academic/nspages/NaturalHistoryGilaSymposium.html