The Gila Native Plant Society will sponsor an online zoom presentation by Mary Harner entitled “Tales of Three Rivers”. Mary is an ecosystem ecologist at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She will describe different approaches, such as use of time-lapse photography, repeat photography, soundscape recordings and more. The presentation will be April 21st at 7:00 p.m. If interested in attending this event request a link from gilanative@gmail.com.
The Drug Enforcement Administration will host its National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in Grant County. This event offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications. This event is held to help address the opioid epidemic and prescription drug misuse in the U.S. The event will be held Saturday, April 22nd from 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. The disposal site will be at the Cliff/Gila Fire Department located at 621 NM highway 211.
Western New Mexico University will be holding its annual Great Race. The Great Race has been a tradition since 1967 and this marks their 56th year. The Great Race allows students to interact with each other out of the classroom as well as meet alumni from past races. The race will take place this Saturday, April 22nd at Old James Stadium. The Faculty/Staff/Alumni race will take place at 12:45 followed by the Great race at 1:00 p.m.
Luna and Hidalgo Juvenile Justice Continuum of Services (JJCS) is accepting informal requests for Strengthening Families, Girls Circle and Boys Council for the Fiscal Year 24-25. These programs are to provide resources that will help the youth community. Deadline to submit the proposal will be May 11th at 5:00p.m. at the Luna County Business office. For more information contact JJCS at 575-694-5234.
The Gila National Forest urges the public to apply caution when crossing streams and visiting high elevation areas of the forest as snow continues to thaw. The low water crossing on New Mexico Highway 174 that allows access to the Catwalk National Recreation Area is challenging during high flow conditions. The Gila River is also flowing higher and faster than normal, making it difficult to cross. It is important to plan ahead and use caution when traveling. For more information on river, road and trail conditions call Maribeth at 575-388-8211 or go to the website.
Senate Bill 9, the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund was recently signed into law. This bill creates a dedicated source of recurring funding in prioritizing land, water stewardship, wildlife species infrastructure and much more. The fund invests in existing state programs, which will unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grants.
