Come celebrate 50 years of Wild & Scenic Rivers!
Experience New Mexico's last wild river!
The 14th Annual Gila River Festival is "Celebrating 50 Years of Wild & Scenic Rivers," September 20-23, 2018 in Silver City, NM, the Gila National Forest and along the Gila River.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. As our nation matures, we have come to recognize the value of rivers and our responsibility to protect them. Rivers run through us – our hearts, our lives, our nation's history. The 14th Annual Gila River Festival celebrates this momentous legislation and explores the past, present and future of river protection.
The four day event features expert-led hikes to the Gila River and Gila National Forest, a Gila River kayak trip led by veteran river runner Steve Harris, birding and rock art field trips, the Gila River Extravaganza, a street fair featuring a puppet parade, poetry and community art projects, and myriad other hands on activities designed to foster a deeper intimacy with the Gila River. Presenters also include author and fire look out Philip Connors, Navajo filmmaker Tony Estrada, author and photographer Tim Palmer.
All field trips leave from the Murray Ryan Visitors Center at 201 N. Hudson St. Silver City, unless otherwise noted. Field trips gather in the Visitors Center parking lot 15 minutes before start time to set up carpooling.
Field trips leave rain or shine.
Presentations take place at the WNMU Besse-Forward Global Resource Center. Admission FREE or by donation depending upon speaker.
Brunch will be held at The Commons at 501 E. 13th St. Silver City.
Please note - field trip start times may change slightly. Final times will be printed in the festival brochure and updated on the website by early August.
For more information visit www.gilariverfestival.org or call 575.538.8078.