693!

Image courtesy of Benny Pol

475 adults and 218 children. That's the gate for this past Saturday's 2013 Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta as recorded by Park Superintendent, Cesar Mendez. That exceeded 450 from the year before. Indeed, in spite of the massive construction to widen Transmountain Road and the current lack of signage to the park, the turnout this past weekend was greater than expected. In previous years the numbers have dwindled. But not this year.

Credit goes to Diane Perez, Rick LoBello and Carlos Rodriguez. Many thanks to all the CDEC (Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition) board and members and all those who participated in this year's event with booths, vending, entertainment and speaking. 

Be sure to check out, bookmark and keep visiting the CDEC web site.

Indian Fried Bread Tacos were a hit!

Image courtesy of Doug Agee

Park Superintendent and Daddy, Cesar Mendez

Master Naturalist Prez Bill Hoover in background

Image courtesy of Doug Agee

Aztec Troupe poses before performance.

Image courtesy of Benny Pol

The hay rides are always popular with the kids.

Image courtesy of Doug Agee

Two young dancers

Image courtesy of Doug Agee

FMSP Staff Makes Case for Best Entrance to Tom Mays

Click image to enlarge.

On Tuesday, January 22, 2013, Dr. Cesar Mendez, Superintendent of Franklin Mountains State Park, made a presentation to the El Paso City Council on the preferred new entrance to the Tom Mays Park.

Judy Ackerman advises: "Show your support for protecting our local parks by speaking out on this issue. Learn more [follow links below] about why TPWD is asking for support of their preferred entrance and then start sending emails and making phone calls to your elected representatives. After you have done that encourage your friends to join you by posting this information on Facebook, etc."

Tom Mays Preferred Entrance Presentation

Franklin Mountains Entrance Comparisons

Texas Parks and Wildlife Letter to TEXDOT