MNN - Mother Nature Network

 

Date:
Friday, Oct. 22, 2010

 

Time:
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

 

Overview:
The Nature Conservancy and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish are collaborating on a project at the Iron Bridge Conservation Area that will restore 20 acres of grassland habitat and more than a quarter mile of river and streamside habitat. Our work involves planting willows and shrubs, removing invasive trees and restoring an abandoned agricultural field. These efforts will benefit migratory and resident bird and fish species that depend upon this area for survival. The Iron Bridge Conservation Area is located within the Conservancy’s Gila Riparian Preserve.

 

Location :
Work Day at Iron Bridge Conservation Area, Gila Riparian Preserve, Gila, NM; Lodging at the Conservancy's Gila River Farm, Gila Riparian Preserve, Cliff, NM

 

Details:
Volunteers can arrive at the Gila River Farm on Thursday evening and are welcome to stay after the work day is complete for hiking and enjoying the preserve.

 

What to Bring:
Food, bedding, pillow, field clothes, gloves, hat and a water bottle.

 

Sign Up:
For more information or to register for the workday, please contact Martha S. Cooper at (575) 590-2594 or mschumann@tnc.org

 

Directions:
To the Gila River Farm:
From Hwy. 180 (northwest of Silver City), turn onto Hwy. 211 in the town of Cliff. After .9 miles, take a left onto Hwy. 293, also signed as "Box Canyon Road." Drive 4.1 miles. After mile marker 4 sign, take a right into a driveway, with a "Gila River Farm" sign and numbers "426" on the fence post. Follow the driveway straight and park in the parking area. A trail map of the farm is posted on a kiosk in the parking area.

 

To the Iron Bridge Conservation Area:
The Iron Bridge Tract is located approximately 25 miles northwest of Silver City (between mile markers 86 and 87), near where Hwy. 180 crosses the Gila River. Parking for the Iron Bridge Conservation Area is located on the east side of the river, next to a green ranch gate that can be seen from Hwy. 180. You can walk along the old road that leads to the Iron Bridge.