Chiricahua-Peloncillo Heritage Days Sept. 5-7 in Rodeo, N.M.

Most of the folks living in the small communities nestled in the Chiricahua and Peloncillo mountain ranges along the southern Arizona/New Mexico state line have come to expect compelling presentations on local culture and nature at the region’s annual “Heritage Days” events. This year is no exception, with a keynote event on Friday evening, Sept. 5 at the Chiricahua Event Center in Rodeo, N.M. certain to attract the attention of anyone interested in the effects of climate change on the borderlands region. The presentation and accompanying community reception, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Arizona time, is free to all. The keynote address, by noted University of Arizona climate researcher Dr. Michael Crimmins, will examine the past, present and future effects of climate change in our area. Dr. Crimmins was part of the technical review team for the Southwest National Climate Assessment Report and a technical contributor to the recently-released National Climate Report. A full day of expert presentations by scientists, ranchers, conservationists and historians, will follow on Saturday, Sept. 6, including effects of climate change on regional spring flows, potential climate change impacts to area birds, history of the San Simon River, how to evaluate the health of your land, identifying native grasses, a look at the dinosaurs that once roamed our region, Mexican gray wolf reintroduction update, an historic remembrance of photographer C.S. Fly, and celebration of the Chiricahua Wilderness 50th Anniversary...more