Courtesy photo Local community members line up to test their boating, kayaking and canoeing skills in the Tres Rios Nature and Earth Festival Oct. 12, 2012, at the Base and Meridian Wildlife Area in Avondale, Ariz. The festival focuses on educating participants about the Gila, Salt and Agua Fria rivers as well as the surrounding wildlife.
Three rivers, nature and people get together every year for a party at the Tres Rios Nature and Earth Festival. It’s a two-day celebration March 9 and 10 geared toward educating participants about the environment created by the confluence of the rivers.
“The Tres Rios Nature and Earth Festival refers to the Gila, Salt and Agua Fria rivers, and focuses on and celebrates the extensive and diverse wildlife, habitats and history surrounding the rivers,” said Gabriel
McKenna Groves, 56th Contracting Squadron chief infrastructure flight and festival organizer.
The festival is the result of combined efforts by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Luke Air Force Base environmental education programs and activities, local communities and partners, said Oscar Mabry, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron chief material management.
“Luke has been an excellent partner of the festival for many years, not only by providing wonderful volunteers to help out with various activities, but by providing assistance in planning the event,” said Christina Underhill, city of Avondale recreation coordinator.
The event will also educate the public on renewable energy sources, recycling and eco-friendly products.
“Luke’s goal is to make the Tres Rios area a long-term destination for wildlife and outdoor related recreation,” Mabry said. “Team Luke’s participation includes hosting the annual children’s recycle fashion show, an awareness and educational recycling booth, and assisting with various activities during the event. This year we’re providing 30 volunteers to help out with the event.”
Courtesy photoChildren participate in the 2012 Tres Rios Nature and Earth Festival recycling fashion show alongside Luke’s fashion show coordinators Oct. 12, 2012, at the Base and Meridian Wildlife Area in Avondale, Ariz. The festival focuses on educating participants about the Gila, Salt and Agua Fria rivers as well as the surrounding wildlife.
In addition to educating the local community, the event also opens the wildlife area for festival goers to participate in.
“The purpose of the festival is to bring awareness to the base and meridian wildlife area and all of the various activities for which the area can be used,” Underhill said. “We would love to see more people use the area for recreational activities such as hiking and bird watching.”
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free.
Other event spotlights include: wildlife displays including venomous reptiles, archery, kayaking, fishing clinics, hiking tours and entertainment.
For more information about the event or for volunteer opportunities, visit Tresriosnaturefestival.com
