Inspiring a love of nature…..
Ella, Ella, and Michael taught ecology to elementary students at the Gila River Farm, during the 2014 Children’s Water Festival, serving as role models for fifth-grade classrooms across their community. They visited schools, explained the function of watersheds, and led field experiences for hundreds of children. In continuing their legacy, Heart of the Gila was a co-sponsor of the Children’s Water Festival, in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Today, your donations help fund our Endangered Species Education Outreach, our community Citizen Science efforts and our Outdoor Equity Watershed programming . We believe in providing meaningful, hands-on environmental education that is accessible to all our community. We strive to make meaningful experiences in the out of doors, available to all children, who, like Ella, Ella, and Michael, will grow to love, understand, and protect the natural world.
Through school visits and community events, Heart of the Gila provides Monarch Butterfly education, helping raise awareness of this important species and its fragile migration corridor. We also lead a citizen science-based Monarch monitoring effort, allowing students and locals to participate in real data collection.
In partnership with a local arts organization, we faciliated the creation of this powerful mural of the endangered Mexican Wolf and other threatened creatures—an artistic tribute to the endangered species of the region and a reminder of the Gila’s role in supporting biodiversity.
Our Watershed Education programs have reached hundreds of children and families throughout Southwest New Mexico. Hands on, fun, and immersive activities are where its at! Help us do more by donating to our Education fund. 
