Michael Sebastian Mahl, Ella Jaz Kirk, and Ella Sala Myers left a legacy of environmental activism and stewardship that continues to ripple through their community. The three teens died on May 23, 2014, while conducting aerial research on the Signal Peak Fire in the Gila National Forest, New Mexico. They had just completed their sophomore year at Aldo Leopold Charter School in Silver City and were part of a YCC Ecological Monitoring Team.
Much of their work centered on monitoring the upper watersheds of the Gila River as it changed and responded to recent fires and floods. They knew the river well—it is where they lived, and where they learned. All three were gifted teachers and traveled to elementary classrooms teaching younger students about ecology, conservation, and watershed health. Michael, Ella K, and Ella M are pictured above at the Children’s Water Festival, held annually at the Gila River.
Ella, Ella, and Michael knew that protecting New Mexico’s last wild river benefits all of us, including the many species of rare wildlife that thrive along the Gila.
Your contribution to Heart of the Gila will help continue their work serving and protecting the wild places they loved.
Ella Sala Myers was an avid writer, artist, and musician. She played and composed on violin and piano. She was honored for both her photography and video, and two of her novels were recognized nationally. Ella was also an accomplished equestrian, runner, and cyclist. Her photographic work can be viewed at
Somewhere in Between.
Ella Jaz Kirk was a determined activist who believed in our power to save the Gila River. She created a 2,500-signature petition to the Interstate Stream Commission and a 6,400-signature petition which
she delivered to Governor Martinez to keep the Gila free of any diversion. She loved to play fiddle, find beauty, and be near water. Ella planned to earn a doctorate in Aquatic Ecology and apply her research to saving wild places.
Michael Sebastian Mahl loved music and played guitar, drums, ukulele, and mandolin. Michael had an adventurous spirit and traveled and camped extensively with his family. He was yearbook editor in 2014 and was admired and respected by his peers for his generous spirit and kind heart. Michael had been elected by his peers to be Student Body President.
Celebrating their lives through shared memories:
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