Posted by David Martin on Jan 28, 2019
 
Courtney Lions Garcia was the speaker last Wednesday, and the topic was Big Bend National Park. Courtney is the executive director of the Big Bend Conservancy, whose mission is to promote, protect and raise funds for Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River. Big Bend was the first national park in Texas, and was purchased and established in 1945, making this year the 75th anniversary of the park.
 
With 450 species of birds, 55 reptile species, 11 amphibian and 40 fish species, Big Bend has plenty to offer visitors. Three distinct ecosystems define the park, including the mountainous Chisos Basin, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the Rio Grande River.
 
The Big Bend Conservancy partners with the Park to help improve visitor experiences, and has raised over 3.7 million dollars through license plates, grants and membership gifts.  Projects include rehabilitating aging exhibits at Rio Grande Village, restoration of the Homer Wilson Ranch, and a fossil discovery exhibit.
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