2010 Programs

Our Sense of Place - Season Two - January, February and March

In August 2009, GARNA began a year long program learning about our place in respect to the Arkansas River bioregion. This program is designed to explore the natural world of the Upper Arkansas River Valley through seminars, outdoor adventures and activities to acquaint and promote a ‘rootedness’ in the place we call home. Understanding the local bioregion enable participants to experience the inter-connectedness of our Vally while developing a sense of community through shared journeys and exploration.

January
The "Polka Dot" Forest
Saturday January 16, 2010
Presenter: Susan J. Tweit
It’s easy to pick out the piñon pine-juniper woodland on the lower hills around the Upper Arkansas River Valley by the polka-dot pattern of the trees. This regular pattern is due mainly to drought, and drought tolerance makes for very creative adaptations on the part of the inhabitants. Join Tweit, renowned author and naturalist, to discover the secrets and stories of the woodland referred to as "p-j".

Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Salida Community Center
Cost: Free to GARNA members and paid Sense of Place Season 2 participants, $5 for non-members

Sunday, January 17 fieldtrip: Sense of Place participants will join Tweit for a close-up look at the lives that make up the piñon pine-juniper woodland during a hike in the Arkansas Hills. We’ll identify plants, look for tracks, and talk about the relationships that make up this fascinating ecosystem that is so characteristic of our valley. Time and meeting place to be announced.

February
Clouds and Weather in our Valley
Monday, February 8, 2010
Presenter: Dr. Stanley L. Barnes
Dr. Barnes will discuss what it takes for clouds in the Upper Arkansas Valley to form, delve into the role of water vapor and its source, and consider why some clouds move with the winds and others do not. Learn about why some clouds do nothing but come and go, while others produce weather events and precipitation. Larger scale atmospheric systems that produce our storms here in the Valley will be discussed as well as how we should interpret forecasts by the National Weather Service.

Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Salida Community Center
Cost: Free to GARNA members and paid Sense of Place Season 2 participants, $5 for non-members

Friday, February 12 evening potluck and stargazing fieldtrip: Following a potluck and general discussion of astronomy, Sense of Place participants will be treated to a visual tour of the night sky over the Arkansas Valley by local astronomer Jim Konowitz. Jim leads stargazing sessions with local residents, and for youth camps and local schools and is the President of the Arkansas Valley Astronomical Society (www.fourteenernet.com/avas). Time and meeting place to be announced.

March
The Geothermal Phenomenon from a Geological Point of View
Monday, March 8, 2010
Presenter: Dr. Fred Henderson
Dr. Henderson will delve into the geological explanation and history of the multiple Arkansas Valley hot springs. He will talk about what ‘geothermal’ means, where the sources are located, and how they have been used. Fred will also talk about the potential uses of geothermal energy in the future as well as Federal and State regulations and land owner rights protection.

Time: 7:00 PM
Location: To be determined
Cost: Free to GARNA members and paid Sense of Place Season 2 participants, $5 for non-members

Sunday, March 14 fieldtrip: Mark Krivanek, geologist, gemologist, and master faceter will lead our group on a hike in the Ruby Mountain area to forage for garnets and apache tears. Mark has extensive knowledge and years of experience with the various gems and minerals found in the Arkansas Valley. Mark has been in the jewelry business for 25 years and currently owns and operates Krivanek Jewelers in downtown Salida. Time and meeting place to be announced.

Cost
Registration includes all three evening lectures and three fieldtrips
$45 for GARNA members
$55 for non-members

Registration deadline is January 11 and there is a maximum of 25 participants.

DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE AND REGISTRATION FORM

 

"GARNA Member Only" Calling All Birdwatchers

There is a saying that to be a really good birder one should try to identify every bird one sees. Let's try! A new bird watching group is forming and planning when and where to meet for the next several months. If you would like to join us on an outing please call coordinator, Denny Arter, 539-0787. Any level of experience is welcome.

"GARNA Member Only" Earth Friendly Book Club

New members are welcome! Club meets monthly to discuss a book decided upon by the group. Coordinator is Suzanne Ward, call for more information: at 539-8523 or email suzanneward17@hotmail.com.

There is no charge.