A call to celebrate our treasured gem: The Gila Wilderness
As the Gila Wilderness celebrated its 99th birthday on June 3rd, I reflect on its profound impact on my life and the community. The Gila holds a special place in my heart since joining Western New Mexico University's cross country team. Leaving behind the concrete jungle of Houston, Texas, I was drawn to Silver City for its proximity to the Gila. My first trip in winter felt like stepping into a different world. Ascending Signal Peak, a breathtaking panorama unfolded, igniting a deep sense of belonging.
The Gila Wilderness is a hidden gem, offering diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant wildlife. It stands apart from other natural areas, enchanting all who visit. Families in our community share deep bonds with the Gila, passing down traditions across generations. It is a place of purpose, peace, and purity, providing solace amidst the chaos of modern life.
Beyond its intrinsic value, the Gila Wilderness contributes to our local economy and well-being. The Tour of the Gila cycling event showcases our city and the surrounding Gila National Forest, drawing visitors from far and wide. The Aldo Leopold Charter School integrates the Gila into its curriculum, providing unique educational opportunities. The Gila is a refreshing respite for hikers on the Continental Divide Trail, enriching their journey and bringing life to our town.
The Gila Wilderness continues to evolve as both a place to ground us through the history and significance of these ancestral lands, while providing a space for recreation for our communities.
Our community plays a pivotal role in preserving the Gila Wilderness. Grassroots initiatives like Heart of the Gila unite volunteers in conservation efforts. The Upper Gila Watershed Alliance works on restoration projects in the Gila and hosts youth education events like the Children’s Water Festival and eco-camp at the Gila River. The Wilderness Society works to ensure our local Hispanic/Chicano community has a say in how the Gila is managed . And efforts from organizations like the Backcountry Horsemen maintain trails and preserve ecosystems, enabling visitors to explore responsibly.
The recently introduced Greater Gila Wild & Scenic River Act presents an opportunity to protect nearly 450 miles of the Gila and San Francisco Rivers. This community-driven proposal would safeguard their integrity, ensuring traditional and current use of the rivers, while protecting critical wildlife habitat.
I hope more of the Gila can be protected from harmful developments. I want future generations to experience the same connection and wonder I feel.
In celebrating the Gila Wilderness's 99th birthday, let us remember its remarkable history and the immeasurable impact it has on our lives. As stewards of this sacred landscape, we honor its wonders and ensure its preservation for future generations.
As the Gila Wilderness enters its centennial year, may its legacy endure. Together, we can preserve the Gila Wilderness as a testament to the power and beauty of wild nature, and as a beacon of hope for conservation worldwide.
Happy 99th birthday, Gila Wilderness! May your legacy endure for another hundred years and beyond.
Itzela Rose Darkenwald is currently living and going to college at Western New Mexico University in Silver City, NM and has taken part in free outdoor adventures provided by Nuestro Gila & The Semilla Project.
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: A call to celebrate our treasured gem: The Gila Wilderness
