The Gila River Festival is an annual celebration of the Gila River and its importance to southwest New Mexico. It draws locals and visitors from afar to our area to learn and understand more about this unique river and its watershed.
I was fortunate to attend the Hydrology and Field Ecology trips this year. Both were amazing opportunities to spend time with leaders who have vast knowledge about this complex and remarkable landscape. Here’s a brief look at our days in the field.
hydrology matters
Dylan Duverge’ led us through the basics of river mechanics at the Old Iron Bridge. We were able to discuss the incredible changes that took place in the short time in the context of the flooding event that took place in August 2022.
The Gila River looking downstream from the Old Iron Bridge after the August 2022 flood. 
The Gila River looking upstream from the Old Iron Bridge after the August 2022 flood with an inset photo showing August 2021 morphology. 
Receding Gila River floodwaters looking downstream from the Old Iron Bridge. 
Dylan explains recent changes to the Gila River under the Old Iron Bridge. 
A scour pond and flattened vegetation covered with mud as a result of August 2022 flooding. 
View of the scour pond and flood damage on the banks of the Gila River viewed from the Old Iron Bridge. 
Participants listen to Dylan explain the hydrology and geomorphology of the Gila River. 
Dylan checks collect a water quality sample temperature. 
A participant collects a water sample from a secondary channel of the Gila River. 
Alain listens to water sampling results. 
Participants watch water quality sample data collection. 
Dylan and a participant assess a water quality sample. 
Water sample data collection along the Gila River. 
A participant checks a water sample temperature. 
Debris clustered around trees along the Gila River as a result of recent flooding. 
Participants listen to Dylan talk about water quality sampling. 
The contents of a water quality sampling kit. 
Dylan checks the temperature of a water quality sample. 
Dylan and Alain, the Hydrology Matters field trip hosts. 
Dylan discusses a water quality sample with a participant. 
Dylan explains the results of the water quality sample. 
Dylan talks about the results of the group’s water quality samples. 
Dylan shows participants the diagnostic card in a water quality testing kit. 
Checking the pH test strip of a water sample. 
Dylan talks about sampling results.
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Plant Ecology of the Gila Headwaters
Patrice Mutchnick of Heart of the Gila gave us an overview of plant life and river dynamics and how they shape each other.
Patrice shows participants what she calls the Heart of the Gila. 
Patrice illustrates Gila River geography in the sand. 
Patrice talks about the changes to the Gila river due to recent flooding. 
The confluence of the east and west forks of the Gila river. 
Patrice explains the difference in water turbidity at the confluence of the east and west forks of the Gila river. 
The Gila River runs under the NM 15 bridge near Gila Cliff Dwellings. 
The east fork of the Gila River near Grapevine campground. 
Patrice explains the ecology of the Gila River watershed. 
East fork of the Gila River loooking downstream towards the Grapevine Campground. 
Patrice identifies flowers for participants. 
East fork of the Gila river near Grapevine Campground. 
Val prepares to release a tagged butterfly. 
Patrice helps Val release a tagged Monarch butterfly. 
A tagged butterfly is ready for release. 
Patrice hands J a butterfly to tag. 
Patrice shows Val how to tag a butterfly. 
Val releases a tagged Monarch butterfly. 
Monarch butterfly being tagged for release. 
Patrice sets up to tag and release butterflies. 
Participants listen to Patrice explain the river crossing. 
Participants discussing the flow of the Gila River. 
Field trip participants cross the Gila River. 
Participants of the 2022 Gila River Festival Plant Ecology field trip. 
Participants of the 2022 Gila River Festival Plant Ecology filed trip. 
Patrice explains trip participants how willows are adapted to the environment.
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