SANTA FE – There is going to be quite a party on May 9 in Glenwood as the New Mexico Department of Wildlife hosts GilaFest, with the opening of the new Glenwood-Allred Wildlife Management Area, the completion of renovation work at the Glenwood State Fish Hatchery and ongoing conservation work benefiting Gila trout serving as cause for celebration.
The Department welcomes the public to the free event. Attendees can take part in a birding hike at 8 a.m. on the Glenwood-Allred WMA, which comprises 107 acres of land near the hatchery and is home to bird species such as the southwestern willow flycatcher and yellow-billed cuckoo.
A Gila trout stocking on Whitewater Creek in the nearby Catwalk Recreation Area will take place at 9 a.m. This is a great chance for the public to help stock one of the world's rarest trout species. Fish will be stocked a short walk from the parking lot using buckets, as well as farther up the Catwalk Trail using bags of fish placed into backpacks. The Department recommends wearing sturdy, waterproof hiking boots for those wishing to take part in the stocking efforts, as well as backpacks for those interested in helping carry fish up the trail.
A wide range of family-friendly activities, including archery, bowfishing and a remote-control OHV safety course, along with several conservation organizations and food vendors, will be at the Glenwood Community Park from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Tours of the renovated fish hatchery will take place at 1, 2 and 3 p.m., with a clean-up event in conjunction with the state's "Breaking Bad Habits" campaign at 2 p.m. Attendees should note that some activities will take place on uneven terrain; thus, hiking boots and outdoor clothing are recommended.
For more information on the event, visit the Department's website or contact Assistant Chief of Education Curt Coffman at
