“Celebration of Our Mountains” 2014 season begins

Looking for an escape? Well look no further. You can get lost enjoying the natural wonders of the borderland, during the “Celebration of Our Mountains.” More than 50 activities are planned this year, in an attempt to get people off the couch and out the door.

“To get people out hiking, biking, climbing, mountain biking, birding, whatever,” Jim Tolbert, the project’s organizer, said.

Tolbert says the project got its start 20 years ago thanks to the help of a UTEP geology professor, who wanted to give people the opportunity to learn more about their own backyard.

“What he wanted to do, was take people out on the same field trips he was taking his students on,” Tolbert said.

Tolbert says you don’t need to be an expert to take part, because each of the activities planned is led by a team of qualified experts.

“That’s the exciting thing about it, you get to get out and you tart learning about different places you can go, the Franklin Mountains,” Tolbert said.

A hike up Ranger Peak is just one example of activities you can enjoy.
The celebration kicked off Saturday evening, and will continue on through November.

“More things to do this year than ever before,” Tolbert said.

Other activities that are on the list, explore dinosaur tracks on Mt. Cristo Rey and hike up the Organ Mountains. So, no more excuses, the chance to enjoy local landmarks is yours!

“What they do is they learn something about this wonderful area we have around, here,” Tolbert said.

Tolbert says to keep an eye out for this year’s list of event, additional events may be added in the future. For more information, you can visit www,alsa.org