One very special event planned this weekend is going to help raise money to provide clean water for residents of East Africa, and also help Carlsbad’s bat population.
The bat costumed/themed 5K “Cavern City Bat Flight” is part of Saturday’s Bat Fest planned at the Carlsbad Beach. The run is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. and is being hosted by Carlsbad First Assembly and the Creative Carlsbad Arts Council. You can register here: https://carlsbadfirst.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1023276
All of the proceeds from this run will be used to build water wells in Sub Saharan Africa and support groundwater or go toward bat conservation in the United States. The registration fee covers the expense to provide one-person clean water for life in Africa. Prizes will be awarded for the best bat costume.
Helping with water wells is a wonderful cause. While we take clean water for granted here, that isn’t the case in many parts of the world. In the region this fundraiser is seeking to help, many make the trip two and three times a day to gather the water needed for crops, and their families. Wells may be up to twenty miles away and the water is not clean.
Of course, most Carlsbad residents know about the important role that bats play in helping control insects and pollinating flower plants. Thanks to the Bat Flight at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, bats are also an important part of our local tourism industry. Our local Brazilian free-tailed bat population is migrating south to Mexico right around this time of year.
Thank you to Carlsbad First Assembly and Creative Carlsbad for putting together this important event.
Speaking of our local national parks, our area is very blessed to have Mariah Reading, an eco-artist who is currently holding a residency at Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Reading puts together wonderful pieces of art using discarded objects. You can view some of her work at www.mariahreadingart.com
She’ll be doing a presentation next Saturday, Nov. 6, at the Carlsbad Museum from 6-7 p.m. She’s also teaching a workshop on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to noon at Frijole Ranch at Guadalupe Mountains State Park. Space is limited, so please email Elizabeth_Jackson@nps.gov to reserve yours.
On another note, the New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps is providing grants of up to $150,000 for groups who hire youth to carry out projects on public lands. Proposals must be submitted through the State Purchasing Division’s website by Dec. 13.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway