For Immediate Release, August 30, 2023
Contact: Emily Bishton, Arivaca Pollinator Pathway, arivacapollinatorpathway@gmail.com
Dynamic, 3-D Mural Unveiling Sunday in Arizona
Mural Series Commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act
Arivaca, Ariz. – The Endangered Species Coalition, our member organizations, and the Arivaca Pollinator Pathway Project are pleased to announce the unveiling of a 3-dimensional, community mural featuring native endangered and threatened species in different settings. The mural unveiling and celebration is part of a series commemorating the 50th year of the Endangered Species Act. Festivities begin Sunday, September 3rd at 11:00 am and will run until 4:00 pm at the Arivaca Dancehall, 17271 W. 5th St. in Arivaca, Ariz.
This event will feature the dedication of our new mural, created by artist Paul ‘Nox’ Pablo, and complementing our Pollinator Pathway project by depicting images of local, native plants and animals. We’re honored that the celebratory event will include special guests from Tohono O’odham Nation and its Cultural Center and Museum, who will provide a presentation and receive returned local Tribal artifacts. The event will be capped off with a performance by legendary Waila musicians Gertie and the T.O. Boys, who have entertained audiences and been cultural ambassadors for the Tohono O’odham Nation throughout the US for decades.
About ESA AT 50
In 2023, the 50th anniversary provides a unique, year-long opportunity to build support for the Endangered Species Act and imperiled species by celebrating conservation achievements, highlighting conservation needs, and generally reminding the public and decision-makers why plants, fish, and wildlife are beloved and vital to the heritage we share as Americans. Just as in 1973, an unprecedented coalition of agencies, organizations, and nonprofits are coming together to commemorate this conservation legacy. Find out more about the coalition, events and activities at https://esa50.org/
About the Arivaca Pollinator Pathway Project
The Arivaca Pollinator Pathway is a volunteer-driven project to build public gardens in the small town of Arivaca to provide a linked pathway of habitat for Monarchs and other butterflies, bees, bats, and other pollinators. In addition, to grow local knowledge and understanding about the importance of pollinators and how to provide good habitat for them, through free garden classes and experiential learning.
The project has also grown to include the creation of a beautiful new mural that depicts pollinators and other species that are endangered or threatened in the region of Southern Arizona that includes Arivaca and the Tohono O’odham Nation. The 3-sided mural is surrounded by one of the Pollinator Pathway gardens, and its unique design takes viewers on a day and night journey through the natural habitat of this region.
The Pollinator Pathway Project is a collaboration between the Arivaca Dancehall, the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) of the Friends of the Arivaca Caviglia Library, and fiscal sponsor Arivaca Human Resource.