Contact: Carolyn Byers 277-5089 Media Contact: Misty P. Salaz 277-5851

October 23, 2002 WILD FRIENDS SPONSOR YOUTH EVENT AT NATURE CENTER Wild Friends, a project of the Center for Wildlife Law at the University of New Mexico Institute of Public Law since 1991, will receive an award for its efforts to involve young people in policy issues Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Rio Grande Nature Center, during Youth Day 2002. The event is free and open to the public. Commissioner Ray Powell will present the award at an 11:30 a.m. ceremony. The Wild Friends program was co-recipient of the Rosner Environmental Education Award, given annually by the New Mexico State Land Office. From 9:30 a.m. to noon, students will be teaching the public about wildlife they have been studying. The students will do presentations on creatures such as deer, butterflies, bears, wolves and bats. Thanks to Exotics of the Rainforest and animal rehabilitation specialist, Penny Elliston, Wild Friends and the State Parks' Junior Rangers will enjoy birds, snakes and scorpions. ###

The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
Hodgin Hall, 2nd floor
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
Fax: (505) 277-1981