Event Details
Community Dance Offering by the River
Join us on a community dance prayer by the water bank of the Rio Grande. Lead by performance faculty and artist Sandra Paola Lopez.
When: 9:00 am-10:00 am (MDT)
Where: Sunland Rio Grande River Site
Directions: From UTEP, take 1-10 to Sunland Park Drive exit, turn left onto Sunland Park Dr., turn left onto Doniphan Dr., turn right on Racetrack Drive, just before the bridge going over the Rio Grande turn right into the parking lot.
World Water Week Community Tabling
Join us as we kick off World Water Week with the help of various community groups, as they educate our students and campus visitors on the importance of our freshwater resources. The event will feature informational tables as well as an opportunity to meet Willie the Water Drop.
When: 10:00 am-1:20 pm (MDT)
Where: On UTEP campus, Geology Front Lawn next to Centennial Plaza
Advances on Water Systems' Assessments at Binational Scale
A virtual science talk hosted by our partners from the Permanent Forum of Binational Waters.
When: 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm (MDT)
Where: Virtual only with live spanish translation - RSVP for Zoom Access
Panelists: Enrique Prunes (WWF), Jurgen Mahlnecht (Tec de Monterrey), Juan M. Huerta-Tolis (Juan M. Huerta, Inc. of Sarasota).
Indigenous Perspectives on Water and Nature
This discussion panel promises to be an enlightening and informative event. The Indigenous peoples have a deep understanding of the natural world around them, and their relationship with water and nature is grounded in rich cultural traditions that span thousands of years. This panel will feature knowledgeable Indigenous speakers and academic experts who will share their insights on traditional ecological knowledge, sacred sites, water protection, and climate change. They will reveal how modern development projects have put Indigenous ways of life at risk by threatening ecosystems and disrupting the delicate balance between people and nature. This event will be an excellent opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives on water and nature and the importance of integrating this wisdom into our lives as we strive toward a more sustainable future for all.
When: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm (MDT)
Where: On UTEP Campus, Biosciences Research Building Auditorium – Room BRSB 2.168.
Available online via zoom - RSVP for Zoom Access
Teleconference access at the Graduate Auditorium (Building G1, lower floor) at Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas – UACJ
Panelists: Marissa Muñoz (UTSA), Mia Hammersley (Piro-Manso-Tiwa Tribe), Diego Medina (Piro-Manso-Tiwa Tribe)
History of the Rio Grande
This is a walk backward through time beginning with the Rio Grande as we see it today and working back to the beginning of the Rio Grande in Colorado, about 10 Million years ago. This talk wil be held by Richard Langford who has taught at UTEP since 1996. He is an El Paso native and has long had an interest in the understanding of our region. His research focus is in understanding the processes that shape deserts, both modern and ancient. He applies a variety of data, including stream processes, groundwater flow, sediment movement and the uplift of mountain ranges and subsidence of basins.
When: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm (MDT)
Where: On UTEP Campus, Biosciences Research Building Auditorium – Room BRSB 2.1684.
Webinar with live spanish translation - RSVP for Webinar Access
Teleconference access at the Graduate Auditorium (Building G1, lower floor) at Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas – UACJ
Water Engineering and Binational Partnership Panel
This event will feature an interdisciplinary water panel between US and Mexican experts on water availability and governance.
When: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm (MDT)
Where: In person only, On UTEP Campus, Centennial Museum
Panelists: Oscar Ibáñez (JCAS), Alejandro Villalobos (UACH) , Josiah Heyman (UTEP) , Alex Mayer (UTEP)
Student Breakfast with Larissa Crawford - (Students Only)
A student only breakfast with our keynote speaker Larissa Crawford.
When: 9:30 am - 10:30 am (MDT)
Where: UTEP Campus, History Department Lounge Room 320
Limited spots available, reserve a seat at: https://minetracker.utep.edu/event/8971804
Keynote Speech by Larissa Crawford
Larissa Crawford is a dedicated visionary and advocate for climate and racial justice. She has Métis ancestry from Penetanguishene, as well as Afro-Caribbean heritage from Jamaica.
As the founder of Future Ancestors Services, Larissa leads a youth-led professional services social enterprise that operates at the intersection of climate and racial justice. Her work aims to empower marginalized communities and address environmental racism by providing meaningful consultation, research, and education initiatives.
Larissa is a proud graduate of York University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Development and Communication Studies in June 2018. Her academic pursuits have equipped her with a robust skill set and knowledge base to tackle complex issues related to social and environmental justice.
Through her diverse experiences, Larissa has honed her expertise in various fields, such as race-based data collection, Indigenous and anti-racism research, accessibility, restorative circle keeping, restorative practice and conflict resolution, climate justice, and public policy.
Larissa is a shining example of what it means to be a true changemaker. She inspires others through her tireless efforts to promote equity and justice, and her work continues to positively impact individuals and communities.
When: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm (MDT)
Where: On UTEP Campus, Interdisciplinary Research Building Auditorium – Room IDRB 2.204.
Teleconference access at the Graduate Auditorium (Building G1, lower floor) at Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas – UACJ
Build Back Wetter - An Infographic Exhibition
Water is wealth in El Paso, but we're in danger of running dry. One way to extend our limited supply of water is by realizing the value of native plants. We're surrounded by native food, medicine, and textiles that grow without irrigation. As wise water investors, we can create profitable native plant farms that can withstand prolonged drought and rising temperatures. Adapting our economy to the desert will require innovation among researchers, local farmers, local businesses, and policy makers. How can we create a new vision of wealth and resilience? Let's learn from the native plants around us.
Learn more about native plants, El Paso's water usage statistics, and the future of a water-wise economy at BuildBackWetter.org
When: 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm (MDT)
Where: On UTEP campus, Interdisciplinary Research Building – IDRB Back Lobby
UTEP-UACJ-UACH: An Inter-University Water Panel
An Interuniversity Discussion Panel on Water Science! In today's world, issues surrounding water scarcity, conservation, and pollution have become increasingly important. As researchers in the field of water science, we understand the significance of collaboration in creating scientifically relevant research outcomes. This discussion panel is an opportunity for researchers from the three universities to come together, share insights, identify areas of where we can collaborate, and propose measures to tackle emerging challenges faced by society. We invite you to join us in exploring ways to foster collaborative partnerships, leverage new technologies and methodologies, and develop innovative approaches for managing our water resources. Together we can achieve a greater impact toward addressing local and global water issues.
When: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm (MDT)
Where: On UTEP campus, Biosciences Research Building Auditorium – Room BRSB 2.168.
Zoom with live translation - RSVP for Zoom Access
Panelists: Shane Walker (UTEP), Hugo Gutierrez (UTEP), Beatriz Rocha (UACH), Maria de Lourdes Ballinas (UACH), David Chavez (UACH), Judith Rios (UACJ), Sergio Solis (UACJ)
Rio Bosque Wetlands Park... Just Add Water
Wetlands and riverside forests once graced the banks of the Rio Grande in the Paso del Norte region. They were the most productive natural habitats in the region, but today they are virtually gone. At Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, the environment is still changing, but in a new way. Learn how a diverse partnership is working to bring back meaningful examples of the unique and valuable ecosystems once found in our river valley. Join Manager John Sproul in a journey through time at the Park where you will see how water availability can completely change a landscape and the species it supports while learning how you can help in the effort to restore our El Paso wetlands.
When: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm (MDT)
Where: On UTEP Campus, Interdisciplinary Research Visualization Lab – Room IDRB 2.215, for parking pass contact Liz Walsh, ewalsh@utep.edu, after registering for the event.
Contact: John Sproul, Manager of Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, jsproul@utep.edu
Teleconference access at the Graduate Auditorium (Building G1, lower floor) at Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas – UACJ
Here, and the Wind: An Exhibition about Process
Opening reception and performance about the process of Experiencing the Bosque: A Performance at Rio Bosque Wetlands Park last November.
When: 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm (MDT)
Where: On UTEP Campus, Rubin Center for the Visual Arts
Citizen Science and Water Quality Monitoring
A talk by Shannon Romeling, Rio Grande Chapter, Sierra Club, and Amigos Bravos
When: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm (MDT)
Where: On UTEP Campus, Interdisciplinary Research Building Auditorium – Room IDRB 2.204
Teleconference access at the Graduate Auditorium (Building G1, lower floor) at Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas – UACJ
Gasland Film Screening and Reception
Film Screening at the UTEP Centennial Museum
When: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm (MDT)
Where: On UTEP Campus, Centennial Museum
Chihuahuan Desert Hike with a Twist
Hike at the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park in El Paso. Lead by biological science students
When: 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Where: Rio Bosque Wetlands Park Visitor Center
Experiencing the Bosque Workshop
Join us as we learn about the importance of water and dive into the magical world of freshwater invertebrates! Water is critical for sustaining the wetland and riparian ecosystems found at the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park. Unfortunately, this resource is inconsistently available at certain times of the year resulting in large areas of the park going dry. Learn fun facts about how animals found in the Park’s water and soil persist even in the most extreme conditions. You will be introduced to various water sampling techniques and will have the opportunity to observe water samples under a microscope. You will be led to explore how aquatic invertebrates move through their aqueous environment and to document your experience through sketches and movement. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the Rio Bosque through art and science! This workshop is part of Experiencing the Bosque— a year-long interdisciplinary intervention at the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park that supports participants to reconnect to water and land in the Rio Grande valley.
All ages and abilities are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
When: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Rio Bosque Wetlands Park Visitor Center
