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Above – The Thick-billed Parrot is listed as Endangered and is facing a significant population decline, with fewer than 2,000–2,500 individuals remaining in the high-altitude forests of the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico.
Javelina hairs stand up on their back when they are startled, frightened, angry, or feel threatened.
We’ve been receiving many questions about registration fees and conference details for this year’s 4th Chihuahuan Desert Conference, and we truly appreciate the growing excitement surrounding this important regional gathering.
The conference will once again be hosted by the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens and will bring together conservationists, educators, scientists, students, photographers, land managers, historians, and community leaders who share a passion for the future of the Chihuahuan Desert.
This year’s conference promises to be one of our most inspiring events yet as people from both sides of the border come together to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and celebrate the incredible biodiversity and cultural richness of our region.
What Registration Will Include
Conference registration will include access to presentations, networking opportunities, exhibits, and special events throughout the conference.
One of the highlights will take place during our opening evening icebreaker on November 4, where attendees will enjoy refreshments while connecting with fellow participants in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
During the icebreaker, guests will also experience a special presentation of the new documentary Borderlands Jaguar.
This exciting and visually stunning film follows photographers Austin Alvarado and Ben Masters on a remarkable journey to document the elusive jaguar in the borderlands region and explore the urgent need to conserve wildlife corridors along the U.S.–Mexico border.
The story of the jaguar has become a powerful symbol of hope for conservation in the Chihuahuan Desert, reminding us that protecting habitat connectivity is essential not only for large predators, but for countless species that depend on healthy desert ecosystems.
Conference Planning Underway
Conference organizers are currently working closely to finalize logistics, scheduling, meal planning, printed materials, and additional special events.
Meals and the printed conference program will be coordinated through the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition in partnership with the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
We are also working to keep registration costs as affordable as possible while still providing a high-quality conference experience for attendees. Our goal is to make the conference accessible to students, educators, nonprofit organizations, agency personnel, researchers, and community members interested in conservation and education.
Registration Fees and Deadlines
At this time, registration fees and official registration deadlines are still being finalized. We plan to announce complete registration details sometime this summer, along with hotel information, conference schedules, keynote speakers, field trip opportunities, and instructions for presenters and attendees.
We encourage everyone interested in attending to begin making tentative plans now, as we expect strong participation from throughout the Chihuahuan Desert region and beyond.
A Conference With a Purpose
More than ever, the Chihuahuan Desert needs people willing to work together across communities, cultures, organizations, and borders.
From wildlife conservation and water issues to environmental education, sustainable development, archaeology, geology, and cultural history, the conference is designed to inspire collaboration and action.
We look forward to welcoming everyone to El Paso this November for several days of learning, networking, inspiration, and renewed commitment to protecting one of the most unique desert ecosystems in the world.