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Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition Honors Co-Founder Diane Eckland Pettis for 21 Years of Leadership and Service
The Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition (CDEC) honored co-founder Diane Eckland Pettis during its July 29 monthly meeting with a special appreciation award recognizing her 21 years of dedicated service to the organization and her extraordinary contributions to conservation education throughout the Chihuahuan Desert region.
Since helping establish the Coalition in 2004, Diane has served on its Board of Directors and has played a vital role in shaping the organization’s mission of connecting people with the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Chihuahuan Desert.
During the award presentation, fellow co-founder Rick LoBello reflected on the Coalition’s remarkable journey and Diane’s lasting influence.
“When we got started and formed this group, I’m convinced it was because of the Poppies Fest and the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta that we gained so much community support for what ultimately became Castner Range National Monument,” LoBello said. “If it wasn’t for years of building public awareness, who knows whether Castner Range would have received the protection it enjoys today.”
LoBello also credited Diane with helping inspire one of the Coalition’s most visible accomplishments.
“When Diane and I began developing exhibits for this building, we made sure visitors would learn about both water and the Chihuahuan Desert. We kept talking about the Chihuahuan Desert, the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta, and ChihuahuanDesert.org. Those efforts helped build public awareness and support that eventually led to the City of El Paso investing $16 million in the Chihuahuan Desert exhibit at the El Paso Zoo. I don’t think Diane fully realizes how important she has been.”
The appreciation award reads:
“Thank You Award presented to Diane Eckland Pettis in recognition of your hard work and outstanding dedication to the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition. Thank you for your time and efforts, 2004–2025.”
Although the inscription recognizes the years listed on the award, the presentation celebrated Diane’s continued service and leadership spanning 21 years as a co-founder and board member.
Over the past two decades, Diane has helped guide the Coalition through numerous educational initiatives, including the annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta, one of the region’s longest-running celebrations of the world’s largest desert. The event has inspired thousands of visitors to learn about the desert’s remarkable biodiversity, conservation challenges, and the importance of protecting its unique landscapes.
The Coalition also played an important role in supporting community education efforts that contributed to the establishment of Castner Range National Monument and has continued to foster partnerships among educators, conservation organizations, government agencies, and community volunteers throughout the region.
“Diane’s dedication has helped build an organization that continues to educate, inspire, and bring people together to protect the Chihuahuan Desert,” said LoBello. “Her legacy will continue to benefit our community for many years to come.”
The Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting education, conservation, and stewardship of the Chihuahuan Desert through partnerships, community engagement, and collaborative programs across the Borderland.
For more information about the Coalition and its programs, visit ChihuahuanDesert.org.
