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SENATOR ELIOT SHAPLEIGH TO UNVEIL FRANKLIN MOUNTAIN FLORA WEBSITE
May 29, 2008

"We believe that by working together, we can enhance the great outdoor experience in the crown jewels of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Systems- the El Paso State Parks."

Written by Senator Eliot Shapleigh, www.shapleigh.org

Capitol

EL PASO – On Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 4:00 P.M, Senator Eliot Shapleigh will host a press conference for the Franklin Mountain Flora Project.

The Franklin Mountain Flora Project was initiated by Senator Shapleigh to create a website that would provide people with information on the flora found in the Franklin Mountain State Park here in El Paso. The mission of the website is to allow the public to view the 250 most commonly found plant species found inside the park. By creating this website, all Franklin Mountain tourists and visitors will become more educated about the natural environment, while being able to enjoy the Franklin Mountain experience.

High School student, Amber Harris, who has worked on this project since its initial commencement, has stated she will walk away with two things. "I no longer see just green plants anymore.  I see the diversity that makes up our desert and if only people were educated and knew what was up in our mountains, and throughout the world, then maybe, just maybe, they would learn to respect it and not pollute," she said.

José Ramirez, an intern with Senator Shapleigh's office, lead the project and collaborated with representatives from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TWPD), professors and students from the University of Texas at El Paso, Texas Master Naturalists, and teachers and students from Franklin and Canutillo High School.

Students and instructors from Franklin and Canutillo High School and representatives from TWPD will participate in the press conference. The Press Conference will be held at the University of Texas at El Paso's Geology Building Reading Room, third floor.  

For more information contact Jose Ramirez at (915) 544-1990, jose.ramirez@senate.state.tx.us, John Moses (915) 781-1932 ext. 24, john.moses@tpwd.state.tx.us, or Mrs. Keeley Muncrief (915) 877-7800, kmuncrief@canutillo-isd.org.

What: The Franklin Mountain Flora Project- Press Conference

When: Saturday, May 31, 2008, 4:00-5:30

Where: University of Texas at El Paso Geology Building, Third Floor Reading Room 310

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