In January 1994, I participated in my first Audubon Christmas Bird Count in the San Rafael Valley grasslands. With an old heavy pair of binoculars, I hiked along with an expert birder into a new and exciting experience, including learning about birds but also seeing, for the first time, the stunning place that is the San Rafael Valley. Many Christmas bird counts later, I still cherish my memories of that blustery day.
Opening this morning’s paper to the photos of the still-beautiful valley, along with the report of the plans to build a 30’ border wall, stunned me. The desecration of this valley is wrong on so many levels.
I’m 80 now and still participate in less active birding outings. But I hope the San Rafael Valley will still be wild and beautiful for future birding and nature enthusiasts and the wildlife it shelters.
Diana Fuller Holmes
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Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
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