Pushmataha building on Brewer Road is within certified wildlife habitat grounds.
Sedona AZ (October 12, 2010) – City of Sedona Vice Mayor Cliff Hamilton’s “The Wonders of Wetlands – Turning Effluent from Liability to Asset” will be the topic at Keep Sedona Beautiful monthly Preserve the Wonder™ Speaker Series on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. Doors will open with wine and hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m. followed by the presentation at 5:45 p.m.
Hamilton, a wildlife biologist and educator, will share his extensive knowledge of constructed wetlands, how they work, their wildlife and community benefits and Sedona’s plans to develop one of its own.
Constructed wetlands are man made marshes, lakes and ponds, which in our desert environment provide a habitat oasis for scores of wildlife species and are a major attraction for both residents and tourists. Wetlands are recognized worldwide as the most productive and attractive kind of areas on the planet for wildlife of all forms. Within a year, Sedona may have such a wetland.
Hamilton holds a BS degree in Wildlife Management from Oregon State University and an MS in Environmental Education from Michigan State University. He served as Education Supervisor, Chief of Public Affairs, and assistant to the Deputy Director during the 29 year period he worked for the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Department. During that period, Hamilton created and managed the nation’s first Watchable Wildlife program and pioneered the development of state wildlife viewing sites in Oregon.
On September 28, 2010, the Sedona City Council approved funding to begin design on the first phase of 28 acres of constructed wetlands near the city’s wastewater treatment plant five miles west of town. “With the development of the first wetland phase and public access facilities, the area’s attraction to wildlife and wildlife watchers will increase significantly,” said Hamilton. “This development will form a new kind of tourism attraction for Sedona not readily available now.” Over 130 bird species have been identified at the city’s wastewater plant.
The Speaker Series takes place at Keep Sedona Beautiful’s historic Pushmataha Center, 360 Brewer Road, Sedona. Held the third Wednesday each month from September to June beginning at 5:30 p.m. with wine and cheese, this award-winning speaker series presents an interesting diversity of programs relevant to our region.
Keep Sedona Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to “Preserving the Wonder™” of Sedona for future generations. For more information about KSB and its programs, call 928.282.4938 or go to www.keepsedonabeautiful.org.
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