WildPlaces to host annual “Wild Appreciation” Concert and Volunteer Celebration – March 28, 2009

The public is invited to WildPlaces’ annual “Wild Appreciation” celebration on March 28. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for the event, which will be held at River Ridge Ranch in Springville. Guests will be treated to dinner and music and will have the opportunity to learn about the programs and projects WildPlaces has planned for 2009, including Giant Sequoia plantings, youth “Immersed in the Wild” trips, “Rio Limpio” river cleanup events and others. Suggested donation for the event is $7.00 per adult (but no one will be turned away).

This event is family-and-youth friendly. There will be a youth-inspired art and outdoor activity from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Thriftstore Allstars band from Joshua Tree, California (www.myspace.com/thriftstoreallstars) will perform in the River Ridge Pavillion. Also entertaining guests will be Coyote Slim (www.coyoteslim.com) and the Eastern Sun Dance Company. Wild Appreciation’s popular and unique Silent Auction along with other opportunities for prizes and gifts will also be part of the night’s activities, along with light dinner and no-host bar.

“This event is held to show appreciation to the community by throwing a party that is fun for the whole family. We have hosted this event for several years and each time it becomes more and more popular. We’re excited and honored to host our members and volunteers,” said Mehmet McMillan, WildPlaces’ Director.

“We host this event so that people can come learn more about our programs, have a good meal with a community of people who love the Sierra, and provide local support to WildPlaces by bidding on the silent auction and renewing their memberships,” said WildPlaces board member Juliane Mitmann.

This year’s Wild Appreciation will once again be held at River Ridge Ranch, a unique combination of working cattle ranch, recreation and education guest ranch in oak savannah foothills of the western Sierra Nevada. The environmentally conscious 722-acre ranch borders the Tule River and the 323,000-acre Giant Sequoia National Monument. River Ridge Ranch is located two miles from downtown Springville along Balch Park Road. Detailed directions and maps can be found at www. river-ridge.net.