Patagonia is the one town, out of 19 communities located on a new map, that is directly on the trail where two segments connect: Canelo West and Temporal Gulch, featuring pathways from centuries-old early wildlife, Native American and immigrant trails starting at the border with Mexico, as well as passages through the history, culture and traditions of cattle-raising, mining, railroads and ranching in the region - the reasons for the founding of the town back in 1898.
The railroad is gone now, as well as the cattle-pens and ore-shipping containers around it, having been replaced by a town park that will be the hub of activities for Patagonia Trail Days. One section of the old Santa Fe Pacific Railroad tracks has been converted to a trail - the Patagonia Trail Track Trail - for non-motorized use by the Mountain Empire Trail Association in collaboration with other groups.
Now, some 100+ years later we are looking at low-impact or no-impact ways to regenerate the use and enjoyment of our natural resources, to restore vital habitats, and to encourage people to support these initiatives.
This is not just local, it's world-wide. Happening at the same time is the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. You might want to join the network: Earth Day Network
Meanwhile, stay tuned to activities for "Planet Patagonia"
http://www.aztrail.org/calendar.html
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