Gorgas Science Foundation
The Foundation has a long history of innovation in the fields of conservation and education at Rancho del Cielo and in South Texas. These publications serve as important tools in conservation projects, and they provide for an enhanced curriculum. GSF believes that community and individual growth comes through education. GSF is dedicated to the development of new educational materials for use by teachers in the classroom and by the general public. GSF supports and encourages the pursuit of careers in science, medicine, and engineering. GSF has developed and manages three field stations, two in northern Mexico’s El Cielo Biosphere Reserve and one in the Ozark Mountains. In conservation, GSF encourages a pragmatic approach, balancing environmental and human needs. GSF has a long history of involvement in collaborative conservation and educational projects in Northeastern Mexico and South Texas. GSF supports local projects such as beach cleanups and reforestation at Sabal Palms Sanctuary and the Lower Rio Grande Wildlife Refuge. In Mexico, GSF supports research and conservation projects at the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve.
Collection related to UTB/TSC Archives.
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Treasures of the Rio Grande delta
Lawrence V. Lof; John Bax; Alice Bax; Norman L. Richard; and Gorgas Science Foundation, Inc.
Long known as the River of Destiny, the Rio Grande has been the focus of both conflict and peace between Mexico and the United States. Although rich in history, the Rio Grande's delta also supports a rich legacy of natural history. Twisting and turning from the Chihuahuan Woodlands to the Gulf of Mexico, the last 250 miles of this great river forms a rich delta... a transition zone between the semiarid tropics and the temperate north. Since the turn of the century, most of the delta's native vegetation has been lost but many small islands of endangered habitat survive at the edge of farms and cities. These islands harbor an incredible number of species... many endangered or threatened. Some are known only from the delta or reach their northern limits here. The delta is also an oasis... a stopping point for many birds on their annual migrations to the tropics and back.
It is a land between north and south... a land shared by two great countries, Mexico and the United States.
John Bax spent two years chronicling the delta's wildlife and historic sites. His journey has taken him from the arid ranch country to rich Gulf estuaries. Many of the sights and sounds have never before been documented.
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El Cielo: Forest in the Clouds
John Bax; Gorgas Science Foundation, Inc.; University of Texas at Brownsville; and Texas Southmost College
Along the eastern escarpment of Mexico's Sierra Madre Oriental exists an area known as El Cielo... an isolated enclave at the crossroads of North and South American flora and fauna. Eight distinct forest systems are found within its boundaries.
At the heart of El Cielo is a small pocket of cloud forest which exists half-way up the eastern face of the escarpment. Much of the year the forest is bathed in heavy mists as clouds from the Gulf of Mexico brush the steep slopes. El Cielo provides rare and exciting photography of Common Potoo, courtship of the 2 1/2" Bumblebee Hummingbird, pair bonding behavior in Barred Antshrikes and Magnificent Military Macaws in their remote canyons. El Cielo has been captured in all its glory from the birthplace of rivers, to the rain shadow on the west, by the artistry of world class cinematographer John Bax.
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At a Bend in a Mexican River
Lawrence V. Lof; Norman L. Richard; John Bax; and Gorgas Science Foundation, Inc.
Over fifty years ago bird artist and ornithologist George Miksch Sutton visited a hidden river along the eastern escarpment of Mexico's Sierra Madre Oriental. Although he had visited many places in the world, perhaps none so enthralled him. His vivid memories were published in 1972 in "At a Bend in a Mexican River." Exactly fifty years later cinematographer John Bax was compelled to visit the same enchantingly beautiful stream ... a stream that flows from the front of the dark majestic mountains. Nature and birding enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to explore the biological richness found along Sutton's river.
This video features thirty-eight, rarely seen neo tropical birds. Many of these and numerous others, are included in the sound track.
Special segments feature Great Curassow, Common Potoo, the diminutive 2 1/2" Bumblebee Hummingbird, Mountain and Elegant Trogons, three species of kingfishers, and nesting activities of the Green-breasted Mango Hummingbird and Barred Antshrike.
