2009 SYMPOSIUM
Desert Tortoise Council
34th Annual Symposium
February 19-22, 2009
Casa Blanca Resort & Casino, Mesquite, Nevada
Venture to a New Venue!
Have you ever wondered what the northern edge of the
Mojave looks like, where creosote mingles with pinyon
juniper and caliche caves are replaced by deep rock
burrows of sandstone and basalt? Have busy work
schedules and traditional Symposium venues limited your
explorations of tortoise habitat to the southern and
western portion of the range? No more excuses!
The upcoming DTC 2009 Symposium will be held February
19-22 at the Casa Blanca Resort & Casino in Mesquite,
Nevada!
Okay, so you heard we were going to St. George in 2009.
Well we still are...there will be field trips to the Red
Cliffs Desert Reserve, only a short 30 minute drive from
Mesquite. The Beaver Dam Slope is even closer.
Bring your hiking shoes, your biking shoes, and plan to
spend an extra day getting intimate with red dirt.
Preliminary Planning Info. Mesquite is only one
hour north of Las Vegas on I-15. For those flying
into Vegas, a reliable and convenient door-to-door shuttle
provides round-trip service between the airport and the
Casa Blanca for $75.00. (mesquitebusco.com
or 1-888-855-4 bus phone reservations). Of course, rental
cars are also available.
Rates at the Casa Blanca, if reserved before January
19, 2009, will be affordable! Wed-Thurs nights are $49.98
and Fri-Sat nights are $64.98. Rates are for a standard
room, per night and are subject to nine percent (9%) room
tax.
Day time temperatures in late February can easily reach
the mid 60's, while nights may dip to the mid 30's. It may
not be warm enough to jump in the Casa Blanca's famous
waterfall and pool, but it is perfect for getting
outdoors. The Casa Blanca makes it easy to get out for
fresh air and fun. For an alternative lunch break, grab
some friends for a game of sand volleyball in the court
located by the pool. Doors in the convention area open to
the large outdoor space.
Field trips on Thursday! To better accommodate work
week schedules, we are trying something different by
holding field trips on Thursday before the symposium
starts. We are organizing a great selection of trips to
tortoise habitat...some by foot, some by bike, some by
vehicle. Sign up for field trips will be on a
space-available basis. Stay tuned for more info this fall!
Great Program! We are putting together a fantastic
program!
More fun for the Family! Zion National Park is only 1½
hours from Mesquite if you and your family are looking for
a mid winter getaway. Snow Canyon State Park is even
closer, and is a good place for little ones to play in
open sand dunes. Awesome golf can be found right in
Mesquite or in St. George, just 30 minutes north. For
those looking for a relaxing break from hectic home life,
the Casa Blanca
has a nice spa facility right on site.
Mark Your Calendar! Make sure to set aside February
19-22, 2009 for the 34th Annual Desert Tortoise Council
Symposium. You won't want to miss this one!
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