NMSU to host virtual field trip to celebrate 75th anniversary of Smokey Bear

NMSU to host virtual field trip to celebrate 75th anniversary of Smokey Bear
DATE: 05/15/2019
WRITER: Victoria Balderrama, 575-646-1614, vbalde@nmsu.edu
CONTACT: Adrian Velarde, 575-646-2259, avelarde@nmsu.edu
New Mexico State University’s KRWG TV-Las Cruces, KNME TV-Albuquerque and KENW TV-Portales have partnered with the USDA Forest Service and the Prince William Network to bring students, teachers and the general public a virtual field trip that will be webcast live from Smokey Bear’s birthplace in Capitan, New Mexico, Nov. 7.

In 1950, an injured bear cub found himself caught in a burning forest. The firefighters who retrieved him were so moved by his bravery, they named him Smokey. Smokey Bear spent his life promoting fire prevention and continues to remind people to be responsible when using fire.

After 75 years, Smokey’s message is still relevant today. During this distance learning adventure, learn how natural resource managers and communication specialists have worked together to promote Smokey’s message.

“Working together, we can reach hundreds of thousands of people with an important message that is near and dear to the hearts of the people of New Mexico,” said KRWG General Manager Adrian Velarde.
There will be two webcasts about Smokey Bear including a pretaped video. “Smokey Bear LIVE: Only you Can Prevent Wildfires” will be web streamed at https://smokeybearlive.org/ beginning Oct. 6.

On Nov. 7, an interactive program will be available for students and others to send questions about Smokey, wildfire prevention, firefighting and more to scientific experts who will answer the questions during the webcast.

Visit https://smokeybearlive.org/, to register and to take part in the virtual field trip and download lessons plans and other resources about Smokey Bear and wildfire prevention.