Luke AFB supports Tres Rios festival Published March 6, 2009 LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- A two-day free festival to educate Arizonans about the natural environment that surrounds them at Luke Air Force Base is this weekend at Meridian Wildlife Area north of Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale. The Tres Rios Nature and Earth Festival -- referring to the Gila, Salt and Agua Fria rivers -- focuses on and celebrates the extensive and diverse wildlife, habitats and history which surround the rivers. The festival is in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Luke's environmental education programs and activities, local communities and partners, according to Jeff Rothrock, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron asset management flight chief. "Luke's goal is to help in efforts to conserve, preserve and restore the environment," he said. "The base does this by promoting recycling, community environmental stewardship and maintaining an award-winning pollution prevention program. Additional base programs focus on water resource protection and innovative, alternative energy solutions." More than 75 exhibitors will be spread throughout the area. Included are local food vendors, real wildlife, interactive activities, guided tours, and exhibits for adults and children of all ages. Attendees can participate in a fishing clinic for children, a beginner's bird walk or a more advanced wildlife-watching tour early in the mornings on both days, walks to nearby wildlife-viewing areas, exploring a variety of wildlife and conservation organization booths, experiencing the seventh annual "Recycling Fashion Show" or canoeing on the river. The festival is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.Tresriosnaturefestival.com. Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale is five miles south of I-10 on Avondale Blvd. Courtesy of 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs