Press ReleaseThe Wildlife Experience Brings Playas…Gems of the Plains to Visitors this SummerContact: Keith Carlson - 720.488.3331DENVER - May 22, 2007 - Playas…Gems of the Plains, a unique exhibit showcasing the importance of playa lakes to the High Plains region, opens at The Wildlife Experience on June 16, 2007. This exhibition features information on the function of playa lakes, as well as history, geology, biology, ecology and art with interactive games, models, artifacts and maps. Playa lakes are depressions on the landscape that are generally round and small, averaging less than 17 acres. They have clay-lined basins and fill with water periodically, mostly from precipitation. About 96 percent of the world’s playas are found on the High Plains with as many as 60,000 throughout the playa lakes region which includes eastern Colorado and New Mexico, western Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle. Playas go through wet and dry cycles that result in a diverse plant community. The plants produce large quantities of nutritious seeds essential to waterfowl and other birds that migrate to the region. Playas are the primary recharging source for the Ogallala Aquifer, the largest groundwater system in North America. Playas…Gems of the Plains is a traveling exhibit of the Northwest Texas Museum Association with funding provided by the Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV), Amarillo Area Foundation, the Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation and the Meadows Foundation. Visitors can see Playas…Gems of the Plains through August 26, 2007. In addition to Playas: Gems of the Plains, The Wildlife Experience is producing a photography exhibit on playas, entitled Playascapes, in conjunction with Brian Slobe. Playascapes will also be on display June 16 through August 26. # # #
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