14 April, Sat., 430pm - The Nature Conservancy Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, Patagonia, AZ. (520 394-2400)

On April 14, 2001, about 40 friends of Geoffrey Platts gathered at the Patagonia- Sonoita Creek Preserve to celebrate his love of life on what would have been his 63rd birthday. Jeffrey Cooper, Preserve Manager, hosted the event and began by describing the reading Geoffrey had given in April 1996 (see picture below) -almost 5 years prior to the day-for the dedication of the visitor center. That night he had sat in the same rocking chair we had and read a variety of selections from Muir, Thoreau, and several other favorite authors.

Among those present included a number of The Nature Conservancy staff and former trustees that Geoffrey had worked with. Fritz Jandry, a former trustee, spoke of Geoffrey's lasting contributions to the Arizona Chapter of TNC by keeping focused on land protection and stewardship. Several others shared memories and stories of his visits to other preserves and unceasing commitment to the work of TNC. Several other friends offered stories, poems and memories. Emily Cooper read her "Letter to Geoffrey" and a wonderful piece from Bill Paul, Geoffrey's life-long friend who he grew up with. Jeffrey Cooper also read his poem, "I saw another man walking".

The Preserve Manager also announced the opening of the Geoffrey Platts Trail at the Patagonia- Sonoita Creek Preserve. The trail is 3.5 miles long and is open all the time. It begins at the trailhead along Blue Haven Road about ½ mile from the visitor center entrance. The Platts Trail provides a wonderful hike with incredible views of the Sonoita Creek Valley and beyond. Geoffrey had hiked this area on several visits to the Patagonia Preserve.

This was followed by a fine and festive pot-luck meal including tortillas and beans that would have made Geoffrey proud!

It was agreed that this should be an annual event held on the Saturday closest to his birthday-so mark your calendars!

This celebration of Geoffrey's life -- the 14th is his birthday --had memories, poems, songs, a potluck dinner among other things that people brought to share. Copies of TREK! were placed on sale.

The upland trail was dedicated the Platts Trail in his honor. At the trailhead, located along the County leading to the visitor entrance, are benches and sign -- see top of page , and a small parking area immediately across the road. This three-mile trail loops into the foothills to the north of the Creek and provides spectacular views of the Sonoita Creek Valley and ample opportunities for solitude and reflection. The trail, which will open year-round, was begun as a way to offset the lack of access at certain times to the Preserve's Creek and Railroad Trails. The Preserve feels that it's important to let the main trails and adjacent habitat have some rest from human use, especially in the spring and summer.

Directions from Phoenix to Patagonia: Directions from Phoenix to Patagonia -- 120 miles. Take I-10 south, through Tucson, and some 20 miles more southeast on I-10 to Exit 281, the Sonoita/ Patagonia turnoff. Turn south (right) onto State Hwy. 83. Some 25 miles later, at the Sonoita stop sign and Patagonia turnoff, turn southwest (right) onto State Hwy.82. Some 14 miles later you are in downtown Patagonia in front of the Velvet Elvis Restaurant, on the north side (right) of the street.

Directions from Patagonia to Preserve: Directions from Patagonia to Preserve: From the Velvet Elvis continue straight (in a southernly direction) on Hwy 82 (toward Nogales). Turn right on 4th Ave. (at the Wagon Wheel bar) and go four short blocks to a
stop sign. Turn left -- on the sign pole is a sign for the Preserve
indicating a left turn. The Visitor Center entrance is about 1 mile from there. The stream has a fair amount of water at the crossing but it has a firm concrete bottom and can be crossed easily.

Accommodations: There is no camping at the Preserve or immediately nearby but there are areas just east of Patagonia where people would find a "primitive" site. There are a number of B&B's in town, and the Stage Coach Inn, but it has not impressed a number of guests.

For donations to the Preserve, see our "Donations" page.