Legendary climbing apparel brand Gramicci will sponsor the 19th Annual Hueco Tanks Rock Rodeo Fundraiser March 2-4, 2012. The event is expected to draw some 500 – 700 people, ranging from athletes and climbing enthusiasts to teachers and non-profit members. All will gather to support environmental stewardship by raising money for the Hueco Tanks State Park’s Lone Star Legacy Trust Fund. The goal for the weekend is to raise a minimum of $5,000.

The 19th Annual Hueco Rock Rodeo, presented by Adidas Outdoor and The Hueco Valley Foundation, will take place at Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site in El Paso County, Texas. There will be clinics, workshops, videos, and slideshows. The Adult Bouldering Competition is on March 3rd, and Pro Athlete clinics are being offered on March 4 from 11am to 3pm.   Hueco Tanks is one of the most revered climbing areas in the US.  All proceeds directly benefit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation’s Lone Star Legacy Endowment Fund. See www.HuecoRockRodeo.com to learn more.

Gramicci’s ambassador climber Nick Duttle will take part in the event, both competing and speaking. Nick is renowned in Heuco Tanks for the many original hard “lines” he set. Nick will be competing in the Adult Bouldering competition on March 3rd Nick’s clinic will be held on Sunday, March 4th, 2012 (11am-3pm). Participants in Nick’s clinic will learn about Hueco Tanks’ rich climbing history, how to build strength, recover properly and the importance of skin maintenance. Nick will be handing out samples of Gramicci’s latest performance climbing apparel made with NPT- Natural Performance Technology  at his clinic.  Gramicci’s NPT hemp and organic cotton based fabric naturally produces higher levels of moisture management, breathability and body temperature regulation than both synthetics and the so-called performance cottons that are treated with chemicals This Gramicci technology is ideally suited for hot, dry climates like Hueco, and the ethos of its customers resonates with the environmental goals of the Hueco fundraiser.

Hueco Tanks is an area of low mountains in El Paso County, Texas. It is located in a high-altitude desert basin between the Franklin Mountains and the Hueco Mountains. Hueco is a Spanish word meaning hollows and refers to the many water-holding depressions in the boulders and rock faces throughout the region. Due to the unique concentration of historic artifacts, plants and wildlife, the site is under protection of Texas law. This special legal status helps mitigate the impact of the many visitors to the park.   The Hueco Tanks are widely regarded as one of the best areas in the world for bouldering (rock climbing) because of its unique rock type as well as the concentration and quality of the climbing. From October through March, it is common for climbers from across Europe, Asia, and Australia to visit the park. Since implementation of the Public Use Plan, volunteer or commercial guides are required to access more than two-thirds of the park’s area. Only the North Mountain is accessible without guides, and even there only for about 70 people at any time. Nearby the Hueco Rock Ranch offers camping and a place for climbers to find guides, to relax and to socialize. The Hueco Rock Rodeo event is designed to keep Hueco clean and accessible for generations to come with invested stewardship from the climbing community.