Lake Chapala has benefited in what has turned out to be an atypical rainy season. During August, normally the height of the summer wet period, the elevation level dropped by seven centimeters.

Operacion Amor has racked up yet another success in its two-year campaign to encourage the Chapala area’s native populace to spay and neuter their dogs and cats in order to prevent unwanted reproduction.

Mexico’s Environment Ministry (Semarnat) has earmarked a modest funding package to promote the conservation of Lake Chapala’s natural wealth.  This is first time funding has been made available since the lake’s 2009 recognition as an internationally important wetland under the Ramsar Convention, as well as the Cierro Viejo protected forest area designation formalized earlier this year.

Timed to welcome flocks of migratory birds that are winging their way from Canada and the United States for the winter season, the fourth annual Festival de las Aves del Lago de Chapala will take place from Friday, November 22 through December 1, offering a variety of cultural and educational activities at different north shore venues.

The second biennial International Circus Act Festival of Mexico (FiCHo) opens ten straight days of lively activities with a series of events scheduled Thursday, November 14 through Sunday, November 17 at various venues in Chapala and Ajijic. The program continues November 18-24 with all kinds of happenings scheduled in Guadalajara. 

Hardcore shoppers and collectors of Mexican folk art will have a field day at the 12th annual Feria Maestros del Arte, set for next weekend at the sprawling grounds of the Chapala Yacht Club.