September 2010
Nature
Menu of this month's listings, stories and columns
Celebration of Our Mountains - The 17th annual Celebration of Our Mountains offers events to encourage appreciation of the El Paso region’s environment. Information: celebmtns.org or email jimhtolbert@elp.rr.com, 525-7364.
Upcoming events:
• Saturday, Sept. 4: Hike to B-24 Crash over Rough Terrain; Hike to the Aztec Caves
• Sunday, Sept. 5: Smuggler’s Pass Hike
• Saturday, Sept. 11: Pancho Villa State Park, Spring Canyon & Deming Birding Trip
• Saturday, Sept. 11: Ron Coleman Trail; Dino Tracks, Insights El Paso Science Museum; Night Time Is the Right Time
• Saturday, Sept. 18: 6th Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta; Family Tours of the Archaeology Museum
• Sunday, Sept. 19: Schaeffer Shuffle Hike
• Thursday, Sept. 23: Artistic Celebration of Our Mountains at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing; Thursday, Sept. 23: Full Moon, Hiking and Coffee at the Palisades; Bat Watch
• Saturday, Sept. 25: Your First Step to Hiking; Audubon Society trip to Rattlesnake Springs; Night Time Is the Right Time; Moon Hike and Picnic; Cloud Climbing Rail Trail Hike
• Sunday, Sept. 26: Sunset Hike at the Crest of the Franklins.
Garden Talks at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing — Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, One Ardovino Drive in Sunland Park, will host free talks on various aspects of gardening with Texas AgriLife Extension Service Master Gardeners 8 to 8:30 to 9 a.m. Saturdays on the patio during their weekly farmers’ market. Information: 240-7414.
• Sept. 4 — “So, You’re Going to Plant a Tree” by Sandi Colman.
• Sept. 11 — “Garden Goodies on the Grill” by Jim Hastings.
• Sept. 18 — “Garden Tool Care and Maintenance.” Presenter to be announced.
• Sept. 25 — “Rainwater Harvesting” by Bill Hodge.
Bottomless Bubblefest — Bottomless Lake State Park, 13 miles east of Roswell, (via U.S. Hwy 380 and NM Hwy 409), will host its 4th annual Labor Day weekend event 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Monday, Sept. 4-6, featuring underwater “dive poker,” underwater games, snorkeling, beach volleyball, nature hikes, ranger talks and more. The New Mexico State Police Dive Team will host a presentation Saturdays, during the “Enchanted Evenings” program. Day-use fee is $5. Camping fees: $8 for primitive site; $10 for developed site (electrical hookup $4 extra). Reservations for camping recommended. Information: (575) 624-6058 or nmparks.com.
El Paso Native Plant Society — The society will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, at El Paso Garden Center, 3105 Grant. Horticulturist Cheryl Garing presents “September is for Planting Bullet Proof Native Plants.” Free and open to the public. Information: 240-7414.
Master Gardener Course — The Texas AgriLife Extension Service will host an 11-week master gardener course 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 9-Nov. 18, at El Paso Garden Center, 3105 Grant, in Memorial Park. The course offers intensive horticultural training in exchange for at least 60 hours of volunteer service after the course’s completion. Application fee: $150 ($195 for those in the horticulture industry). Fee covers course text and various handouts. Enrollment space is limited; application deadline is 5 p.m. Aug. 30. Information/applications: 860-2515 or elp.tamu.edu.
‘Amazing Texas Hummingbirds’ workshop — Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Outreach and Educational Programs will host an introductory workshop on the 18 species of hummingbirds in West Texas 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at the El Paso Water Utilities’ Carlos M. Ramirez TecH2O Center, 10751 Montana. Learn identification tips, hummingbird ecology, gardening for hummingbirds with drought-tolerant plants, dealing with pets and identification training at hummingbird feeders. Cost: $5; pre-registration required. Information/reservations: 621-2000, dperez@epwu.org or tech2o.org.
Iris Society Sale — The Mesilla Valley Iris Society will hold its Fall Sale 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11-12, at the south end of Mesilla Valley Mall, Telshor and Lohman Avenues, Las Cruces (Cine 10 entrance). The Iris Society will have a wide variety of rhizomes for sale. Proceeds benefit the society and its services.
Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park — 5000 Calle del Norte in Mesilla. Winter hours: beginning Sept. 1, winter are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Day use fee: $5 per vehicle ($40 annual pass). Information: (575) 523-4298 or nmparks.com.
Birding tours are 8:15 a.m. Saturdays, (depending on volunteer guide availability) bring hat, water, binoculars and insect repellent.
Master Gardener Sylvia Hacker will give a talk on “Pots and Pails, Berms and Swales Simple ways to harvest rainwater for your garden and landscape” at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, in the classroom.
Naturalist Richard Quick of the Las Cruces Museum of Natural History will talk on “Aquarium Science” at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, in the classroom.
Friends of the Mesilla Valley Bosque Park meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13. Master Gardener and park volunteer Sylvia Hacker presents a program on waterwise trees in the area. Park fee waived for those attending meeting. Information: (575) 523-8009.
SunScape Landscape Seminar — UTEP’s Chihuahuan Desert Gardens at the Centennial Museum will host a landscaping seminar 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at the museum, University and Wiggins. Participants learn to use native plants and gardening in harmony with the desert; and covers selecting native plants, placement in the garden, tree pruning, irrigation tips, soil content and more. Garden tour and question and answer period include. Registration: $35 (class size limited). Bring lunch; drinks provided. Information: Kay Mullins, 747-8994 or museum.utep.edu.
Labor Day Trail Ride — The Chihenne Ranch’s 8th annual Labor Day ride is Sept. 12-18 beginning with dinner Sunday, and ending with breakfast Saturday. This ride base camp ride returns back to the Lodge headquarters each day. No electricity or water hookups for, but flush type toilets and shower “house” offered. Evening programs with musical entertainment as well as dancing will be available each night. Registration (due by Sept. 1): $300. Information/registration: Greg Evans, (575) 743-1602 or zianet.com/4jranch.
The Chihenne Ranch is in the foothills of the Black Range near the Gila National Forest, New Mexico.
National Parks and Nature Series – Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial, will show a free video on Mount Rainier National Park and Mount Saint Helen National Volcanic Monument at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15. Information: 532-7273 ext. 127 or Scott_Einberger@nps.gov.
Gila River Festival — The Gila Conservation Coalition will host its 6th annual river festival Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 16-19, at the Silco Theater, 311 N. Bullard, in Silver City, N.M. and other locations. The event raises awareness of the Gila River with hikes, workshops, kids’ activities, panel discussions and more that foster an appreciation of Aldo Leopold’s conservation ethic. Information/festival brochures: (575) 538-8078 or gilaconservation.org.
Keynote address is “Connections: The Marvelous Complexity of Place” by writer, teacher and earth activist Mary Sojourner 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Cost: $10 donation at the door.
The “Red Hot Children’s Fiesta” is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, at Penny Park, 1305 N. Grant, with activities, informational booths, face painting, crafts and more. Admission is free.
The 2010 “Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival” is 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Silco Theater. Cost: $8; free for children under 12.
A book signing, talk and photo exhibit for “Free Flow: the Gila River in New Mexico” by Jan Haley 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Silver City Museum. Admission is free.
Field trips begin at Silver City Visitors’ Center unless otherwise listed:
Fee is $15, unless otherwise listed.
• “Wildlife of the Gila” Photography Workshop with wildlife photographer John Wachholz 6 to 10 a.m. Thursday.
• “The Ribbon of Green: Linking River Hydrology to Riparian Biodiversity” with Dr. Kathy Whiteman, 7:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Thursday.
• Backyard Habitat Restoration — 9 a.m. to noon Thursday with Charles Holmes and Tricia Hurley, beginning at the Silco Theater.
• “Taking the Pulse of a River: Monitoring on the Gila” 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Thursday.
• “Creepy-Crawlies” — 2:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday.
• “Mother Nature’s Storybook: Animal Tracks and Sign” — 7:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Friday. Fee: $25.
• “Writing from Place” — 9 a.m. to noon Friday. Fee: $25.
• Biodiversity in Mimbres Pottery Tour of Western New Mexico University Museum — 10 a.m. to noon Friday. Meet at 9:45 a.m. at the WNMU Museum. Fee: $50.
• “Beavers: Busybodies of the Gila” —
Noon to 3 p.m. Friday.
• “Mulberry Canyon: Restoring the Biodiversity of a High Desert Tributary to the Gila River” — 1 to 4 p.m. Friday.
• “Bats of the Gila River Valley”
6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday.
• “Beginning Birds of the Gila” — Classroom presentations are 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Silco Theater followed by field trip at 6:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, beginning at the Silver City Visitor’s Center. Fee: $25.
• “Birds of Mangas Springs” — 8 to 11:15 a.m. Saturday.
• “The Gila’s Native and Non-native Fish: A Dilemma of Biodiversity” — 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
• Macroinvertebrates on the Gila River
8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday.
• “Gila River Plant Diversity” —
9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
• “Moth Lighting” — 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday.
• “Otterlicious: Field trip to the River Otter Release Site on the Gila River” — 8 a.m. to noon Sunday.
• “Birds of the Mid-elevation Gila River” — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
• “Butterfly Walk with the Butterfly Guy” — 9 a.m. to noon Sunday.
• Kayak the Gila — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Meeting location to be announced. Fee: $75.
• “People, Water, and Dragonflies
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Lectures:
Lecture pass is $5 per day; $15 for entire series.
• “Jaguars in the Gila A Discussion of Jaguar Habitat with a Comparison of Historic and Present Jaguar Distribution” — 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday.
• “The Gila River Watershed as a Meeting Place for North American Biotic Communities” — 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. Thursday.
• “Effects of Projected Climate Change in Southwestern New Mexico” — 1 to 2 p.m. Friday.
• “Conservation of Biological Diversity in a World of Profound Change: Promise and Peril in the Age of Climate Change and Energy Decline” — 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. Friday.
• “Cougar: The American Lion” — noon to 1 p.m. Saturday.
• “Thresholds and Tipping Points in Ecosystems: Can They Be Predicted?” —
1:15 to 2:15 p.m. Saturday.
• “What We’re Losing, How We Can Save it All” — 2:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
• “Predatory Management: Cascade Effects on Biodiversity” — 11 a.m. to noon Sunday.
• “Economic Benefits of a Healthy Gila River” panel discussion — 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
‘Reel Rock Tour’ — NMSU Outdoor Rec presents the “global tour” at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, at Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, in Las Cruces. Tickets: $8 in advance; $10 at the door. Information:(575) 646-4746 or reelrocktour.com.
Reel Rock turns five this year and co-founders Sender Films and Big Up Productions are celebrating with death-defying speed link-ups of the wildest faces in the Alps, to Olympian displays of strength and tenacity on the hardest boulders ever climbed.
Aggie Youth Climbing — New Mexico State University Outdoor Recreation will host a kids’ rock climbing class for ages 6 to 17, taught by experienced climbers 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Sept. 18-Oct. 9, at the NMSU Activity Center, 1600 Stewart in Las Cruces. Cost: $55. Information: (575) 646-4252 or outdoor@nmsu.edu.
This class is the first of four classes planned through April.
Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta — The Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition (CDEC) will host its 6th annual fiesta highlighting the animals and plants of the Northern Chihuahuan Desert 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Franklin Mountains State Park’s Tom Mays Section at the western base of Transmountain Road.
Hosted by the Franklin Mountains State Park, members of the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition will be on hand to offer free presentations and demonstrations. Park fees will be waived during the event, but donations are welcome. The event is also part of and Franklin Mountains State Park Lone Star Legacy. Information: 217-4233 or chihuahuandesert.org.
New this year are 10-minute presentations on a variety of topics on the desert’s natural history 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as well as a special appearance by “Takota”, a Golden Eagle from the El Paso Zoo and the park’s 3rd Annual Chili Cook-off.
Facilities will be available for barbecues or picnics, attendees may bring their own food.
The Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition was formed six years ago to collaborate efforts among public educators, the public and CDEC in support of programs that enhance conservation and education of the Chihuahuan Desert.
El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society trips — The Society’s monthly public meeting is at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 20, in Room 119 (Building 4010 of the Rio Grande campus of El Paso Community College, 100 W. Rio Grande. Scott Cutler, Curator of Collections and Exhibits at the UTEP Centennial Museum, will present a program on “Big Bangs and Monumental Moves: Geological Events in the El Paso Area.” Admission is free. Non-members welcome. Information: 526-7725 or trans-pecos-audubon.org.
The society hosts field trips to various birding sites in the region. Non-members and guests welcome on all field trips. Bring lunch, binoculars, and dress appropriately for weather and terrain. Information: 526-7725 or trans-pecos-audubon.org.
• Pancho Villa State Park, Spring Canyon and Deming field trip departs at 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, from Keystone Heritage Park, 4200 Doniphan. Information: Mark Perkins, 637-3521 or mperkins4@elp.rr.com.
• Rattlesnake Springs field trip is Saturday, Sept. 25, departing at 7 a.m. in front of Evergreen Cemetery, 12400 Montoya. RSVP by Sept. 22: Mark Perkins, 637-3521 or mperkins4@elp.rr.com.
El Paso Zoo — 4001 E. Paisano. Zoo summer entrance hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Zoo admission is $10 for ages 13 to 61; $7.50 for ages 62 and older and active duty military (including spouse) with ID; $6 ages 3 to 12; and free for ages 2 and under. Zoo members admitted free. Information: 532-8156, 521-1850 or elpasozoo.org.
The 9th annual Elephant Festival that honors the zoo’s biggest residents is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 25-26, featuring bio-facts from elephants, elephant-themed games for kids, enjoy story times and demonstrations, live entertainment, and meal from “A Taste of the Wild. A “Produce Hunt” behind the scenes tour and “Breakfast with the Elephants” events also offered for and addition fee. Information: 532-8156 or 521-1850, or elpasozoo.org.
A giraffe exhibit has joined the new Africa section’s lion exhibit, meerkat habitat and the El Paso Electric Kalahari Research Center.
Daily encounters include California Sea Lion Training and Meet the Keeper presentations at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Asian Elephant Training Encounters scheduled daily. Information: elpasozoo.org/takeaction.
An Evening with Jack Hanna - El Paso Zoo presents an evening with the acclaimed animal expert and his animal friends is 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, at The Plaza Theater. Tickets: $20-$50, plus service charges (Ticketmaster).
Special VIP reception tickets are $100; available through the Society. Information: 532-8156, 521-1850 or elpasozoo.org.
Hanna’s hands-on approach has won him widespread acclaim as Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, conservationist, author, television personality, and lifelong adventurer. After 12 years hosting “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures,” he launched his latest syndicated TV series, “Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild.” In 2008, Into the Wild received an Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Series, and Jack was nominated for Best Host of a Children’s Series. Recognized around the country as America’s favorite zookeeper, Jack has made countless television appearances since 1983 on shows such as Good Morning America, The Late Show with David Letterman, Larry King Live, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Maury Show, Fox News Programs, and CNN News Programs.
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park — The park, part of Asombro Institute for Science Education, is northeast of Las Cruces, off Jornada Road. Admission is free; donation box at trailhead. Park hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Information: (575) 524-3334 or asombro.org.
To get there: Take I-25 in Las Cruces and head east on U.S. 70. Take the Mesa Grande Road exit (at Oñate High School). Make a U-turn under the highway to head west, and stay in the right lane. Turn right (north) on Jornada Road. Follow Jornada Road for 6.5 miles and turn left at the park sign. Follow the entrance road to the parking area and trailhead.
Asombro Institute for Science Education is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing scientific literacy by fostering an understanding of the Chihuahuan Desert.
White Sands Institute — White Sands National Monument and NMSU-Alamogordo hosts a new series of community education classes during the summer months, ranging from art to natural history. All classes meet at White Sands National Monument. Information/registration: (575) 439-3842 or commed@nmsua.nmsu.edu.
Classes are geared towards grade 10 through adult, and include easy-level hikes, with some off-trail walks.
• White Sands Watercolors Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 21-23, instructed by Dan Stouffer. Cost: $175.
Municipal Rose Garden — The garden at 3418 Aurora (at Copia), opens to the public 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 30, except for official holidays. The Garden, which opened in 1958, has many types of roses at the sprawling park area with a waterfall, shade canopy and many other amenities. Admission is free. Information/rentals: El Paso Parks and Recreation, 541-4331.
Keystone Heritage Park and El Paso Desert Botanical Garden — 4200 Doniphan (across from Frontera). Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays year round. Admission: $2 ($1 children, seniors and military). Information: 584-0563, keystoneheritagepark.org or elpasobotanicalgardens.org.
The park’s 2-acre Botanical Garden, funded by the Rotary Club of El Paso and the Junior League, features native plants, amphitheater, butterfly garden, wedding garden, children’s maze, and a Butterfly House.
Keystone Heritage Park has 189 species of migratory and local birds, and a 4,500-year-old archaeological site.
The site is open for bird watching at dawn on the last Saturday of the month and dusk on the last Sunday of the month.
Keystone’s Chihuahuan Desert Experience (immediately west of the wetland) is open daily from 7 a.m. to noon for walking and bird watching.
El Paso Astronomy Club — The club meets 7 to 9 p.m. the third Friday of every month at EPISD’s Gene Roddenberry Planetarium, 6531 Boeing. Meetings include guest speakers and workshops to aid beginners in the use of telescopes and identifying objects in the night sky. Everyone is welcome. Admission is free. Information: 779-4317 or elpasoastronomy.org.
El Paso Ridge Walkers — The hiking club offers hikes every weekend, choosing from two dozen hikes around the region, including hikes in the Franklin and Organ Mountains, Guadalupe Mountains, as well as flatter hikes along the Rio Grande and Stahmann’s Pecan Orchard. Day trips range from White Sands to Albuquerque. Hikes range from 6 to 10 miles. Information: Charlie Topp, 755-7789 or elpasoridgewalkers.com.
Sierra Club hikes — The El Paso Regional Group of the Sierra Club offers field trips almost every weekend; open to non-members. Most outings have a limit of 12 persons. The club encourages donations of at least $2 or $3 per person per event to help with publicity and administrative expenses. Web: texas.sierraclub.org/elpaso/.
The general meeting is at 7:30 p.m. on the last Wednesday of every month; location varies. Information/location: 309-5419.
Franklin Mountains State Park — The 24,000-acre park extends north from the heart of El Paso to the New Mexico state line. The highest point is North Mt. Franklin, 7,192 feet above sea level.
Most hiking and mountain-biking trails begin in the Tom Mays area, off Transmountain Road on the west side of the park (east of I-10).
Entry fees are $4 per person, free for age 12 and under (with family). Group rates available. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Information: 566-6441.
The 6th annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept 18, featuring demonstrations, informational booths, children’s activities, a chili cook-off and more. Park fees waived during the event.
Guided hikes begin at 9 a.m. on selected days; reservations required:
• Aztec Caves, Saturday, Sept. 4.
• Smugglers Pass, Sunday, Sept. 5.
• Schaeffer Shuffle, Sunday, Sept. 19.
Camping in the Tom Mays Area of the park, with both traditional tent sites and RV areas (no hookups). Site fee is $8 (limit of four campers), plus the park entrance fee.
Picnicking in the Tom Mays Area, with picnic tables and restrooms that are accessible to the handicapped.
No ground fires are permitted.
Rio Bosque Wetlands Park — UTEP’s Center for Environmental Resource Management offers free guided walking tours and other activities at Rio Bosque Wetlands Park in El Paso’s Mission Valley. Tours last about two hours. Information: 747-8663 or riobosque.org. Upcoming events:
• Bird Tour, 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4.
• A Community Workday is 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18.
• Introductory Tour, 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 19.
• Monthly faunal monitoring is 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25.
Meeting place is a bridge crossing Riverside Canal. Take Americas Ave. (Loop 375) to Pan American Drive, turn left and travel 1.5 miles.
Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site — The site is famed for many Native American rock paintings and unique geology. Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Admission: $5 (free for children 12 and younger). Additional cost for tours (including birding tour and morning hike): $1 for ages 5 and older. Information: 857-1135 or texasstateparks.gov.
The park’s campground is closed for utility upgrades and will reopen in October.
Pictograph, rock-climbing bouldering and hiking tours are available at 9 and 11 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday, by prior arrangement. Call 849-6684.
The monthly birding tour is 7 to 9 a.m. on the third Saturday of the month (Sept. 18). Advance sign-up encouraged.
To get there: Take Montana Avenue (U.S. Highway 62-180) all the way into the Hueco Mountains then turn left on Ranch Road 2775.
North Mountain is available for self-guided day use, for up to 70 people at a time. There is an annual orientation program for visitors. Guided access is offered to the rest of the site. Picnicking allowed at ten tables closest to headquarters. Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted. Camping is available. Bicycles permitted only on designated paved areas. Pets allowed only in camping or picnic areas. Call for reservations and other information: 857-1135.
Feather Lake Wildlife Sanctuary — 9500 North Loop, near Loop 375. The 43.5-acre site is managed by El Paso’s Audubon Society. A variety of migratory birds, as well as some year-round species, can be seen there. The sanctuary is open to the public 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and 2 p.m. to dusk Sundays. Admission is free. Information: 545-5157 or 747-8663.
Directions: Take I-10 East to Americas (Loop 375), go south 1.2 miles to North Loop, turn right and go 0.4 miles to the sanctuary entrance, on the left at 9500 North Loop at Bordeaux.
White Sands National Monument — The glistening gypsum dunes are about 15 miles southwest of Alamogordo, N.M., on U.S. 70. Hours (through Sept. 6) are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. for the Dunes Drive; 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 7-25; a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning Sept. 26. Visitor Center hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Sept. 12; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning Sept. 13
All visitors must exit the park by one hour after sunset.
Entrance fee: $3 age 17 and older. Free for children. Information: (575) 479-6124, ext. 236 or (575) 679-2599, ext. 232; or go to nps.gov/whsa.
Ranger-guided Sunset Stroll Nature Walks begin one hour before sunset daily. Experience a sunset over the white sands and observe the plants, animals and geology of the dune field. Walks last about one hour.
Patio talks are 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the Visitor Center. Rangers will answer questions and give tips on enjoying the monument.
A Star Party is 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11.
A Full Moon Hike is 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23.
Full Moon Night is 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, featuring “White Sands in 3D,” with Resource manager David Bustos. Fly through the dunes, see a tarantula up close, and explore crystal pedestals in a 3-D visual journey of White Sands National Monument. 3-D glasses will be provided; question and answer period will follow. No reservations accepted.
Lake Lucero tours are offered on the last weekend of each month. This month’s tour is 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept 26. Participants drive their own vehicles 17 miles beginning at the Small Missile Range gate on U.S. 70, 25 miles west of the White Sands Visitor Center, then hike 3/4 mile to the source of the white sands. Reservations are required. Cost is $3 per adult; $1.50 age 16 and under.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park — The park is about 160 miles east of El Paso, off the Carlsbad Highway (U.S. 62-180). Information: (575) 785-2232 or nps.gov/cave.
Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; tours available 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Last entry into cave via natural entrance is 2 p.m. with last entry into cave via elevator 3:30 p.m.
A star party is 6:30 to 10 p.m. the second Saturday of each month.
Plan 3-1/2 hours for a walk-in tour and 1-1/2 hours for Big Room tour. Cost is $6 ($3 for ages 6-15 or seniors with discount card). The park’s audio self-guided tour is $3 extra (also available in Spanish).
For an extra fee ($8 adults, $4 youth and seniors with card), visitors can go on a ranger-guided tour of the King’s Palace, Papoose Room, Queen’s Chamber and Green Lake Room; reservations are required.
The “bat season” generally lasts from late May through mid-October. Daily bat flight talks (about 15 minutes long) are offered just before sunset at the amphitheatre outside the natural entrance. Then — bats willing — visitors are treated to the sunset spectacle of clouds of bats flying out of the cave entrance.
Guided tours also are available for Slaughter Canyon Cave, an undeveloped cave 23 miles from the main cavern. Call for reservations. Cost is $15 ($7.50 ages 6-15, seniors with card). The 1-1/4-mile tour lasts about 2-1/2 hours. Flashlight with fresh batteries required. Wear good walking shoes and bring water.
Other special guided tours are available, including “Wild Cave Tours.”
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument — 44 miles north of Silver City on NM Highway 15, the dwellings are in the middle of the majestic Gila Wilderness, the first and one of the largest wilderness areas. The slow, winding mountain road between Silver City and the dwellings takes about 1-1/2 hours to drive. Long trailers are advised to come up the back way via NM 152 and 35 through the Mimbres Valley. Entrance fee: $3 per person; $10 per family. Information: (575) 536-9461 or nps.gov/gicl.
Winter hours: The trail to the cliff dwellings is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Everyone must be off the trail by 5 p.m. Visitor center is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Regular tours offered at noon. Early arrival requested (allow 20 to 30 minutes to hike to dwellings where tour begins).
“Trail to the Past” guided tours are 1:30 p.m. Saturdays at the Lower Scorpion Campground. This 1/4-mile walk visits a small Mogollon alcove dwelling and a large pictograph panel.
A ranger-guided tour of the TJ Site, an unexcavated surface pueblo, is 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4.
“An Evening of Astronomy” begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, with a “Make Your Own Star Wheel” activity, followed by evening talks and night viewing.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park — 110 miles east of El Paso on the way to Carlsbad, the 86,416-acre park includes the highest point in Texas: Guadalupe Peak, 8,749 feet. Entry fee: $5 for ages 16 and older, good for one week and all trails. Camping is $8 per site per night. Information: (915) 828-3251.
The park’s headquarters, visitors’ center and museum are at Pine Springs, off of U.S. 62-180. Camping for tents and RVs, a nature trail, and ruins of the Butterfield Overland Mail Station are nearby. McKittrick Canyon Visitors’ Center is seven miles east of Pine Springs, and offers nature, canyon and geology trails. Winter hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
On the north side of the park, accessible by a 110-mile drive around Carlsbad Caverns, is Dog Canyon Visitor Center and Campground.
One of the best examples of a Permian Period fossil reef, the national park offers camping and more than 80 miles of trails. Hikes range from easy, wheelchair-accessible nature trails to moderate (level, but rocky) canyon hikes to strenuous mountain hikes.
New Mexico State Parks — Day-use fee is $5 when visiting any state park. Camping fees: $8 for primitive site; $10 for developed site (electrical hookup $4 extra). All programs are free with park entrance, unless otherwise listed. Information: (575) 744-5998 or nmparks.com.
• Mesilla Valley Bosque Park — 5000 Calle del Norte, Mesilla. Guided bird tours are first Saturday of every month.
• City of Rocks State Park, north of Deming off U.S. 180. Information: (575) 536-2800. A “Rattlesnake Myths” presentation is 3 to 4 p.m. every Saturday.
• Oliver Lee State Park, Highway 54 south of Alamogordo at the Dog Canyon turnoff. Information: (575) 437-8284.
A look at Venus and Mars at Sunset is 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, with the Amateur Astronomers Group, at Group Shelter.
A “Bat Factor” evening lecture is 6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Group Shelter.
An “Animals of Dog Canyon” presentation is 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, in the Group Shelter.
A “Rattlesnake Tales” presentation is 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, in the Group Shelter.
A Trail Journaling walk is 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, beginning at the Visitor Center.
• Rockhound State Park, five miles south of Deming on State Road 11 and then east on Rockhound Road (State Road 141) for nine miles. Day use hours: 7:30 a.m. to sunset. Information: (575) 546-6182 or (575) 744-5998.
• Elephant Butte Lake State Park — Information: (575) 744-5998.
The Hot Air Balloon Regatta is 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 11-12, launching from Lion’s Beach.
A free Boating Safety class is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28 and Sept. 25.
Drag boat races are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18-19.
The Socorro Bass Club’s Bass Tournament is 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19.
The Elephantman Triathlon is 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26.
• Pancho Villa State Park, Columbus, N.M., State Roads 11 and 9. Information: (575) 531-2711. Day use hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The 5th annual Pancho’s Car Show is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, with vintage to late model show cars, live music, food and drink for sale and more.
• Brantley Lake State Park — 12 miles north of Carlsbad, N.M., on US 285. Includes 51 sites with water and RV hookups, visitors’ center, fishing dock and boat ramps. Information: (575) 457-2384.
A Star Party is 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4.
• Bottomless Lakes State Park — 13 miles east of Roswell, (via U.S. Hwy 380 and NM Hwy 409). Information: (575) 624-6058 or nmparks.com.
The Summer Enchanted Evening interpretive program series runs 8 to 9 p.m. Saturdays, through Sept. 4.
The annual Bottomless Bubblefest three-day scuba event is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Monday, Sept. 4-6, with underwater poker competition, demonstrations and more.
• Leasburg Dam State Park, Radium Springs, two miles off Interstate 25 at Exit 19. Information: (575) 524–4068. Day use hours: 7 a.m. to sunset.
• Caballo Lake State Park, 60 miles north of Las Cruces on Interstate 25. Information: (575) 527-8386.
• Percha Dam State Park, 60 miles north of Las Cruces on Interstate 25. Information: (575) 744-5998.
Dripping Springs Natural Area — The recreational area is at the base of the Organ Mountains at the end of Dripping Springs Road (the eastern extension of University Avenue), about 10 miles east of Las Cruces. The area, run by the federal Bureau of Land Management in cooperation with the Nature Conservancy, includes the A.B. Cox Visitors’ Center, several hiking trails, and La Cueva Picnic Area. During the late fall and winter months, visitor center is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Access to the main trail to Dripping Springs is 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the park is closed promptly at 5 p.m.
Admission is $3 per vehicle. No pets allowed (except for assistance animals). Information: (575) 522-1219.
Aguirre Spring Campground — The Organ Mountain recreational area, run by the federal Bureau of Land Management, is off U.S. 70 about 15 miles east of Las Cruces. Fifty-five family camping and picnic sites, plus two group areas. Day-use fee is $3 per vehicle.
The Baylor Pass (hiking and horseback riding) and Pine Tree (hiking) trails begin at the campground.
Information, group reservations: (575) 525-4300.
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park — Carlsbad, N.M. Admission: $5 ($3 ages 7-12; free for 6 and under). Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (last entry at 3:30 p.m.). Information: (575) 887-5516.
To get there: Take U.S. 285 north of Carlsbad; follow signs to the park.
International Vulture Awareness Day activities are 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, featuring children’s crafts, turkey vulture displays and more.
A full moon walk is 7 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24. A free outdoor concert with classic rock band Celestial Remnants begins at 5:30 p.m.
A star party is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1.
A fall plant sale is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 2-3, featuring ornamental houseplants, and native and other xeric plants for desert landscaping.
A large greenhouse is devoted to succulents and cactus from around the world. The headquarters building includes exhibits on minerals, history, archaeology and other subjects.
Sitting Bull Falls — The scenic area in the Lincoln National Forest is seven miles southwest of NM 137 on Forest Route 276. The 130-foot falls is one of the highest in New Mexico. Features a picnic area and wheelchair-accessible trails. Entry fee: $5 per car (day use only). Information: (575) 885-4181.
Chihuahuan Desert Resource Institute — The CDRI center and botanical gardens are four miles south of Fort Davis on Hwy 118. Admission: $5 ($4 seniors 65 and older; free children 12 and younger, members). Information: (432) 364-2499 or cdri.org.
Davis Mountains Preserve — The Nature Conservancy’s preserve’s use is free and open to the public. No pets allowed. All visitors must sign in at McIvor Conservation Center near the preserve’s entrance. Reservations not required for day use, but strongly encouraged for overnight stays: (432) 426-2390, ext. 1 or dsouth@tnc.org.
To get there: Take Hwy 118 from Fort Davis to the Lawrence E. Wood picnic area. The preserve gate is about one-quarter mile north of picnic area on left (look for sign).
Alameda Park Zoo — Alameda Park, 1321 North White Sands Blvd. (U.S. 54/70), Alamogordo. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission: $2.50 ($1.50 ages 3-11 and 60 and older; free for ages 2 and younger). Annual memberships available. Information: (575) 439-4290.
The oldest zoo in the Southwest (established in 1898) is part of the park that lines Alamogordo’s main highway. The zoo, covering about 12 acres, features about 250 exotic and indigenous animals.
Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue — The nonprofit organization that serves West Texas and Southern New Mexico offers resources for those who find a wild bird or mammal in need of help. Information: 772-6011, (575) 882-2910 or whc.net/cdwr.
Uninjured baby birds may be returned to their nest; the mother will not reject them if they have been touched by humans. If the nest cannot be found, create one with a basket or container with good drainage that can be attached to the tree so the parent bird may find it. If the bird is injured, contact the rescue immediately.
Community Tool Sheds — Keep El Paso Beautiful, in partnership with Paso del Norte Health Foundation, Home Depot and El Paso Fire Department, offers community tool sheds available at area fire stations. The sheds will be stocked with push brooms, shovels, rakes, a gas weed eater, gloves and trash bags for use for cleanup or beautification projects. The items may be borrowed for no charge to the public for community cleanup projects. Information: 546-6742.
Tool sheds are at 5315 Threadgill, 3801 Fort Blvd., 6500 N. Mesa, 7901 San Jose, 11977 Pellicano, 1801 Montana, 6300 Delta and 10834 Ivanhoe.
Parks and Rec Memorial Tree Program — The City Parks and Recreation Department offers its Memorial Tree Program to honor a loved one as well as celebrate a special occasion, group or event. Trees will be planted in a public park or other public area. Donation levels range from $75 for seedlings to $600 for a grove. Information: 541-4331. Forms available at the Parks and Recreation Office, 6th floor El Paso City Hall, 2 Civic Center Plaza or elpasotexas.gov/parks.
An acknowledgement letter is sent to those that purchase a tree, and a certificate is sent to the honoree and family and is posted on the Parks and Recreation web site.
El Paso Scene MONTHLY
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