May 2008
Nature
Menu of this month's listings, stories and columns Birdathon! 2008 -- The El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society is sponsoring its annual weekend of birding and fundraising Saturday and Sunday, May 3-4. Volunteers raise money by collecting pledges for each species spotted during a single 24-hour blitz. Participating sponsors and counters will be eligible for drawings and prizes. Everyone is welcome to be part of the “Birdathon Flock.” Information: Jane Fowler, 598-2448.
Birdathon! 2008 benefits Franklin Mountain Wilderness Coalition, Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, Audubon Texas and Feather Lake Wildlife Sanctuary.
The post-Birdathon Potluck is 6 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at 6120 Quail (1/4 mile east of Parkland High). Enjoy reports of the year’s Birdathon findings, prizes and more.
Pledges may be sent to: Birdathon! 2007 c/o Betty Fisbeck, 613 W. Sunset, 79922.
El Paso Cactus and Rock Club -- The club hosts a potluck brunch and drawing for cactus and succulent plant lottery Saturday, May 3, at El Paso Garden Center, 3105 Grant, in Memorial Park. Information/time: 585-2149, 240-7414 or cichlidpress.com/elpasocactusclub/.
El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society -- The society’s regular monthly meeting is 7 p.m. Monday, May 19, at UTEP’s Centennial Museum. Andy Kasner, Director of Bird Conservation for Audubon Texas, presents “State of the Birds,” a scientific analysis of 40 years of Audubon Texas Christmas Bird Counts. Admission is free. Non-members always welcome. Information: Ursula, 526-7725.
The 2008 Birdathon fundraiser is Saturday and Sunday, May 3-4, with the annual potluck picnic at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 4. Call 598-2448 or 581-0174 for details.
A field trip to Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park is Saturday, May 17. Depart at 7:30 a.m. from the Shell Station parking lot at I-10 and Transmountain. Bring a lunch. Information: Ursula, 526-7725.
A Memorial Day Weekend Birdwatching weekend in Tucson, Ariz. is Friday through Sunday, May 23-26. Highlights include Lower San Pedro River, Madera Canyon, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Urban Tucson. Information: Bob, 751-0125 or wildbirderbob@sbcglobal.net.
Keystone Heritage Site, 4200 Doniphan (near Frontera) is open for birdwatching 7 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday and 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 24-25. Thousands of birds flock to the area to roost overnight. Bring binoculars. Admission is free.
Clean-up at Resler Canyon -- The Frontera Land Alliance invites volunteers to its semi-annual clean-up of the Wakeem/Teschner Nature Preserve at Resler Canyon 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 4. Trash bags, gloves and water will be provided. Information: 581-6071 or tfla.net.
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:
-- Wildflower Tour, 4 p.m. Sunday, May 4.
-- Bird Tour, 8 a.m. Saturday, May 10.
-- A Community Workday is 8 to 11 a.m., Saturday, May 17.
-- Monthly faunal monitoring is 8 to 11 a.m., Saturday, May 31.
Meeting place is a bridge crossing Riverside Canal. Take Americas Ave. (Loop 375) to Pan American Drive, turn left and travel 1.5 miles.
The exhibit “Building a Bosque: 10 Years of Habitat Restoration at Rio Bosque Wetlands Park runs through Aug. 16, at UTEP’s Centennial Museum, corner of Wiggins and University).
Plants and Edibles workshop -- The City of Las Cruces Water Conservation Program will concludes its free Lush & Lean workshop series on how to keep a beautiful landscape while conserving water with a plants and edibles workshop 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, at the Thomas Branigan Library, 200 E. Picacho. Information: Water Conservation Coordinator Joshua Rosenblatt, (575) 528-3549.
El Paso Native Plant Society -- The society will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at El Paso Garden Center, 3105 Grant. Rio Bosque Wetlands Park coordinator/manager John Sproul, of UTEP’s Center for Environmental Management, presents “Celebrating 10 Years of Restoration: a Look at the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park.” He will discuss the 10-year effort to bring back and preserve a river wetlands ecosystem. Meetings are free and open to the public. Information: Jim Hastings, 240-7414.
Garden tours -- The Garden Conservancy’s 2008 Open Days program will offer tours of five of the area’s most innovative private gardens 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 10. Visitors may begin the tour at any of the gardens. Gardens open rain or shine. Tickets: $5 per gardens; no reservations needed. Free for children 12 and younger. National and regional directories are also available. Tickets/information: 1-888-842-2442 (weekdays), Rosalia Beltran, 309-6376 or rosaliabeltran@sbcglobal.net.
Web: gardenconservancy.org.
The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days Program has been opening the gates to America’s best private gardens since 1995. The 2008 season features more than 300 gardens across 14 states, and serves as the primary educational outreach for The Garden Conservancy’s mission to preserve exceptional American gardens.
El Paso featured gardens:
-- “La Casa Que Canta” Wisemand Garden -- 924 Cherry Hill Lane,
-- Duncan Garden -- 500 Thunder Crest Lane.
-- Enriquez Family Garden -- 553 Canon Springs
-- Nash Gardens -- 269 Fountain Road
-- Ventana Garden -- 5500 Ventana Del Sol.
El Paso Zoo -- 4001 E. Paisano. Zoo entrance hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Admission: $5 ($3 for ages 3-12 and $4 for ages 62 and older and active duty military; free for zoological society members and ages 2 and younger). Information: 532-8156, 521-1850 or elpasozoo.org.
Live educational shows and feedings are presented at the El Paso Electric Sea Lion Exhibit at 10:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Presentations are free; visitors are encouraged to find a seat early. Elephant training-program demonstration is at noon.
Armed Forces day half-price admission for all military personnel (with ID) is Saturday, May 17.
Saturday and Sunday shows include Animal Encounter presentations at 11:15 a.m. (location announced during sea lion show); Sun Bear Enrichment talk at 12:30 p.m. at Take Action! events in the Paraje Learning Center at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
The zoo displays more than 700 animals. Several endangered cat species are featured at the zoo, including Amur leopards, tigers and jaguars, as well as two aquariums featuring butterfly fish, hawk fish and eels.
Keystone Heritage Park and El Paso Desert Botanical Garden -- 4200 Doniphan (across from Frontera). Hours are noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 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 and children’s maze. Admission: $2 ($1 children, seniors and military). Information: 584-0563, keystonepark.org or elpasobotanicalgardens.org,
Keystone Heritage Park has 189 species of migratory and local birds, and a 4,500-year-old archaeological site.
The site is open for birdwatching 7 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday and 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 24-25. Thousands of birds flock to the area to roost overnight. Bring binoculars. Admission is free.
Introduction to Texas Hummingbirds -- Texas Parks and Wildlife El Paso Water Utilities and Texas Master Naturalists will host an introductory workshop on the 18 Texas hummingbird species 12:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at TECH2O Water Resources Learning Center, 10751 Montana, with an emphasis on West Texas. Learn simple tips on identifying and attracting hummingbirds using native drought-tolerant plants. Admission is free, intended for adults only. Information: 621-2001 or tech2o.org.
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 at the Centennial Museum, University and Wiggins, UTEP. For program or schedule changes, call 594-7342.
Municipal Rose Garden -- The garden at 3418 Aurora (at Copia) is open to the public 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 30. Admission is free. Information: El Paso Parks and Recreation, 541-4331.
The garden has over four acres with a waterfall, Koi pond and walking path.
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.
Volunteer gardeners needed -- El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano, seeks volunteers interested in helping to take care of the park’s grounds. Experience not necessary. Anyone age 18 or older with a passion for gardening, the ability to lift a garden hoe, and desire to get down in the dirt and annihilate weeds is needed to work 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays. Information: Volunteer Coordinator Anne Langenfeld, 351-5340 or elpasozoo.org.
Armchair Explorer Series -- Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial, hosts an “armchair tour” of a different national park site the third Wednesday of each month 10:30 a.m. to noon in the theater. The May 21 tour features Buffalo River National River. Admission is free. Information: 532-7273.
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. weekdays, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Information: 566-6441.
A special sunset hike begins at 6:45 p.m. Saturday, May 17. Call for reservations.
A presentation on Venomous Invertebrae and Reptiles of the Chihuahuan Desert is at 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 24.
Park rangers give interpretive tours on the first and third weekends of the month, beginning at the Tom Mays Unit entrance. Rubber-soled shoes, water, hat, sunscreen and a light snack are recommended. Park entry fee required plus $3 activity fee. Call for reservations: 566-6441.
-- Guided hikes to Mundy’s Gap and Schaeffer Shuffle West Cottonwood Spring are at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 18.
-- Guided hikes to Aztec Caves, Smuggler’s Pass and West Cottonwood Springs begin at 9 a.m. Sunday, May 4 and Saturday, May 17.
-- Guided hikes to West Cottonwood Mine Shaft are at 9 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays and May 3-4 and May 17-18 by reservation only.
The park also offers:
-- Mountain biking, with special trails and race course.
-- 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 permitted.
Hueco Tanks State 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 and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Admission: $4 (special rates for seniors; free for children 12 and younger). Information: 857-1135.
Pictograph, hiking and bouldering tours are available at 9 and 11 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday, by prior arrangement. Call 849-6684.
The monthly birding tour is offered at 7 a.m. on the third Sunday of the month (May 18, June 15).
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. It’s about 32 miles from downtown El Paso.
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.
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 park now has enough water and will be open to the public tentatively through the end of May. Hours are 8 a.m. to noon Saturday and 2 p.m. to dusk Sunday. 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.
Volunteers may help maintain the park on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons through June 1.
The next community workday session is 8 a.m. Saturday, June 7.
White Sands National Monument -- The glistening gypsum dunes are about 15 miles southwest of Alamogordo, N.M., on U.S. 70. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the visitor center and 7 a.m. to sunset for the Dunes Drive. 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.
A Moonlight Bicycle Ride is 9 to 11:45 p.m. Saturday, May 17. Ride 16 miles through the monument under a full moon after cars have left. Helmet and light required. Cost: $5; $2.50 for children. Advance registration necessary: (575) 679-2599, ext. 111.
Friday Night Star Talks are 8:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 23 and 30, at the amphitheater at the end of Dunes Drive, following the regular evening slide program. Learn to identify the summer constellations, listen to ancient legends about the stars and discover what modern astronomers have learned about the universe.
The park’s popular Full Moon Night is 8:30 p.m. on selected nights. The park may be entered until 10 p.m. Park closes at 11 p.m. Relax on a white sand dunes and enjoy a one-hour slide program or video on some aspect of the natural history or history of the area. The Monday, May 19, program is “The Yellowstone Legacy: Discovering America`s National Parks,” presented by John Mangimeli of White Sands National Monument.
A Lake Lucero tour is 5 p.m. Saturday, May 31. 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.
Caverns open at 8 a.m. daily, and the last elevator down leaves at 3:30 p.m. (5 p.m. beginning Memorial Day weekend). Visitors can also walk to the main caverns through the natural entrance -- last walk-in is 2 p.m. (3:30 p.m. beginning Memorial Day weekend).
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.
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.”
The “bat season” generally lasts from late May through mid-October. Daily bat flight talks are 10 or 15 minutes long, and then -- bats willing -- visitors are treated to the sunset spectacle of clouds of bats flying out of the cave entrance.
Flights are most spectacular in late summer and early fall, as the bat population increases and matures. Bring a blanket or pillow to sit on, and be advised that the events are much less crowded, and more fun, on weeknights.
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. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Beginning Memorial Day, hours are 8 a.m. to 6 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. Information: (575) 744-5998 or nmparks.com.
-- Oliver Lee State Park -- Highway 54 south of Alamogordo at the Dog Canyon turnoff. Information: (575) 437-8284.
Heritage Preservation Day is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 10, featuring all-day programs highlighting the beauty and history of Dog Canyon and the Tularosa Basin.
A spring sky tour is 9 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, May 24.
-- 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.
The 2nd annual Bluegrass Festival is May 23-25, featuring open mic sessions, live music Friday and Saturday, and a special free Gospel music session Sunday. Tickets available at the gate.
A program on “Land of the Apache” with Joe Saenz is 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 28, as part of the regular Friends of Rockhound meeting. Admission is free and the public is invited.
-- Percha Dam State Park, 60 miles north of Las Cruces on Interstate 25. Information: (575) 744-5998.
-- Elephant Butte Lake State Park -- Information: (575) 744-5998.
The Mallory Cup Quarterfinals sailing race is Friday through Sunday, May 2-4, to be conducted as fleet races with round robin rotation of boats.
A program by Chihuahua Desert Nature Park is noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 3.
-- 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.
A program on Columbus City Hall and the WPA program is 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 3, in the museum conference room.
The 3rd annual Cactus Carnival is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 10. Visitors may view the flowering cacti an sample cactus delicacies.
-- 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.
Stars-n-Parks astronomy programs are 9 p.m. Saturday, May 3 and 9:20 p.m. Saturday, May 31.
-- 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.
A Stars-n-Parks astronomy program is 9:15 p.m. Saturday, May 24.
-- Caballo Lake State Park, 60 miles north of Las Cruces on Interstate 25. Information: (575) 527-8386.
-- Bottomless Lake State Park, 13 miles east of Roswell, (via U.S. Hwy 380 and NM Hwy 409). Information: (575) 624-6058.
The lake’s 75th Birthday Bash is all day Saturday, May 17, featuring free park entrance, pedal and paddle boat rentals, popcorn, cupcakes and mariachi music, guided nature hikes and more. Interpretive programs offered at 2 and 4 p.m.
The park’s “Enchanted Evenings” nature-oriented presentation series is 8 to 9 p.m. every Saturday from May 24-Aug. 30, in the Lea Lake Pavilion.
-- 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.
Kids Fishing clinic is 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 3. Kids learn various fishing skills at educational stations set-up with the help of volunteers.
Cactus Carnival -- The 3rd annual celebration of the thousands of native plants found at Pancho Villa State Park’s botanical gardens is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at the park and adjacent Cootes Hill. The event features, arts and crafts booths, guided strolls, live entertainment and more. Park admission is free during the event. Information: (575) 531-2711, or nmparks.com.
Guided tours and cactus walks are 9:30 and 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. with cacti identification and an opportunity to photograph various plants in bloom.
Deming textile artist Monique Durham will give a colcha embroidery stitchery demonstration 10 to 11 a.m. in the museum conference room.
El Paso-based musical group “Ceiba” performs 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the museum. Ceiba utilizes indigenous wind and percussion instruments from Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile and Mexico.
A demonstration on preparing nopalitos (edible cactus pads) is 1 p.m. A nopalito luncheon plate will be available for purchase on site, and a nopales cookbook will be offered for a $1 donation.
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. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Visitors are welcome to walk on the trails, learn about geology, soil, archaeology, plants and animals using the self-guided tour booklet and interpretive signs and use the picnic facilities. 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.
The Institute will host a free Mother’s Day “Critters in Your Garden” event 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at Enchanted Gardens, 270 Avenida de Mesilla in Las Cruces, with arts and crafts for the kids, live friendly critters that can be found in a garden, face painting, and more.
Enchanted Gardens -- 270 Avenida de Mesilla, Las Cruces. Information: (575) 524-1886.
A free Mother’s Day Tea is 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 11. Enjoy Rose Petal Tea and cake. No reservations required.
Workshops are offered at 2 p.m. on selected Saturdays. Reservations requested. Cost: $7.50 per workshop; free to Enchanted Gardens benefit members.
-- May 17 -- “Creating a Butterfly Garden.” Learn about the life cycles of butterflies and the many plants that attract and feed butterflies and moths.
-- May 24 -- “Plants that Sizzle,” highlighting many plants that can tolerate a full day of New Mexico sun along with poor soil and limited water. Learn to find plants that not only survive the heat, but also thrive on it.
-- May 31 -- ”Water Gardening Tips.” Learn more about plants for ponds and water gardens.
The Asombro Institute for Science Education (home of the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park) will host a free Mother’s Day “Critters in Your Garden” event 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 10, with arts and crafts for the kids, live friendly critters that can be found in a garden, face painting and more.
Las Cruces Chapter of the New Mexico Native Plant Society -- The chapter will host the presentation “Flora of the Milnesands Area” by Rob Strahan during its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, in the Conference Room of the Social Center at the University Terrace Good Samaritan Village, 3011 Buena Vida Circle, Las Cruces. Information: (575) 541-1877.
The chapter will lead a native plant hike at Mesilla Valley State Bosque Park Saturday, May 17, to help with the park’s plant project. Meet at 8 a.m. at the park located west of Mesilla. Wear appropriate clothing and sun protection. Information: (575) 524-1877.
Birding hike -- Mesilla Valley Audubon Society will lead a migratory birding hike around Mesilla Valley dams, ditches and driveways Saturday, May 24. Meet at 6:30 a.m. at the Arroyo Plaza parking lot at 2001 E. Lohman Ave. (near Wild Birds Unlimited). The easy walking trip will last until noon, so bring a snack/lunch, water, and sun protection. Information: 382-2080 or griffinbio@gmail.com.
Teambuilding Day Hikes -- Peterson & Assoc., Inc. will host teambuilding and outdoors appreciation day hikes to trails in New Mexico including: Three Rivers, Bluff Springs and Bonito Lake in May, June and July. Hikes are moderate to advanced pace. Space is limited, early reservations recommended (includes hike, equipment, meals and transportation). Information/reservations: (915) 471-2609 or bonnie@jpandacorp.com
Hike dates are May 31, June 6-8 (overnight backpacking hike), June 15, July 12 and July 26.
Las Cruces Tour of Gardens -- The 13th annual Las Cruces Tour of Gardens hosted by Desert Daubers, Hi Hopes, and Mesilla Valley Garden Clubs of Las Cruces is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at six gardens in the Sonoma Ranch and High Range areas. Visitors can begin the tour in any garden and proceed in any order. Maps provided on tickets. No toilet facilities available at the homes. Children should be supervised, as many plants are fragile and some may be poisonous. Refreshments served at one of the gardens on the tour 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tour proceeds donated to garden related beautification and educational projects in the community.
Tickets: $7 (free for children 12 and younger); available beginning May 7 at the following Las Cruces locations: Color Your World, 540 N. Telshor; Enchanted Gardens, 270 Avenida de Mesilla; Glen Cutter Jewelers, 2640 El Paseo; Guzman’s Greenhouse, 655 E. University Ave.; Boba Cafe, 1900 S. Espina; and Rainy’s, 2705 Elks Dr. Information: (575) 521-0521 or (575) 521-3621.
This year’s original poster art “Spring Show,” by Kathleen Squires. The painting will be raffled off during the event. Gate prize drawings also offered.
Lincoln National Forest hikes -- Michael Romero will lead two overnight weekend campout hikes in the Lincoln National Forest in June. Hikes are moderately paced. There is no fee, but participants must provide their own transportation, supplies and a full tank of gas.
Both trips leave from Northeast El Paso.
Bring hiking boots, plenty of water, food, poncho, hat, walking stick, sleeping bag/blankets, tent, jacket, flashlights, camp stove, utensils and toiletries, as well as an optional camera and binoculars. Each trip limited to 25 participants. Reservations/information: 497-5883 or mromero2@elp.rr.com.
Both hikes depart at 8 a.m. Saturday, from the Northwest corner of the Transmountain Wal-Mart, with a two-hour caravan to Cloudcroft, N.M. Campout site is Bluff Springs Canyon, 13 miles south of Cloudcroft off Sunspot Highway.
-- June 7-8 -- Osha Trail Hike, near Old Railroad Trestle. View of White Sands and the Tularosa Basin on a clear day. Trail is 2.5 to 3 miles.
-- June 21-22 -- Willie White Trail Hike, at the junction of Willie White Canyon and Rio Penasco. There are small creeks with running water in both canyons. The trail encircles Bluff Springs and utilizes an old railroad bed for its path. Trail is 2 to 5 miles.
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. The visitor center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Access to the main trail to Dripping Springs is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the park is closed promptly at 7 p.m.
Admission is $3 per vehicle. No pets allowed (except for assistance animals). Information: (505) 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: (505) 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.
The 22nd annual Mescal Roast is Thursday through Sunday, May 8-11. The Mescal Pit Blessing is at 10 a.m. Thursday. Events include Native American arts and crafts, dances and evening dinners. Dinner tickets: $15.
The first Full Moon Walk of 2008 is 7:45 to 8:15 p.m. Saturday, May 17.
While most zoos feature exotic animals from faraway countries, Living Desert offers visitors an up-close look at the mammals, reptiles and birds that inhabit the Chihuahuan Desert. Mountain lions, quail, hawks, owls, badgers, skunks, bear, wolves, deer, elk, javelinas, foxes, prairie dogs, buffalo, snakes, lizards and roadrunners are just some of the regional wildlife represented. Also featured are four Bolson tortoises, the largest of four North American tortoise species.
A large greenhouse 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. Information: (432) 364-2499 or cdri.org. Pre-registration required for all walks/workshops, space is limited.
-- Dr. Wayne McAlister will lead a lichen walk 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday May 3. Cost: $7.50 ($5 members).
-- “Birding 101: Learning How to Identify Spring Migrants” workshop is 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8, with a field trip Saturday, May 10, led by Carol Edwards. Fee: $25 ($20 members).
-- An International Migratory Bird Day bird count and walk is Saturday, May 10. Call for times.
-- A Nature Journaling workshop with Petei Guth is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 17. Cost: $35 ($30 members).
-- The Robert Conant Distinguished Lecturer Series presents “Desert Bighorn Sheep: A Conservation Success Story” with David Wetzel at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at Sul Ross State University in Alpine. Call for details.
Davis Mountains Preserve -- The Nature Conservancy’s preserve, north of Fort Davis on Hwy 118 will host an open weekend for camping, backpacking, birding “bring-your-own” horseback riding and more Friday through Sunday, May 16-18. 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).
Big Bend Ranch State Park -- The West Texas Park entrance is one mile east of Lajitas on FM 170. Information: (432) 229-3416.
May tours include Guale Mesa, Madrid Falls and Las Burras Canyon. Tours are $75 ($72 Texas State Park Pass members). Call for dates.
A Pictograph Tour is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 30-31. Includes horseback riding and hiking, to remote areas with secluded pictographs. Cost: $350. Deadline is May 22.
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.
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