February 2010
Nature
Menu of this month's listings, stories and columns
Friends of the Mesilla Valley Bosque Park — The nonprofit group meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, at Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, 5000 Calle del Norte in Mesilla, N.M. Jay Sharp will deliver a program entitled “Indians of the Bosque.” Anyone interested in becoming a member are invited to learn about the group. Park fee waived for those attending meeting. Information: (575) 523-8009.
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, Feb. 6.
• Introductory Tour, 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14.
• Community Workday, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 20.
Meeting place is a bridge crossing Riverside Canal. Take Americas Ave. (Loop 375) to Pan American Drive, turn left and travel 1.5 miles.
El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society — The society’s annual awards banquet is 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at Jaxon’s Restaurant, 1135 Airway. “A Birder’s Guide to the Rio Grande Valley” co-author Jim Paton will present a program on “Going Solar.” The 2010 Conservation Award and the Meritorious Service Award will also be presented.
A trip to “Hawk Alley” leaves at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, from the Lowe’s Parking lot, 4531 Transmountain Road (behind Taco Bell), to look for northern harriers, red-tailed hawks, American kestrels, possible hawk and eagle species and more.
Non-members and guests welcome on all field trips. Bring binoculars, and dress appropriately for weather and terrain. Information/reservations: Ursula Sherrill 526-7725 or usherrill@miners.utep.edu.
Texas Master Naturalist program - Texas Master Naturalist Trans-Pecos Chapter will host a 13-week course 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, plus six Saturday field trips, Feb. 10-May 15, at El Paso Garden Center, 3105 Grant. Experts from universities, museums, special interest organizations and government agencies will jointly teach the course. Cost: $125. Application forms/information: Matthew Santillan, 851-2515 or masternaturalist.tamu.edu.
The programs seeks to develop and certify well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach and service benefiting the community’s natural resources. Topics range from geology to botany, archaeology to desert ecology.
Applications may be mailed to Texas AgriLife Extension Service, 9521 Socorro, Suite A2, Box #2, 79927.
National Parks and Nature Series – Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial, will host a free showing of the documentary “White Sands, White Wilderness” at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17. The film discusses the geology and biodiversity of southern
New Mexico’s White Sands National Monument. The public is invited; special invitation extended to school and after-school groups. Information: 532-7273 ext. 127 or Scott_Einberger@nps.gov.
Rails-to-Trails — The New Mexico Rails-to-Trails Association will host its annual meeting at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, in the atrium of the First National Bank, 414 E. Tenth, in Alamogordo, N.M. Featured speaker is New Mexico State Parks Division State Trails Coordinator David Certain. There will be also be displays, door prizes and refreshments. A short business meeting will be held, and awards presented. Parking is available on the 9th Street side of the building. Admission is free, and the public is welcome. Information: (575) 682-3040.
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. Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. Information: 532-8156, 521-1850 or elpasozoo.org.
Saturday and Sunday shows include Animal Encounter presentations at 11:15 a.m.; Sun Bear Enrichment talk at 12:30 p.m. and Take Action! events in the Paraje Learning Center at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
Daily Animal Encounter Programs offered; presentations and exhibits subject to cancellation or change without notice.
California Sea Lion Training and Meet the Keeper presentations are 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. featuring a training session with Sunny the sea lion and a Seafood Watch conservation program.
Asian Elephant Training Encounter with Savannah and Juno at the Elephant Exhibit is noon daily. Learn how the zoo uses the “protective contact” training method. Information: elpasozoo.org/takeaction.
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, keystonepark.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 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday and 2:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30-31 and Feb. 27-28. Thousands of birds flock to the area to roost overnight. Bring binoculars. Admission is free.
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.
Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park — 5000 Calle del Norte in Mesilla. Guided Bird tours are 7:15 to 8:45 a.m. the first Saturday of every month, hosted by Mesilla Valley Audubon Society’s Nancy Stotz. Day use fee: $5 per vehicle. Information: (575) 523-4398 or nmparks.com.
Bird Migration Tours are 7:15 to 8:45 a.m. Saturdays. Nancy Stotz of Mesilla Valley Audubon Society and Park Ranger Goin will host the tours for beginning, intermediate and advanced birders. Bring appropriate clothing, water and binoculars.
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.
Senior hiking trips — City of Las Cruces Senior Programs Recreation hosts monthly hiking trips (weather permitting) departing at 8:30 a.m. from the Munson Senior Center, 975 S. Mesquite, in Las Cruces. Participants should bring their own water, snacks or lunch, sunscreen, walking shoes and appropriate clothing. Future destinations include Dripping Springs, Soledad Canyon, Achenbach Canyon and other Organ Mountain and surrounding areas. Cost varies; includes transportation. Advance sign-up required through the city’s Recreation Office. Information/sign-up: Shaunna, (575) 528-3000.
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.
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. 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. daily. Information: 566-6441.
Park rangers will be available to answer questions and give short talks on different features of the park 10 a.m. to noon Sundays in the Wildlife Viewing Area.
Guided hikes to Mundy’s Gap, Schaeffer Shuffle and West Cottonwood Spring, Aztec Caves, Smuggler’s Pass and West Cottonwood Springs begin at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 6-7, and Feb. 20-21. Reservations required: 566-6441, ext. 24.
Park rangers give interpretive tours on the first and third weekends of the month, beginning at the Tom Mays entrance. Rubber-soled shoes, water, hat, sunscreen and a light snack are recommended. Park entry fee required plus $3 activity fee. Reservations required: 566-6441, ext. 24 or kelly.serio@tpwd.state.tx.us.
• 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.
Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site — The site is famed for many Native American rock paintings and unique geology. Winter hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission: $5 (free for children 12 and younger). Additional cost for tours (including birding tour): $1 for ages 5 and older. Special evening programs are $2 for ages 5 and older with no additional entrance fee. Information: 857-1135.
Pictograph tours are available at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, by prior arrangement. Call 849-6684.
Bouldering and hiking tours are available at 9:30, 10 and 11 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday, by prior arrangement. Call 849-6684.
The monthly birding tour is 8 to 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of the month (Feb. 20). Sign-up in advance encouraged as space is limited.
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: 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 are 7 a.m. to sunset for the Dunes Drive. Visitor Center hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Feb. 28; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 1-April 11.
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.
Lake Lucero tours are offered monthly. This month’s tour is 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 and Feb. 28. 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.
A popular Full Moon family Bicycle Ride is 9 p.m. Saturday, April 30, along Dunes Drive. Ride 16 miles through the monument under a full moon after cars have left. Helmet and light required. Reservations required and can only be made via the website at nps.gov/whsa up to one month in advance of event. Cost: $5 ($2.50 for children and Golden Age passport holders).
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 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.
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.”
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.
Tours offered at noon. Early arrival requested (allow 20 to 30 minutes to hike to dwellings where tour begins). Self-guided tours can be taken by obtaining a free copy of the Canyon Companion trail guide available at the trailhead.
“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.
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, hosted by Mesilla Valley Audubon Society’s Nancy Stotz.
• 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.
• 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.
A star party to view Orion the Hunter is 6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, hosted by The Amateur Astronomers Group.
A ranch house hike is 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 20, departing from the Visitor Center. This 4-mile walk is not rigorous, but plan on at least 4 hours for the walk.
A viewing of the Snow Moon at sundown is 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Group Shelter.
• Elephant Butte Lake State Park — Information: (575) 744-5998.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12. Jupiter and Mars will be visible.
• Bottomless Lake State Park, 13 miles east of Roswell, (via U.S. Hwy 380 and NM Hwy 409). Information: (575) 624-6058.
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.
Donations of used cell phones, inkjet and laser printer cartridges will support education programs.
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.
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 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.
A “Sweetheart Serenade” is 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, with sentimental favorites performed by the Cavernaires Barbershop Chorus. Free with zoo admission.
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.
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. 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.
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