February 2012
Nature
Menu of this month's listings, stories and columns
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.
A Year of the Bat Kickoff Celebration is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, with a bathouse building workshop at 11 a.m. Cost: $10 ($9 members). Register at elpasozoo.org/adventure.
Daily activities for Year of the Bat in 2012 include bat games, arts and crafts, bat enrichment programs and more.
The El Paso Zoo is a 35-acre home to 228 species of animals. About 420 mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds, 106 fish and 294 invertebrates live in a variety of natural habitat exhibits including a Reptile House, South American Pavilion, Americas Aviary, Cisneros Paraje, Birds of Prey Exhibit, Forest Atrium, Asian Grasslands and an Elephant Complex, and the recently added Kalahari Research Station energy exhibit.
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.
Science Cafe — Larry and Jaime Ceballos, owners of Buzzbee Honey Co. in Fabens, will discuss “What Would Happen If Bees Disappeared?” for the monthly casual science discussion event 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 28, at the TecH2O Water Resources Learning Center; 10751 Montana. Admission is free. RSVP needed as space is limited. Information: 621-2000 or tech2o.org.
Science Cafe, hosted by Sigma Xi and El Paso Water Utilities, is part the Public Understanding of Science Program, which allows scientists, engineers and specialists to discuss their work in casual settings.
SeedShare — The annual seed-sharing event is noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, in the Community Room at Mountain View Market, 1300 El Paseo in Las Cruces. Bring seeds to share or take seeds home for a garden, as well as meet local growers, promote biodiversity, and talk with other gardeners. Participants may also bring a potluck dish to share. Admission is free. Information: Jon Simmons, (575) 640-4288 or jonsimmons@hotmail.com.
First Friday film screenings — Southwest Environmental Center, 275 N. Main in Las Cruces, hosts free screenings of environmentally-themed films with popcorn and juice for the whole family at 7:30 p.m. the first Friday of the month. Admission is free, but space is limited. Call for schedule. Information: (575) 522-5552 or wildmesquite.org.
The Feb. 3 screening is “Call of Life: Facing the Mass Extinction.” The film explores the current crisis in both nature and human nature and how the decision people choose to make — or fail to make — will affect the habitability of Earth for millions of years to come.
Introduction to Wildlife Tracking — Southwest Environmental Center hosts a free wildlife tracking workshop 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, Participants will cover natural history elements of each species to gain an appreciation of how wildlife move and live on the landscape. Class includes a short introduction on how to properly photograph wildlife tracks with a field hike after lunch. Participants should bring a notebook and pencil/pen, digital camera (if able), hiking gear, water, lunch and snacks. Wear weather-appropriate clothes and comfortable hiking shoes. Track identification cards available for $6 and tracking rulers for $5. Information: (575) 522-5552, skypuma2011@wildblue.net or wildmesquite.org.
Rails-to-Trails — The New Mexico Rails-to-Trails Association will host its annual meeting at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, in the atrium of the First National Bank, 414 E. Tenth, in Alamogordo. Doors open at 6 p.m. with displays and refreshments. Featured presentation by David Townsend, PhD “Alamogordo As A Planned Railroad Community.” The public is welcome. Information: (575) 682-3040.
Rails-to-Trails annual membership is $10 individuals, $15 families and $20 businesses/organizations. Mail checks to NM Rails-to-Trails, P.O. Box 44, Cloudcroft, N.M. 88317.
El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society — The society’s annual awards dinner is Saturday, Feb. 18, at Jaxon’s Restaurant, 1135 Airway. This year’s Conservation Award will go to local conservation advocate Jim Tolbert. Tolbert spearheaded the petition drive to save the Transmountain Scenic Corridor, and promotes environmental causes and outdoor activities on his blog elpasonaturally. Meritorious Service Award goes to society board member and Field Trip Coordinator Mark Perkins. Cost: $20 per person. Advance reservations required; Janet Perkins, 637-5269 or jntperk@elp.rr.com.
The society hosts field trips to various birding sites in the region. Non-members and guests welcome on all field trips. Information: Mark Perkins, 637-3521 or mperkins@elp.rr.com.
A Field trip to Mesilla Valley Bosque and Leasburg State Parks departs via carpool at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, from the Dairy Queen/Shell parking lot at 1-10 and Transmountain Road. Possible sightings include wintering passarines and waterfowl. Park admission fee; $5 per car (good for both parks).
Poppies celebration exhibitors — The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition is taking registration through Feb. 24 for vendors and exhibitors for the 6th annual Poppies Preservation Celebration Event. All artwork must be original and hand-made. No additional items may be sold. All works must be family-friendly. Vendor fee is $35; $25 for nonprofits not selling anything. Volunteers for the event also needed. Information: 621-2008 or deperez@epwu.org.
The free celebration is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 31, at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Transmountain Road.
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. Admission: $3 (free for members). 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 9:30 a.m. to noon the second and last Saturday of the month.
Keystone’s Chihuahuan Desert Experience (immediately west of the wetland) is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for walking and bird watching.
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.
Guided hikes are offered at 9 a.m. selected weekends. Cost is $3 ($1 ages 5-12; under 5 free), plus $4 park entry fee for ages 13 and older. Reservations required: 566-6441 ext. 21. or erika.rubio@tpwd.state.tx.us.
• Saturday, Feb. 4: Cottonwood Mine Shaft
• Sunday, Feb. 5: Upper Sunset.
• Saturday, Feb. 18: Nature Walk.
• Sunday, Feb. 19: Lower Sunset.
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, 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5.
• Introductory Tour, 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11.
• A Community Workday is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 18.
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. Winter hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission: $5 (free for children 12 and younger). Additional activity cost for tours (including birding tour and morning hike): $1 for ages 5 and older. Information: 857-1135 or texasstateparks.gov. Reservations are recommended for the self-guided area and for camping, especially during winter months: (512) 389-8900.
Tours offered Wednesday through Sunday, by prior arrangement at 849-6684. Participants must carry at least one bottle of water per person.
• Pictograph tours are 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Rock climbing/bouldering tours are 9:30, 10 and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Hiking tours are 9, 9:30 and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Birding tours are 8 to 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of the month (Feb. 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; reservations recommended. 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. Bicycles permitted only on designated paved areas. Pets allowed only in camping or picnic areas. Call for reservations and other information: 857-1135.
Hueco Tanks’ campground has reopened. There are sites with water and electric, as well as water-only tent sites. Call the park for reservations.
Area hiking websites — A variety of organizations in the El Paso/Las Cruces area offers hiking opportunities. Hikes typically are rated as easy, moderate, or strenuous. Solo or new hikers are welcome.
• Meetup.com offers a variety of groups for all activities, including the El Paso hiking meetup club (meetup.com/El-Paso-Hiking) and the Las Cruces hiking meetup club (meetup.com/hiking-261)
• El Paso Ridgewalkers — The group posts its hikes at elpasoridgewalkers.com. Or contact Carol Brown at 630-1424.
• Celebrations of Our Mountains now offers an ongoing calendar of hiking and related events at celebmtns.org/calendar
• elpasonaturally is a blog by Jim Tolbert on various environmental topics, with a calendar of events that also includes the Sunrise Hikers Tuesday morning group. See elpasonaturally.blogspot.com or contact tolbert@elp.rr.com.
• The El Paso chapter of the Sierra Club posts its hikes at sierraclub.org/elpaso.
• Outdoorelpaso.com offers an interactive map, of El Paso County hiking and running trails, calendar of events and more. Information: 546-2098 or epcounty.com.
Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park — 5000 Calle del Norte in Mesilla. Winter hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. All events free with park admission. Day use fee: $5 per vehicle ($40 annual pass). Closed New Year’s Day. Information: (575) 523-4398.
World Wetlands Day events are 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 4, with guided bird tour a wetland presentation by Environmental Specialist Chris Canavan, and the Rolling River display sponsored by El Paso Water Utilities.
A free Bosque Education Workshop is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11. Teachers learn to use the Bosque Education Guide, an interdisciplinary curriculum designed for grades K-12. Space is limited; call to reserve a seat.
A Hot Chocolate Cache is 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 25, to commemorate the Centennial of New Mexico’s Statehood, for both experienced and first time geocachers. In this three-stage temporary geocache, participants compile everything needed to create a hot mug of hot chocolate.
Master Naturalist Sylvia Hacker will present “Pruning 101,” tips on pruning trees and shrubs this winter at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, in the classroom.
Dress accordingly for all hikes; wear close-toed shoes and sunscreen. Bring water and binoculars.
• Ranger-led Nature Hikes are 3 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
• Birding tours are 8:15 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, 11 and 18, led by park volunteers.
• Becoming a Birder Series guided hike is at 8:15 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25.
MountainFilm On Tour — NMSU Outdoor Rec’s Adventure Art Series host the outdoor film festival at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, at Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, in Las Cruces, as part of its Adventure Art Series. Tickets:$8 in advance; $10 at the door. Information: (575) 646-4252
MountainFilm on Tour is dedicated to educating and inspiring audiences about issues that matter, cultures worth exploring, environments worth preserving, and conversations worth sustaining.
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.
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.
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.
White Sands National Monument — The glistening gypsum dunes are about 15 miles southwest of Alamogordo, N.M., on U.S. 70. Monument hours are 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. through Feb. 9; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 10-March 10. Visitor Center hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Feb. 26; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 27-April 17.
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.
Sunset strolls are offered daily beginning at 4:30 p.m. through Feb. 3, 4:45 p.m. Feb. 4-17 and 5 p.m. Feb. 18-March 2.
A Dunes at Dawn ranger-led morning hike is 7:15 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11. Space is limited; reservations accepted two weeks in advance of the hike online only at nps.gov/whsa.
“Skins and Skulls” mammal identification talks are 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in the Visitor Center. Rangers will have pelts, skulls, and other props for an up-close look and feel of the elusive wildlife of White Sands.
Map Talks are 1:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
Lake Lucero tours are offered on the last weekend of each month. Upcoming tours are 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, and Sunday, Feb. 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 required (accepted online only). Cost is $3 per adult; $1.50 age 16 and under.
Crafty Kids craft and interpretive programs are 10 a.m. Sundays for ages 6-10. Parents welcome to participate.
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.
Winter 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.
Elevator renovations will continue through the summer months; visitors taking elevator entrance should expect longer waits.
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 (through Memorial Day): 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.
Visitors for the 1 p.m. guided tour, which begins at the cliff dwellings, need to arrive at the trailhead by at least 12:30 p.m. to walk up the trail to the dwellings.
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. Winter hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 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 Visitor’s Center is seven miles east of Pine Springs, and offers nature, canyon and geology trails.
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.
• Oliver Lee State Park, Highway 54 south of Alamogordo at the Dog Canyon turnoff. Information: (575) 437-8284.
A sunset presentation on Celestial Cycles: Imbolc (the halfway period between the Winter Solstice and Vernal Equinox also known as Groundhog Day) is 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Group Shelter.
A Dog Canyon at Sunset stroll is 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, departing from the Visitor Center.
A Ranch House Hike is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, departing from the Visitor Center. Walk is not rigorous, but plan on at least 4 hours. Bring plenty of water, and snacks, wear comfortable sturdy shoes and sun protection. Friendly pets are welcome on leash.
A night sky viewing of Venus and the Crescent Moon is 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Group Shelter.
• Mesilla Valley Bosque Park — 5000 Calle del Norte, Mesilla. Guided bird tours are first Saturday of every month. See separate listing for other events.
• Elephant Butte Lake State Park — Information: (575) 744-5998.
• 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.
• 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.
• Pancho Villa State Park, Columbus, N.M., State Roads 11 and 9. Day use hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Information: (575) 531-2711.
• 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.
• 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.
• Brantley Lake State Park, 12 miles north of Carlsbad via U.S. 285. Information: (575) 457-2384.
A Star Party is 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18.
• Bottomless Lakes State Park — 13 miles east of Roswell, (via U.S. Hwy 380 and NM Hwy 409). Information: (575) 624-6058.
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). 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 covers about 12 acres, with about 250 exotic and indigenous animals.
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 free star party is 6 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28.
Sweetheart Serenade is 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, with music by the Cavernaires Barbershop Chorus.
Cavern City Carvers Woodcarving Show is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18.
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 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 Nature Center — The center and botanical gardens are four miles south of Fort Davis on HWY 118. Information: (432) 364-2499 or cdri.org.
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 open to the public on designated days, with no admission fee. 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).
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.
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