May 2011
Saturday, May 14
04:00 PM – 06:00 PM
Cerrillos Hills
A Private’s Diary
Local author and naturalist Verne Huser presents a Chautauqua on Private Joseph Whitehouse, the only soldier on Lewis and Clark’s expedition whose journal survived.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Park Staff 505 474-0196
Saturday, May 14
08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Eagle Nest Lake
Boating Class
Mandatory Boating Safety Class for people born on or after January 1, 1989.
Fees: None
Contact: 575.377.1594
Saturday, May 14
06:00 PM – 07:45 PM
Living Desert
Music and the Moon
Come to a great family-friendly concert by local musicians Celestial Remnants playing a mixture of classic rock and original music. This concert will be outdoors if weather permits, so bring a lwan chair. There is no fee to attend the concert, but regular entrance fees apply for the Full Moon Walk that follows.
Fees: No Fee
Contact: (575) 887-5516
Saturday, May 14
08:00 PM – 08:30 PM
Living Desert
Full Moon Walk
The entrance time is limited to a half-hour, but visitors stroll through the zoo by the light of the full moon. This is a beautiful time to experience the park.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: (575) 887-5516
Saturday, May 14
07:30 AM – 09:30 AM
Mesilla Valley Bosque
Bird Tour
Join a Park Volunteer on a guided bird tour. Learn about the birds we have in the park. Tour will be 1 to 2 hours in length. Bring binoculars, hat, water, and sunscreen.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-523-4398
Saturday, May 14
09:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Mesilla Valley Bosque
Nature Hike
Join a Park Ranger on a guided nature hike and learn the history of Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park. Plants and wildlife that live in the park will be identified along the trail. Bring close-toed shoes, sunscreen, and water.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-523-4398
Saturday, May 14
12:00 PM – 03:00 PM
Navajo Lake
Fish Prints
Got a whopper of a catch you want to share about with your friends and family? Come join us at the group picnic shelter and make a fish print. Fish prints are great way to create an artistic and lasting souvenir of your visit to Navajo Lake State Park.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Park Staff 505-632-2278
Saturday, May 14
07:00 AM – 09:00 PM
Oasis
Blackwater Draw Site Overview
Join Blackwater Draw Site staff for a presentation that will provide a general overview of archaeology and the artifacts left by the inhabitants of the Southwest. In addition, this talk will present the history of discoveries at Blackwater Draw. The site is where the ancient Clovis people lived here on the high plains during the end of the last ice age. in case of inclement weather, the presentation will be held in the park visitor center. Otherwise, this presentation will be held at the park Group Shelter area starting at 7 p.m. on May 14, 2011. Regular entrance fees do apply for non annual permit holders.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-356-5331
Saturday, May 14
10:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Oliver Lee
Heritage Preservation Day
Come enjoy a quiet green oasis of cottonwoods, ash trees and maidenhair fern in the Chihuahuan Desert. Experience the beauty and history of Dog Canyon and the Tularosa Basin. A full schedule of programs will be announced.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-437-8284
Saturday, May 14
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Oliver Lee
Riparian Nature Trail Walk
While walking the Riparian Nature Trail enjoy the scenic beauty and learn about the water resource at Dog Canyon. Discover the diversity of plants and animals that rely on the Dog Canyon stream. The water resource at Dog Canyon has enabled people to live here for 10,000 years. Learn how native cultures and early settlers used the resources of the canyon. Meet at Visitor Center.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-437-8284
Saturday, May 14
01:00 PM – 04:00 PM
Oliver Lee
Oliver Lee Ranch Extended Hours
The Oliver Lee Ranch House will be open for extended hours. The ranger staff will be available to facilitate your self-guided tour of the Oliver Lee Ranch House. The Lee Ranch House was originally built in 1893. Today, the reconstructed home of the Lee family houses period furnishings and displays that provide a window into the history of early ranching in the Tularosa Basin. Meet at Lee Ranch House.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-437-8284
Saturday, May 14
09:00 AM – 02:00 PM
Pancho Villa
6th Annual Cactus Carnival
6th Annual Cactus Carnival Visit Pancho Villa State Park in Columbus, New Mexico! Enjoy food and drink, arts & crafts, and music while browsing the wide selection of native plants for sale. Saturday, May 14 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Call 575-531-2711 for info. Event is free with Park entrance fee of $5.00 per vehicle.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-531-2711
Sunday, May 15
03:00 PM – 05:00 PM
Cerrillos Hills
Artful Gazing
Local art instructor, Roxanne Malone, will lead a hike where she’ll show you how to see natural places through an artist’s eyes.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Park Staff 505 474-0196
Monday, May 16
08:00 PM – 09:30 PM
Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Twilight Hike on a Moonlit Night
Join our naturalists on a moonlit, quiet hike to observe the sounds and silence of the bosque at dusk. Please call beginning 4/18/11 to pre-register for this popular event. Gates open at 7:30 and there is no late-entry. Exact change or check is required.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Park receptionist 505-344-7240
Friday, May 20
07:00 PM – 09:00 PM
Cerrillos Hills
Twilight Hike
As the Sun sets, the transition from day to night offers an enthralling time to experience the rhythm of nature. Often, the twilight sky is draped with vibrant color and sometimes brighter stars, planets and a crescent moon are visible. While some creatures are winding down from their daily activity, others are just getting started. Come join us for a leisurely hike, revel in the gloaming and welcome the beauty of the night.
Fees: Just $5 per vehicle
Contact: Park Staff 505-474-0196
Friday, May 20
04:00 PM – 06:00 PM
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Run for the Wall
Each year the riders of Run for the Wall travel from the west coast to Washington, DC where they meet up with the riders of Rolling Thunder at The Wall on Memorial Day. The total of motorcycle riders on the National Mall totals over 30,000. Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park has been one of the central route’s first stops for years and we host approximately 300 riders. Please join us in welcoming these men and women as they journey in honor of our POW/MIA’s. They are expected to arrive at the Memorial between 4:00 and 5:00pm.
Fees: No Entrance Fee
Contact: (575) 377-2293
Saturday, May 21
08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Eagle Nest Lake
Boating Class
Mandatory Boating Safety Class for people born on or after January 1, 1989.
Fees: None
Contact: 575.377.1594
Saturday, May 21
07:30 AM – 09:30 AM
Mesilla Valley Bosque
Becoming a Birder Series
Park Staff will point out common birds found in the park this time of year. Participants will walk the park trails and learn tips that will help in bird identification. Bring sunscreen, binoculars, and water.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-523-4398
Saturday, May 21
07:00 PM – 09:00 PM
Oasis
Rattlesnake Safety Tips
Join park staff of Oasis State Park in learning tips to keep you safe in weeds and grasses. Learn the do’s and don’t’s of encounter with rattlesnakes and how to protect yourself and others. This event will be held on May 21, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the park Group Shelter area. Regular entrance fees apply for non annual permit holders.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-356-5331
Saturday, May 21
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
The Incredible Feather
Casey McFarland, wildlife biologist and specialist in reading animal track & sign is co-author of the recently published Bird Feathers Guide to North American Species. He will present a lecture, The Incredible Feather: Wind-Riding and Avian Life Identifying Feathers and their Function.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Park receptionist 505-344-7240
Saturday, May 21
08:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Star Party!
Check out the beauty of the night sky above Rio Grande Nature Center State Park. We will begin the evening with a green laser guided tour of main stars and constellations before sampling close-up views of star clusters, nebulae, distant galaxies and the planet Saturn through the park telescope. Weather permitting: call ahead to be sure that the event is on. Gates open at 7:45 PM. The scope will be set up by the Candelaria Wetlands blind at the East end of the parking lot.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Park receptionist 505-344-7240
Saturday, May 21
06:00 PM – 08:00 PM
Rockhound
Music in the Park
Floyd Utterback at the Keyboard. Performing lots of fun old-time standards.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-546-6182
Sunday, May 22
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sugarite Canyon
Coal Camp Days
Take a walk back in time by strolling through Sugarite Coal Camp and meeting characters eager to talk about their lives in the 1930s. Additional events and times to be announced.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: staff 575-445-5607
Friday, May 27-Sunday, May 29
04:45 PM – 05:00 PM
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Flag Lowering
Each day we ask different groups of veterans to do us the honor of raising and lowering our flags. Many of them have told us it was the highlight of their weekend. When the flags come down, everything comes to a standstill. It’s a very moving sight.
Fees: No Entrance Fee
Contact: (575) 377-2293
Friday, May 27-Sunday, May 29
03:30 PM – 04:30 PM
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Guided Tour of the Grounds
Join us for a tour of the Memorial grounds and learn interesting facts about this beautiful place. You’ll hear about the chapel; the founder, Doc Westphall and our marvelous Huey.
Fees: No Entrance Fee
Contact: (575) 377-2293
Saturday, May 28
08:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Bluewater Lake
Star Party
Add some sparkle to your holiday weekend and check out the beauty of the night sky above Bluewater Lake State Park. We will begin the evening with a green laser guided tour of main stars and constellations before sampling close-up views of star clusters, nebulae, distant galaxies and the planet Saturn through the park telescope.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Park Staff 505-876-2391
Saturday, May 28
10:00 AM – 02:00 PM
Elephant Butte Lake
7th Annual Fly Freedoms Flag Parade
“Presentation of Flags”, POW/MIA ceremony and guest speakers on the patio at Damsite Marina. Afterwards, boats carrying service flags, Grand Marshal, VFW, American Legion, VIP’s and soldierwill proceed to Marina Del Sur, where each will throw out a Memorial Wreath. Flags will post to half mast and Taps will be played. The parade will then proceed north along the shoreline to Rock Canyon Marina, where it will conclude.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-744-5567
Saturday, May 28
07:30 AM – 09:30 AM
Mesilla Valley Bosque
Bird Tour
Join a Park Volunteer on a guided bird tour. Learn about the birds we have in the park. Tour will be 1 to 2 hours in length. Bring binoculars, hat, water, and sunscreen.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-523-4398
Saturday, May 28
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Mesilla Valley Bosque
The Gila Monster
Come see a real Gila Monster!! Richard Quick from the Museum of Natural History will share his knowledge about Gila Monsters. Learn how we can help keep Gila Monsters and other endangered animals from becoming extinct.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-523-4398
Saturday, May 28
07:00 PM – 08:00 PM
Oasis
Bug Anatomy
Ever wondered what the skeleton of a bug looks like? Come find out at Oasis State Park. We have cards that show everything about bugs and their shells. You will see exhibits of bugs as well. All ages are invited to attend. This event will be held at the park Group Shelter area.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-356-5331
Saturday, May 28
01:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Oliver Lee
Year of the Solar System Event
To celebrate NASA’s Year of the Solar System at Dog Canyon, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park will be presenting a full day of programs on May 28th. The Amateur Astronomers Group will co-sponsor this event providing quality interpretive programming. Programming will range from Solar Viewing in the early afternoon to Constellation Stories in the evening. The event will end with a telescope tour of the Spring Night Sky.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-437-8284
Saturday, May 28
01:00 PM – 02:30 PM
Oliver Lee
Solar Viewing
Join the Amateur Astronomers Group for afternoon of solar viewing. View sunspots, prominences and solar flares through telescopes using either a hydrogen alpha filter or white light filter. Activity on the Sun has increased in recent months so come out and learn about these and other solar phenomena, while safely viewing the surface of the sun. Meet at Group Shelter.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-437-8284
Saturday, May 28
03:00 PM – 04:30 PM
Oliver Lee
The Year of the Solar System
NASA has declared October 2010 to August 2012 “The Year of the Solar System”, which is actually the length of the Martian year, 23 months. With triple the usual number of launches, flybys and planetary insertions, this period of space history may be remembered as the golden age of planetary exploration. Join James Tomaka of the Amateur Astronomers Group for a presentation about these exciting NASA missions. Meet at Visitor Center.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-437-8284
Saturday, May 28
05:00 PM – 06:30 PM
Oliver Lee
Mogollon Solar Observatories
The Jornada Mogollon people raised corn, beans and squash in the Tularosa Basin. They measured the year and the seasons to maximize agricultural success at two sites in the Sacramento Mountains, Wizard’s Roost and Wally’s Dome. Join NMSU-A Archeologist Pete Eidenbach for an exploration of these two ancient astronomical observatories. Meet at Visitor Center.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-437-8284
Saturday, May 28
07:00 PM – 08:30 PM
Oliver Lee
Ancient Astronomy & Sky Stories
Join Park Ranger for a multi-cultural exploration of ancient astronomy and sky stories. Ranger Wood will reveal how the ancient peoples viewed the cosmos and their place in it. Ancient astronomers developed the first calendars, while constellation stories helped bind their cultures together. Meet at Group Shelter.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-437-8284
Saturday, May 28
09:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Oliver Lee
Saturn in Virgo
Join the Amateur Astronomers Group for a telescope tour of the spring night sky. This spring Saturn dominates the sky residing in the constellation Virgo. The spring sky is full of deep space objects to see; from galaxies far-far-away to spectacular star clusters and the nebulae where stars are born. Meet at Group Shelter.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-437-8284
Saturday, May 28-Sunday, June 5
06:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sugarite Canyon
Sugarite Fishing Derby
Come compete for a fishing boat and thousands of dollars in prizes in this nine-day derby. Anglers fish for tagged fish for daily door prizes and a chance at the big awards.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: staff 575-445-5607
Saturday, May 28-Monday, May 30
09:00 AM – 09:15 AM
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Flag Raising
Each day we ask different groups of veterans to do us the honor of raising and lowering our flags. Many of them have told us it was the highlight of their weekend.
Fees: No Entrance Fee
Contact: (575) 377-2293
Saturday, May 28-Sunday, May 29
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Guided Tour of the Grounds
Join us for a tour of the Memorial grounds and learn interesting facts about this beautiful place. You’ll hear about the chapel; the founder, Doc Westphall and our marvelous Huey.
Fees: No Entrance Fee
Contact: (575) 377-2293
Saturday, May 28
05:30 PM – 06:30 PM
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Volunteer Orientation
If you have any desire to assist us on Sunday and Monday, the busiest days of the weekend, this is your chance to get oriented to our facility and the events. All volunteers are required to go through this session or one like it so we can all be well prepared. We’ll fill out a couple of forms, pass out schedules and give you a tour of the visitor center.
Fees: No Entrance Fee
Contact: (575) 377-2293
Sunday, May 29
07:30 PM – 09:00 PM
Bluewater Lake
Bat Talk
Bats comprise one quarter of the world’s total number of mammal species. There are many misconceptions that portray bats as scary and fearsome creatures. But bats play an important ecological role by helping with seed dispersal, pest control and pollination. Without bats, the world as we know it would be very different. In this entertaining presentation, we will separate fact from fiction and share tips to help you be a good bat neighbor. After the talk, we will hike into the Bluewater Canyon and use a detector to locate and observe bats as they make their evening rounds.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Park Staff 505-876-2391
Sunday, May 29
03:00 PM – 05:00 PM
Cerrillos Hills
Wildflowers of Cerrillos
Come find out which blossoms made it through this dry, windy spring with park manager Sarah Wood. Lots of plant trivia and more.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Park Staff 505 474-0196
Sunday, May 29
07:00 PM – 08:30 PM
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Candlelight Vigil
This solemn ceremony focuses on those who served and never came home. It features guest speakers, special music, and a moving presentation of the Missing Man Table.
Fees: No Entrance Fee
Contact: (575) 377-2293
Monday, May 30
11:00 AM – 01:00 PM
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Memorial Day Ceremony
This emotional ceremony is the culmination of a weekend packed with events. It features music of the 44th Army Band and singer Rebecca Linda Smith, guest speakers, and a static display of a helicopter provided by the New Mexico National Guard. Angel Fire Fire Department comes out showing their support and flys a 25 foot long American flag from their ladder tuck. Come early and enjoy the music of the 44th Army Band and get a close up look at the helicopter.
Fees: No Entrance Fee
Contact: (575) 377-2293
Monday, May 30
08:45 AM – 09:30 AM
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Memorial Day Flag March
Join members of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 318 as they carry a giant American flag down the highway and up the hill to the Memorial. The beautiful Moreno Valley is the backdrop for this moving event. The march is led by the VVA #318 color guard and followed by the Angel Fire and Moreno Valley Fire Departments as well as anyone who wants to join. If you wish to help carry the flag, meet at the blinking light intersection of NM 434 and US 64 at 8:45.
Fees: No Entrance Fee
Contact: 575-377-2293
Source: New Mexico State Parks