Celebrate Your Heritage!
In collaboration with the Las Vegas Citizens' Committee for Historic Preservation, your Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge has two events during Heritage Week. You can experience nature firsthand by joining us on a guided nature walk at Juniper Trail, or learn more history about Loma Parda and even experience the historic Thaw house. We will also be present at Elks Family Day August 12th with crafts and archery! See specifics below.
August 4th Guided Nature Walk
Join us on a guided walk given by expert birders and dedicated volunteers. You can learn more about wildlife and the history of the area all while taking in beautiful views. The best part is, it's free! Just show up with a great attitude, plenty of water, snacks, and dressed for the weather. Being dressed for the weather can include things like hats, shorts, durable pants, short-sleeved shirts, good walkable shoes or hiking boots, rain jacket, sunscreen, etc. Of course, you don't need all that to have fun!
Time: 8am - 11am
Location: Juniper Trail
August 7th Historic Tour
Learn the untold history of Loma Parda and tour the historic Thaw house in collaboration with Fort Union National Monument! Loma Parda is a beautiful piece of history that goes much deeper than you think, from being a peaceful farming community to a popular stop for Fort Union soldiers. The Thaw house was named after the Thaw's who previously owned Wind River Ranch and generously donated the land to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. However, the house was originally the home of the first Mexican-born New Mexico governor Octaviano Ambrosio Larrazolo. Learn all this and more!
Time: 9am - 11:30 am or 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge