Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, the first urban national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge in the Southwest, will celebrate its fourth birthday on Saturday, September 24, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The public is invited to join in the celebration at the Refuge that will include a variety of family friendly hands-on activities, hayrides, booths, music, live animals, mascots, food trucks, and of course free birthday cupcakes!
“This year’s event is farm-themed in honor of the property’s historic farming culture as we transition from farm fields to a restored natural habitat” stated Refuge Manager Jennifer Owen-White. “This event is a great time to honor the past as we turn our focus to growing our Refuge.”
Highlights of the party include the USFWS New Mexico Fire District Crew and engine with a hands on activity, the USFWS Mora National Fish Hatchery will have Gila Trout in their living stream, the Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District will provide a Rolling River demonstration of the changes that have occurred to the Rio Grande, the New Mexico Beekeepers Association will have a live observation hive and provide honey tasting, live music by Warehouse 508 youth DJs, The San Gregorio Jam Crew, and Big K & Blue Train, a photo booth, and a bike valet.
The Refuge is also providing transportation to and from the event from the Rio Bravo Rail Runner (Bernalillo County Station) stop and the Mountain View Community Center bus stop (Bus #51).
The event and all activities, including parking, are free and open to the public.
Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge is located at 7851 Second Street SW, Albuquerque—just 3.5 miles south of Rio Bravo.
For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/291179087899536/ or http://www.fws.gov/refuge/valle_de_oro/
