Events
All events are FREE, open to the public, and take place at Valle de Oro's visitor center
unless noted otherwise. All times are in Mountain Time. Check websites and
our Facebook/Instagram pages for more information.
Fri. December 19
Luminaria Walk and Star Party
Enjoy luminarias around the visitor center and watch the stars with The Albuquerque Astronomical Society. Free refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Valle de Oro.
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Thu. December 25 National holiday - Visitor Center closed.
December 31
2025 PHOTO CONTEST DEADLINE
Valle de Oro NWR invites photographers of all ages & skill levels to enter the 2025 contest by submitting images that highlight the beauty of the refuge's wildlife, landscapes, and visitors. Winners will have their photo displayed in the Visitor Center and be awarded a gift from the Friends of VdO. Email your submissions to valledeoro@fws.gov. Deadline to enter is Dec. 31st
Thu. January 1 National holiday - Visitor Center closed.
Winter Quarter 2026 Events:
Sat. January 3
Saturday at the Refuge:
Sun Catcher Crafts
Explore winter light at the
refuge by creating simple sun
catchers. This activity highlights
seasonal light and reflection
during the shortest days of the
year. These community open house
days invite visitors of all
ages to engage creatively and
thoughtfully with the refuge
landscape.
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Fri. January 9
Nature Kids
Children ages 6-10 with an
adult are invited to participate
in hands-on nature activities,
guided exploration, and
creative projects connected to
refuge habitats.
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Sat. January 10
Mural Loop Interpretive Walk
Join Ranger Dakota for an easy
1-mile walk along our Field
Murals trail to learn how these
works of art represent our
community's vision and plans
for habitat restoration at Valle
de Oro.
10:30 am to 12:00 pm
Sat. January 31
Coffee & Cruise: Ranger Talk
and Refuge Tour
Join Ranger Dakota for a coffee
and a ranger talk about the
history of Valle de Oro National
Wildlife Refuge at the visitor
center, followed by a tour of
refuge habitat restoration
projects in our electric shuttle.
Space is limited! Please email
dakota_dominguez@fws.gov to
reserve your spot.
9:30 am to 11:30 am
Fri. February 6
Nature Tots
Children ages 3-6 with an adult
are welcome to explore nature
through stories, simple
activities, movement, and
outdoor time.
10:00am to 11:30am
Sat. February 7
Saturday at the Refuge:
Writing the Wild
Join us at the visitor center
patio by the pond for an
introduction to observing and
documenting nature.
10:00 am to 11:00 am
Sat. February 7
Saturday at the Refuge:
Tracks & Signs Workshop
Learn how to “read” the
landscape by identifying animal
tracks and other signs of wildlife.
Hands-on track molds and
plaster casting will be available,
along with informal
opportunities to observe
evidence of animals that share
the refuge. These community
open-house days invite visitors
of all ages to engage creatively
and thoughtfully with the refuge
landscape.
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Fri. February 13
Nature Kids
Children ages 6-10 with an
adult are invited to participate
in hands-on nature activities,
guided exploration, and
creative projects connected to
refuge habitats.
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Sat. February 21
Winter Plant Walk
Join Ranger Dakota for an easy
walk around the Valle de Oro
visitor center to learn about native
plants and their amazing
adaptations for surviving dry and
cold conditions. Program meets in
front of the visitor center front
doors.
10:30am to 11:30am
Thu. March 5
2026 Shuttle Driver Volunteer
Orientation
Sign up for this training if you
are interested in getting
involved at the refuge as an
electric shuttle driver for the
2026 season. Send an email to:
dakota_dominguez@fws.gov to
sign up or ask questions.
4:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Fri. March 6
Nature Tots
Children ages 3-6 with an adult
are welcome to explore nature
through stories, simple
activities, movement, and
outdoor time.
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Sat. March 7
Saturday at the Refuge: Sun Prints
Use sunlight and natural
materials to create cyanotype style
prints. This activity reflects
the seasonal shift toward
longer days and introduces
photography-based art as a
way to notice form, shadow,
and structure in a still-dormant
landscape.
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Fri. March 13
Nature Kids
Children ages 6-10 with an
adult are invited to participate
in hands-on nature activities,
guided exploration, and
creative projects connected to
refuge habitats.
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Sat. March 28
Weed Warriors
Volunteer Work Party
Join us for an afternoon spent
caring for the habitats around
the visitor center as we work to
remove invasive weeds from
around native plants. Tools are
provided. Bring your own work
gloves, a water bottle, and
layers of clothes to be prepared
for varying weather conditions!
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm