Whether you want a rugged hike along the peaks and ridges of Los Pinos Mountains, prefer a leisurely walk identifying native grasses and wildflowers, or favor finding fossils from another era, Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge offers wild entertainment at its annual open house on Saturday, October 15.
The refuge, located one hour south of Albuquerque, opens its doors every fall to give people a rare chance to discover its plants, wildlife canyons and the incredible views that encompass the vast 230,000 acre sanctuary. Four ecosystems merge in this one refuge producing a great variety of wildlife and associated habitat. Most of the refuge is closed to public access, allowing for wildlife management, habitat restoration and research.
Visitors can choose from eight guided field trips focusing on different aspects of the refuge ? history, wildlife, geology, flora and more. Field trips cost $7 per person and includes either breakfast or lunch.
For those who don't want to venture too far, check out the activities at the Visitor Center . Maggie Dwire, biologist, will talk about the Mexican gray wolf and how the Refuge is contributing to this endangered species? recovery in the southwest from 10 to 10:45 a.m. The winners of the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge youth poster contest will be announced at 1:30 p.m. From 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. , receive a guided tour via photographs and lecture from refuge staff. A variety of hands-on environmental exhibits will be on display. There is no charge for the events at the Visitor Center .
To register, call 505-864-4021 for a brochure or download one from the internet at: http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/newmex/sevilleta/. Space is limited. Deadline for registering is October 8.
To get to the refuge, take exit 169. The entrance road to the Refuge headquarters is located on the west side of I-25. The open house is sponsored by the Refuge and the La Joya Community Development Association.
Field trips:
Geology West (afternoon) ? Dr. Dave Johnson from the NM School of Mines explains the geological processes that formed the Rio Grande Valley.
Chihuahuan Desert (morning) ? Author Judith Philips (New Mexico Gardener's Guide) identifies shortgrass prairie plants and wildflowers.
Science Behind the Scenery (morning) ? Visit the refuge's newly created prairie dog town and learn about other research projects with staff to see how science is used to make habitat.
Sevilleta History Field Trip (afternoon) ? Local historian Gil Apps uncovers the human history that left its mark on the rugged landscape.
Los Pinos Mountain Hike (all-day) ? Staff lead a rugged hike into the canyons and up to the top of the 7,500 foot Whiteface Peak for an intimate look at spectacular scenery.
San Lorenzo Canyon Hike (morning) ? A wildlife biologist, a naturalist and a geologist team up to look for wildlife, teach about native plants and investigate geological anomalies.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses 544 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 69 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resources offices and 81 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign and Native American tribal governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Assistance program, which distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.
-http://southwest.fws.gov-
