You will notice that our page just about Leasburg Dam State Park has become New Mexico State Parks. We will begin providing more information about those parks and similar areas in our region on this page. COM is currently planning more field trips to some of these areas.

It is good news that the Franklin Mountains State Park finally opens today with restrictions. Here is the announcement from Dr. Cesar Mendez, the Superintendent of the Park:

We are reopening this Friday.
Advance reservations are required (even for those with park passes). Reserve day passes online or call the Customer Service Center before you visit. Spanish-speaking agents are available at the CSC. Carry your pass (either a printed or digital version) with you while in the park.
Other restrictions:

Ron Coleman Trail will remain closed at both ends until further notice.
Trails at the Wyler Aerial Tramway will remain closed until further notice.
Only 300 people will be allowed each day.
No groups larger than five (except those in the same family or household).
We strongly encourage you to wear face coverings while in the park.
We are not conducting transactions or hosting events for now. Park headquarters is staffed, but closed to visitors.
No camping allowed.

For the most current information, you can always check the website Franklin Mountains State Park webpage
Thanks,
Cesar Mendez
Park Superintendent
Franklin Mountains State Park
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
2900 Tom Mays Access Road
El Paso, Texas, 79911
Ph: 915-444-9100 ext. 225

Do note the requirement for reservations, which areas are closed and restrictions on group sizes.

Keystone Heritage Park is filled with lush gardens.

Expect a number of posts about Keystone Heritage Park the El Paso Desert Botanical Garden and the Kevin von Finger Wetlands. Entrance to the park is just $2 and there is an iron ranger that will gladly take your fee and donation, of course.

Today I just ambled. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular although I could have concentrated on the diverse gardens, the art, the history exhibits or birding. One thing I discovered is that the park is a great place to try out your iNaturalist app. Here are just 3 examples of what I saw:

Mexican buckeye, Ungnadia speciosa. I collected some seeds. — Mexican buckeye, *Ungnadia speciosa.* I collected some seeds.

Chocolate daisies, Berlandiera lyrata — Chocolate daisies, *Berlandiera lyrata*

Turpentine bush, Ericameria laricfolia. It needs some care. — Turpentine bush, *Ericameria laricfolia.* It needs some care.

I will be going back and back. Hopefully you will join me with your iNaturalist app, a pair of binoculars for birding and a soul ready for beauty and wonder.

The park is full of artwork. I just happened to come across this mosaic (one of three). It was produced by Lupe Casillas (Lowenberg) in 2009.