Nov
23
8:30 AM08:30

Women Hike: Aztec Caves

  • 2900 Tom Mays Park Access Road El Paso, TX, 79911 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Come explore the beautiful Chihuahuan Desert with other women, led by a female ranger or volunteer. Learn about best hiking practices and the unique desert ecosystem. This hike is open to women of all experience levels who are excited to spend more quality time outdoors.

This is a moderate 2mile hike. The trail is well maintained for most of the hike with some loose rubble just ahead of the entrance to the cave.

Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444 9121.

Bring: water, snacks hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.

Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.

Meeting location: Aztec caves trailhead

Fee: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, $0.00 for Texas State Park Pass holders and children between the ages of 5 and 12.

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Nov
24
10:00 AM10:00

Turkey Trot to Aztec Caves

  • 2900 Tom Mays Park Access Road El Paso, TX, 79911 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Come join us for a fun pre-Thanksgiving hike to Aztec Cave. This is a moderate 2mile hike. The trail is well maintained for most of the hike with some loose rubble just ahead of the entrance to the cave.

Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444 9121.

Bring: water, snacks hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.

Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.

Meeting location: Aztec caves trailhead

Fee: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, $0.00 for Texas State Park Pass holders and children between the ages of 5 and 12.

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Nov
29
9:00 AM09:00

Opt Outside Hike to Lower Sunset (Shortcut #1)

  • 2900 Tom Mays Park Access Road El Paso, TX, 79911 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Spend the day after Thanksgiving enjoying the outdoors!

This hike is a moderate 2.5 mile hike. After a steep initial descent down an old jeep road, the trail transitions to well-maintained trail that climbs up and out of the canyon meandering around rock outcroppings making its way back up. It ends with a slightly steeper climb up to the scenic overlook.

Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444 9121.

Bring: water, snacks hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.

Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.

Meeting location: Franklin Mountains State Park – Tom Mays Unit End loop/Campsite #39

Fee: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, $0.00 for Texas State Park Pass holders and children between the ages of 5 and 12.

See You There!

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Nov
30
7:30 AM07:30

Old Tin Mine Hike

  • 11051 Loma Del Norte Drive El Paso, TX, 79934 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join a Park Ranger or volunteer guides for a hike out to the El Paso Tin Mines, the remails of a mining operation from the early 1900s.

This is a moderate to difficult hike of 6 miles. The trail is a well-marked old jeep road with a gentle but steady climb for about 3 miles until you arrive at the mines. You can explore two of the old shafts and the ruins of the smelter before heading back the way you came.

Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444 9121.

Bring: water, snacks hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.

Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.

Meeting location: Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park

Fee: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, $0.00 for Texas State Park Pass holders and children between the ages of 5 and 12. Please bring a check or exact change. Alternately you can purchase your day pass ahead of time at the Tom Mays visitor center or at texasstaeparks.reserveamerica.com.

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Dec
7
8:30 AM08:30

Bosque Del Apache Bird Tour

  • Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is located in San Antonio, Socorro County, New Mexico. The refuge is known for the tens of thousands of cranes, geese and ducks who winter there each year. Come out and bird with us! Meeting location is at 8:30 am at the Visitor Center. We will car pool into the Refuge from the Visitor Center. This is a driving loop. I will explain logistics the morning of. For those of you who want to experience the early morning fly in, plan to be at the Refuge before sunrise and please dress warm because it will be cold! Sunset is also a beautiful scene at the Refuge and with it being winter, sunset usually will start around 6:30 pm. There is a $5 entrance fee per vehicle (Bring exact change just in case there isn't someone at the booth). Federal Duck Stamp and America The Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Lands Pass are accepted Lodging: For those of you wanting to drive in the day before, there are lodging options in Socorro, New Mexico which is only about 15 minutes away. After the tour, we can eat lunch at the Buckhorn Tavern or the Owl Cafe. Please RSVP with Star at PhotographybyEstrella@gmail.com All of our Bird Tours are free to attend :)

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Nov
9
4:30 PM16:30

A Special Blessing Ceremony By Apache Spirit Dancers

Connect through land, place, culture and song through a traditional ceremony. this important event is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and a cultural tradition that goes back centuries.

Hueco Tanks State Park and Mescalero Apache and Mares Families will host the Gahé-nd for the first time in over 10 years.

Bring chairs, water, a blanket, and snacks.

Reservations requiredL (915) 857-1135

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Nov
9
8:30 AM08:30
Fire

Kilbourne Hole Volcanic Crater

  • 6401 South Desert Boulevard El Paso, TX, 79932 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Celebration of Our Mountains Board members on a field trip to this famous volcano, which is not only the youngest volcano in the El Paso/Juarez region, it is also where Apollo astronauts trained. Kilbourne Hole erupted tons of the August birthstone "peridot" which can be found all around the volcano. You will need a high clearance vehicle for this trip, or arrange ahead of time to carpool with someone in a high clearance vehicle. We will do a small amount of walking off trail, but the skill level is still beginner. This volcano is unforgettable, and so are the rocks!

Meet trip leaders geologists Eric Kappus and Paul Galvan on the north side of Rudy's BBQ, 6401 South Desert Blvd. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/fnD92yqx6xeVKMPx5) and caravan from there. High clearance vehicles only. The round-trip is 6-hours long so make sure you have a full tank of gas, plenty of water, snacks, sturdy shoes and a hat. For more information: Contact trip co-leader Paul Galvan at georocks30@gmail.com

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Nov
2
10:00 AM10:00
Fire

Explore the Valley of Fires

  • 6158 U.S. 380 Carrizozo, NM, 88301 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Tour the valley of fires geological formation with a focus on the desert adaptations of plants and

animals living in this extreme ecosystem during winter time conditions.  We will walk the mile-long

official trail of the recreational area that is wheelchair and stroller friendly.  We will cover the

evolutionary and ecological significance of the area, especially winter adaptations of life in our region

of the Northern Chihuahuan Desert. This unique site that best exemplify the extreme adaptations

required to live in our dynamic desert.

 The tour along their main nature trail (Lava Flow Nature Trail) will be right after the meeting near the

visitor center where there is their main parking area. The trail is handicap accessible. There are

other trails available for your own exploration and hiking level after our tour, but keep in mind the

area is full of sharp rocks and plants that require caution.

Wear hiking boots with a good grip, wear a hat and sunglasses, bring plenty of water, a snack and a

small lunch and wear warm clothes.  You may also want to bring binoculars (unique season for

birding), camera or smart phone, and magnifying glass.

Learning Goals for the field trip:

Focus on learning what winter adaptations life uses during this extreme season that is experienced and unique to this region of the Northern Chihuahuan Desert.

Make ecological connections between the Valley of Fires and nearby White Sands.

Understanding the geological differences and connections between the two ecozones.

Realize the evolutionary significance of the two areas and how they are prime research areas as well as being national treasures that are surprisingly close to each other.

Meet at the group shelter at the Lava Flow Trail which is four miles west of the town of Carrizozo on highway US 380 (map). The start time of the event is 10:00 AM so if you are driving from El Paso, please give yourself 2 to 2.5 hours to arrive on time. If you are driving from NE El Paso, use the directions HERE. Give yourself about 2 hours if you are traveling from Las Cruces (map).

There is a $3.00 fee for one person in a vehicle and $5.00 for 2 or more person in a vehicle. CASH ONLY!

Trip Leaders are William Lukefahr, M.S. and Gabriela Franco, M.S.

For more information contact William Lukefahr wlukefahr@gmail.com

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Nov
2
7:00 AM07:00

Peak Challenge to Ron Coleman Trail

  • 2900 Tom Mays Park Access Road El Paso, TX, 79911 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Test yourself against some of the most difficult hikes in the Franklin Mountains State Park.

This month we will hike the Ron Coleman trail. This is a very strenuous hike of about 4 miles. Considered by some to be the most difficult trail in the State Park, this trail begins in McKelligon Canyon with a moderately steep incline over loose gravel and rocks leading to two natural rock shelters. After reaching the first cave, the trail hooks around on the right side and requires scrambling on all fours over bare rock to make it up to the second cave very near the ridgeline. The ridgeline provides a respite as you wander along the gentle rise which continues until you reach three sections of chain assisted rock ascents ranging from 15-40 feet. Shortly afterwards you will pass South Franklin Peak and make your way to “Mammoth rock.” The descent from the Mammoth can be very difficult to pick out and is steep and rocky. Once you reach the bottom, it is a short stroll to the Smuggler’s Pass parking are off of Transmountain Rd. Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444 9121.

Bring: water (2-4 litters), snacks/or a sack lunch, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.

**Hikers with less than 1.5 litters of water or inadequate gear will not be allowed to attempt this hike **

Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.

Meeting location: Smuggler’s Pass / Ron Coleman / Elephant Trunk parking area, and carpool over to McKelligon Canyon so we will end the trail back at your vehicle.

Fee: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, $0.00 for Texas State Park Pass holders and children between the ages of 5 and 12. Please bring a check or exact change, as the Ranger or volunteer guiding the hike will be unable to make change. Alternately you can purchase your day pass ahead of time at the Tom Mays Visitor Center or at texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com

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Oct
26
8:30 AM08:30

Aztec Caves

  • 2900 Tom Mays Park Access Road El Paso, TX, 79911 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Hike with Carol Brown to Aztec Caves. Meet at 2900Tom Mays Access Road Tom Mays Park at 8:30 am and start hiking at 8:40 am, This hike is 1.2-mile out-and-back trail and is considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 46 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

Several benches for resting are located at several scenic overlooks along the trail. This is an excellent option for the whole family to enjoy. The trail mostly travels along loose gravel, and proper footwear is suggested. Bring water and proper hiking equipment and clothes.

Franklin Mountains State Park charges a fee to enter. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/franklin-mountains/fees-facilities/entrance-fees. Texas State Parks Passes are also accepted as well. The lower park gate does not open until 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM.

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Oct
20
9:00 AM09:00
Earth

Grand Tour of El Paso Geology Part 2

Take a 5-6 hours drive-and-stop tour of the highlights of El Paso Geology. The tour will be led by Dr. Phil Goodell, the founder of Celebration of Our Mountains. “El Paso is an unusual geologic setting with rocks of diverse ages, mountains of diverse origin and form, and a variety of mineral resources nearby. Seas and lakes, deserts and glaciers, volcanoes and igneous intrusions, faulting and folding, erosion and deposition all have left their marks on the geology and landscape of this region.” (William C. Cornell)

Meet at the entrance to the Archaeology Museum on Transmountain Road by 8:45 AM for a short orientation and the car trip to start at 9:00. Due to limited parking space at the stops along the tour, we must limit the number of vehicles to 10. You can reserve your vehicle spot by emailing the Brian at the address below. For more information, contact Brian Gillis at com.915mountains@gmail.com

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Oct
20
7:30 AM07:30
Earth

Aden Crater

Aden Crater is an Icelandic-type shield volcano northwest of El Paso and is located at the center of the Potrillo volcanic field. The massive lava flow where NASA astronauts trained during the 1960s is also used today as a test site for future instruments and techniques that will be used in upcoming space exploration missions. This is a perfect environment to take some amazing photos and learn about our local geologic history. Bring plenty of water and dress for rough terrain. The hike is easy to moderate. Bring sturdy, durable hiking shoes. A walking stick, binoculars or camera are also highly recommended. High-clearance vehicles are a must due to the rough and rocky road (Doesn’t need to be 4x4, only high clearance). The drive is approximately 1.5 hours to the crater from El Paso. Make sure to have a full tank of gas. The walk is roughly 2 hours round trip. Trip leader is geologist Paul Galvan.

7:30 AM meeting time, Depart at 8:00 AM. Meet at the Rudy’s on Artcraft and S Desert Blvd (https://maps.app.goo.gl/fnD92yqx6xeVKMPx5). Approximate length of the round trip is 5 hours. Trip capacity is 20 people. For more information: Contact trip leader Paul Galvan at georocks30@gmail.com.

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Oct
19
8:00 AM08:00

Dive into Playas - Wildlife Wonders at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park Series

Wildlife Wonders at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park Series
 March 16: Mammal Madness
 April 20: Bird Bonanza part 1
 May 18: Raging Reptiles
 July 27: Going Batty (7:00-9:00PM)
 Sep 28: Bird Bonanza part 2
 Oct 19: Dive into Playas 

Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park 56501 N. Jornada Rd. Las Cruces, NM Meet in the parking lot near the restrooms building. 

https://asombro.org/nature-park/ 

Each event in the series will share the same activity topics,but each will be focused on the taxon of the day:
 · Meet the Expert (Walk and talk with a subject matter expert)
 · Tools of the Trade (See actual equipment used by scientists afield) 

· Dive into the Data (Asombro’s signature style of taking actual research numbers and turning them into a fun activity)
 · Conservation Heroes (Learn about species of conservation concern and what management/research is doing to help) 

· Wonders Cards (Collect three trading cards, unique to each Wildlife Wonders event)
 Follow us on social media, email lists, etc. to stay on top of more event details as they are announced. 

As with all Asombro programs, count on the “Wildlife Wonders” series to be hands-on, interactive, and geared toward increasing participants’ knowledge of New Mexico flora and fauna. 

DIRECTIONS TO THE Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park 56501 N. Jornada Rd. Las Cruces, NM 

-Please stay on the trails
 -Pack in pack out
 -Bring sunscreen, hats, water, umbrellas
 -Dogs are allowed on-leash or restrained anywhere in the park. Please be responsible, and pick up after your pet. -Getting to CDNP: Right after Mesa Middle School Jornada Road becomes a dirt road, you will continue down this road for about 4 miles then turn left at the large park sign on the left side.
 -Asombro Institute for Science Education is a nonprofit in Las Cruces, New Mexico which owns and manages the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park. Contact Gabriela gabriela@asombro.org for event questions.
 

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Oct
14
9:00 AM09:00
Water

Water in El Paso (TecH2O Water Center)

Aren’t we all interested in how our water is used and managed in our dry desert climate? Do we have enough for the future and do you think we consume more than falls from the sky or comes down the river? Join us to investigate the answers on a guided field trip to the TecH2O Center (El Paso Water) where we will learn about our region's water resources and ways to conserve - including the flora and fauna of the Chihuahuan Desert. The knowledge gained here about our water resources will provide excellent context for our other outdoor field events where the rocks and desert sand host much of our water resources. The tour is great for kids and adults. Consider bringing a sack lunch to enjoy after the tour in the onsite picnic area. The tour will include the KBH desalination plant.

Meet at 10:00 am in the lobby of the facility at 10751 Montana Ave., El Paso TX 79935 . Leaders for this event will be Texas professional geologisd Lance Robert and an experienced guide from TecH20. For more information, contact Lance Robert at hlswrob@yahoo.com or call TecH2O at 915-621-2000.

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Oct
13
9:00 AM09:00
Earth

Grand Tour of El Paso Geology Part 1

  • 900 Rim Road El Paso, TX, 79902 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Take a 5-6 hours drive-and-stop tour of the highlights of El Paso Geology. The tour will be led by Dr. Phil Goodell, the founder of Celebration of Our Mountains. “El Paso is an unusual geologic setting with rocks of diverse ages, mountains of diverse origin and form, and a variety of mineral resources nearby. Seas and lakes, deserts and glaciers, volcanoes and igneous intrusions, faulting and folding, erosion and deposition all have left their marks on the geology and landscape of this region.” (William C. Cornell)

Meet at Tom Lee Upper Park on Rim Road by 8:45 AM for a short orientation and the car trip to start at 9:00. Due to limited parking space at the stops along the tour, we must limit the number of vehicles to 10. You can reserve your vehicle spot by emailing the Brian at the address below. For more information, contact Brian Gillis at com.915mountains@gmail.com

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Oct
12
8:30 AM08:30
Fire

Portillo Volcanic Field

  • 2401 Airport Road Santa Teresa, NM, 88008 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Portillo Volcanos Trip

Join us on a short drive to the nearby alley of over 200 volcanoes located just 30 miles west of El Paso. We will visit the Potrillo crater along the Mexico border and Guzman Cinder Cone not far from Columbus NM. The objective is to observe the land forms of these relatively young volcanic features that are part of the Rio Grande crustal extension. We will explore the features two types of eruptions - gaseous ash eruptions and more docile flowing lavas as seen in Hawaii. For rock hounders, we can find pieces of mantle-derived peridot/olivene, black basalt, and granites/gniess. The hiking on this trip is minimal, though can be more or less as you choose. This one is popular for the kids.

Meet at 8:30 am in the parking lot of the Loves gas station @ 2401 Airport Rd in Santa Theresa. For more information, contact Lance Robert at hlswrob@yahoo.com

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Oct
6
8:00 AM08:00
Earth

Hike Tonuco Mountain

Tonuco Mountain

See petroglyphs and explore an old barite mine as you hike Tonuco Mountain. You will also see a stunning canyon with colorful rocks and a superb view of the region from the top of the mountain. This is a moderate to difficult loop hike of around six miles with about 1000 feet of elevation gain. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended to make the last mile of the trip through a soft and sandy riverbed to get to the trailhead. Either plan to ride with someone that has a 4-wheel drive vehicle or make arrangements to ride along at the morning meeting place.

Meet at 8 AM for caravaning in the Dairy Queen parking lot on Transmountain road and I-10. The group will leave promptly at 8:15 AM. Bring 3-4 liters of water, snacks, a sack lunch to eat on top and a mask. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and wear a hat and/or use sunscreen. Bring a mask. Please observe social distancing as best as you can.

The drive from the meet-up/carpooling location to the trailhead is an hour’s drive. It may be 9:30 before you start hiking. Plan on the hike lasting 5 to 5.5-hours long including stops and a lunch break.

Contact person: Brian Gillis 915-861-2990

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Oct
5
9:00 AM09:00
Earth

Edible Plants in Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park

  • 5000 Calle Del Norte Las Cruces, NM, 88005 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This will be a tour of the Mesilla Velly Bosque State Park, that will highlight the edible and useful plants of our Chihuahuan Desert landscape; which includes this lovely state park that is a refuge for much wildlife in a riparian ecosystem along the Rio Grande. We will start at their garden area to tour the many native plants that have identifications and have our guides available to try and answer any of your questions. They also have a lovely visitor center that includes information about the park, and the local area’s historic and current natural resources. There are also have a few trails that span the park that have many great viewing areas with shade and sitting structures.

Meeting location: At the parking lot at Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park

5000 Calle Del Norte, Las Cruces, NM 88005

( parking fee required per vehicle (minimum of $5 for day use fee)

Note: The google maps may take you the wrong direction but once you turn on Calle del Norte, you will cross the Rio Grande, and immediately turn left into the state park.

Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park is a state park of New Mexico, United States, preserving a riverside forest along the Rio Grande. The park is located near Las Cruces and just west of Mesilla. The park itself encompasses approximately 305 acres, at an elevation of 3,900 feet.

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Sep
29
8:30 AM08:30

Last Sunday Hike to Schaeffer Shuffle

  • 2900 Tom Mays Park Access Road El Paso, TX, 79911 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Come explore the beautiful Chihuahuan Desert and learn about best hiking practices and the unique desert ecosystems.

Length: 2.6 miles
Trail Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult. Steep initial descent down old jeep road; transition to relatively well maintained trail with technical sections into the canyon, leveling out along the ridgeline, then another steep and technical descent down the backside before becoming an easy leisurely stroll down the trail. We’ll reconnect with the old jeep road and have one final steep ascent back up to the start of the trail.

Bring: water, snacks, flashlight, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.

Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.

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Sep
28
10:00 AM10:00

Fossils in Our Walls, St. Clement's Church

Southwest University Geologist Dr. Eric Kappus and Father, John Dixon, will be guiding you on this adventure!

Did you know El Paso was once under water? Discover what's in the layers beneath our feet by looking at the stones of El Paso's historic Church of St. Clement. Explore the halls of St. Clement's Church and see Cisneros's unique leaded glass windows featuring his biblical designs. Also, learn about the little-known Tom Lea book The History of Christianity, Stained Glass Designs in the McKee Chapel of Saint Clement"s Church in El Paso, written by Tom Lea and designed by Carl Hertzog.

Itinerary:

• 10 AM - Meet at the entrance of St. Clement's Church, (810 N. Campbell St.). Tour will depart from the church entrance promptly at 10:15 AM.

• After the tour, attendees may have a no-host lunch with the group at Taconeta.

• Questions? Please call us at 915-533-0048.

• Please wear comfortable shoes.

Sign up with Tom Lea Institute and space is limited

RSVP HERE https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fossils-in-our-walls-cisneros-in-our-halls-tom-lea-on-our-windows-tickets-919726054387?aff=oddtdtcreator

RSVP list full? Please email marketing@tomlea.net to be placed on a waiting list or if you are unable to make the event. Thank you!

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Sep
28
8:00 AM08:00

Bird Bonanza part 2 - Wildlife Wonders at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park Series

Wildlife Wonders at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park Series
 March 16: Mammal Madness
 April 20: Bird Bonanza part 1
 May 18: Raging Reptiles
 July 27: Going Batty (7:00-9:00PM)
 Sep 28: Bird Bonanza part 2
 Oct 19: Dive into Playas 

Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park 56501 N. Jornada Rd. Las Cruces, NM Meet in the parking lot near the restrooms building. 

https://asombro.org/nature-park/ 

Each event in the series will share the same activity topics,but each will be focused on the taxon of the day:
 · Meet the Expert (Walk and talk with a subject matter expert)
 · Tools of the Trade (See actual equipment used by scientists afield) 

· Dive into the Data (Asombro’s signature style of taking actual research numbers and turning them into a fun activity)
 · Conservation Heroes (Learn about species of conservation concern and what management/research is doing to help) 

· Wonders Cards (Collect three trading cards, unique to each Wildlife Wonders event)
 Follow us on social media, email lists, etc. to stay on top of more event details as they are announced.

As with all Asombro programs, count on the “Wildlife Wonders” series to be hands-on, interactive, and geared toward increasing participants’ knowledge of New Mexico flora and fauna. 

DIRECTIONS TO THE Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park 56501 N. Jornada Rd. Las Cruces, NM 

-Please stay on the trails
 -Pack in pack out
 -Bring sunscreen, hats, water, umbrellas
 -Dogs are allowed on-leash or restrained anywhere in the park. Please be responsible, and pick up after your pet. -Getting to CDNP: Right after Mesa Middle School Jornada Road becomes a dirt road, you will continue down this road for about 4 miles then turn left at the large park sign on the left side.
 -Asombro Institute for Science Education is a nonprofit in Las Cruces, New Mexico which owns and manages the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park. Contact Gabriela gabriela@asombro.org for event questions.
  

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Sep
22
8:30 AM08:30

Women Hike Agave Loop

  • 2900 Tom Mays Park Access Road El Paso, TX, 79911 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join a park ranger on a guided hike through the Western foothills of the Franklin Mountains.

 

This hike is a moderate 1.5 miles. It begins with a gradual incline through a well maintained switchback trail to wide open vistas to the west. The return trip travels down over scree, or rubble, proving to be challenging for some.

 

Bring: water, snacks, flashlight, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.

 

Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.

 

Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121.

 

Fee: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, $0.00 for Texas State Park Pass holders and children 12 years of age and under.  

Meeting location: West Cottonwood Spring trailhead.

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Sep
21
10:30 AM10:30

Coffee at the Trail

  • 9065 Alameda Avenue El Paso, TX, 79907 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Come join us for a cup of coffee and a pastry and meet our special guest speaker Dean Van Matre. He will be speaking on how the Land Tenure in our region evolved from a frontier of New Spain to our present day status with an emphasis on the Mission Trails Area.

The event will be held at the Mission Trail Visitor Center 9065 Alameda Ave. El Paso, Texas 79907. For information or other questions about the Mission Trail call (915) 292-8516 Website www.elpasomissions.org

or (915) 820-7261 elvisromo1@gmail.com

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Sep
15
6:30 PM18:30

Night Critter Crawl

  • 2900 Tom Mays Park Access Road El Paso, TX, 79911 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join the Franklin Mountains Rangers for an evening hike to explore the night life at Franklin Mountains State Park.

Meet us at the Tom Mays Unit entrance gate at 6:30 pm. Once everyone arrives we will drive in to the parking area together and begin the walk. This is an easy walk mostly on the road about 3 miles.

No children under 6 years old.

No pets.

Reservations are required; to make you reservation, call (915) 444-9121 Monday through Friday. 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, comfortable clothes, and a flashlight with a red, green, black, or UV light setting.

Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.

Fee: $5 for adults 13 years old and up; $0 for Texas State Park Pass holders and children 12 years old and under. Must obtain their entrance permits prior to the hike either at the park’s visitor center or online at www.texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com

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Sep
15
2:00 PM14:00

Franklin Forum: Snakes on the Range

  • 2900 Tom Mays Park Access Road El Paso, TX, 79911 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us for the first Franklin Forum of the year this Sunday!

Our presenter is Joshua Mead and he will be sharing his research on rattlesnakes.

Snakes on the Range: Insights into Three West Texas Rattlesnakes through Home Ranges

West Texas is home to five species of rattlesnakes. Three of these species, the Western Diamond-backed, Eastern Black-tailed, and Rock Rattlesnakes can be found in the mountains of the northern Chihuahuan Desert. These species all make a living in the same areas, and have interesting and unique ecologies. We will discuss this, public perception, and some research on all three of these species from the Indio Mountains Research Station in Hudspeth County, Texas.

Fee: Free if only attending the forum. 

Meeting location: The Visitor Center in the Tom Mays Unit. When you enter Tom Mays, pull into the first parking lot to the right and go into the main visitor center to get your entrance permit. The event will be in the Interpretive building next door.

For more information you can reach out to Lydis Pagel at Lydia.Pagel@tpw.texas.gov

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Sep
14
6:30 PM18:30

Branches to Roots Information Session

Branches to Roots is a community-driven interdisciplinary initiative to propagate and plant more trees. Air layering, a cost-effective tree propagation method that can be learned and practiced, to address climate change in El Paso County. By teaching students how branches may be stewarded into trees, we increase climate action and hope, as well as the many benefits of trees: carbon sequestration. Students will work with local organizations participating in hands-on workshops, and field trips. The project will gather data on the optimization of propagation and develop the first citizen science report on tree propagation techniques in desert regions. We aim to present findings at educational spaces, to provide valuable STEM learning opportunities for underrepresented students.

Join Fernanda Lugo on Sep 14th 6:30pm at Keystone Heritage Park, as part of their Crafts and Culture market. There will be more opportunities but join the fun! all ages welcome- there will be a craft table. 

If you have any questions! contact Fernanda at lumiferz@gmail.com

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Sep
14
9:00 AM09:00

Native Plant Walk at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park

  • 56501 North Jornada Road Las Cruces, NM, 88012 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Meet at the main upper parking lot near the restroom buildings. The walk will take place along the Desert Experience Mini-trail, a paved trail that is stroller and wheelchair friendly. 


Come learn about the amazing plants that call our desert home. Biologists William Lukefahr and Gabriela Franco will highlight native plants and their adaptations to the harsh desert environment. 


Bring water for every person in your group.

Other recommended items to bring: sunblock, hat, umbrellas.

Please stay on the trails.

Pack in pack out your trash.

Dogs are welcome on a leash, please pick up after your pets. 

Optional: download iNaturalist before the hike.

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/biodiversity-of-the-chihuahuan-desert-nature-park


The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park is owned and managed by the Asombro Institute for Science Education, a local science literacy nonprofit. 

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Sep
8
7:00 AM07:00

Old Tin Mine Tour

  • Officer Andrew Barcena Drive El Paso, TX, 79934 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join a Park Ranger or volunteer guides for a hike out to the El Paso Tin Mines, the remains of a mining operation from the early 1900s.

This is a moderate to difficult hike of 6 miles. The trail is a well-marked old jeep road with a gentle but steady climb for about 3 miles until you arrive at the mines. You can explore two of the old shafts and the ruins of the smelter before heading back the way you came.

Bring: water, snacks, flashlight, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.

Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.

Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121.

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Aug
31
7:00 PM19:00

What is Traveling Around the Desert at Night?

  • Visitor Center at the Tom Mays Unit of Franklin Mountain State Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

What's Crawling around the Desert at Night

Find out how desert organisms avoid typically high, frequently lethal, daytime temperatures by adapting to a nocturnal way of life. This field trip is easy walking but be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes. Bring flashlights (preferably 1 white and 1 UV), water, and a camera. Meet at the Visitor’s Center at the Tom Mays Unit of Franklin Mountains State Park. (MAP) Buy a park pass ahead of time.

Learning objectives for this event:

Participants will :

1.  Gain an understanding of the local ecology. Topics included are energy flow through systems, trophic levels, food webs, and an introduction to acoustic ecology.

 2.  Learn how environmental conditions in deserts determine activity cycles of living organisms.

 3.  Observe organisms, such as scorpions, spiders, and others that are perceived to be extremely dangerous, and learn the facts, as opposed to the mythology, surrounding such organisms.

 4.  Gain an understanding of the importance of invertebrates, mostly insects, to the maintenance of a healthy biosphere.

Junior Version:

1.  Learn how energy, and nutrients, allow the diversity of living things to happen. And how animals use sound to find homes and mates.

2.  Learn how living things adapt to the harsh conditions found in deserts.

3.  Find out why some animals people think are really dangerous, such as scorpions and spiders, aren’t as scary as people think.

4.  Learn why insects are the most important animals on the planet for supporting the rest of us.

Meet at the Visitor’s Center of the Tom Mays Unit of the Franklin Mountains State Park. Purchase your park pass HERE. The event is open to 20 - 25 persons only. Please make reservations.

For more information, contact Dr. Paul Hyder, 915-244-5322, phyder@zianet.com.

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