BLM plans National Public Lands Day event at Valley of Fires Recreation Area
CARRIZOZO, N.M. — The Bureau of Land Management Roswell Field Office is celebrating the 32nd annual National Public Lands Day by inviting the public to visit the Valley of Fires Recreation Area from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 27. BLM and Public Lands Interpretive Association staff will assist the public with educational trail walks and Junior Ranger activities. Participants should wear hats, boots, sunscreen, and bug repellent and bring along plenty of water. The BLM will provide light snacks and drinks.
The recreation area is located immediately adjacent to the Malpais Lava Flow and features two nature trails. The Malpais Nature Trail is a fully accessible 0.75-mile paved nature trail that offers a closer look at the lava flow and the wildlife and vegetation that flourishes throughout the rock. The Kipuka Trail, meanwhile, is an out-and-back trail that is about 2.25 miles long and takes visitors off the concrete path to explore the wildlife of the Chihuahuan Desert.
“The event will be a great opportunity for people of all ages to visit the Valley of Fires Recreation Area and learn more about the lava flow and the animals and plants that inhabit it,” said BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner Jesse Vinson.
“National Public Lands Day is the right day to highlight the recreational opportunities that are available at our public lands,” said Fort Stanton – Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area Manager Warren Kasper. “Camping, hiking, and wildlife watching are just some of the great activities that are available at Valley of Fires for people who want to explore public lands.”
National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest, single-day, volunteer event for public lands. Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, the event brings thousands of volunteers to help restore and improve public lands around the country. This year's theme is "Our Home Outdoors," which highlights the idea that these lands are not just physical spaces — they are where we come together, feel rooted, and develop a sense of place.
For more information about this event, please contact Roswell Field Office Outdoor Recreation Planner Jesse Vinson at 575-627-0272. To learn about other BLM National Public Lands Day events, please visit https://www.blm.gov/national-public-lands-day.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.