BLM Offers October Outdoor Events in Las Cruces
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LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management is offering a variety of outdoor events in October that will take advantage of southern New Mexico’s autumn weather and natural resources. The BLM events are geared to individuals, family, friends and civic organizations from all age groups. The BLM encourages the public to take time from their busy schedules to enjoy the outdoors and the wonderful resources, virtually in their backyards.
Here is a list of events and volunteer opportunities:
Oct. 8 – Ruffled & Rufous Feathers: Birds of the Organ Mountains
Meeting Place: Dripping Springs Visitor Center
Meeting Time and Duration: 5 p.m. - Talk and 6 p.m. - Hike
Description: Spend an evening in the Organ Mountains listening to the sounds of hummingbirds, quails, or a Great Horned Owl, while watching the changing colors of the mountains at sunset.
- Come at 5 p.m. and hear Marcy Scott, the author of “Hummingbird: Plants of the Southwest,” talk about the hummingbirds of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. A birder, botanizer, former wildlife rehabilitator, garden consultant and co-founder of the Robledo Vista Nursery, Scott will share her knowledge and answer all bird and plant-related questions.
- Come at 6 p.m. and join C.J. Goin, an expert southern New Mexico birder, for a short 1-1.5 mile hike on La Cueva Trail to look for birds that appear at dusk. If available, bring your binoculars and flashlights.
Directions: Dripping Springs is located 10 miles east of Las Cruces, on the west side of the Organ Mountains. From Exit 1 on Interstate I-25, take University Ave./Dripping Springs Rd. east to the end.
Cost: There is a $5 day-use fee for Dripping Springs. However, the events are free. Participants may bring their dinner, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, and are encouraged to wear layers, in case of chilly temperatures.
Oct. 14 – Prehistoric Trackways Guided Hike to Discovery Site & Oct. 28 – Prehistoric Trackways Guide Hike to Flood Site
Meeting Place: Second parking lot at the Monument entrance
Meeting Time and Duration: Discovery Hike - 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Flood Site Hike – 9 to 11 a.m.
Description: Join BLM paleontologist Colin Dunn for a guided hike to the Trackways’ Discovery Site and Flood Site. Be prepared to hike approximately 3 miles (for Discovery Site hike) and 2.5 miles (for Flood Site hike) on rough and rocky terrain in warm conditions, while learning all about the climate, organisms and marine life that inhabited the area 280 million years ago. Also, see the wood and plants that have petrified over time.
Directions: Travel on Picacho Avenue and U.S Highway 70, at the stop light with Shalem Colony Trail. Go north on Shalem Colony Trail for approximately 5.5 miles. Prior to reaching the Rio Grande, you will reach a county road called Rocky Acres Trail. Turn west for approximately ¼ mile to a dirt road on the left side called Permian Acres. Cross over a cattle guard and continue to the second.
Cost: No cost for parking.
Participants for these events are asked to dress appropriately and to remember their outdoor essentials – water, snacks, appropriate footwear, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. For more information, contact Daniella Barraza 575-525-4487 or message the BLM Las Cruces District on Facebook.
The BLM manages more than 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.