BLM Outdoor Events for April
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LAS CRUCES, N.M. – On April 7, 14 and 21, the Bureau of Land Management is sponsoring three events, highlighting the archaeological, biological and paleontological features of public land. The Saturday events are planned to take advantage of the nice springtime weather and get the public outdoors to enjoy the Dripping Springs Natural Area and the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument.
April 4 – Archaeology Chat
Meeting Place: La Cueva Parking Lot at Dripping Springs Natural Area
Meeting Time and Duration: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Description: Spend the morning with a BLM archaeologist learning about the people who lived in the Organ Mountains for thousands of years, and how to interpret what they left behind.
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. The La Cueva Parking Lot is the first left turn, before the Visitor Center.
Cost: The event is free. However, a $5 vehicle parking fee will apply, except for those who have an America the Beautiful Pass, Federal Land and Recreation Pass or the local BLM Las Cruces District Recreation Pass. Reservations are not required.
April 14 – Organ Mountains 1st Annual Bio Blitz
Meeting Place: La Cueva Parking Lot and/or Dripping Springs Visitor Area
Description: Be a scientist for a Day! Explore nature by identifying as many species with the help of experts. No experience required, and all ages are welcome. Event leaders will be using the iNaturalist app, and encourage participants to download the app before the event. There will be a grand prize for the person who identifies the most species. The Bio Blitz is part of the Organ Mountain Naturepalooza series hosted by the BLM and the Friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks.
Schedule:
7 a.m. – Bird Banding
9 a.m. – Small Mammal Trapping
8:30 a.m. – Sunrise Bird Hike *
10 a.m. – Reptile Hike & Butterfly Hike **
11:30 a.m. – Moths under the Microscope
2 p.m. – Nature Art Workshop
3:30 p.m. – Mammals of the Mountains
4 p.m. – Plant Hike
6 p.m. – Sunset Birding Hike *
7 p.m. – Acoustic Bat Monitoring
*Binoculars will be available
**Camera with macro and zoom lens recommended
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. The La Cueva Parking Lot is the first left turn, before the Visitor Center.
Cost: The event is free. However, a $5 vehicle parking fee will apply, except for those who have an America the Beautiful Pass, Federal Land and Recreation Pass or the local BLM Las Cruces District Recreation Pass. Reservations are not required.
April 21 – Prehistoric Trackways Guided Hike to Flood Site
Meeting Place: Second parking lot from the Monument entrance
Meeting Time and Duration: Flood Site Hike – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Description: Join a BLM paleontologist for a guided hike to the Trackways’ Discovery Site and Flood Site. Be prepared to hike approximately 2.5 miles on rough and rocky terrain, while learning all about the climate, organisms and marine life that inhabited the area 280 million years ago.
Directions: Travel on Picacho Avenue and U.S Highway 70, at the stoplight 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 parking lot.
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 the BLM Office at 575-525-4309 or Daniella Barraza at 575-525-4487. The public can also 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.