BLM Outdoor Events for June
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LAS CRUCES, N.M. – On June 9, 16 and 23, the Bureau of Land Management is sponsoring three free outdoor events in the Dripping Springs Natural Area and Prehistoric Trackways National Monument.
June 9 – Junior Ranger Day
Meeting Place: La Cueva Group Site in the Dripping Springs Natural Area
Meeting Time and Duration: 5 to 10 p.m.
Description: Children ages 5 – 12 (and their families) are invited to a Junior Ranger Day filled with fun activities. Birdwatching, plant-pressing, animal identification and hiking are planned for the event, concluding with a sing-along and s’mores beside a campfire. A special Junior Ranger badge will be given to the children for completing the various activities.
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 Avenue/Dripping Springs Road east to the end. The activities will be conducted at the La Cueva Group Site, with the hike occurring on the nearby Arroyo Trail. There are restrooms and water available on site.
Cost: The event is free, as well as the parking in the La Cueva Group Site.
June 16 – Prehistoric Trackways Guided Hike
Meeting Place: Second parking lot from the Monument entrance
Meeting Time and Duration: Discovery Site Hike – 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Description: Join a BLM paleontologist for a guided hike to the Trackways’ Discovery 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.
June 23 – Hummingbird Photography
Meeting Place: Dripping Springs Natural Area
Meeting Time and Duration: 8 to 10 a.m.
Description: Nirmal Khandan will conduct a workshop and provide tips and techniques on how to attract and photograph beautiful hummingbirds. The workshop is open to intermediate and advanced photographers with a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera with at least a 300 mm lens, tripod and cable or wireless remote release. The workshop is limited to the first 10 people who register with BLM.
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 Avenue/Dripping Springs Road east to the end. The workshop will be held at the Dripping Springs 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, Senior Annual & Lifetime Pass, Military Annual Pass, Access Lifetime Pass, or the local BLM Las Cruces District Recreation Pass.
Participants for these events are asked to dress appropriately and to remember their outdoor essentials – water, snacks, appropriate footwear, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Also, participants need to be aware of their surroundings and the potential for rattlesnakes. For more information, contact the BLM Office at 575-525-4300. For the photography registration, contact Daniella Barraza at 575-525-4487 or dbarraza@blm.gov. 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.