BLM outdoor events for May
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LAS CRUCES, N.M. – On May 13, 18 and 19, the Bureau of Land Management is sponsoring events, highlighting public land resources near Las Cruces. The events are planned to take advantage of the springtime weather and get the public outdoors to enjoy the Dripping Springs Natural Area and the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument.
May 13 – Photographing Birds of the Organ Mountains
Meeting Place: Dripping Springs Natural Area
Meeting Time and Duration: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Description: Join Nirmal Khandan and learn how to take beautiful photos of the birds of the Organ Mountains. Khandan will conduct a workshop to provide tips and techniques for effective bird photography. The workshop is open to intermediate photographers with a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera with at least a 300 mm lens.
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, Federal Land and Recreation Pass or the local BLM Las Cruces District Recreation Pass. Reservations are required. The workshop is limited to the first 10 people who register.
May 18 – Star Party
Meeting Place: La Cueva Group Site in the Dripping Springs Visitor Area
Meeting Time and Duration: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Description: Co-sponsors, BLM and the Friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, will bring the astronomers, telescopes and s’mores for an evening of stargazing with the public. No reservations are needed for this Organ Mountain Naturepalooza event.
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 Group Site 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.
May 19 – Prehistoric Trackways Guided Hike to Discovery Site
Meeting Place: Second parking lot from the Monument entrance
Meeting Time and Duration: Discovery Site Hike – 8 a.m. to 11 a.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.
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.