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Celebration of Our Mountains 2007
Originally organized by the UTEP Department of Geological Sciences, the annual festival is overseen by a volunteer committee. Other participating groups include Texas Master Natural, El Paso Audubon Society, El Paso Native Plant Society, El Paso Ridge Walkers, Concordia Heritage Association, Keystone Heritage Park and others. Sponsors include the University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso Independent School District, Ardovino’s Desert Crossing and El Paso Scene.
The binational event highlights the natural and cultural history of the mountains — the Franklins in west Texas, the Sierra de Juarez in northern Chihuahua and Cerro de Cristo Rey and Organ Mountains in southern New Mexico — and other natural resources and attractions. For more information, go to www.celebrationofourmountains.org. The website will have updated schedules.
Hike across the Sierra de Juárez
What: Hike to explore geology and ecology in the Juárez Mountains (Sierra de Juárez) and see the famous “Caballo de Uffington”
When: ?????
Where: Meet In front of the Central Fire Station in downtown Juárez. The Central Fire Station is just to the right (west) of the bridge as you walk from El Paso over to Juárez Avenue; You can see it almost below you as you cross the bridge.
Leaders: Ben Brown, 833-0508, rbbrown@utep.edu; Hector Acosta Garcia, 587-9480, caballo604@hotmail.com; Carlos Martinez
Bring: Boots, long sleeved shirt, sun hat, sun block . Walking poles will make it easier on your knees. Apples, oranges, trail mix and some sort of sandwich to eat while on top of the Silla de King Kong. And MUCHO water — more than you think you will need.
Maximum Participants: 15
Cost: $25 US per person. The money will be collected as you get into the van that will transport you to the beginning of the walk.
Summary: A van will take you from the Central Fire Station to the edge of Cd. Juárez and drop you off on the trail that leads up to Rancho Flores and on to the Silla de King Kong where Carlos Martinez will give a brief talk on the geology and hydrology of the Sierra de Juárez while you devour the munchies you brought with you. The trail then drops down towards the south. At the border of the PIMSA property you will turn to the west and follow the trail that skirt the hills at the southern edge of the Sierra de Juárez before dropping down to the ranch that includes the Caballo de Uffington. Snacks and water will be served at the ranch. Hector Garcia Acosta will give a brief presentation on the history of the Caballo de Uffington at his ranch. Last year the pace was vigorous and the average time for the hike itself was about four hours. The van will bring you back from the ranch and drop you off at the Central Fire Station no later than 16:00 hrs.
You need to be fit and accustomed to hiking in the heat. This is not just a weekend stroll! Heat stroke and sun stroke are no fun for you, nor the people that have to carry you out.
Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta
What: Tours, demonstrations, exhibits
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22
Where: Tom Mays Section of Franklin Mountains State Park (western base of Transmountain Road)
Leader: Hosted by the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition (CDEC). Information: Rick LoBello, 521-1881 or 521-1850, or LobelloRL@elpasotexas.gov.
Cost: Free. Entrance fee to the park will be waived due to the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta joining the celebration of the Franklin Mountains State Park Lone Star Legacy.
Summary: Educators from across the region will be on hand to offer free tours and demonstrations designed to introduce the curious to the wonders of our fascinating desert. Come and see up close spiders and snakes and other desert creatures. Botanists will also be on hand to help people learn about Chihuahuan Desert plants and how they survive in our arid environment.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department staff will offer special tours and Coalition members will be available to provide information and demonstrations of the animals and plants of the Chihuahuan Desert Region. Other participants will include El Paso Water Utilities, El Paso Zoo, Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, Las Cruces Museum of Natural History, Texas Master Naturalists and Girl Scouts of the Rio Grande.
Donations to the Franklin Mountains State Park Endowment Fund will be accepted.
Facilities will be available for barbecues or picnics, attendees may bring their own food.
The mission of CDEC is to collaborate efforts among public educators, the public and CDEC in support of programs that enhance conservation and education of the Chihuahuan Desert. The goals of the organization include: serving as a resource on information about the Chihuahuan Desert, encouraging life long learning about the Chihuahuan Desert and collaborating efforts among public educators, the public and CDEC to enhance conservation and education of the Chihuahuan Desert. For more information contact the El Paso Zoo Curator of Education at 521-1881 or visit www.elpasozoo.org/cdec.
Watch the Bats
What: Evening bat flight
When: Just before sunset, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday , Sept. 23-26
Maximum participants: 10
Leader: Judy Ackerman, 755-7371 or j.p.ackerman@sbcglobal.net
Cost: Free
Bring: Sturdy shoes (no open toes). Recommended: Flashlights, but only with red lenses. NO flash photography.
Summary: Watch the bats emergy and take flight. You ca atch from the road or walk down in the arroyo. Call for location.
Art Exhibit and Kickoff Reception
What: Reception for “An Artistic Celebration of Our Mountains”
When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27
Where: Ardovino's Desert Crossing (Sunset Hall), One Ardovino Drive in Sunland Park, N.M.
Information: (505) 589-0653.
Cost: Free
Summary: The 8th annual invitational exhibit features paintings and photographs of area mountains and other landscapes of regional geography. The exhibit continues through spring.
Previous artists have included Greg Allen, Carol Braswell, Sandi Casillas, Steve Edwards, Catherine Kistenmacher, Candy Mayer, Julie Oliver, Irving Dave Parker, Oween Rath, Jeniffer Stapher-Thomas and Margaret Tumey.
The reception also will provide an opportunity for people to meet leaders of hikes and field trips for October's Celebration of Our Mountains Festival. Directions: El Paso, take Race Track Drive across the Rio Grande and across McNutt Road (NM 273), continue past the post office and turn left on Ardovino (look for the windmill).
Casas Grandes, Paquimé & Mata Ortiz
What: Weekend bus tour to Casas Grandes, Paquimé & Mata Ortiz in Northern Chihuahua
When: Friday-Sunday, Sept. 28-30. Leave at 4 p.m. Friday from the War Eagles Museum in Santa Teresa, return late Sunday.
Where: Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico
Leader: Judy Ackerman, 755-7371 or j.p.ackerman@sbcglobal.net
Maximum participants: 30
Bring: Birth certificate or passport must be presented before you board the bus. To minimize delays, obtain a Mexican tourist visa in advance; available from consulate at 910 E. San Antonio Ave. (533-3644); or at area border crossings. Comfortable walking shoes, light jacket for open-air train ride. US dollars are accepted in most restaurants, stores and galleries. Some family pottery workshops in Mata Ortiz are not equipped to process credit cards, so bring cash if planning a purchase.
Length: 2 days
Cost: : $185 per person, includes transportation, 2 breakfasts, lunches and dinners, admission and interpretive program fee. Hotel not included.
Summary: Immerse yourself in art, archaeology and the rugged scenery of northern Chihuahua! Itinerary includes visits to the ancient city of Paquimé, the eerie ruins of historic Hacienda San Diego, and an afternoon in the village of Mata Ortiz, world-renowned for exquisite pottery.
We will reserve blocks of rooms at 2 hotels in Nuevo Casas Grandes, but participants must pay their own lodging costs. The Hotel Hacienda charges ~$65 per night double occupancy, the Motel Piñon runs ~$35 per night double occupancy.
Back by Noon outing to Valles Canyon
What: Hike
When: 8 a.m. to 1 pm, Saturday, Sept. 29
Where: Meet at Southwest Environmental Center, 275 Downtown Mall, Las Cruces, NM (off Las Cruces Avenue)
Leader: Jack Davis, (505) 522-5552, jdavis02rr@ hotmail.com
Bring: Sturdy hiking boots, hat, walking stick, two liters water. Recommended: snacks or a lunch
Length: 5 hours
Maximum participants: 20
Cost: Free to SWEC members; $5 donation requested of non-SWEC members. Participants provide their own although it is often possible to carpool from SWEC
Summary: Broaden your horizons with a visit to junction of Broad Canyon and Valles Canyon (Hike #13 in Day Trips and Nature Outings by Greg Magee). This little-visited area of BLM-managed public land northwest of Las Cruces is being considered for possible designation as part of the Robledo Mtns.-Sierra de las Uvas Wilderness Area. The hike is rated as Moderate due to trail conditions and length. Hiking will be mostly level but off-trail in a canyon.
Guadalupe Mountains overnight backpack
What: Overnight backpacking trip
When: Friday-Sunday, Oct.5-7
Where: Meet at 8 a.m. Saturday at UTEP Geological Sciences Building across the street from the Centennial Museum
Leader: Jim Iholts, 562-5801, jimboite@yahoo.com
Maximum Participants: 10
Bring: Backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sun protection, water, food, camp stove, flashlight
Length: 3 days
Cost: Park entrance fee
Summary: Leave early on Friday and camp Friday night at McKittrick Ridge campground, hiking up the Canyon to see all the colors of the trees. Camp Saturday night at Tejas campground, which would allow us to see the Bowl and its Canadian forest, with a hike down Bear Canyon and back to El Paso. Leave one vehicle at the Visitor's Center to take the drivers of the other vehicles back to the McKittrick Visitor's Center to pick up their vehicles. If anyone couldn't make it on Friday night they could hike up and meet us at Tejas campground on Saturday night.
Cristo Rey: A Hike Through Time
What: Hike and special presentations on Mount Cristo Rey
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6
Where: Mount Cristo Rey, Sunland Park, N.M.
Leader: Randy Limbird, 542-1422 or randy@epscene.com. No reservations are required.
Bring: Water bottle, hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes
Length: 5 miles round trip (2-3 hours).
Cost: $3 donation requested (all proceeds go to the Mt. Cristo Rey Restoration Committee). $1 for children.
Summary: Participants will join a guided hike to the top of Mt. Cristo Rey. Go on a guided hike leaving at 8 a.m.; Hike leaders and others stationed along the way will discuss natural and man-made points of interest on the mountain and the surrounding region. At the top of the mountain will be a presentation on the statue and its sculptor, Urbici Soler; ongoing restoration and preservation efforts; and the geology of the entire panoramic vista, including the volcanic history of Mt Cristo Rey itself. Presenters along the trail will discuss Keystone Heritage Park, native plants and other topics.
Join the guides for lunch afterward at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing where salads, wood-fired pizzas and refreshments will be served.
Meet at the large parking lot at the trailhead to Mt. Cristo Rey. This is located off of McNutt Road (NM 273). Take Sunland Park Drive to Doniphan, turn south then west on Racetrack Dr., continuing across the Rio Grande, then take a left on McNutt Road at the light in Sunland Park, NM. Stay on McNutt for about 1 mile and watch for a sign to Mt. Cristo Rey on the right. Drive up the good dirt road, crossing two railroads.
Physical endurance required: small to moderate. The road to the top zigzags back and forth while slowly gaining elevation.
Security is provided by the Mt. Cristo Rey Restoration Committee, with funding provided by Camino Real Environmental Centers.
Kilbourne Hole Volcanic Crater
What: Drive/leisurely hike
When: 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 7
Where: Leave from UTEP Geological Sciences building on University Ave. and carpool
Leader: Eric Kappus, palygorskite@hotmail.com
Bring: 2 liters minimum of water; sunblock, sturdy shoes, bag to put rocks in, snack/lunch. Optional: camera, hat, walking stick, hand lens.
Length: 6 hours
Cost: free (except for carpool gas money)
Summary: Kilbourne Hole is a large maar volcano that exploded about 15,000 to 20,000 years ago. The hike will focus on maar volcanoes and the El Paso region’s relatively recent volcanic history. Kilbourne Hole is world famous because while erupting, strange pieces of rock from deep in the earth were brought up to the surface. Eric Kappus has presented his research on these rocks in British Columbia, Canada. Canine companions are very welcome.
Anthony Gap Cave Crawl
What: 1 mile hike and short (50 meter) cave crawl
When: 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 7. Call for meeting place.
Where: Anthony Cave, north end of Franklin Mountains. Call for meeting location and time
Leader: Chuck Kooshian, Texas Master Naturalist, 545-5214 or mtandck@elp.rr.com
Maximum participants: 10
Bring: Old clothes (long pants, long-sleeved shirt), flashlight, water, hiking shoes.
Cost: None
Length: 4 hours
Summary: Drive to Anthony Gap at north end of Franklin Mountains and down a dirt road. Hike up a mountain and crawl (on your back) through a 12” entrance of a natural cave. Not for the claustrophobic! Learn about geology, plants and animals from a master naturalist. Sign up early because space is limited! This tour always fills up fast.
Bedrock geology of Tom Mays Park and Transmountain Road
What: Field trip by car, short walk & discussion
When: 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 7
Where: Meet at UTEP Dept, of Geology, University Ave. across from Centennial Museum.
Leaders: Mitch Scharman, scharman@geo.utep.edu and Tina
Carrick, tcarrick@utep.edu
Length: 4-5 hours
Bring: Water, hat, sun screen. Optional: snack. Wear easy walking clothes.
Maximum Participants: 50
Cost: free
Summary: Travel in vehicles of the participants to several specific parking sites from which walks will be made to observe geological features. Over 1 billion years of geologic events will be seen. Fossils and geological history will be discussed. Faults and mountain building forces will be witnessed. Co-leader Mitch did his masters thesis research at Tom Mays Park and is a recognized expert.
15th Biennial Jornada Mogollon Conference
What: Academic meeting on regional archaeology/prehistory
When: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 12-13
Where: El Paso Museum of Archaeology at Wilderness Park, 4301 Transmountain Road (Northeast El Paso west of U.S. 54)
Leader: El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 755-4332
Summary: The conference provides a forum for the presentation of recent archaeological research in the Jornada Mogollon culture region, encompassing far west Texas, south central New Mexico, and northern Chihuahua, México. Open to the public, the conference gives the community an opportunity to interact with the archaeologists who are conducting the research. This year the museum will pay tribute to Jane Holden Kelley, Professor Emeritus, Department of Archaeology, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. A reception will be held Friday, Oct. 12, to honor Dr. Kelley's contributions to the field.
Cost: $30 in advance, $40 day of conference.
Walking the River
What: Nature/History Walk along Rio Grande
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13
Where: Rio Grande at Country Club Road
Leader: Randy Limbird, 542-1422 or randy@epscene.com. No reservations are required.
Bring: Water bottle, hat, sunscreen, bug repellent
Length: 2 miles round trip (about one hour) or more, depending on participants’ interests.
Cost: Free
Summary: The River Walk along the Rio Grande is one of the area’s best kept secrets. The wide, winding concrete path runs 7.5 miles from just north of Country Club Road to Vinton Road, and is perfect for walking, jogging, biking and rollerblading (except when flooding covers the path with mud, as it did this summer). Member of the Celebration of Our Mountains committee will talk about the river environment, including birds and native plants, and the history of the river. We’ll walk and talk for a mile or more, depending on people’s interests.
Alley Plants Tour
What: Leisurely plant walk
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13
Where: Quizno’s/Wells Fargo parking lot, Mesa and Kerby in Kern Place
Leader: Eric Kappus, palygorskite@hotmail.com
Length: about 3 hours Cost: free
Summary: The alleys in El Paso are full of wonderful adventures. Many an alley cat passes by some of the most useful plants in the region. This field trip will give participants a chance to meet some of these plants and learn some of their many uses. The trip will focus on plants that are popping out of the cracks, but will also include vignettes on a few popular and useful landscaping plants.
Geomorphology of East Portrillo Mountains
What: Drive, hike, geologic explanations
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. ????????? 13 or 20 ??????
Where: Meet at UTEP Dept, of Geology, University Ave. across from Centennial Museum.
Leaders: Sarah Cervera, sncervera@utep.edu. PLEASE EMAIL IN ADVANCE so we know you’re coming.
Length: 4-5 hours
Bring: Water, hat, sun screen, easy hiking shoes. Optional: snack, rain gear if needed. Wear easy walking clothes. MAKE SURE you have a spare tire with air, and a shovel and tow cable.
Maximum Participants: 40
Cost: free
Summary: Drive 45 mintues west of El Paso to volcanic area. Park & walk several times. Visit East Portrillo Mts., view of Kilbourne Hole & other volcanoes. Learn about volcanoes and faulting in the are, and how to read subtleties on the surface of the earth. Sarah did her masters degree research here, and it proved to be very interesting.
Back by Noon outing to ndian Hollow
What: Hike
When: 9 a.m. to 1 pm, Saturday, Oct. 13
Where: Meet at Aguirre Springs Recreation Area
Off US 70 east of Las Cruces
Leader: Jack Davis, (505) 522-5552, jdavis02rr@ hotmail.com
Bring: Sturdy hiking boots, hat, walking stick, two liters water. Recommended: snacks or a lunch; light clothing in layers
Length: 4 hours
Maximum participants: 20
Cost: Free to SWEC members; $5 donation requested of non-SWEC members. Participants must also pay entry fee for recreation area.
Summary: Local resident Jack Davis leads this hike to Indian Hollow in the proposed Organ Mountains National Conservation Area; much of the surrounding area could become part of the Organ Mountains Wilderness Area. RATING: Moderate due to length and elevation gain.
Fossils of Cerro de Cristo Rey
What: Short fossil walk
When: 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 14
Where: Meet at the Mt. Cristo Rey access road, off McNutt Road in Sunland Park, N.M. (follow signs for Mt. Cristo Rey)
Leader: Eric Kappus, palygorskite@hotmail.com
Bring: Water, hat and/or sunscreen, sturdy shoes, camera. Please leave rock hammers at home; this site is undergoing preservation
Length: 3-4 hours
Cost: free
Summary: Cerro de Cristo Rey is a unique feature of our desert and urband landscape. Layers of rock at Cristo Rey, preserved from the Age of the Dinosaurs, contain abundant fossils, including bivalves, gastropods, giant oysters, as well as dinosaur tracks and swimming traces. Participants can learn about the general geology of Cristo Rey and see tons of fossils. Canine companions welcome.
Arroyos 41 and 42
What: ??
When: TIME? Sunday, Oct. 14
Where: ????
Leader: Chuck Kooshian, 545-5214 or mtandck@elp.rr.com
Maximum Participants: ??
Bring: Bring drinking water, camera, comfortable walking shoes.
Length: ???? hours
Cost: Free.
Summary:
Rio Bosque Wetlands Park Tour
What: Introductory walking tour
When: 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 14
Where: Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
Leader: John Sproul, 747-8663 or jsproul@utep.edu
Bring: binoculars, camera, water. Recommended: sunscreen, insect repellant
Length: 2 mile round trip; 2 hours
Cost: None
Summary: Wetlands and riverside forests once graced the banks of the Rio Grande in the Paso del Norte region. They were the most productive natural habitats in the region, but today they are virtually gone. At Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, a diverse partnership is working to bring back meaningful examples of the unique and valuable ecosystems once found in our river valley. Learn more about the Park, what you can find and do there, and how you can help shape the Park’s future. An easy walk over level terrain suitable for all ages and levels of outdoor experience.
The meeting place is a bridge crossing Riverside Canal. To get there, take Americas Ave. (Loop 375) to Pan American Drive, turn left onto Pan American and travel 1.5 miles to the bridge. Please be prompt.
Arroyo Park Nature Walk
What: Nature walk
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20
Where: Meet at El Paso Tennis Club, Arroyo Park (off Robinson and Virginia, Kern Place)
Leader: Eric Kappus, palygorskite@hotmail.com
Bring: Water, sturdy shoes, curiosity. Optional: camera, field guide, awareness games
Length: 3 hours
Cost: Free
Summary: Take a leisurely walk through Arroyo Park to explore the natural environment as it flourishes from the base of the mountain and down into the city itself. Key points will be techniques for nature observation and study, with experiential applications and awareness games. Learn about rocks, trees, shrubs and other plants, animal tracks and more. Arroyo Park is a natural wildlife corridor and the impacts of man are quite apparent, so the sociology of this unique park also will be discussed.
Concordia Cemetery Walk Through History
What: 15th annual “living” history tour
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20
Where: Concordia Cemetery (between Yandell and Gateway West east of Copia)
Suggested donation: $3.50 for adults, $1.50 for students and military. Children under 5 years of age free. Proceeds will benefit the ongoing preservation and improvements at the cemetery.
Leaders: Concordia Heritage Association. Information: 581-7920.
Summary: Volunteers will be standing at graveside, portraying the most noteworthy of the historic cemetery’s occupants, including John Wesley Hardin and the constable who shot him, John Selman. Other characters include Shady Ladies Alice Abbot and Etta Clark, Buffalo Soldiers, Texas Rangers, Father Pinto, Mexican leaders, and Juana Ascarate Stephenson. Learn more about the some of 60,000 people that are buried at the cemetery.
Wild west gunfight reenactments will be staged throughout the day by Six Guns & Shady Ladies and the San Elizario Desperado’s. Other attractions include a country store, histoic exhibits, live entertainment, food and beverages.
Geology For Kids!
What: Exploring science and geology through hands on experiments and crafts
When: 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct 20
Where: Keystone Heritage Park (Doniphan and Kappa Dr.)
Leader: Joshua Villalobos, joshua.villalobos@gmail.com , 831-7144
Co-leaders: Kathleen Devaney (?), Adriana Perez (?)
Maximum Participants: 25-30
Cost: Free
Bring: bag for your rocks, tennis shoes, and camera!
(Food and beverages will be sold to help support the Keystone Heritage Park)
Summary: Have you ever wondered where fossils come from? Or how rocks are made? Or how to make a crystal glow in the dark? If so, then come by Keystone Heritage Park where we will explore the exciting world of geology, and learn why El Paso is one of the best locations in the world to learn all about it! We will discover what kind of fossils you can find in El Paso (probably right in your own backyard!) and how our region has changed over millions of years. You also get a chance to explore around Keystone Heritage Park for your own rocks and minerals and use them to create you own pieces of geological art! Learn how to make your own rocks and minerals with stuff around your house and how to make rocks glow in the dark, and lots more!!
Hueco Tanks Interpretive Fair
What: Hueco Tanks State Historic Site 13th Annual Interpretive Fair
When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20-21
Where: Hueco Tanks State Historic Site (off Montana about 32 miles east of downtown El Paso)
Leaders: Park staff and volunteers. Information: 857-1135
Bring: sun protection, water
Cost: Free
Summary: The family event offers entertaining and educations activities focusing on Native American culture, local history and archaeology, the environment and recreation. The fair includes Native American dancing, pictograph and birding tours, cowboy skills demonstrations, Folklorico and Matachin dancers, climbing demonstrations, environmental and cultural information booths, arts and crafts, kids’ activities and an evening campfire storytelling program. Food and drinks for sale. Admission is free. Support of the site through volunteerism and contributions to Hueco Tanks' Lone Star Legacy endowment fund is encouraged.
Kilbourne Hole Volcanic Crater
What: Drive/leisurely hike
When: Noon. Saturday, Oct. 27
Where: Leave from UTEP Geological Sciences building on University Ave. and carpool
Leader: Eric Kappus, palygorskite@hotmail.com
Bring: 2 liters minimum of water; sunblock, sturdy shoes, bag to put rocks in, snack/lunch. Optional: camera, hat, walking stick, hand lens.
Length: 6 hours
Cost: free (except for carpool gas money)
Summary: Kilbourne Hole is a large maar volcano that exploded about 15,000 to 20,000 years ago. The hike will focus on maar volcanoes and the El Paso region’s relatively recent volcanic history. Kilbourne Hole is world famous because while erupting, strange pieces of rock from deep in the earth were brought up to the surface. Eric Kappus has presented his research on these rocks in British Columbia, Canada. Canine companions are very welcome.
Keystone Heritage Park Birding Tour
What: Identification of and information about the Birds of Keystone
When: 7:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 27
Where: Keystone Heritage Park (off Doniphan near Frontera)
Leader: Bob Johnson, 751-0125, wildbirderbob@sbcglobal.net
Bring: Binoculars
Cost: Free
Summary: This will be an ongoing class all morning, with El Paso Audubon Society members naming and pointing out identifying features of the birds. You do not need to arrive at 7:30 a.m. — come at your convenience. Over 190 species of migratory and local birds have been identified at the Park since it opened a few years ago. See a variety of ducks and shorebirds, plus other species that are passing through. Young and beginner birders welcome. Keystone is also a archaeological site estimated to be 4,500 years old, and has a botanical garden.
Faunal Monitoring at the Rio Bosque
What: Hands-on wildlife survey
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27
Where: Rio Bosque Wetlands Park. To get there, take Americas Ave. (Loop 375) to Pan American Drive, turn left onto Pan American and travel 1.5 miles to the bridge.
Leader: Maria Trunk, 545-5214, mtandck@elp.rr.com
Length: 3 hours
Bring: Gloves, sun protection, drinking water. Optional: Nature journal, field guide books, magnifying glass. Recommended: Long pants.
Maximum Participants: 20
Cost: free
Summary: Explore the secret life of Rio Bosque Wetlands Park! Help identify, catalogue and release the reptiles, rodents and insects that show up in the pitfall traps this month. This ongoing faunal monitoring program documents changes in the park’s animal populations as native habitat is restored. A great learning experience for children. Map available at www.riobosque.org or call tour leader for detailed directions.
Keystone Heritage Park
What: Explore Keystone Heritage Park and see the development phase for the new Chihuahuan Desert Experience.
When: Saturday, Oct 27 10:00am-3:00pm
Where: Keystone Heritage Park (Doniphan and Kappa Dr.)
Leaders: Joshua Villalobos, joshua.villalobos@gmail.com , 831-7144
Kevin Von Finger (?), Joanne Burt(?), Helen Baumgaertner
Maximum Participants: none
Cost: Free
Food and beverages will be sold to help support Keystone Heritage Park
Summary: Keystone Heritage Park, in El Paso’s Upper Valley, is an archeological site, an archaic wetlands and a botanical garden. The 52-acre site includes the El Paso Desert Botanical Garden, featuring plants of the Chihuahuan Desert, encompasses a Xeric demonstration garden, a children’s garden, an amphitheater, a moonlight garden, an ethno-botanical garden and natural wetland habitat. The wetland habitat is home to many species of birds and is a stop on a migratory route for even more. Over 193 species of birds have been spotted there, including 22 species considered rare making Keystone a favorite location for birdwatchers. Also included in Keystone is an archaeological site that may be one of the largest and oldest villages of its kind in the western United States. Carbon dating indicates the site, composed of approximately 23 to 41 huts, is 4000+ years old.
Texas Archaeology Awareness Month Celebration
What: Pueblo Indian Dancers and events for families and children
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18
Where: El Paso Museum of Archaeology at Wilderness Park, 4301 Transmountain Road (Northeast El Paso west of U.S. 54)
Leader: Museum staff, 755-4332
Cost: Free
Summary: Native dances are at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Other activities planned.
Fall Colors at Devil’s Hall
What: Hike
When: 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 28
Where: In front of Evergreen Cemetery, 12400 Montana (east of Loop 375, across from Sheriff’s Academy and Jail).
Leader: Maria Trunk, 545-5214 or mtandck@elp.rr.com
Maximum participants: 25
Bring: Drinking water, picnic lunch, full tank of gas. Optional: Camera, binoculars, jacket, hat. Weather is variable so be prepared for anything, especially wind!
Length: 8 hrs (4 hrs driving, 4 hrs on the trail).
Cost: $5 per person park entry fee
Summary: Every year thousands of people flock to McKittrick Canyon to enjoy the spectacular fall colors, but few realize that an equally impressive experience is available just a few miles up the road at Devil’s Hall. The 4.2 mile round trip trail is fairly level but very rocky, and includes a natural staircase leading to an eerie narrow rock corridor – Devil’s Hall! Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it surrounded by the magnificent scenery and brilliant fall foliage of Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Please contact trip leader to reserve spot. Note: There are no reliable services between El Paso and Guadalupe Mountains National Park, so please make sure your vehicle is in good working order.
Rio Bosque Wetlands Park Tour
What: Introductory walking tour
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3
Where: Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
Leader: John Sproul, 747-8663 or jsproul@utep.edu
Bring: binoculars, camera, water. Recommended: sunscreen, insect repellant
Length: 2 mile round trip; 2 hours
Cost: None
Summary: Wetlands and riverside forests once graced the banks of the Rio Grande in the Paso del Norte region. They were the most productive natural habitats in the region, but today they are virtually gone. At Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, a diverse partnership is working to bring back meaningful examples of the unique and valuable ecosystems once found in our river valley. Learn more about the Park, what you can find and do there, and how you can help shape the Park’s future. An easy walk over level terrain suitable for all ages and levels of outdoor experience.
Ron Coleman Trail
What: Extremely difficult hike
When: 8 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 4
Where: Meet at end of paved loop in McKelligon Canyon
Leader: Luis Hernandez, Texas Master Naturalist, 858-1386
Maximum participants: 20.
Bring: Water (2-3 qts), sturdy hiking boots, sandwich, snacks. Recommended: sunscreen, leather gloves, hat (dress in layers for weather). Car shuttle required.
Length: 6 hours.
Cost: Park entrance fee:$4 per person (12 and under free).
Summary: This is an extremely difficult 3.8 mile trail from McKelligon Canyon to Trans Mountain Road. It gains almost 2,000 feet in elevation and requires some non-technical, yet somewhat treacherous rock climbing. It is not for those afraid of heights, but if you are looking for a challenge, this is the hike for you. Interesting rock formations, caves and grand views from South Franklin Mountain reward those willing to make the trek.
Participants will meet on the south end of the trail head at the end of the paved loop in McKelligon Canyon. Arrangements should be made to leave a vehicle at the north end of the trail, at the Smugglers Pass unit of Franklin Mountains State Park on Trans Mountain Road. Park and pay entry fee at the self-serve fee station, then drive other vehicle to McKelligon Canyon.
