On Saturday, October 11th, 2008 the US Fish & Wildlife Service will host an Open House at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge and invites the public to come out and enjoy a guided tour. Half day tours will be offered in the morning and afternoon focusing on a variety of subjects from native plants, to geology or wildlife management. Tours will include easy walks, extreme hikes, van tours, family programs and bring your own 4 wheel drive excursions.
The Sevilleta is New Mexico’s largest national wildlife refuge, encompassing 230,000 acres. This vast land area in the heart of the State includes two mountain ranges, the northern limits of the Chihuahuan Desert, short grass prairie, pinyon/juniper woodlands, Rio Grande bosque and numerous canyons, mesas and springs. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, much of which is at the edge of its range. Eighty-nine species of mammals, 225 species of birds and 58 species of reptiles make the Refuge their home.
The Refuge is managed by the US fish & Wildlife Service. As part of their efforts to restore the land and create quality wildlife habitat, nearly all of the Refuge is closed to public entry. The annual Open House provides an opportunity to get out into the Refuge’s backcountry.
Festivities will take place at the Refuge Visitor Center located at exit 169 off I-25. Local conservation groups will exhibit from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Many exhibits will include live animals and children’s activities. Biologist, Maggie Dwire, from the Mexican gray wolf recovery team will speak about wolf recovery efforts at 10:00 AM. At 1:30 PM awards will be presented for the Refuge’s Endangered Species Poster Contest.
Tours include a hot breakfast or lunch and cost $10.00 per person. Reservations are required and space is limited. Call the Refuge at 505-864-4021. Exhibits and speakers are FREE. This event is sponsored by the La Joya Community Association and the Socorro Chamber of Commerce.
The Sevilleta is New Mexico’s largest national wildlife refuge, encompassing 230,000 acres. This vast land area in the heart of the State includes two mountain ranges, the northern limits of the Chihuahuan Desert, short grass prairie, pinyon/juniper woodlands, Rio Grande bosque and numerous canyons, mesas and springs. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, much of which is at the edge of its range. Eighty-nine species of mammals, 225 species of birds and 58 species of reptiles make the Refuge their home.
The Refuge is managed by the US fish & Wildlife Service. As part of their efforts to restore the land and create quality wildlife habitat, nearly all of the Refuge is closed to public entry. The annual Open House provides an opportunity to get out into the Refuge’s backcountry.
Festivities will take place at the Refuge Visitor Center located at exit 169 off I-25. Local conservation groups will exhibit from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Many exhibits will include live animals and children’s activities. Biologist, Maggie Dwire, from the Mexican gray wolf recovery team will speak about wolf recovery efforts at 10:00 AM. At 1:30 PM awards will be presented for the Refuge’s Endangered Species Poster Contest.
Tours include a hot breakfast or lunch and cost $10.00 per person. Reservations are required and space is limited. Call the Refuge at 505-864-4021. Exhibits and speakers are FREE. This event is sponsored by the La Joya Community Association and the Socorro Chamber of Commerce.