May Events at YOUR New Mexico State Parks

Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 05 May 2016 05 May 2016

Santa Fe, NM - Mother's Day, proms, graduations and many special events happen during the month of May. However, New Mexico State Parks is your alternative for fun all year around! Keep your weekends open for various special events from hikes, fishing derbies, bass tournaments, and star parties to kick-off spring and summer! Find your next adventure at YOUR New Mexico State Parks! Reserve your favorite camping spot today for Memorial Day Weekend. Log on to www.nmparks.com for more information.

Park Special Events:

Brantley Lake, Carlsbad, NM - Star Party, Friday, May 6th 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Look at wonders of the night sky through large telescopes. We will look at the Planet Jupiter as well as star clusters and nebulae. There will also be a laser light tour of the spring constellations at 9:30pm. Fees: Regular Entrance Fee Contact: Kathryn Law (575) 887-5516

Elephant Butte Lake, Elephant Butte, NM- ABA Bass Tournament - Saturday, May 7th 6:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Bass Fishing tournament includes small mouth and largemouth bass only. Weigh-in at 3pm at Marina del Sur. Cash payback, door prizes and plaques. Team tournaments, a total of 6 tournaments through August at Elephant Butte Lake State Park. Contact Bobby Brewster, 575740-7320 for more information. Bass fishing tournament. Fees: Regular Entrance Fee Contact: Bob Brewster 505-740-6114

Navajo Lake, Navajo Dam, NM- C.A.S.T. Saturday, May 7th 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Catch a Special Thrill fishing event for special needs children. Must pre-register at http://castforkids.org/event/navajolake/ Fees: Regular Entrance Fee Contact: Shanna Reed 505632-2278

Oliver Lee, Alamogordo, NM- Calisto, Arcus and the Eta Aquarids, Saturday, May 7th, 9:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
The Amateur Astronomers Group will be sponsoring a summer sky tour. Learn the constellations Ursa Major and Bootes, which are linked by the myths of Callisto and Arcus. The Eta Aquarids meteor shower will be occurring as well. The Eta Aquarids is an above average shower, capable of producing up to 30 meteors per hour at its peak in the northern hemisphere. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Aquarius, but can appear anywhere in the sky. Come early, see the 1 day old Moon and enjoy the beauty of Dog Canyon at sundown. Fees: Regular Entrance Fee Contact: Wendy Justice 575-437-8284

Rio Grande Nature Center, Albuquerque, NM- Herb Festival, Saturday, May 7th- Sunday, May 8th 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Friends of RGNC organize a two day Herb Festival over Mother's Day Weekend. There are education talks on plants, wildlife. Wildlife Rescue brings their live education birds. We have crafts for children, information tables and arts and crafts for sale. Bird and Nature Walks. More details coming soon. Fees: Regular Entrance Fee Contact: Beth Dillingham 505-344-7240

Cerrillos Hills, Cerrillos, NM- Plants & Wildflowers, Saturday, May 14th 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join the park's herbarium curator Pete Peterson for this look at plants & wildflowers. We will begin by exploring the area around the main parking lot before moving on to look at flora along one or more trails. Fees: $5 per vehicle Contact: Park Staff (505) 474-0196

Heron Lake, Los Ojos, NM- Boating Safety Education Courses, Saturday, May 14th 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
This free course provides students the opportunity to interact with an experienced boating instructor. All motorboat, personal watercraft and sailboat operators born on or after January 1, 1989, must complete a boating safety course to operate on New Mexico waters. (This means operators - even those 13 years and younger being supervised by an adult on board.) Students must score 80 percent on the closed book exam to receive their Boater Education Card. For information or reservations, call (575) 588-7470.

Cerrillos Hills, Cerrillos, NM- Moon Hike, Friday, May 20th 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
On this hike learn interesting lunar facts, folklore and enjoy close-up views of the moon through our spotting scope. Fees: $5 per vehicle Contact: Park staff (505) 474-0196

Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, Carlsbad, NM- Full Moon Walk Saturday, May 21st 8:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
This is the first Full Moon Walk of the year. The entrance time is limited to a half-hour, but visitors stroll through the zoo by the light of the full moon. This is a beautiful time to experience the park. You may even hear the wolves howl! Fees: Regular Entrance Fee Contact: Kathryn Law (575) 887-5516

Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, Carlsbad, NM- Music and the Moon Saturday, May 21st 7:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Acoustical guitarist and vocalist Chris Long will perform classical rock and folk music. There is no fee for the concert, but tips for the artist are appreciated. Regular entrance fees apply for the Full Moon Walk that follows. Fees: No fee for concert. Contact: Kathryn Law (575) 887-5516

Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, Carlsbad, NM- Endangered Species Day, Saturday, May 21st 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Learn about the Chihuahuan Desert endangered species exhibited at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park. Fees: Regular Entrance Fee Contact: Kathryn Law (575) 887-5516

Heron Lake, Los Ojos, NM- Heron Lake Dam Tour, Friday, May 27th 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The guided tour is of the inner workings of the Heron Lake Dam and an elevator ride 265 feet into the pump room. In addition, Bureau of Reclamation personnel will discuss the role of the Bureau in providing water for the cities of the Southwest. Space is limited to 35 participants on a first come, first served basis. For more information, call 575 588 7470. Fees: Regular Entrance Fee Contact: Rob Smith (575) 588-7470

Heron Lake, Los Ojos, NM- Nature Inspired Art, Saturday, May 28th 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Weekly art activities based on nature themes. "Paper Stained Glass," bird & butterfly mobiles, paper making and much more. Specific art program will vary week to week. Check at the Visitor Center for the weekly program schedule. All programs are at the Visitor Center Great Room. All ages welcome. Fees: Regular Entrance Fee Contact: Rob Smith (575) 588 - 7470

Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Angel Fire, NM- Candlelight Vigil Sunday, May 29th - 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
This is our most solemn event of Memorial Day Weekend. Join us as we honor those who didn't come home - men and women killed in action and POW's. The evening features the Missing Man Ceremony and a speaker from Gold Star Wives. Fees: No Entrance Fee Contact: Naomi Ortega (575) 377- 2293

Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Angel Fire, NM- Memorial Day Flag March, Monday, May 30th 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Each year Vietnam Veterans of New Mexico leads the way from the intersection of NM 434 and US 64 with a 40x60 foot American flag. Volunteers are needed to help carry the flag and all ages are appreciated. If you want to help, meet at the blinking light intersection no later than 8:45 am. If you want to watch, the best vantage points are up at the Memorial. Pick your spot early because the highway will be closed at 9:00 am for the march. Fees: No Entrance Fee Contact: Naomi Ortega (575) 377-2293

For more information about special events at New Mexico State Parks or latest park news, please go to www.nmparks.com.

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