Bring your questions about habitat in your backyard and how to certify your space. If you bring photos of your space, you can walk through the process with our staff and volunteers, and take home your sign and 2026 Greater Roadrunner sticker!
Join Ranger Sierra for an informative talk on our beloved pollinators, no matter the shape or size. Learn about restoration work on the refuge, why you should plant native, and how to create a backyard refuge of your own.
Nature Tots is a free monthly nature program for young children and their caregivers. Through stories, crafts, sensory activities, and short nature walks, children explore the natural world while building curiosity, creativity, and a love for the outdoors.
Celebrate the light and textures of late summer at the refuge by creating cyanotype-style sun prints using sunlight and natural materials. This hands-on activity introduces photography-based art as a creative way to explore form, shadow, and patterns found throughout the refuge landscape. Visitors of all ages are invited to enjoy this event!
Bring nature-themed books to our community book exchange! Visitors are invited to swap gently used books on ecology, conservation, wildlife, native plants, gardening, birding, nature inspired art, and other outdoor or environmental themes. Whether you’re looking for a new field guide, gardening inspiration, or a beautiful book to spark curiosity about the natural world, there’s something for all ages to ...
Join Ranger Dakota for a weekday edition of this multi-sensory workshop experience exploring connections between seasonal changes in the bosque ecosystem, the process and ritual of brewing and tasting tea, and using our senses to observe the natural world. Tea and light snacks provided by the Friends of Valle de Oro. Seats are limited! Please register by sending an email ...
Join Ranger Sierra for a weeding project where we focus on the removal of nonnative plant species on the refuge. Come join the refuge’s monthly podcast club! While we work, we will listen to the award winning OLOGIES podcast by Alie Ward. Join us for a morning of informative chit chats with scientists.
Nature Kids is a free monthly hands on nature program designed for children who love exploring wildlife, habitats, ecology, and the outdoors. Each class includes engaging activities, crafts, and outdoor exploration that encourage curiosity, observation, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Meet Ranger Sierra at the refuge pond to learn about macroinvertebrates as bioindicator species, water quality, and pollution. This event will allow participants to experience hands on data collection as we look at the critters hidden under the surface of our water. Fun for all ages!
Join Ranger Dakota for an easy meander around the visitor center grounds to learn about our amazing local native plants and see who might be blooming as the weather starts to cool!
