Events

Take a closer look at the tiny creatures living in and around our wetlands! Kids will explore aquatic macroinvertebrates and learn what these small animals can tell us about the health of their habitat!

New Mexico is known across the culinary world for its unique cuisine, with red and green chiles as the crown jewels of its food. But how did that come to be? Was there ever a New Mexico without chiles? Join Rafael for a brief history of how the food culture of New Mexico developed into what it is today.

Join the Biology Team for VdO's Bird Survey Training to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day, as we celebrate this year's theme of citizen science "Every Bird Counts!" Open to current and future volunteers. We'll go over the protocol and bird ID during a tour on the Electric Shuttle.  

Bring your furry friends to learn about our pet policies on the refuge and take the pledge to be a part of our B.A.R.K. Ranger program. All dogs required to be on leash and non-reactive around others.  

*Presented by The New Mexico Backyard Refuge Program* Join us to talk about sharing space with our wild neighbors. If you bring photos of your yard, patio, or balcony, you can walk through the certification process with our staff and volunteers and take home your Backyard Refuge sign!

Published in 2019, David Ryan’s book 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Albuquerque included his experiences hiking and spending time at Valle de Oro in the early years before the visitor center was constructed. David will talk about his experiences hiking around the state, connections with the refuge, and about his new book Wandering in the Clear Light of New Mexico. ...

Join Ranger Dakota for a special outdoor excursion version of the hit program The Nature of Tea. Participants will learn how brewing the world’s most consumed beverage can connect us to the natural processes and seasonal cycles happening all around us and how tasting tea can help train our senses to notice more of the natural world. The program will ...

Join Ranger Dakota on a one-of-a-kind seasonal outing after dark at the refuge featuring a nighttime shuttle tour of refuge habitats, scary story readings, and a short spooky walk in the dark. Participants should plan to come prepared with flashlights or headlamp and clothes for cool temperatures. Space is limited! Reservations required. Reserve your spot by sending an email to: ...

Stop by the visitor center in your wildlife-themed Halloween costume to enter into our virtual costume contest! All ages welcome. Costumes must be be inspired by plants, animals, fungi or insects. Participants must have their photo taken by a ranger at the refuge on Halloween to enter. Photos will be uploaded to the refuge’s social media stories where people can ...

How do animals get through the cold months? Young nature explorers will learn about hibernation and discover some of the clever ways animals survive winter.