Chihuahuan Desert Events

Spring Break Camp and Workshops at the Zoo

2012-02-12T14:19:00.000-08:00

Sign up to register today while there are still openings!

El Paso, Texas (February 8, 2012) The El Paso Zoo will offer unique and wild activities during Spring Break for kids of all ages. Children can be enrolled in a camp or workshop to enrich their spring break with fun programs that tackle subjects such as animal adaptations, conservation and ecology through hands on activities, animal encounters and behind the scenes activities.

Contact Zoo Adventure Coordinator, Naima Montacer at montacernj@elpasotexas.gov or 521-1894 for further questions.

Spring Break Zoo Camp, March 12-16, 2012. 9:00am to 12:00pm
Enroll your child for a wild camp! Each day will enrich your childs spring break with educational fun. Every day we will tackle subjects such as adaptations, conservation, ecology, and biomes through hands on activities, animal encounters and behind the scenes activities. Geared towards ages 7-14. Adult attendance is not necessary. Pre-registration is required to guarantee your spot. Themed days are as follows: Monday: Nature Art, Tuesday: Geocache, Wednesday: Nocturnal Animals, Thursday: Backyard Wildlife, Friday: Feces to Species. Registration - $100 per person per week (No entrance fee required). El Paso Zoological Society Members $90 per person per week. $20 per person per day. El Paso Zoological Society Members $18 per day.

Spring Break Wild Workshops, March 19, 2012. 10:00am
Bring your kids to the zoo for some nature art! Explore the zoo to be inspired to create your own wildlife and nature art. Simple supplies (some recycled) will create beautiful artwork you can take home. All ages- ages 7 and under must be accompanied by a paid adult. Registration - $5 per person (Admission not included). El Paso Zoological Society Members $4.50 per person.

Spring Break Wild Workshops, March 19, 2012. 2:00pm
Bring your kids to the zoo for some nature art! Explore the zoo to be inspired to create your own wildlife and nature art. Simple supplies (some recycled) will create beautiful artwork you can take home. All ages- ages 7 and under must be accompanied by a paid adult. Registration - $5 per person (Admission not included). El Paso Zoological Society Members $4.50 per person.

Spring Break Wild Workshops, March 20, 2012. 10:00am
Learn how to geocache! Geocaching is a great way to explore the outdoors and embark on a "treasure" hunt. Enroll in this workshop to learn how to geocache, practice and get outside! All ages (ages 7 and under must be accompanied by a paid adult). Registration- $5 per person (Admission not included). El Paso Zoological Society Members $4.50 per person.

Spring Break Wild Workshops, March 20, 2012. 2:00pm
Learn how to geocache! Geocaching is a great way to explore the outdoors and embark on a "treasure" hunt. Enroll in this workshop to learn how to geocache, practice and get outside! All ages (ages 7 and under must be accompanied by a paid adult). Registration- $5 per person (Admission not included). El Paso Zoological Society Members $4.50 per person.

Spring Break Wild Workshops, March 21, 2012. 10:00am
Learn how nocturnal animals adapt to a life in darkness or how animals survive living in our harsh desert. Take a class to learn about adaptations of animals and visit some animals to see their adaptations up close. Ages 7 and up. (ages 7 and under must be accompanied by a paid adult. Registration - $5 per person (Admission not included). El Paso Zoological Society Members $4.50 per person.

Spring Break Wild Workshops, March 21, 2012. 2:00pm
Learn how nocturnal animals adapt to a life in darkness or how animals survive living in our harsh desert. Take a class to learn about adaptations of animals and visit some animals to see their adaptations up close. Ages 7 and up. (ages 7 and under must be accompanied by a paid adult. Registration - $5 per person (Admission not included). El Paso Zoological Society Members $4.50 per person.

Spring Break Wild Workshops, March 22, 2012. 10:00am
Your backyard is full of animal and plant life! Learn the tools to embark on a journey into your backyard. Create a bird feeder to bring home to hang in your backyard and learn other ways to attract more wildlife to your backyard. All ages- ages 7 and under must be accompanied by a paid adult. Registration - $5 per person (Admission not included). El Paso Zoological Society Members $4.50 per person.

Spring Break Wild Workshops, March 22, 2012. 2:00pm
Your backyard is full of animal and plant life! Learn the tools to embark on a journey into your backyard. Create a bird feeder to bring home to hang in your backyard and learn other ways to attract more wildlife to your backyard. All ages- ages 7 and under must be accompanied by a paid adult. Registration - $5 per person (Admission not included). El Paso Zoological Society Members $4.50 per person.

Spring Break Wild Workshops, March 23, 2012. 10:00am
Match the feces to species. Take an up close look at an easy way to identify different species through their feces. Enjoy an animals encounter from some of our educational animals as well. All ages. Ages 7 and under must be accompanied by a paid adult.Registration - $5 per person (Admission not included). El Paso Zoological Society Members $4.50 per person.

Spring Break Wild Workshops, March 23, 2012. 2:00pm
Match the feces to species. Take an up close look at an easy way to identify different species through their feces. Enjoy an animals encounter from some of our educational animals as well. All ages. Ages 7 and under must be accompanied by a paid adult.Registration - $5 per person (Admission not included). El Paso Zoological Society Members $4.50 per person.

Important Notes: Tour experiences may vary. Participants must abide by staff instructions at all times and stay with the group leader. The Zoo strives for full and equal participation of all visitors and continually upgrades facilities to make them more accessible. For more information, please call (915) 521-1850.

Audubon - Field Trip - Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - January 13-15, 2012

2012-01-07T21:54:00.001-08:00

We're planning the annual trip to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge for ducks, cranes, geese and other birds and wildlife. Mark and Janet will be at the Refuge on Friday for those who want to join them that day. For those who arrive on Saturday, we'll meet them at 1:00 p.m. at the Refuge Visitor's Center. We also plan a trip up the Sandia Mountains for the Rosy Finch banding (weather permitting). Beginners and nonmembers are welcome. If you would like to join us, please contact us as soon as possible. Reservations are required for this trip. We have a detailed Itinerary available upon request. Contact Mark at 637-3521 or mperkins4@elp.rr.com or simply reply to this email. Thanks! Mark and Janet

Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta, September 15, 2012

2011-12-13T10:20:00.000-08:00

Return to chihuahuandesert.org

The 8th Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta will celebrate the natural wonders of our desert and Franklin Mountains State Park. Sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Franklin Mountains State Park at the Tom Mays Unit, park staff, members of the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition, and other environmental education groups will be on hand to offer free demonstrations, guided tours, guest speakers and informational booths designed to introduce the curious to the wonders of our fascinating desert.

For more information on the next fiesta tentatively planned for September 15, 2012:

For more information on how to have a free information or demonstration booth contact Diane Perez at deperez@epwu.org.

For more information on how to be a vendor selling gift items, crafts, artwork or food contact Dr. Cesar Mendez atCesar.Mendez@tpwd.state.tx.us.

For more information on how to be a speaker contact Rick LoBello atlobello@elpasotexas.gov.

For more information on how to sign up to be an entertainer contact Veronica Myers at myersvx@elpasotexas.gov.

Join a December or January Adventure at the El Paso Zoo

2011-12-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

Scheduled Zoo Adventure Programs Make Great Christmas Gifts!

For more information call 915-521-1894 or email Naima Montacer.

Zoo Adventure Programs open up a whole new world of wonder and excitement. Zoo Adventure programs help to accomplish the mission of the El Paso Zoo to celebrate the value of animals and natural resources and to create opportunities for people to rediscover their connection to nature. Register today for an unforgettable and educational experience led by a qualified member of the education staff. Tickets are available at the zoo ticket administration office or calling (915) 521-1850. Zoo admission is not covered in the cost of the Behind the Scenes Tour and the Elephant Produce Hunt. For these programs Zoological Society Members do not have to pay admission.

January Zoo Adventures
Behind the Scenes Tour, Saturday, January 7, 2012. 9:00 to 10:30am (Ages 7 and Up)
Find out what goes on behind the scenes on about an hour and a half tour led by an Education staff member to explore the commissary, vet clinic and an animal area. Ages 7 and up only and 1 adult present per 5 children. Minimum Group Size 5, Maximum Group Size 20. Registration: $15 per person in addition to entrance fees. $13.50 for El Paso Zoological Society Members.

Night Time Zoo - Starry Night, Friday, January 13, 2012. 6:00 to 8:00pm (Ages 7 and Up)
Starry Night - Explore the zoo after hours to be on the search for nocturnal animals. Visit nocturnal animals when they are active! Animal Family Games Night: Compete against other families during family animal game night. Take your family out for a unique game night with live animals in a safe environment. Snacks provided.All ages but under 13 must be accompanied by an adult (1 adult per 5 children). Minimum of 10 people and maximum of 20 people. Registration - $15 per person (No entrance fee required). El Paso Zoological Society Members $13.50.

Important Notes: Tour experiences may vary. Participants must abide by staff instructions at all times and stay with the group leader. The Zoo strives for full and equal participation of all visitors and continually upgrades facilities to make them more accessible. For more information, please call (915) 521-1850.

Biodiversity of the Chihuahuan Desert Teachers Workshop , Saturday, January 14, 2012. 8:30am to 2pm
Early Learning Environmental Discovery Teachers Workshop Series. Learn about exciting ways to bring your classroom alive and teach your students about the Biodiversity of the Chihuahuan Desert. Gain access to discovery bins, lesson plans, ideas and more that you can take back to your classroom to engage your K-5 students. Teachers will gain enthusiasm for TEKS focused curriculum through live animals and classroom projects while learning more about conservation of our Chihuahuan Desert. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Deadline for registration is Jan 9, 2012. The Passport Cafe will be open for cash/credit card lunch. Registration: $10 per person

Morning Safari, Saturday, January 21, 2012. 8:00am to 9:30am
(All ages). Enjoy the best time at the zoo with a personal VIP tour. An Education Specialist will lead you on an hour and a half exploration of the zoo before it opens to the general public. All ages but under 13 must be accompanied by an adult (1 adult per 5 children). Minimum Group Size 5, Maximum Group Size 20. Registration- $15 per person in addition to entrance fees. El Paso Zoological Society Members $13.50.

Wildlife Walk Guided Zoo Tour, Sunday, January 22, 2012. 2:00pm
Join us for an hour and half guided tour with an experienced and educated staff person to point out and explain behaviors and animals you may never have noticed. Learn more about some unseen areas in the zoo. All ages but under 13 must be accompanied by an adult (1 adult per 5 children). Minimum Group Size 10, Maximum Group Size 20. Registration - $7 per person in addition to entrance fees. El Paso Zoological Society Members $6.30.

Batty Family Sleepover Friday, January 27, 2012. 6 pm to 9am
Did you know "blind as a bat" is completely false? And that there are over 1,000 species of bats in the world! Spend a night at the zoo learning about local bats, making bat enrichments and celebrating the Year of the Bat! Also enjoy a jam packed time with a nocturnal tour, animal encounter, campfire, story time and behind the scenes tour! All you need is a blanket, cots are provided. Ages 7 and up only and 1 adult present per 5 children. $30 nonmember $27 member. (Admission not included and not required). Maximum of 20 people. *Enjoy this half price special while it lasts! Ages 7+ (Must have at least 1 adult per 5 children) Registration

Bat House Workshop Saturday, January 28, 2012. 11:00am to 12:30pm
Many bats in the El Paso area migrate south during the cooler months. They start returning in January and February and need a home! Learn all about the importance of bats to our community and build a bat house to be used for wild bats! Ages 7 and up only and 1 adult present per 5 children. Minimum Group Size 15, Maximum Group Size 30. Registration - $10 per person in addition to entrance fees. El Paso Zoological Society Members $9.00.

Bat House Workshop Sunday, January 29, 2012. 11:00am to 12:30pm
Many bats in the El Paso area migrate south during the cooler months. They start returning in January and February and need a home! Learn all about the importance of bats to our community and build a bat house to be used for wild bats! Ages 7 and up only and 1 adult present per 5 children. Minimum Group Size 15, Maximum Group Size 30. Registration - $10 per person in addition to entrance fees. El Paso Zoological Society Members $9.00.