Fall 2015 Back by Noon Outings
Presented by The Southwest Environmental Center. Guided Saturday morning natural history outings for the whole family!
Advanced reservations are required and space is limited, so sign up early. Be sure to bring sturdy shoes, water and a hat. All trips are open to the public. Most are free for SWEC members. A $5 donation is requested of non-members. For more information and to register Call (575) 522-5552
The Southwest Environmental Center works to protect and restore wildlife and their habitats in the southwestern borderlands. Learn more at www.wildmesquite.org
Guided Saturday morning natural history outings for the whole family
Effects of Drought on the Chihuahuan Desert--9/05, 8 am
Drought is an ever-present part of life in the Southwest. Join “cowgirl botanist” Kirsten Romig, scientist with the Jornada Experimental Range, as we trek through the foothills of the San Andres Mountains, exploring the varied effects drought has on our portion of the Chihuahuan Desert. The hike will be a two or three mile, mostly off-trail hike, walking along an arroyo. RATING: Moderate.
The Desert after Dark--9/12, 7:00 pm
In the desert the night time is the most active for many organisms. Biologist Dr. Paul Hyder will lead hikers over a maximum two-mile portion of the well maintained Sierra Vista trail along the western flank of the Organ Mountains. We’ll learn about the many adaptations used to thrive in extreme desert conditions of arthropods, mammals, and plants alike. This one-of-a-kind special night hike will have very limited space available, so sign up early! There will be a separate meeting place for El Paso hikers at 7:00pm. RATING: Easy.
Geological Treasures of Tonuco Mountain--9/19, 7:30 am
Tonuco Mountain sits 1,000 feet above the flood plain of the Rio Grande north of Las Cruces. The mountain rises from some of the oldest rocks on the earth, topped by more recent lava flows--a must see for rockhounders. Pecan farmer Paul Dulin will lead hikers through geological time to visit a Feldspar/Fluorite mine and the site of 250+ Native American petroglyphs on this hike of about 3 miles over often sandy, loose-rock, and steep terrain.RATING: Moderate to strenuous--steep trail conditions and some scaling of the talus areas.
Migratory Birds of the Rio Grande Valley--9/26, 8 am
Join photographer and expert birder Ken Stinnett on a birding expedition through one of the best sites in the region, Leasburg State Park. The Rio Grande Valley is a major migratory pathway and fall migration will be well underway. Hikers can expect to see warblers, vireos, ducks, comorants and birds of prey, among many other birds. Binoculars are strongly recommended. $5 fee per vehicle to enter the park. RATING: Easy.
Medicinal Flora of Dripping Springs-–10/03, 8:30 am
Do you know the best plant to treat a stomach-ache? Or a cactus that can be applied to a rattlesnake bite? Join us for an adventure into the world of medicinal plants with herbalist Deborah Brandt, owner of From the Ground Up and discover the varied medicinal uses of our desert flora. We’ll hike a couple miles of the well-maintained, sometimes hilly, trail in Dripping Springs Natural Area, found at the base of the Organ Mountains. $3 BLM fee per vehicle. RATING: Easy to moderate.
Exploring the Last Desert Grassland--10/10, 8 am
This all-day outing will take us through the largest remaining intact
Chihuahuan Desert grassland, Otero Mesa. SWEC’s Executive Director, Kevin Bixby, will lead us on an incredible, mostly driving, adventure to discover the ecology, wildlife, and petroglyphs of this spectacular, threatened grassland. We’ll drive to Alamo Mountain, one of the isolated peaks of the Cornudas Mountains, where hikers will have the option to scramble up the mountain. There will be a separate meeting place for El Paso hikers at 9am. Co-sponsored with the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club. RATING: Easy to moderate.
Wetland Restoration in West Texas--10/24, 8 am
Biologist Michael Gaglio will lead hikers through El Paso’s Keystone Heritage Park, federally protected archaic wetlands, home to over 193 species of birds (including 22 designated as rare.) We’ll learn about wetland restoration, vegetation, and touch on the hydrology surrounding these important ecosystems. We’ll hike a few miles of the park’s 52 acres on level, well-maintained trails with some minor ducking under brush along one of the trails. There will be a separate meeting place for El Paso hikers at 9am. RATING: Easy.
Discovering Providence Cone--11/07, 8 am
Discovering Providence Cone--11/07, 8 am
Sometimes referred to as Rattlesnake Peak, the hike includes a diverse collection of geologic and cultural features. Led by conservation advocate David Soules, we’ll explore evidence of Megafauna from more than 10,000 years BC, as well as petroglyphs left by First Americans. The two-mile walk on mostly sandy soil will circumnavigate the peak. Intrepid hikers may wish to scale the lower slopes of the peak. High clearance vehicles with four wheel drive are recommended. RATING: Moderate to strenuous.