Friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks

Botany Workshop, Hike and Tutorial w/ BLM Botanist Kirsten Romig
2024-05-18 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Denver) | Aguirre Springs
Join us in commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument designation! Together with our partners from our local Bureau of Land Management, we have organized a month-long series of events to mark this significant occasion.
Join us for a Botany Workshop, Hike and Tutorial with BLM Botanist Kirsten Romig. Explore the beauty of nature and learn the art of plant identification through taxonomic details. This hands-on experience will include using dichotomous keys to unlock the secrets of plant species. Get ready for a 4.5 mile hike that will leave you feeling exhilarated and knowledgeable. Don’t miss out on this adventurous and educational event!

Recommended:
Lunch, snacks, water, adequate hiking gear, sunscreen, and hats with wide brims.

Peña Blanca Guided Hike
2024-05-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Peña Blanca, County rd B059- 32.21004, -106.61459, Mesquite, NM, 88048, United States
Join us in commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument designation! Together with our partners from our local Bureau of Land Management, we have organized a month-long series of events to mark this significant occasion.
Come join BLM archaeologist, Garrett Letterman for a hike to Peña Blanca in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument! Attendees will learn about the prehistory of the Peña Blanca area and the importance of Leave No Trace at archaeological sites. (~3.5miles, roundtrip)
County rd B059- 32.21004, -106.61459, Mesquite, NM 88011

Recommended:
Water, good shoes, snacks, sunscreen

Plein Air Painting Workshop Monument AiR
2024-05-19 08:30 - 10:30 | La Cueva Picnic Area, Las Cruces, NM, 88011, United States
Join us in commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument designation! Together with our partners from our local Bureau of Land Management, we have organized a month-long series of events to mark this significant occasion.
Calling all art lovers! We are thrilled to announce our Artist-in-Residence, the talented Jane Peacock, is hosting a plein air painting workshop at our beautiful monument. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and let your creativity flow onto the canvas. So grab your palette and paint and join us for a day filled with art and sunshine. See you there!
Head to Dripping Springs Natural Area following University Ave/Dripping Springs Rd. (If you are at the Visitor Center at Dripping Springs, you drove too far.)
Take a left into the La Cueva area, approximately 0.5 miles before reaching the Dripping Springs Visitors Center
We will be meeting at the large La Cueva Group-site

Recommended supplies include:

Easel

Easel umbrella perhaps

Tripod

Chair unless you will use the bench seats that are there

Brushes of choice

Paint of choice (acrylic, watercolor, oil, whichever medium you prefer)

Paper towels

Something to hold water for rinsing (there is a water source next to the pit toilet at the site)

Hat/other sun protection

Some level of experience in painting with your preferred medium also recommended.

She plans to spend about 30 minutes introducing the group to plein air painting, her process, recommendations, what products she has found work well for her in her experience, etc and then a little time for questions and then time painting while she guides the group.

Night Sky Photography and Hike
2024-05-19 19:00 - 22:00 | La Cueva Picnic Area, Las Cruces, NM, 88011, United States
Join us in commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument designation! Together with our partners from our local Bureau of Land Management, we have organized a month-long series of events to mark this significant occasion.
Join photographer Taylor Axtell to learn how to capture the night skies on this night hike and workshop. (~2.5 miles, roundtrip)
Head to Dripping Springs Natural Area following University Ave/Dripping Springs Rd. (If you are at the Visitor Center at Dripping Springs, you drove too far.)
Take a left into the La Cueva area, approximately 0.5 miles before reaching the Dripping Springs Visitors Center
Meeting spot at La Cueva Parking lot

Ethnobotany of the Chihuahuan Desert: Patio Talk & Optional Hike
2024-05-23 18:00 - 19:30 | La Cueva Picnic Area, Las Cruces, NM, 88011, United States
Join us in commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument designation! Together with our partners from our local Bureau of Land Management, we have organized a month-long series of events to mark this significant occasion.
Calling all adventure seekers! Join us for an exciting talk on Chihuahuan Desert Ethnobotany with the knowledgeable BLM Archaeologist, Garrett Leitermann. Unlock the secrets of this fascinating region and discover the rich history and traditional uses of desert plants. For those feeling extra adventurous, stick around for a guided hike to La Cueva where you can see these plants in their natural habitat. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and explore the wonders of the area!

PARKING:
Head to Dripping Springs Natural Area following University Ave/Dripping Springs Rd. (If you are at the Visitor Center at Dripping Springs, you drove too far.)
Take a left into the La Cueva area, approximately 0.5 miles before reaching the Dripping Springs Visitors Center
Meet at the La Cueva group-site

RECOMMENDED GEAR:
Water
Good hiking shoes
Snacks
Sunscreen/Bug spray

No registration necessary

Prehistoric Trackways Guided Hike
2024-05-25 08:00 - 10:30 | Prehistoric Trackways, 4340 Rocky Acres Trail, Las Cruces, NM 88007
Join us in commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument designation! Together with our partners from our local Bureau of Land Management, we have organized a month-long series of events to mark this significant occasion.
Embark on a journey back in time on a 1.5-mile guided hike that leads you through the ice age and all the way back to the era before dinosaurs (making it a total of 3 miles round trip).
Led by Amber Giove, Park Ranger

PARKING:
Ridgeline Parking lot

RECOMMENDED GEAR:
Plenty of water
Good hiking shoes
Snacks
Sunscreen/Bug spray

No registration necessary

The Civil War Comes to the Mesilla Valley: Baylor Canyon Guided Hike
2024-05-27 08:00 - 10:30 | Baylor Canyon
MORE INFO:
Step back in time and explore the battlefields of the Civil War in the Mesilla Valley with the fearless Tom Dormody as your guide. This easy to moderate hike will take you on a journey through history, with the option to continue on to the challenging Baylor Pass trail. This hike is a total duration of 3-3.5 hours, make sure to plan accordingly for this epic adventure.

PARKING:
Free parking lot
Baylor Pass Trail (west side of Organ Mountains)

RECOMMENDED GEAR:
Plenty of water
Snacks
Good hiking shoes
Sunscreen/Bug spray
Hiking poles recommended
