EcoWISER New Mexico

Are you new to the area? Or have you lived here for years? Have you been stuck by a cactus but don’t know what kind it is? Are you wondering what that plant is behind your house? Then come out to the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park for a morning of learning about your desert. On Saturday October 17 from 9:00 am to noon, the Asombro Institute will have education booths to help you discover your desert. There will be hands-on activities, arts and crafts, and lots more! You can hike the Desert Discovery Trail, a 1.2-mile loop that is a moderate walking trail taking you past many different native plants and homes of local animals. If you are lucky, some of those animals may be at home. Learn why a creosote bush smells like rain, how many doors a packrat burrow has, what are lichen, and much more. Take in a breathtaking view of the Jornada Basin while glimpsing into desert winter wildlife. The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park is located northeast of Las Cruces. From I-25 in Las Cruces, head east on Highway 70 and take the Mesa Grande Road exit (at Oñate High School). Make a U-turn under the highway to head west and stay in the right lane onto the frontage road. Turn right (north) on Jornada Road. Follow Jornada Road for 6.4 miles and turn left at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park sign. Follow the entrance road to the parking area and trailhead.