The New Mexico Wildlife Federation is excited to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service with a weekend event at the Valles Caldera National Preserve. This family and kid friendly event offers New Mexican’s an opportunity to celebrate the 100th anniversary in the Valles Caldera Preserve, one of New Mexico’s newest, most pristine, and incredible national parks. As a National Park Preserve, the Valles Caldera was formed over one million years ago during a volcanic eruption in New Mexico’s Jemez Mountains. One of seven super volcanoes found in the world, the Valles Caldera is a unique landscape home to the second largest elk herd in the state as well as other wildlife. The Preserve offers 54 miles of hiking trails, 30 miles of trout streams, and a variety of activities including mountain biking, equestrian trail riding, hunting, cross-country skiing, and snow shoeing.

This unique overnight event includes the opportunities for families, youth, and young adults to camp, fish, fly-tie, shoot archery, hike, and engage in biological and wildlife educational activities focused on the Caldera’s forests, grasslands and aquatic areas. Additionally, after setting up camp on Friday night, there will be an outdoor showing of Ken Burn’s: The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, a movie filmed over 6 years in America’s most spectacular locales that tells the story of America’s national parks and the story of the people– rich and poor; famous and unknown; soldiers and scientists; natives and newcomers; idealists, artists and entrepreneurs who were willing to devote themselves to saving these precious lands.

Schedule of events:

Friday, August 26th, 2016

6:30pm—Campers arrive at Banco Bonito Campground

6:45-7:30pm—Attendees Set-up Camp at Banco Bonito

8:30pm-10:30pm—Movie and Snacks: Introduction of the Ken Burn’s movie National Parks: America’s Best Idea shown at Banco Bonito. Snacks will be provided during the movie.

Saturday, August 27th, 2016

7:30-8:15am–Breakfast Burritos

8:30-9:45am—Archery and Fly-Tying

10:00am-12:00pm—Valles Caldera Bio Blitz Stations, Hiking, and Fishing

12:15-1:00pm—Lunch

2:00—4:15—Fishing on Rio San Antonio

4:15-5:00pm—Travel back and pack up camp

5:00pm—Depart Valles Caldera

You must register to camp Friday night – sign up now!

While this event is free to attend, your donations make these events possible and allow us to engage at-risk youth in outdoor activities. Thank you for your support!

More Details:

• Participants should bring their own camping gear, including tents, sleeping bags, bug repellent, sunscreen, flashlights, and other necessities for overnight camping. If a participant lacks camping gear, please contact us.
• Anyone ages 12 and over must have a permit if planning to fish.
• Campfires are currently permitted. All campfires at the Banco Bonito campground must be inside a campfire ring. Participants are encouraged to bring their own firewood.
• Permits are not required to camp, but you must register in advance to camp at Banco Bonito Friday night.
• Participants planning on fishing need a valid New Mexico Department of Game and Fish license. Children 12 and over are required to have a fishing license.
• Horses require a special permitting application in the Valles Caldera that we are not able to accommodate at this time.
• Food will be provided by NMWF for breakfast and lunch on Saturday. Participants are encouraged to bring snacks, water, and food based on your own dietary restrictions.
• If you are interested in bringing your camper Friday night, please contact NMWF as there is limited space.
• Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing rods and fly-tying equipment. A limited amount of gear will be available.
• Prior to the event, children are encouraged to download the iNaturalist app which will help them identify plants and animals during Saturday’s Bio Blitz.
• This is a family-friendly event, and as such no alcohol will be permitted in the campground Friday night.