Albuquerque Biological Park Calendar of Events
June 2008 |
Featured Events
- BioPark Nature Guide Training at Aquarium/Garden - June 2 & 3
- Conservation Camp Counselor Orientation - June 4
- Aquarium Evening Lecture - June 4 Cancelled
- Renewable Energy Brown Bag Lecture at Zoo - June 5 & 7
- Summer Nights Concert - June 5
- World Oceans Day at the Aquarium - June 6
- Zoo Music Concert - June 6
- New Mexico Free Fishing Day at Tingley - June 7
- Fishing Clinic at Tingley Beach - June 7
- Old-time Music at the Heritage Farm in the Botanic Garden - June 7
- Roar and Snore at the Zoo - June 7/8
- Camp BioPark - Starts June 9
- Twilight Tour at the Zoo - June 10
- Summer Nights Concert - June 12
- PNM Butterfly Pavilion opens June 13
- Garden Railroader Training - June 13
- Zoo Music Concert - June 13
- Heritage Farm Guide Training - June 14 Cancelled
- Zoo Discovery Day - June 14
- Father's Day Fiesta at the Zoo - June 15
- Aquarium-Botanic Garden Greeter Training - June 17
- Night Walk at the Garden -June 17
- Horticulture Volunteer Orientation - June 18
- Zoo Greeter Training - June 19
- Summer Nights Concert - June 19
- Aquarium Overnight - June 20/21
- Zoo Music Concert - June 20
- Aquarium Discovery Day - June 21
- Bosque Moonlight Hike at Tingley Beach - June 24
- Summer Nights Concert - June 26
- BioPark Nature Guide Training at Zoo - June 27
- Zoo Music Concert - June 27
- Pollinator Celebration at Botanic Garden - June 28
January February March April May July August September October November December
BioPark Nature Guide Training.
Monday and Tuesday , June 2 & 3, 9:30am to 3:30pm
Shark teeth and skin, porcupine quills and secret plant smells are just a few of the interesting items used to excite visitors about nature in the discovery areas at the Zoo, Aquarium and Botanic Garden. These stations are staffed by teens ages 14 and older and overseen by adult team captains. Attend the two-day class on June 2 and 3 to begin volunteering at the start of the summer season. The class on June 27 is a one-day accelerated course for volunteers who will not be available until later in the season. For more information, please call (505) 764-6245. Location TBA.
Conservation Camp Counselor Orientation at Aquarium/Botanic Garden
Wednesday, June 4, 9:30am - 12:00 noon
Each teen counselor is paired with a lead teacher to assist with Camp BioPark classes at the Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden or Tingley Beach. Teens who are age 16 or older, love nature and children and are able to commit to at least two full weeks of the summer will love this job! For more information, please call (505) 764-6245.
Ocean-friendly Seafood Choices: Have Your Seafood and Preserve the Oceans, Too!
Aquarium Evening Lecture and Seafood Tasting.
Wednesday, June 4, 6:00 to 9:00pm
Lecturer: Sheila Bowman, Seafood Watch Outreach Manager, Monterey Bay Aquarium 
DUE TO AIRLINE FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
As the worldwide demand for seafood increases, there’s a lot of pressure on our oceans to provide food for a hungry planet. Now more than ever, our choices at the seafood counter and in restaurants impact what happens in the ocean. Using a Seafood Watch pocket guide 
makes those choices easier. It’s a simple action that makes a big difference. Come and learn how your favorite seafood rates and how you can choose seafood that is delicious and good for the oceans.
In her presentation, Sheila Bowman will talk about the current state of seafood systems, the issues surrounding fisheries and aquaculture, how those issues translate into stories about our favorite fish and the action each person can take that really does have an impact on the health of our oceans.
The evening will begin with a seafood cooking demonstration by the Shark Reef Café. Get tips on how to prepare tasty seafood dishes at home and enjoy delicious appetizers before moving to the lecture. The cooking demonstration and tasting are included with admission. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.
Aquarium evening lectures take place in the Aquarium Theater, 2601 Central Ave NW. Admission is $5.00 for adults; $3.00 for children, seniors, BioPark volunteers and staff. Refreshments are included. Call (505) 848-7180 for more information.
Renewable Energy - Hope or Hype?
Brown Bag Lecture at Zoo .
Thursday, June 5 and Saturday, June 7. 12:45 to 1:30pm
Lecturer: John Holmes, Retired Energy Engineer
Renewable energy sources are being widely and wildly promoted as solutions for climate change, to reduce oil dependency, and to be kinder to the environment. Is this mostly hype or is there any real hope?
This presentation will consider how biofuels, biomass, hydroelectricity, geothermal energy, tide and wave power, wind power, solar heat and solar electric power, and hydrogen might contribute to our future energy supply. How do these renewable technologies affect the environment and the habitats of animals and sea life? These renewable energy sources have to beat out tough competition including coal, nuclear, natural gas, and oil. What will it take to include more renewable sources into our energy supply system? What can we do as individuals to promote a more responsible energy future?
Brown Bag lectures take place twice a month (on a Thursday and a Saturday), alternating between the aquarium/garden and the zoo locations. The June lecture will take place in the Zoo Education Barn, 903 Tenth St. SW. Zoo Lectures are included with general zoo admission ($7 adults; $3 seniors and children).
Summer Nights Concert Series.
Thursdays, June 5, 12, 19, 26
Summer Nights musical concerts feature local and regional talent in the beautiful setting of the Botanic Garden every Thursday evening June through mid-August. A magic show and caricature artist are on-hand for entertainment, and both the Aquarium and Garden are open during the show. The Heritage Farm is open from 6 to 8 pm. The 2008 schedule of performers will be available soon. The PNM Butterfly Pavilion is not open for Summer Nights concerts.
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Summer Nights - June Schedule
June 5 |
Eliza Gilkyson |
Original Folk |
June 12 |
Seamus Kennedy |
Celtic Fun |
June 19 |
The Wilders |
Old-time Country |
June 26 |
Girlyman |
Folky Pop Bluegrass |
Gates open: 6 pm
Concert: 7 - 9 pm
Ticket prices: $8 for adults; $4 for seniors; $2 for children. New Mexico BioPark Society 
member prices are half-off regular prices ($4 for adults; $2 for seniors 65 and older; $1 for children (children 2 and younger admitted free).
Seating: General lawn seating. Bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Purchase tickets: From any Botanic Garden cashier, in advance or on the night of the concert. No telephone orders taken.
Food: Purchase from vendors or bring in your own.
Beer and Wine: Available to purchase on-site. You may not bring in your own.
World Oceans Day at the Aquarium.
Friday, June 6, 10am - 2pm
Whether you live along the coast or far inland, each one of us is connected to the world's ocean. Created in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, World Ocean Day is an opportunity each year to celebrate our world ocean and our personal connection to the sea. Come to the Aquarium to discover the wealth of diverse and beautiful ocean creatures and habitats, how our daily actions affect them and how we are all interconnected. Call (505) 848-7180 for more information.
To download a handy wallet card listing good seafood choices, go to the Seafood Watch Site .
Zoo Music Concert Series.
Fridays, June 6, 13, 20, 27.
Zoo Music showcases regional, national and international talent playing a variety of music, including country Latin rock, Afro-Cuban, Celtic, bluegrass, Cajun and pop-rock.
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Zoo Music - June Schedule
June 6 |
The Red Stick Ramblers |
Cajun Swing |
June 13 |
Indigo Girls |
Folk Rock |
June 20 |
Adrienne Young |
Rootsy Americana |
June 27 |
The Quebe Sisters |
Western Swing |
Gates open: 6:00 pm
Concert: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Animal Exhibits open: until 8 pm
Ticket prices: $8 for adults; $4 for seniors; $2 for children. New Mexico BioPark Society 
member prices are half-off regular prices ($4 for adults; $2 for seniors 65 and older; $1 for children (children 2 and younger admitted free).
Seating: General lawn seating. Bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Purchase tickets: From any Zoo cashier. May be purchased in advance or the night of the concert. No telephone orders taken.
Food: Purchase from vendors or bring in your own.
Beer and Wine: Available to purchase on-site. You may not bring in your own.
FREE PARK and RIDE for Zoo Music: Avoid the parking hassles by parking at the Aquarium main parking lot at the intersection with New York and Central. A free shuttle bus to the front of the Zoo will run from 5:30 - 10 pm. Concert tickets may be purchased in advance online or at the gate.
New Mexico FREE Fishing Day at Tingley Beach
Saturday, June 7, Sunrise to Sunset
NO LICENSE REQUIRED FOR THIS DAY ONLY! All fishing-folks are invited to come out to Tingley Beach for National Free Fishing Day on Saturday, June 7!
The BioPark and NM Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) will host many fun learning stations for kids, including a fishing clinic, from 8:00am - 11:30am. NMDGF will stock Tingley Beach with ~3000 rainbow trout and ~800 catfish in time for the event!
FREE Fishing Clinic at Tingley Beach.
Saturday, June 7, 10:00am - 12:00pm.
Location: Tent on lawn near train station.
With support from New Mexico Trout and the BioPark's Fishing Guide volunteers, a FREE Fishing Clinic will be offered at Tingley Beach every month. While these clinics are usually on the second Saturday, the June clinic will be on the first Saturday to coincide with the state's Free Fishing Day. There will be instruction of basic fly-tying methods, fly-rod casting techniques, fishing etiquette, effective 'catch and release' practices and enhancement of advanced skills. Equipment and supplies are available for use during the clinic on a first come, first served basis and are free of charge.
Participants are welcome, however, to bring their own gear. In addition, Tingley Outfitters provides basic equipment for purchase inside the train station.
Old-time Music at the Heritage Farm in the Botanic Garden.
Saturday, June 7, 12:00-2:00pm
What do you get when you combine a hammered dulcimer, banjo, mandolin, guitar, cello, voices in harmony, and a fun-loving group of musicians? The Muddy River String Band! Come down to the Heritage Farm to enjoy their energetic and eclectic mix of old-time, bluegrass, country, Celtic, gospel, and original music.
Band members (L to R): Art Garcia (Mandolin, Guitar, Fiddle, Harmonica, Vocals and Harmony), Lynda Garcia (Guitar), Diane Prior (Hammered Dulcimer, Vocals and Harmony), Ben Prior (Cello and Harmony), and Charlene Hirsch (Guitar). Ben Chavez (Banjo) is not pictured.
Roar and Snore at the Zoo.
Saturday, June 7, 6:30pm through 9:00am Sunday, June 8.
The 4th annual “Roar and Snore” Girl Scout night at the Rio Grande Zoo is June 7th 6:30pm – June 10th 9am! Girls will pitch a tent in the grassy area and enjoy the night sounds of the animals around them. Girls will learn about conservation efforts in place throughout the animal kingdom. Girls will have time to explore the Zoo and earn the Roar and Snore patch. The evening entertainment will be a Girl Scout sing along and skits. Sunday morning ends with a friendship circle around the park. The $30 fee includes evening snack, breakfast and patch. A portion of the fee benefits the New Mexico BioPark Society. Sign up for this event early since only 1000 can attend. To register, complete the Troop or Individual registration form and return to the Girl Scout Program/Service Center of Albuquerque. Girl scouts can get the registration form from their Troop Leader or by calling the Girl Scouts of Chaparral Council at 343-1040. Registration deadline is Monday May 19, 2008.
Camp BioPark Begins.
Monday, June 9, all BioPark facilities.
Camp BioPark is designed to inspire children's awareness of nature and the plants and animals that make each habitat unique. We strive to teach science in an engaging atmosphere through active, hands-on activities. Click here to learn more about Camp BioPark 2008.
Twilight Tour of the Zoo.
Tuesday, June 10, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Cost: $10 adults, $6 youth (ages 3-12) and seniors (65 and older). All ages welcome.
Experience the sights and sounds of the Zoo at twilight! After dinner at home, observe interesting animal behavior while taking a tour of the Zoo in a small group led by your personal guide. (Please note that not all animals are out at night.) Tours start promptly at 6:30pm and will occur rain or shine. Meet at the front of the zoo.
Limited space available. Pre-registration is required. Call 764-6214 for more information or to register.
Garden Railroader Training at the Botanic Garden.
Friday, June 13, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Garden Railroaders operate the G-scale model train at the Botanic Garden and answer the public’s questions about the various trains in operation. Open to ages 18 and up. For more information, please call (505) 764-6245.
Heritage Farm Guide Training at the Botanic Garden.
Saturday, June 14, 9:30am - 3:30pm
Heritage Farm Guides engage visitors at the Rio Grande Botanic Garden’s Heritage Farm exhibit. The farm is representative of the 1920s and 1930s, and Guides dress in simple costumes as they spend time helping visitors learn about the past and their connections to the land. Open to ages 18 and up. For more information, please call (505) 764-6245.
Zoo Discovery Day - Champions of the Animal World.
Saturday, June 14, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Learn more about animals as you visit special summer Discovery Stations around the Zoo. In June, learn about champions of the animal world including the biggest, smallest, fastest and even the slowest. For more information, please call (505)764-6214.
Father's Day Fiesta at the Rio Grande Zoo.
Sunday, June 15, 4:30 - 8:30pm
Sponsored by Univision TV-41, the Father's Day event is included with regular admission. Bring Dad to listen to some great music and have some fun! There will be exhibitors by local businesses and prize giveaways.
Performers
| 4:30-5:15pm |
Mariachi Buenaventura Mariachi |
| 5:30-6:15pm |
Identidad de Durango Pasito Duranguense |
| 6:30-7:15pm |
La Zorra Cumbia |
| 7:30-8:30pm |
Zaino Norteño |
Aquarium/Botanic Garden Greeter Training.
Tuesday, June 17, 9:30am - 3:30pm
Greeters act as hosts and hostesses for the BioPark, welcoming visitors and school groups. If you enjoy talking with people, this is the job for you! Open to ages 18 and up. For more information, please call (505) 764-6245.
Night Walk at the Botanic Garden.
Tuesday, June 17, 7:30 - 9:00 pm
Cost: $6 adults, $4 youth (ages 3-12) and seniors (65 and older). All ages welcome.
Explore the Garden under the light of the moon! Bring your family and explore the wonders of nightfall as you walk on a guided tour through the Garden in search of night-blooming plants, nocturnal animals and night pollinators.
Limited space available. Pre-registration is required. Call 848-7180 for more information or to register.
Horticulture Volunteer Orientation.
Wednesday, June 18, 9:30am - 12:00 noon
Horticulture Volunteers assist the BioPark horticulture staff with routine garden maintenance and special plant projects. Open to volunteers ages 16 and up. For more information, please call (505) 764-6245.Zoo Greeter Training.
Thursday, June 19, 9:30am - 3:30pm
Greeters act as hosts and hostesses for the BioPark, welcoming visitors and school groups. If you enjoy talking with people, this is the job for you! Open to ages 18 and up. For more information, please call (505) 764-6245.
Aquarium Overnight.
Friday, June 20, 7:00pm through & 8:00am Saturday, June 21.
Sleep next to the sharks at this family-friendly event. Participants will learn about interesting facts about ocean species and their nighttime behavior during this special Aquarium sleepover. Includes games and crafts, Touchpool visit and ocean film fest in the theater. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $25/person. Call (505) 848-7180 for more information and to pre-register (required).
This month's Underwater Overnight is full, but call (505) 848-7180 for more information and to pre-register (required) for an overnight later this summer or fall!
Aquarium Discovery Day
Saturday, June 21, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Learn more about the ocean and its inhabitants as you visit special summer Discovery Stations around the Aquarium. For more information, please call (505) 848-7180.
Bosque Moonlight Hike at Tingley Beach.
Tuesday, June 24, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Cost: $6 adults, $4 youth (ages 3-12) and seniors
(65 and older).
All ages welcome.
Discover the active night life of the bosque on this guided tour. You’ll travel to the bosque wetlands to look for bats, hoot for owls and search for other nocturnal animals. Bring your flashlight and your sense of adventures as we hike through the woods. Tour begins at the Tingley Beach train station.
Limited space available. Pre-registration is required. Call 848-7180 for more information or to register.
BioPark Nature Guide Training at Zoo.
Friday, June 27, 9:30am - 3:30pm
Shark teeth and skin, porcupine quills and secret plant smells are just a few of the interesting items used to excite visitors about nature in the discovery areas at the Zoo, Aquarium and Botanic Garden. These stations are staffed by teens ages 14 and older and overseen by adult team captains. This class is a one-day accelerated course for volunteers who were not available for the first training at the beginning of the summer. For more information, please call (505) 764-6245.
Pollinator Celebration at Botanic Garden.
Saturday, June 28, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Did you know that almost 90% of flowering plants depend on animals for pollination? There are about 200,000 species of animals which act as pollinators. Visit the Rio Grande Botanic Garden to learn about the fascinating jobs of bees, birds, bats, beetles, butterflies and other important pollinators. You’ll also learn how to attract pollinators to your own garden and discover the connection between your food and pollinators from around the world. Special activities for children will take place under the garden tent. For more information, please call (505) 848-7180.