Albuquerque Biological Park Calendar of Events
May 2008 |
Featured Events
- Dispelling the Orchid Myth - Brown Bag Lecture at the Botanic Garden - May 1 & 3
- Orchid Show at the Garden - May 2 through 4
- Ikebana Demonstration - May 3
- Animal Encounters Show at Zoo - begins May 3
- Run for the Zoo - May 4
- International Migratory Bird Day at Tingley Beach - May 10
- Fishing Clinic at Tingley Beach - May 10
- Bonsai Show at the Garden - May 10 & 11
- International Migratory Bird Day at the Zoo - May 11
- Annual Mother's Day Symphony Concert at the Zoo - May 11
- Orangutan Discovery Station at the Zoo - May 11
- Bear Awareness Week at the Zoo - May 11 through May 17
- Aquarium Overnight - May 16/17
- Summer Volunteer Orientation - May 17
- Insect Volunteer Training - Cancelled
- Horticulture Volunteer Training - May 21
- Touchpool Volunteer Training at the Aquarium - May 31
- The New Mexico Symphony Orchestra
Symphony Under the Stars concert dates are - May 24 & 30. Call the Symphony box office at 881-8999 for tickets.
- The BioPark does not sell tickets to the Symphony Under the Stars concerts.
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Dispelling the Orchid Myth - Brown Bag Lecture at the Garden.
Thursday, May 1 & Saturday, May 3, 12:45 - 1:30pm
Lecturer: Diann O'Neill
Do the arching stems and delicate flowers of orchids fill you with fear? Does the pressure of caring for such a seemingly fragile plant discourage you from bringing its beauty into your home?
Join Diann O'Neill, founder of the New Mexico Orchid Guild, as she dispels the myth that orchids are hard to grow. She truly believes that anyone can successfully grow orchids, and this talk will provide answers that will allow you to become an orchid addict! The talk will take place in the Botanic Garden Education Building.
The O’Neill name has been associated with orchids for more than 50 years. Diann was introduced to orchids by her mother-in-law, Peg O’Neill, who kept hundreds of blooming orchids in her greenhouses. When Peg passed away, Diann decided to learn about and care for the orchid collection. Diann went on to become a judge for the American Orchid Society. She has spent years judging orchids and winning prizes for her own orchid exhibits. Diann continues growing orchids and encouraging other orchid growers.
Since 1994, informal Brown Bag seminars have been offered on a monthly basis to BioPark employees, volunteers, their guests and visitors. Topics include plant and animal themes relevant to the BioPark, and presenters may be BioPark staff or field experts. The same monthly seminar is offered twice--on different days--to give as many people as possible the opportunity to attend. When the Brown Bag is held at the Rio Grande Zoo, it is included with regular zoo admission. When it is held at the Aquarium/Botanic Garden, admission is not required. For more information, call BioPark education at 764-6245.
Spring Orchid Show at the Botanic Garden.
Friday through Sunday, May 2 - 4, 9:00am - 5:00pm.
The Rio Grande Botanic Garden will host the Spring Orchid Show on May 2, 3 and 4 in the Mediterranean Conservatory, the Aquarium lobby and the Garden Showroom. Co-sponsored by the New Mexico Orchid Guild, this year's theme is Orchid Fascination.
This year's show is certain to excite and thrill all ages. Attendees will have an opportunity to vote for the “People’s Choice Award,” view orchid art and educational displays, see incredible orchid collectibles, orchid flower arrangements, and to appreciate hundreds of magnificent orchids in the Mediterranean Conservatory. Youth attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a number of interactive children’s activities.
Adults will have the opportunity to participate in variety of workshops, intended to expand the participant’s knowledge and appreciation of the wonderful and exciting world of orchids. These workshops will include the April Brown Bag Lecture about Dispelling the Orchid Myth and a demonstration of Ikebana by Mary Burnett de Gomez.
The Orchid Fascination show is included with general admission. Admission to the Rio Grande Botanic Garden is $7.00 ages 13-64, $3.00 children 3-12 and seniors 65+ and children under the age of 3 years old are free, admission to the orchid show is included in the admission price of the Botanic Garden.
The New Mexico Orchid Guild is a registered nonprofit 501 (3) c, tax-exempt organization whose mission is to contribute educational information on orchids that can be understood and used by orchid growers everywhere.
Ikebana Demonstration at the Botanic Garden.
Saturday, May 3, 3:00-3:30pm.
As part of the Spring Orchid Show, Mary Burnett de Gomez will introduce visitors to Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. The graceful architecture of orchids makes them well-suited for use in Ikebana, and they will be part of two arrangements that Mary will create on Saturday in the Botanic Garden Education Building.
During her demonstration, Mary will talk with the audience about the history and practice of Ikebana. The process of learning Ikebana is called kado, meaning "the flower road." Mary has been on the flower road for over 20 years since studying Ikebana at the prestigious Ichiyo School of Design in Tokyo, Japan. She is now a Master Teacher of Ichiyo Ikebana and teaches classes in Albuquerque by appointment.
Mary's interest in Asian art began in childhood and endured through the years culminating in a business, Hanayagi, where Asian arts are the focal point. Mary also has had a lifelong interest in gardening. She is past president of The Friends of the Rio Grande Botanic Garden (now part of the New Mexico BioPark Society) and worked with this group in the early years of fundraising to build a botanic garden in Albuquerque. She is past president of the Albuquerque Chapter of Ikebana International and is currently a Member of the Board of Directors of the NM Japanese American Citizen’s League.
Animal Encounters Show in the Nature Theater at the Rio Grande Zoo.
Begins Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4, 11:00am and 2:00pm
You’ll be amazed by animals as they fly, crawl, and climb across the stage. This interactive and entertaining show will teach you about animals from across the globe and what you can do to protect them and their wild habitats. Meet-and-greet with the stars before and after each show. For more information, please call (505) 764-6214.
The Animal Encounters Show will be presented on Saturdays and Sundays only at 11:00am and 2:00pm until Memorial Day. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Animal Encounters Show will be open Wednesday-Sunday at 11:00am and 2:00pm. Included with regular zoo admission.
23rd Annual Presbyterian - New Mexico BioPark Society's Annual Run for the Zoo.
Sunday, May 4
Run
for the Zoo… and walk with us too! Come out and join us for a day of fun and fitness at the largest running event in the state
of New Mexico. Always the first Sunday in May, the run has events
for all ages and fitness levels including a USATF-certified 10K
run, an USATF-certified 5K run, a 5K fitness run/walk, and 1-mile
fun run/walk. For more information or to register, visit the Run for the Zoo webpage or call the New Mexico BioPark Society at (505) 764-6280. This year's Run for the Zoo art was created by Eric Pfeiffer.
Register on-line NOW:www.runforthezoo.org. Register on-line through April 30th at 3pm and avoid the late fee.
Events for ALL ages and fitness levels:
10K & 5K USA Track & Field timed races
5K Fitness Run/Walk
1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
Registration Fees:
Early Registration: (postmarked by 4/18)
Adult $25
Age 13 & under $12
Late Registration: (after 4/18 – no mail-ins)
Adult $30
Age 13 & under $17
Registration includes: Event t-shirt, free admission to the Zoo on Race Day with bib, coupons and pre & post race refreshments.
FREE Fishing Clinic at Tingley Beach.
Saturday, May 10, 10:00am to 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 on the second Saturday. 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.
International Migratory Bird Day at Tingley.
Saturday, May 10, 10am - 2pm
International Migratory Bird Day at the Zoo.
Sunday, May 11, 10am - 2pm
Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at Tingley and the Zoo. Find out how birds survive incredible migratory journeys over extraordinary distances between their southern breeding grounds and northern wintering grounds. Learn about bird conservation through hands-on activities, displays and biofact demonstrations. All activities at the zoo are included with regular admission. There is no fee to access Tingley Beach.
Bonsai Show at the Botanic Garden.
Saturday & Sunday, May 10 - 11, 9:00am - 5:00pm
The “Ancient Art of Bonsai” show will wrap up the Rio Grande Botanic Garden’s spring indoor show season. Co-sponsored by the Albuquerque Bonsai Club, the bonsai show will be held in the Garden Showroom on Mother’s Day weekend, May 10 and 11, from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Members of the club will be showing their best bonsai of different styles and species of trees, including conifer and deciduous trees. Local varieties such as Alligator Juniper, Mountain Mahogany, Piñon, Sage Brush and certain herbs work well in New Mexico for the culture of bonsai. Questions will be answered enthusiastically by long-time members who are actively engaged in growing Bonsai. Morning and afternoon demonstrations will be performed and an educational table will be set up to show the stages of development in creating bonsai.The Bonsai Show is included with garden/aquarium general admission (adults $7; children/seniors $3). Call (505) 848-7148 for more information.
Annual Mother's Day Symphony Concert at the Zoo.
Sunday, May 11, 2:00 - 3:00pm
The annual Mother’s Day Concert at the Rio Grande Zoo, sponsored by Lovelace Health System, is scheduled for May 11th, with the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra performing.
The New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Roger Melone, will perform works by Mozart, Sousa, Borodin and more.
Each year, the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra invites the winner of the Jackie McGehee Young Artists’ Competition to perform with them at the Mother’s Day Concert. The winner this year is 10-year-old Gregory Martin. Gregory began studying music at the age of four and lives in Farmington, New Mexico with his parents Brent and Svetlana Martin. As the special guest artist for the Mother's Day Concert, Gregory will be performing the piece he played to win the competition--the first movement of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 2.
The concert starts at 2pm, lasts about one hour and is included with regular Zoo admission of $7.00 for adults; $3.00 for children and seniors. There is no charge for children two and younger.
Lawn seating is in the park. Food will be available for purchase. A FREE Park & Ride will be operating between the Aquarium/Garden and Zoo from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
For more information, call 311 locally or (505) 768-2000.
Sponsored by
Before the concert, be sure to visit the International Migratory Bird Day celebration and the Orangutan Discovery Station!
Orangutan Discovery Station at the Zoo.
Sunday, May 11, 10:00am-2:00pm
Learn about some very special mothers this Mother's Day. Visit the discovery station at the orangutan exhibit to learn about how orangutan mothers care for their children. Orangutans have the longest childhood of all the great apes - up to 8 years. As semi-solitary animals, each mother must teach her young the many lessons of finding fruit, building nests and surviving in the forest.
The forests of the orangutans are threatened by clearcutting and burning for palm oil plantations. Learn how you can help protect the habitat of orangutans during this activity that is part of the "Missing Orangutan Mothers" or M.O.M. campaign.
Bear Awareness Week at the Zoo.
Sunday, May 11 - Saturday, May 17, 10am - 2pm
Visit the Polar Bear exhibit to learn about the conservation of these and other bears of the world. Find out about the important roles these animals play in nature and participate in hands-on activities and biofact demonstrations. Find out how changes in polar bear habitat are affecting them, touch a bear pelt or compare your paw to a bear's.
Underwater Overnight at the Aquarium.
Friday, May 16, 7:00pm through 8:00am Saturday, May 17
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.
This month's Underwater Overnight is full, but call (505) 848-7180 for more information and to pre-register (required) for an overnight this summer or fall!
Summer Volunteer Orientation.
Saturday, May 17, 11:00am - 12:00 noon
Location: Rio Grande Zoo, Colores Building 
Volunteering at the Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden and Tingley Beach is a great way to meet new people, learn about the natural environment and spend time making a difference! Chances are, we’ve got the perfect job for you!
Teens (at least 14 years old) and adults who would like to volunteer for the summer at the BioPark should attend this orientation. We will share information about the various positions available during the summer months. There is no admission charge for the orientation. For more information, please call (505) 764-6245.
Insect Volunteer Training at the Botanic Garden.
Cancelled
This programs trains volunteers to teach about insects. This training, originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, has been cancelled. If you would like more information about this volunteer job or the next training day, please call (505) 764-6245.
Horticulture Volunteer Orientation.
Wednesday, May 21, 9:30am to 12:00pm
Location: Aquarium/Garden Education. 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.
Touchpool Volunteer Training at the Aquarium.
Saturday, May 31, 9:30am - 3:30pm
Location: Aquarium/Garden Education Building. Touchpool volunteers assist with the hands-on invertebrate Touchpool at the aquarium and introduce visitors to horseshoe crabs, horse conchs, sea urchins and other fascinating marine animals. Open to volunteers ages 18 and older. For more information, please call (505) 764-6245.