Albuquerque Biological Park Calendar of Events
September 2008 |
Featured Events
- Senior Birding Club at Tingley Beach - September 3
- Brown Bag Lecture at the Zoo - September 4 and 6
- Tingley Beach Fishing Guide Training - September 5
- Heritage Farm Guide Training - September 11
- New Mexico BioPark Society's Annual Gala - September 13
- Free Fishing Clinic at Tingley Beach - September 13
- Horticulture Volunteer Orientation at the Garden - September 17
- Talk Like a Pirate Day at Tingley Beach - September 19
- Aquarium and Botanic Garden Greeter Training - September 23
- Mustard Pancakes Performance at the Garden - September 24
- Zoo Greeter Training - September 25
- Aquarium Overnight - September 26/27
- National Free Fishing Day at Tingley Beach - September 27
January February March April May June July August October November December
Senior Birding Club at Tingley Beach
Wednesday, September 3, 30 minutes past sunrise
Whether you are an expert birder or just want to learn more about our native birds, the Senior Birding Club is a great way to meet other bird enthusiasts and explore some wonderful avian habitats. Join the Senior Birding Club on the first Wednesday of each month. They meet at the Tingley Beach Train Station thirty minutes after sunrise. You'll visit the Tingley lakes and the adjacent bosque (forest) to identify and count birds, accompanied by the Tingley Beach Curator and BioPark volunteers.
No experience is needed. Wear weather-appropriate clothes and comfortable walking shoes. Bring your binoculars and a bird identification book. Paricipation is free of charge. For more information, please call (505) 248-8514.
Brown Bag Lecture at the Zoo.
Thursday, September 4 and Saturday, September 6. 12:45-1:30 pm
Topic: East Meets West: Comparisons of Cultural Attitudes Regarding Animals in Captivity
Presenter: Catalina Parker, Senior Zookeeper
From zoo populations, to livestock, to pets, societies across the globe place different values on animals in their care. Why might one species be more prominently exhibited at a zoo in one part of the world than another? Why are dogs not always popular pets? What animals are highly prized in one country but viewed as repulsive in another? Catalina has traveled to many corners of the earth, observing animals and visiting zoos and animal parks along the way. She will discuss her journeys and explore the diversity of ways in which animals are regarded by societies around the world.
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).
Tingley Beach Fishing Guide Training.
Friday, September 5, 9:30am to 3:30pm
Fishing Guides interact with anglers and other visitors at Tingley Beach, sharing information about the natural history of fish and proper fishing techniques. Fishing Guides may also assist with fishing clinics offered throughout the year. The training will start at Tingley Beach in the morning and reconvene after lunch at Aquarium-Garden Education. Must be at least 18 years old. For more information, please call (505) 764-6245
Heritage Farm Guide Training
Thursday, September 11, 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.
New Mexico BioPark Society's Annual Gala.
Saturday, September 13, 7:00 - 11:00pm
Mark your calendars for the BioPark Society's annual Gala. 
This fund raising event helps support your Rio Grande Zoo, Rio Grande Botanic Garden and Albuquerque Aquarium. This year's theme is Paradise Island, so tropical attire is suggested. The Gala will be held at the Albuquerque Aquarium and includes a live band, dancing, cocktails, silent auction, full dinner and chocolate fountain. Pay with credit card or check. After you make your reservation, the NMBPS will send you a confirmation letter that will serve as your tax receipt. Call (505) 764-6280 for information about the BioPark Society and how to become a member!
BioPark Society Paradise Island Gala Flyer 
For event tickets, V.I.P. tickets or Sponsorship package information, please call 505-764-6227.
Tickets: $100/person
*VIP Tickets: $150/person
*V.I.P. treatment includes: Access into the exclusive VIP Lounge with complimentary wine and hors d’ oeuvres until 8:30pm, 2 drink tokens, a coupon for a free event photo AND the unique experience where only a special few people have ever ventured….the top of the aquarium Shark Tank.
- Please note: The Aquarium will close early (at 4pm) on Saturday, September 13 for the Gala. The Shark Reef Café will close at 3pm.
FREE Fishing Clinic at Tingley Beach.
Saturday, September 13, 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, this FREE Fishing Clinic will be offered at Tingley Beach every month on the second Saturday. Instruction may include 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. Call 248-8514 for more information.
Horticulture Volunteer Training.
Wednesday, September 17, 9:30 to 12:00pm
Horticulture volunteers assist the BioPark horticulture staff with routine garden maintenance and special plant projects. Open to volunteers ages 16 and older. Please call (505) 764-6245 for more information. The training will take place the Aquarium/Garden Education, 2601 Central Ave. NW.
Talk Like a Pirate Day at Tingley Beach
Friday, September 19, 9:00am to 1:00pm
Start practicing right now for national Talk Like a Pirate Day at Tingley Beach. No kidding! There's certain to be stiff competition, but no booty, for the best pirate impersonator!
The Santa Fe Opera, in partnership with Albuquerque and Bernalillo County Libraries, has received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to participate in “The Big Read,” a national initiative designed to encourage communities to explore a single book through readings, discussions and events. The selected work is Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. As people around the world celebrate pirate speak, we’ll focus on Tom Sawyer’s adventures as a pirate when he, Huck Finn and Joe Harper ran away to Jackson’s Island.
Talk Like a Pirate Day activities will include a Parrot Discovery Station at the north end of the train station, model raft building at the Model Boat Pond and a Free Fishing Clinic on the Green. The Santa Fe Opera will present sword fighting demonstrations and pirate flag making, and the Georgia O'Keefe Museum will sponsor water color painting.
Aquarium and Garden Greeter Training
Tuesday, September 23, 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.
Mustard Pancakes Performance at Botanic Garden
Wednesday, September 24, 3:30pm-4:30pm
Mustard Pancakes , along with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums , presents SEE HOW THE GARDEN GROWS at the Rio Grande Botanic Garden on Wednesday, September 24 from 3:30-4:30pm. The performance includes
songs, puppets and stories!
Mustard Pancakes is a live action preschool series starring singer and songwriter, Courtney Campbell, and her furry and fun-loving family of three dogs and a cat.
Under Courtney’s thoughtful and tender
care and guidance, Oogleberry Ink Dog,
Tiny Tina Ten Toes, Mo and the lone cat,
Mr. D, together discover the world around
them. These engaging characters work
together to overcome day-to-day
challenges and support each others’
growth.
You might have seen Courtney and her lovable cast of animals on PBS. Their show, "Mustard Pancakes" started airing in 2005.
For more information, please call 768-2000.
Zoo Greeter Training
Thursday, September 25, 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, September 26, 7:00pm to 8:00am Saturday, September 27
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).
National Free Fishing Day at Tingley Beach
Saturday, September 27, dawn to dusk.
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, September 27! Call (505) 248-8514 for more information.