Albuquerque Biological Park Calendar of Events
August 2008 |
Featured Events
- Shark Week at the Aquarium - July 27-August 2
- One Wild Night at the Zoo - August 2
- Brown Bag Lecture at the Zoo - August 2 and 7
- Twilight Tour at the Zoo - August 5
- Senior Birding Club at Tingley Beach - August 6
- Aquarium Evening Lecture on Ecological Adaptations - August 6
- South by Southwest at Summer Nights - August 7
- Yoga at Summer Nights - August 7
- Fishing Clinic at Tingley Beach - August 9
- New Volunteer Orientation at Zoo - August 9
- Night Walk at the Garden - August 12 - SOLD OUT
- Aquarium Narrator Training - August 13 & 14
- Sustainable Seafood Festival at the Aquarium-Garden - August 14
- Bosque Moonlight Hike at Tingley Beach - August 19 - SOLD OUT
- Horticulture Volunteer Orientation - August 20
- Touchpool Volunteer Training - August 26
- Garden Railroader Training - August 28
January February March April May June July September October November December
Shark Week at the Aquarium.
Sunday, July 27 - Saturday, August 2, 10am - 2pm
What safer place is there to learn about sharks than an aquarium in land-locked New Mexico? All this week there will be Discovery Stations throughout the aquarium, and the Discovery Channel 
and Comcast will be on hand with give-aways, workbooks and prizes. How many teeth do sharks go through in a lifetime? Are some sharks vegetarians? Why don't the sharks in the aquarium eat all the other fish? Sink your teeth into the world of sharks and find out!
You are also invited to check out the Association of Zoos and Aquarium's Shark Week information page.
One Wild Night at the Zoo featuring Kathy Mattea.
Saturday, August 2, 4:00-10:00pm
Ten bands playing on seven different stages will create One Wild Night of music, dancing and fun! Gates open at 4:00pm and the party continues until 10:00pm.
Grammy-winning singer Kathy Mattea (Country/Folk) will play on the main band shell at 7:30pm. Well-known singer of 18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses, Where've You Been and Love at the Five & Dime, Mattea sings a wide variety of music from country to folk and bluegrass to gospel. She recently released her 17th album, Coal, a collection of songs paying tribute to her West Virginian family heritage in the region's coal mining culture. www.mattea.com
Other performers will include:
Wagogo |
5:45-7:15 pm |
World Fusion |
| Los Primos | 4:00 & 5:00 pm | Mariachi/Nuevo Mexico |
| Corinne West | 4:30 & 5:30 pm | Americana |
| Plaidgrass | 4:30 & 5:30 pm | Celtic Bluegrass |
| Don Conoscenti | 5:00 & 6:00 pm | Original Folk |
| Cliff Eberhardt | 4:00 & 6:00 pm | Original Folk/Blues |
| Caji & Salome | 4:00 & 5:00 pm | Acoustic Brazilian & World |
| Agalu | 4:30 & 6:00 pm | Traditional African Drumming & Dancing |
| Chris Dracup | 4:00 & 5:00 pm | Acoustic Blues |
- Download the One Wild Night Program
Gates open: 4:00 pm (The Zoo will close early at 3:00pm for One Wild Night.)
Event times: 4:00 - 10:00 pm - RAIN OR SHINE! Animal exhibits open until dusk.
Ticket prices: $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and older, and $5 for children 3-12 (children 2 and younger admitted free). No member discounts for this special event.
Seating: General lawn seating. Bring your own blankets and lawn chairs.
Capacity: About 4,500.
Purchase tickets: BEGINNING JULY 1, One Wild Night tickets may be purchased from any BioPark cashier (at the Zoo or at the Aquarium/Botanic Garden) every day from 9am until one-half hour before closing. No telephone orders.
You can now buy tickets online with your Visa or Mastercard! If you haven't purchased tickets online or have problems, please see Online Ticket Sales Assistance information.
Food: Purchase from vendors or bring in your own picnic.
Beer and Wine: Available to purchase on-site. You may not bring in your own.
For more information, please call (505) 848-7150.
Fly Fishing Brown Bag Lecture at Zoo.
Saturday, August 2 and Thursday, August 7, 12:45 - 1:30pm
Topic: Local Fly Fishing Adventures
Lecturers: Jerry Burton, fisheries biologist and professional fishing guide, and Rebecca Houtman, Curator of Tingley Beach.
Albuquerque might be dry, but we have wonderful fishing waters nearby. At the heart of Albuquerque near the Rio Grande, Tingley Beach offers anglers an urban fishing venue and a structured learning environment. Only an hour and a half away, you will find excellent fishing opportunities in the Jemez and Pecos watersheds.
Discover the best of local fly fishing adventures with two expert anglers, Jerry Burton and Rebecca Houtman. Burton is a retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Officer and fisheries biologist, who is a regular volunteer for NM Trout and a professional fishing guide. Houtman is the curator of Tingley Beach and manages the day-to-day operation of the fishing lakes there.
Their presentation will include an introduction to Tingley Beach and its fly fishing programs for everyone from beginner to expert. Then the focus broadens as Burton shares photos and first-hand descriptions of truly great New Mexican fishing destinations. Whether you have been fishing for decades or are just thinking of picking up a rod and reel, this Brown Bag seminar will provide inspiration for your next fishing adventure!
Join us at the Rio Grande Zoo in the Colores Education Building for the August lecture, which is included with general admission to the Zoo.
Since 1994, informal Brown Bag seminars have been offered on a monthly basis at the Albuquerque BioPark to BioPark visitors, employees and volunteers. 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 Lecture is held at the Rio Grande Zoo, it is included with general admission. When it is held at the Albuquerque Aquarium and Rio Grande Botanic Garden, admission is not required. For more information, call BioPark Education at 764-6245.
Twilight Tour at the Zoo.
Tuesday, August 5, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $10 adults, $6 children age 3 - 12 and seniors; all ages welcome.
Twilight is one of the best times to experience the sights and sounds of zoo animals in the summer. Observe interesting animal behavior while taking a small guided tour (not all animals are out at night). Meet in front of the zoo. Tours will take place rain or shine! Space is limited. Pre-registration is required: (505) 764-6214. Tour will start promptly at 6:30pm.
Senior Birding Club at Tingley Beach
Wednesday, August 6, 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.
Aquarium Evening Lecture on Ecological Adaptations
Wednesday, August 6, 7:00 to 9:00pm
Topic: Ecological Adaptations: Rio Grande to the Great Barrier Reef
Lecturer: Kim Scheerer, Education Coordinator for the Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program.
Water… fresh or salt, is the lifeblood of all ecosystems! Come and learn about the unique fishes, invertebrates and critters of aquatic ecosystems from our own river and across the globe. Although the organisms may differ, surprisingly many ecological adaptations and concepts stay the same. Discover what inhabits OUR fresh water river system, why murky coastal salt-marsh estuaries are so important and when did those coral reefs get all their vibrant colors!?!
Kim Scheerer holds a master’s degree in marine biology from James Cook University in Queensland, Australia. Her studies and career have taken her across the oceans with interests spanning the Great Barrier Reef, Caribbean islands, southeast US, the mid-west Great Lakes, California’s coast and now our own backyard of New Mexico.
Kim's energy and enthusiasm will make this lecture an exciting tour of the world's aquatic ecosystems--all without leaving dry land!
Aquarium Lectures take place in the Aquarium Theater, 2601 Central Ave NW. Admission is $5 for adults; $3 for seniors and children. Refreshments are included. Call 848-7180 for more information.
Summer Nights Concert Series.
Thursdays, August 7, 6:00 to 9:00pm
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.
Yoga at Summer Nights! As an added attraction before the concerts, enjoy yoga at the Japanese Garden Deck--Free! Join us before the Summer Nights Concerts beginning Thursday, July 10, 6:00-6:50 pm for "yoga for everyone"...bring your mat, or rent one there, and practice with Meta Hirschl, local yoga expert. You don't need any experience, just an open mind and your breath. We will practice standing poses, some gentle flow and mostly, we'll have fun connecting to ourselves and the beautiful Japanese garden. An auspicious way to begin your evening! Call 232-4717 with any questions.
The PNM Butterfly Pavilion is not open during Summer Nights concerts.
August 7 |
South by Southwest |
|
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.
New Volunteer Orientation at Zoo's Colores Education Building.
Saturday, August 9, 11:00am to 12:00pm
Become a volunteer at the Rio Grande Zoo or Albuquerque Aquarium. As a volunteer teacher you will introduce visitors to amazing animals and plants. You’ll help protect endangered species and the diversity of life as you teach about conservation. No experience required. Training takes place on ten Saturdays, August – December. For more information, call (505) 764-6245.
FREE Fishing Clinic at Tingley Beach.
Saturday, August 9, 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. 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.
Night Walk at the Garden.
Tuesday, August 12, 7:30 - 9:00pm
Cost: $6 adults, $4 children age 3 - 12 and seniors; all ages welcome.
SOLD OUT! Please check back next summer to join us for a Night Walk.
Explore the garden world of night blooming plants, nocturnal animals and night pollinators under the light of the moon. Bring your family and discover the wonders of nightfall as you walk on a guided tour. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required: (505) 848-7180.
Aquarium Narrator Training
Wednesday & Thursday, August 13 & 14, 9:30am - 3:30pm
Would you enjoy interacting with the public as an Aquarium Narrator? Anyone age 18 and older can interpret feeding and training sessions in the Aquarium for the public. The training will take place in the Aquarium/Garden Education building, 2601 Central Ave. NW. There is no fee for the training. Call (505) 848-7180 for more information or to sign up.
Sustainable Seafood and Green Living Festival at the Aquarium & Botanic Garden.
Thursday, August 14, 6:00 - 9:00pm.
The Sustainable Seafood and Green Living Festival will offer delectable samples of seafood caught or farm-raised in ways that promote healthy fish populations and a healthy environment. Guests will also be able to sample fresh, home-grown fruits and vegetables from the Heritage Farm at the Botanic Garden. Join us to eat great food, enjoy live music, and learn more about how living "green" can be simple and delicious!
Take in a film about ocean life, talk with local farmers and visit displays about sustainable agriculture, aquaculture, reducing waste, xeriscaping and more. Call 848-7176 for more information.
Click here for a list of recipes and this year's participants.
Tickets: $15 (no senior/child discounts)
You can buy tickets online with your Visa or Mastercard! If you haven't purchased tickets online or have problems, please see Online Ticket Sales Assistance information.
If you'd like to learn more about sustainable seafood, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers a wealth of information.
If you're considering planting a backyard garden or seeking locally-grown produce this year, take a look at the Sustainable Food Guide, a seasonal harvest chart for New Mexico.
Bosque Moonlight Hike at Tingley Beach.
Tuesday, August 19, 7:00 - 8:30pm
Cost: $6 adults; $4 children age 3 - 12 and seniors.
SOLD OUT! Please check back next summer to join us for a Moonlight Hike.
Discover the active night life of the bosque on this guided tour. You’ll travel to the new bosque marshes to look for bats, hoot for owls and search for other nocturnal animals. Bring your flashlight and your sense of adventure as we hike through the woods. Tour begins at the Tingley Beach train station. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. Call (505) 848-7180.
Horticulture Volunteer Orientation.
Wednesday, August 20, 9:30am 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. For more information, please call (505) 848-7180. The training will take place at Aquarium/Garden Education, 2601 Central Ave. NW.
Touchpool Volunteer Training.
Tuesday, August 26, 9:30am to 3:30pm
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. For more information, please call (505) 764-6245
Garden Railroader Training.
Thursday, August 28, 9:30am to 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.