Albuquerque Biological Park Calendar of Events
March 2008 |
Featured Activities
- Brown Bag Lecture about Amphibians at the Zoo - March 1 & 6
- Tingley Beach Fishing Guide Training - March 4
- Registration Begins for Summer Programs! - March 3
- Bulbs in Bloom Show in the Mediterranean Conservatory - All Month!
- BioPark Beginnings Spring Sessions - March 5, 12, 19
- FREE Fishing Derby at Tingley Beach - March 8
- FREE Fishing Clinic at Tingley Beach - March 8
- Bulbs in Bloom Show at the Botanic Garden - March 8
- Zoo Greeter Training - March 12
- Buckboard Rides at the Heritage Farm - March 13 startup
- Aquarium Narrator Training - March 13 & 14
- Aquarium/Botanic Garden Greeter Training - March 18
- Horticulture Volunteer Orientation - March 19
- Aquarium Overnight - March 21/22
- Easter Enrichment Activities at the Zoo - March 23
- 2008 Spring Break Sessions at the Albuquerque BioPark - March 25 - 28
- Sailboat Race at Tingley Beach - March 29
January February April May June July August September October November December
Brown Bag Lecture about Amphibians at the Zoo:
Saturday, March 1 and Thursday, March 6, 12:45 - 1:30pm
Topic: Amphibian Decline and Conservation
Lecturer: Allyson Zahm, Acting BioPark Education Curator
Over the past 20 years, amphibian populations have declined at an alarming rate, prompting some scientists to suspect the world may be facing the greatest mass extinction since the dinosaurs. The most severe threat to amphibians is habitat loss, but in some cases, populations in seemingly pristine habitats have been lost. This presentation will discuss the threats to amphibians including loss of habitat and such factors as chemical contaminants, disease, introduced species, climate change and over-exploitation. What can be done to mitigate these threats? Habitat protection, research and captive breeding are a few of the answers, and individual citizens can also take action to contribute to the conservation of amphibians.
Brown Bag lectures take place twice a month (on a Thursday and a Saturday), alternating between the Aquarium/Garden and the Zoo locations. The March lecture will take place in the Zoo Education Barn, 903 Tenth St. SW. Zoo Brown Bag Lectures are included with regular admission ($7 adults; $3 seniors and children). Call (505) 764-6245 for more information.
Tingley Beach Fishing Guide Volunteer Training
Tuesday, March 4, 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. Must be at least 18 years old. For more information, please call (505) 764-6245.
BioPark Beginnings Spring Sessions.
Wednesdays, March 5 & 19 at the Aquarium/Garden
Wednesdays, March 12 and April 2 at the Zoo.
Preschool children and one accompanying adult will explore the amazing world of animals and plants at the BioPark's Rio Grande Zoo, Albuquerque Aquarium and Rio Grande Botanic Garden! Join us as we play games, create fun works of art, sing songs and, of course, visit the BioPark's exhibits. Find out what animals swim in the sea, get a taste of farm life and discover Australia's amazing animals. Activities are designed for ages 3-6 and are facilitated with active parent participation. Classes alternate weekly between the Aquarium/Garden and Zoo.
Cost: $120 for entire winter session. Cost includes one child and one adult. Up to two additional children are $60 each. Group size is limited. Pre-registration is required and participation is reserved ONLY after payment is received. To register, call Education at (505) 848-7180, then mail completed registration form to BioPark Education, 2601 Central Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104. No refunds available.
At the Aquarium/Garden
Wednesdays - March 5 & 19.
At the Zoo
Wednesdays - March 12; April 2.
Registration Begins for Summer Programs!
Wednesday, March 3
Give your kids a unique summer experience by registering them for one of our fun, educational BioPark day camps. Programs are geared to different age groups and offer in-depth exploration of the zoo, aquarium, garden or the bosque behind Tingley Beach. Click here for program descriptions, schedule, fees and how to register.
Fishing Derby at Tingley Beach
Saturday, March 8, 7:30am - 4:00pm
On Saturday, March 8, 2008, from 7:30am – 4:00pm, fishing enthusiasts are invited to participate in the Tingley Beach Annual Free Fishing Derby, which is supported by the Albuquerque Biological Park and the City's Parks and Recreation Department. The event will take place at the Tingley Beach Central Pond and is open to all ages. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish will stock 5,000 rainbow trout in time for the Derby. A portion of the trout will be tagged for Derby prizes.
The entire tagged fish caught on March 8th between 7:30AM and 4:00PM can be presented to the Parks and Recreation event tent near the Train Station to claim a prize. To receive a prize, tagged fish must be caught during Derby times. A New Mexico fishing license is required for participants 12 years old and older. Tingley Outfitters provides basic fishing equipment and NM fishing licenses for purchase inside the Train Station. Food and drinks, provided by the Tingley Café, will be available for purchase in an event tent. No fee or advanced registration are required.
Click here to read about the 2008 derby results!
FREE Fishing Clinic at Tingley Beach.
Saturday, March 8, 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.
Bulbs in Bloom Show at the Botanic Garden.
Saturday, March 8 through Monday, March 31, 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Jump-start your spring fever this month and check out the Mediterranean Conservatory at the Botanic Garden for the spring Bulbs in Bloom show. The pathways are lined with purple hyacinths, pink tulips, lavender muscari, yellow daffodils and white Easter and calla lilies. The vibrant colors of these bulbs complement the flowering red bottlebrush and orange Clivia miniata, native to Mediterranean climates. The Bulbs in Bloom show runs through the end of March and is included with general admission.
Zoo Greeter Training.
Thursday, March 12, 9:30am to 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 Narrator Training
Thursday & Friday, March 13 & 14, 9:30am - 3:30pm
Check back for more information about this program or call (505) 848-7180.
Aquarium/Garden Greeter Training.
Tuesday, March 18, 9:30am to 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.
Horticulture Volunteer Orientation at the Botanic Garden
Wednesday, March 19, 9:30am - 12:00pm
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.
Aquarium Overnight.
Friday, March 21, 7:00pm through Saturday, March 22 at 8:00am
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).
Easter Enrichment Activities at the Zoo.
Sunday, March 23, 9:00am-5:00pm
Bring the family to watch the elephants, primates and carnivores (including cats) enjoy some extra-special enrichment activities. Enrichment items will include papier-mâché items, hand-made toys and edible goodies like cereal baskets, gelatin molds, hard-boiled eggs and lots of different fruits—all specially prepared by zookeepers. The animals absolutely ‘eat it up,’ and zookeepers understand the value of their extra effort in preparing the treats.
“Enrichment projects are designed to offer activities, edibles and new and unusual items that zoo animals don’t encounter on a daily basis. Enrichment helps break the routine, stimulates natural behaviors and encourages mental activity,” said Assistant Curator Lynn Tupa.
Enrichment activities are included with general admission.
2008 Spring Break Sessions at the Albuquerque BioPark.
March 25 - 28, 10:00am to 3:30pm
Spring Break Camps for children ages 9 - 11 give your child an experience to remember! Get up close and personal with the BioPark's animals and plants, play games, hear stories and more. Descriptions of each class are below.
Classes are $15 per child or $50 for all four camps. Register by calling (505) 764-6214. Classes will take place rain or shine, so make sure your child is dressed appropriately, brings a sack lunch and water bottle and arrives by 9:45 am.
Spring Wildlife Safari at the Rio Grande Zoo. Tuesday, March 25, 10:00am to 3:30 pm
Go on a safari without leaving Albuquerque! Join us for tours, games, activities in a fun-filled day where you will learn about wildlife and endangered species in New Mexico and around the world. Watch sea lions dive, listen to elephants rumble and search for camouflaged critters. You'll be personally introduced to education animals, receive a Zoo Safari journal and create animal art. Girl Scouts can earn their Wildlife badge with this program.
Spring Water Journey at the Aquarium. Wednesday, March 26, 10:00am to 3:30pm
Dive on in for this action-packed adventure as you follow the course of the Rio Grande from Colorado to the sea. Youll search for mysterious creatures and then tour the aquarium to learn about amazing ocean animals. You'll get up close and personal with tidepool creatures and hear Captain Lucky's tales of the sea. Girl Scouts can earn their Water Wonders badge with this program.
Spring Green Connection at the Garden, Thursday, March 27, 10:00am to 3:30pm
Uncover the fascinating world of plants from tiny seeds to towering trees. Find out how plants support the web of life on earth and listen as Professor Botanica reveals their wondrous uses. See how gardeners make living sculptures, visit the animals at Heritage Farm, and discover how "bugs" can be heroes or villains of a garden. You'll create your own nature mosaic and plant a seed to take home and grow. Girl Scouts can earn their Plant and Animals badge with this program.
Spring Outdoor Adventure at the Tingley Beach, Friday, March 28, 10:00am to 3:30pm
What do cottonwoods, catfish and coyotes have in common? They are all part of the amazing world in and around the Rio Grande. This brand-new camp takes you on an exciting trek through the bosque to experience nature at the heart of the city. Be a detective as you gather clues about the forest, discover ways that plants and animals survive in the bosque, play nature games and learn what you can do to help keep Earth healthy and beautiful. Girl Scouts can earn their Earth Connections badge with this program.
Sailboat Race at Tingley Beach.
Saturday, March 29, 1:00-3:30pm
Bring your model sailboat and sail at Tingley Beach this Saturday! The Duke City Model Yacht Club (DCMYC) is hosting this sailboat races for all ages. Trophies will be awarded for winning boats. All boats are welcome to race, but participants must be members of DCMYC to win a trophy.
DCMYC is not affiliated with the City of Albuquerque. For more information about the club, please call Steve Bailey at (505) 977-5903.