With the rain outside, indoor exhibitors recieved abundant attention.

Rain Couldn’t Wash Away Visitors’ Enthusiasm

                        The Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge hosted its 8^th annual open house on October 15th, 2005. The yearly event is presented in partnership with the neighboring village of La Joya. Members of the Village’s Community Association provide hot New Mexican food for the open house as well as volunteering in many other capacities including handling the tour reservations, directing traffic and driving shuttle vans.

The 2005 open house offered 8 guided tours including the perennial favorites the day-long birding hike to Pinyon Canyon and four wheel drive geology field trip. Two lectures, including an update on the Mexican gray wolf reintroduction program, were well attended. Exhibits from a broad range of conservation organizations including the National Park Service, Defenders of Wildlife and local wildlife rehabilitators, were on hand.

Despite cool temperatures and constant rain most tours were filled including a day-long backcoutry hike. Exhibits and lectures were also well attended. Total participation for the event was approximately 250 people.