Upcoming Events
All events are FREE, open to the public, and take place at Valle de Oro's visitor center
unless noted otherwise. All times are in Mountain Time. Check websites and
our Facebook/Instagram pages for more information.
- The visitor center will be OPEN on Thursday June 19th.
-Fri. Jun 20- Solstice Weed Warriors Volunteer Project
Give back to the Earth this summer solstice and spend a couple of hours on this longest day of the year helping refuge staff remove invasive plants to make more room for native species. Send an email to [email protected] to register. 7:30 am to 9:30 am
The Visitor Center will be CLOSED on Friday July 4th.
-Sat. July 5 Star Party
In partnership with The Albuquerque Astronomical Society, join us to look at the stars, identify the constellations and learn more about dark skies. 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm
-Thu. July 10 Summer Afternoon Interpretive Plant Walk
Join Ranger Dakota for a slow walk around the visitor center grounds to learn about the magic of our local desert flora. 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
-Sat. July 12 Weaving Workshop
Learn about weaving mats and wall hangings using organic materials found on the refuge. All supplies and refreshments will be provided. Recommended for ages 7+. Please register by emailing [email protected] 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
-Sat. July 26 Backyard Habitat Chat & Certification Party
Learn about building a backyard refuge in a space of any size! Join our partners for talks, walks, demonstrations, activities for kids, and take home free seeds and plants! 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
-Tues. July 29 Weed Warriors Morning Work Party
Spend the morning helping us manage invasive plant growth at the visitor center. RSVP by emailing Ranger Dakota at: [email protected] 8:00 am to 10:00 am
-Fri. August 1 Nature Tots
Children ages 3-6 with an adult are invited to explore nature with a refuge volunteer! 10:00 am to 11:30 am
-Thur. August 7 Community Update Open House
Come learn about all that is happening to transform Valle de Oro at this open house event. Free food will be provided by the Friends of Valle de Oro. 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
-Fri. August 8 Nature Kids
Children ages 7-10 with an adult are invited to explore nature with a refuge volunteer! 10:00 am to 11:30 am
-Fri. August 15 Summer Morning Interpretive Plant Walk
Join Ranger Dakota for a slow walk around the visitor center grounds to learn about the magic of our local desert flora. 8:00 am to 9:30 am
-Fri. August 22 Plant Appreciation Workshop
Come learn about and connect with native plants through observation and art with Ranger Dakota. Register by sending an email to: [email protected] 9:30 am to 11:30 am
-Sat. August 23 Backyard Habitat Chat & Certification Party
Learn about building a backyard refuge in a space of any size! Join our partners for talks, walks, demonstrations, activities for kids, and take home free seeds and plants! 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
-Fri. August 29 Weed Warriors Morning Work Party
Spend the morning helping us manage invasive plant growth at the visitor center. RSVP by emailing Ranger Dakota at: [email protected] 8:00 am to 10:00 am
-Thu. Sep 4 EcoExplorers
Join us for a free, four-week ecology class for ages 8鈥�11 at 10 a.m. Thursdays, Sept. 4鈥�25. Explore Valle de Oro鈥檚 wetlands, grasslands, and bosque through hands-on activities, walks, stories, and videos. Students will learn how these habitats support wildlife and why protecting them matters. Space is limited to 10 students. Registration required. Please email [email protected] 10:00 am to 11:30 am
-Fri. Sep 5 Nature Tots
Children ages 3-6 with an adult are invited to explore nature with a refuge volunteer! 10:00 am to 11:30 am
-Sat. Sep 6 BARK Rangers
Bring your furry friends to learn about our pet policies on the refuge and take the pledge to be apart of our BARK Ranger program. All dogs required to be on leash and non-reactive around others. 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
-Thu. Sep 11 EcoExplorers: Session 2
Children ages 8-11 are invited to learn about and explore the various habitats at Valle de Oro in session 2 of a 4 part Ecology program. Please email [email protected] to register. 10:00 am to 11:30 am
-Fri. Sep 12 Nature Kids
Children ages 7-10 with an adult are invited to explore nature with a refuge volunteer! 10:00 am to 11:30 am
-Thu. Sep 18 EcoExplorers: Session 3
Children ages 8-11 are invited to learn about and explore the various habitats at Valle de Oro in session 3 of a 4 part Ecology program. Please email [email protected] to register. 10:00 am to 11:30 am
-Sat. Sep 20 Latino Conservation Week
Celebrate Latino Conservation Week with outdoor activities, crafts, games, and performances. 10:00 am to 1:30 pm
-Tues. Sep 23 Autumn Equinox Weed Warriors Volunteer Project
Give back to the Earth this Autumn equinox and spend a couple of hours helping refuge staff remove invasive plants to make more room for native species. Send an email to [email protected] to register. 8:00 am to 10:00 am
-Thu. Sep 25 EcoExplorers: Session 4
Children ages 8-11 are invited to learn about and explore the various habitats at Valle de Oro in the final session of a 4 part Ecology program. Please email [email protected] to register. 10:00 am to 11:30 am
-Fri. Sep 26 Intro to New Mexico Public Lands
September 27 is National Public Lands Day! Come learn about your 23 million acres of public lands here in New Mexico! Join Ranger Dakota for a talk about our state's amazingly diverse public lands and get some inspiration for your next adventure. 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
2025 Photo Contest
Valle de Oro NWR invites photographers of all ages & skill levels to enter the 2025 contest by submitting images that highlight the beauty of the refuge's wildlife, landscapes, and visitors. Winners will have their photo displayed in the Visitor Center. Email your submissions to [email protected] Deadline to enter is December 31st 2
-Electric Shuttle Rides at Valle de Oro
The electric shuttle service will resume on Saturday June 28. The open-air electric shuttle seats up to nine visitors and will operate on Fridays and Saturdays with regular departure times from the visitor center. The shuttle makes a stop at the west side of the refuge where you have the option to get off and explore trails in the Rio Grande bosque or stay on the shuttle to complete your tour of Valle de Oro NWR. Our shuttle service is entirely operated by a small team of volunteers, so the schedule is subject to change. Please check back at our website or social media accounts for updates on shuttle service availability, and call the front desk at 505-248-6667 to confirm that it will be running on the day of your visit.