Albuquerque Biological Park Calendar of Events
June 2009 |
Featured Events
- BioPark Nature Guide Training - June 1 & 2
- Conservation Camp Counselor Orientation - June 3
- Brown Bag Lecture at Zoo - June 4 & 6
- Summer Nights Concert - June 4
- Touchpool Training - June 5
- Fishing Derby and Pancake Breakfast with 94 Rock - June 5
- Zoo Music Concert - June 5
- New Mexico Free Fishing Day - June 6
- Free Fishing Clinic - June 6
- Roar and Snore - June 6/7
- World Ocean Day - June 7
- Camp BioPark - Starts June 8
- Twilight Tour at Zoo - June 9
- Summer Nights Concert - June 11
- Zoo Music Concert - June 12
- Summer Discovery Day at Zoo - June 13
- National Get Outdoors Day at Tingley Beach - June 13
- Muddy River String Band Plays at Heritage Farm - June 13
- Bosque Moonlight Hike -June 16
- Horticulture Volunteer Orientation - June 17
- Aquarium-Botanic Garden Greeter Training - June 18
- Summer Nights Concert - June 18
- Zoo Music Concert - June 19
- Summer Discovery Day at Aquarium - June 20
- Father's Day Fiesta at Zoo - June 21
- Botanic Garden Night Walk- June 23
- Zoo Greeter Training - June 25
- Summer Nights Concert - June 25
- BioPark Nature Guide Training - June 26
- Zoo Music Concert - June 27
- Summer Discovery Day at the Garden - June 27
- Pollinator Celebration at Botanic Garden - June 27
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BioPark Nature Guide Training
Monday & Tuesday , June 1 & 2, 9:30am-3:30pm
Location to be announced.
Shark teeth and skin, porcupine quills and secret plant smells are just a few of the interesting items used to excite visitors about nature in the discovery areas at the Zoo, Aquarium and Botanic Garden. These stations are staffed by teens ages 14 and older and overseen by adult team captains.
Attend the two-day class on June 2 and 3 to begin volunteering at the start of the summer season. (The class on June 27 is a one-day accelerated course for volunteers who will not be available until later in the season.) For more information, please call (505) 764-6245.
Conservation Camp Counselor Orientation
Wednesday, June 4, 9:30am-12:00pm
Location to be announced.
Each teen Conservation Camp Counselor volunteer is paired with a lead teacher to assist with Camp BioPark classes at the Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden or Tingley Beach. Teens who are age 16 or older, love nature and children and are able to commit to at least two full weeks of the summer will love this job!
For more information, please call (505) 764-6245.
River Otter Brown Bag Lecture at the Zoo
Thursday, June 4 and Saturday, June 6, 12:45pm-1:30pm
River otters photo by Dmitry Azovtsev
Topic: River Otter Reintroduction in New Mexico
Speaker: James N. Stuart, Non-Game Mammal Specialist, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
Once common in several river systems throughout the state, northern river otter (Lontra canadensis) populations declined due to habitat degradation and unregulated trapping. The species was extirpated from the state in the early 1950s.
NM Game and Fish, in cooperation with many organizations, has been working to reintroduce otters in the upper Rio Grande and the Gila River. In late 2008, ten otters were brought from Washington State and released at Taos Pueblo. Jim will discuss the otter release, post-release monitoring efforts, the challenges of restoring this species, plans for more reintroductions in 2009 and the developmental stages of the Gila River reintroduction.
This series of informal, lunchtime lectures presents the science of conservation. Topics include plant and animal themes relevant to the BioPark, and presenters may be BioPark staff or field experts.
Brown Bag lectures take place twice a month (on a Thursday and a Saturday), alternating between the Aquarium/Garden and the Zoo locations. Lectures at the Zoo are included with regular admission. There is no fee to attend the lectures at the Aquarium/Garden. Call (505) 848-7180 for more information.
Summer Nights Concert Series
Thursdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25
Summer Nights musical concerts feature local and regional talent in the beautiful setting of the Botanic Garden every Thursday evening in June and July.
2009 Summer Nights Performers
Date |
Performer |
Genre |
|---|---|---|
| June 4 | Sweet Sunny South | Old-time Country |
| June 11 | Slaid Cleaves | Country/Rockabilly |
| June 18 | Incendio | Latin Guitar World Fusion |
| June 25 | Wagogo | World Music |
Gates open: 6:00pm
Both the Aquarium and Garden are open from 6:00-9:00pm. The Heritage Farm is open 6:00-8:00pm. Enjoy yoga in the Japanese Garden from 6:00-6:50. The PNM Butterfly Pavilion is not open for Summer Nights concerts.
Concert: 7:00-9:00pm
Ticket prices: $8 for adults, $4 for seniors (65+), $2 for children (3-12). Children 2 and younger admitted free. Tickets for New Mexico BioPark Society 
members are half-off regular prices.
Seating: General lawn seating. Bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Purchase tickets: Online or from any Botanic Garden cashier, in advance or on the night of the concert. No telephone orders taken. Buy tickets online now.
Food: Purchase from vendors or bring in your own.
Beer and Wine: Available to purchase on-site. You may not bring in your own.
Touchpool Training
Friday, June 5, 9:30am-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.
Fishing Derby & Pancake Breakfast with the 94 Rock Morning Show
Friday, June 5, 6:00-10:00am
Join us at Tingley Beach for fishing, pancakes, rockin' music and lots of prizes. This special fundraising event benefits the NM BioPark Society , supporting the ABQ BioPark’s Rio Grande Zoo, Botanic Garden, Albuquerque Aquarium and Tingley Beach.
- Pancake Breakfast: $5
- Fishing Derby: $5 for adults and $2 for children (12 & under)
Adults must have an NM Fishing License. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Pancake Breakfast & Fishing Derby Adult Combo Pass: $8
- Lesson with fly-fishing guru Bob Gerding: $5
Purchase a BioPark Society Family Membership (benefits 2 adults/4 children or 3 adults/2 children) at the event and you’ll also get:
- 1 Best of the 94 Rock Morning Show, Volume II CD
- 4 tickets for Zoo Music
- 4 tickets for Summer Nights
That’s a $153 value for only $79!
Enter the Fishing Derby for your chance to win over $500 in prizes:
- $50 Elephant Bar Restaurant certificate
- Quantum Optix 30 Reel from Quality Baits
- $25 Bravo! Cucino Italiana restaurant certificate
- Zebco 33 Reel / Rod Combo from Sportsman’s Warehouse
- Garduno's Restaurant & Cantina lunch or dinner for 2
- Quantum Snapshot SS1 Fishing Reel, donated by Ron and Sharon Berlint
- $25 Rain Tunnel Car Spa gift card
- 1 year Explora Museum Family Membership
- Shimano TX2000 Fishing Reel, donated Ron and Sharon Berlint
- $15 Church Street Café certificate
- Fishing Vest (XL – Tan) from Sportsman’s Warehouse
- $20 Pei Wei Asian Diner gift card
- Telescope Rod from Sportsman’s Warehouse
- 1 month YMCA Family Membership & Gym Bag
- Eagle Claw Gold Eagle II Spinning Reel from Quality Baits
Register to win San Juan Fishing Getaway worth over $400! Getaway includes a full day float or wade trip on the San Juan with Blue Sky Fly Fishing Company and an overnight stay. Must be present to win.
And that's not all! The BioPark Society is hosting an on-line auction where you can bid on these items until 10:00am Friday, June 5, when bidding closes:
- $1,000 Camping World Gift Certificate (Minimum Bid: $450)
- Fisherman’s Package: Pflueger Flyrod / Real Starter Kit, Zebco 33 Reel / Rod Combo, Tackle Box with Tackle, Fishing Vest (XL), Pucci 6” Fillet Knife from Sportsman’s Warehouse and a Stansport 3 person dome Tent and (2) Apex folding Chairs from Los Pinos Fly & Tackle Shop. ($215 Value. Minimum Bid: $100)
- Dinner and a Show! 2 tickets to see Ron White, blue collar comedian, on June 2nd at Buffalo Thunder Resort and dinner for (2) at Andiamo! Restaurant in Santa Fe ($195 Value. Minimum Bid: $100)
- 1 night, double occupancy stay at the historic Strater Hotel in Durango ($120 Value. Minimum Bid: $70)
- Acoma Training Center 8-week puppy or novice dog obedience training program ($75 Value. Minimum Bid: $35)
Zoo Music Concert Series
Fridays, June 5, 12, 19, 26
Zoo Music showcases regional, national and international talent playing a variety of music, including country Latin rock, Afro-Cuban, Celtic, bluegrass, Cajun and pop-rock.
2009 Zoo Music Performers
Date |
Performer |
Genre |
|---|---|---|
| June 5 | The Belleville Outfit | Gypsy Jazz Music |
| June 12 | Enter the Haggis | Celtic Rock |
| June 19 | Feufollet | Cajun Music |
| June 26 | Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers | Rock/Country |
Gates open: 6:00 pm
Concert: 7:00-9:00 pm
Animal Exhibits open: until 8:00pm
Ticket prices: $8 for adults, $4 for seniors (65+), $2 for children (3-12). Children 2 and younger admitted free. Tickets for New Mexico BioPark Society members are half-off regular prices.
Seating: General lawn seating. Bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Purchase tickets: Online or from any Zoo cashier. May be purchased in advance or the night of the concert. No telephone orders taken. Buy tickets online now.
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 Mexico Free Fishing Day
Saturday, June 6, Sunrise to Sunset
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, June 6!
Check here later this spring to learn about the activities planned for Free Fishing Day.
Free Fishing Clinic
Saturday, June 6, 10:00am-12:00pm
Visit the event tent at Tingley Beach to learn more about fly-fishing and fly-tying, fishing etiquette, catch & release practices, and how to “catch the big one”. Tingley Beach Fishing Guides will be on-hand to teach and share fishing tips. Equipment and supplies are available for use during the clinic free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Participants are welcome to bring their own gear as well. In addition, Tingley Outfitters provides basic equipment for purchase inside the Tingley Train Station.
Download a flyer about the 2009 Free Fishing Clinics 
Roar and Snore
Saturday-Sunday, June 6-7, 6:30pm-9:00am
This will be the 5th annual “Roar and Snore” Girl Scout night at the Rio Grande Zoo! Girls will pitch a tent in the grassy area and enjoy the night sounds of the animals around them. Girls will learn about conservation efforts in place throughout the animal kingdom. Girls will have time to explore the Zoo and earn the Roar and Snore patch. The evening entertainment will be a Girl Scout sing along and skits. Sunday morning ends with a friendship circle around the park.
The $30 fee includes evening snack, breakfast and patch. A portion of the fee benefits the New Mexico BioPark Society. Sign up for this event early since only 1000 can attend. To register, complete the Troop or Individual registration form and return to the Girl Scout Program/Service Center of Albuquerque.
Girl scouts can get the registration form from their Troop Leader or by calling the Girl Scouts of Chaparral Council at 343-1040.
World Ocean Day
Sunday, June 7 , 12:00pm-4:00pm
Whether you live along the coast or far inland, each one of us is connected to the world's ocean. Created in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, World Ocean Day is an opportunity each year to celebrate our world ocean and our personal connection to the sea.
Come to the Aquarium to discover the wealth of diverse and beautiful ocean creatures and habitats, how our daily actions affect them and how we are all interconnected. Call (505) 848-7180 for more information.
To download a handy wallet card listing good seafood choices, go to the Seafood Watch Site 
.
Camp BioPark begins at all BioPark facilities.
Monday, June 8
Calling all nature-loving kids! Camp BioPark is designed to inspire children's awareness of nature and the plants and animals that make each habitat unique. We strive to teach science in an engaging atmosphere through active, hands-on activities.
Learn more about Camp BioPark.
Pre-registration is required and class sizes are limited. Registration begins on Monday, March 2 and continues until all classes are full.
Twilight Tour of the Zoo
Tuesday, June 9, 6:30-8:30 pm
Cost: $10 adults, $6 youth (ages 3-12) and seniors (65 and older). All ages welcome.
Experience the sights and sounds of the Zoo at twilight! After dinner at home, observe interesting animal behavior while taking a tour of the Zoo in a small group led by your personal guide. (Please note that not all animals are out at night.) Tours start promptly at 6:30pm and will occur rain or shine. Meet at the front of the zoo.
Limited space available. Pre-registration is required. Call (505) 764-6214 for more information or to register.
Summer Discovery Day at the Zoo Featuring Asian Elephants
Saturday, June 13, 10:00am-2:00pm
Visit Discovery Stations throughout the Zoo to learn about the amazing wildlife from the continent of Asia. Our featured species of the day is the Asian elephant. Visit the elephant exhibit to learn all about these endangered animals and what zoos are doing to help ensure their survival. At 1:30pm, meet the Zoo’s elephant experts and watch the elephants exercise in their yard.
Asia is also home to other amazing species, such as the elusive red panda, the powerful snow leopard, the world’s biggest lizard – the Komodo dragon--and the beautiful wrinkled hornbill. These animals and more can all be found at the Rio Grande Zoo, and educators will be present to teach you about them. All activities are included with regular admission. For more information, please call (505)764-6214.
What are Summer Discovery Days? On select Saturdays and Sundays this summer, visit the Zoo, Aquarium or Botanic Garden to learn more about the plants and animals on exhibit. Each day has a different theme, so you can keep on learning all summer long!
Zoo Discovery Days: June 13 & July 12
Aquarium Discovery Days: June 20 & July 26
Botanic Garden Discovery Days: June 27 & July 18
National Get Outdoors Day at Tingley Beach
Saturday, June 13, 10:00am-2:00pm
Need a good excuse to play outside? Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day at Tingley Beach on Saturday, June 13th!
National Get Outdoors Day will feature a climbing wall, GPS/Orienteering, a fishing clinic, Junior Ranger programs, guided bosque hikes and much more. You can even win an on-site drawing for outdoor-themed prizes.
This is free, outdoor fun for the whole family!
Download a poster for National Get Outdoors Day.
This event is a partnership between the City of Albuquerque's BioPark and the following groups:
- City of Albuquerque's Open Space Division
- New Mexico Game & Fish
- New Mexico State Parks
- U.S. Forest Service
- National Wildlife Federation
- National Park Service
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Public Lands Interpretive Association
- Bureau of Land Management's National System of Public Lands
Muddy River String Band plays at Heritage Farm
Saturday, June 13, 11:00am-1:00pm
The Muddy River String Band is an Albuquerque-based band that plays an eclectic mix of Americana. They are the winners of the Southwest Traditional and Bluegrass Music Association’s 2008 Santa Fe Festival Bluegrass Band Competition.
"From folk to blues, bluegrass to old-time, we play what we like. Our unusual instrumentation includes the hammered dulcimer and the 'cello. Our music is bright and energetic, with the occasional moody tune. We have lots of fun playing, and we want you to have a fun time too!"
Bosque Moonlight Hike
Tuesday, June 16, 7:00-8:30 pm
Cost: $6 adults, $4 youth (ages 3-12) and seniors (65 and older).
All ages welcome.
Discover the active night life of the bosque on this guided tour. You’ll travel to the bosque wetlands to look for bats, hoot for owls and search for other nocturnal animals. Bring your flashlight and your sense of adventures as we hike through the woods. Tour begins at the Tingley Beach train station.
Limited space available. Pre-registration is required. Call (505) 848-7180 for more information or to register.
Horticulture Volunteer Orientation
Wednesday, June 17, 9:30am-12:00 noon
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/Botanic Garden Greeter Training
Thursday, June 18, 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.
Summer Discovery Day at the Aquarium
Saturday, June 20, 10:00am-2:00pm
Learn more about the ocean and its inhabitants as you visit special summer Discovery Stations around the Aquarium. For more information, please call (505) 848-7180.
What are Summer Discovery Days? On select Saturdays and Sundays this summer, visit the Zoo, Aquarium or Botanic Garden to learn more about the plants and animals on exhibit. Each day has a different theme, so you can keep on learning all summer long!
Zoo Discovery Days: June 13 & July 12
Aquarium Discovery Days: June 20 & July 26
Botanic Garden Discovery Days: June 27 & July 18
Father's Day Fiesta at the Zoo
Sunday, June 21, 1:00-5:00pm
Bring Dad to listen to some great Latin music, including La Pura Sabrozura, and have a wild time! There will be exhibits by local businesses and prize giveaways. The Father's Day event is included with regular admission.
 |
|---|
Chacho |
| Time | Performer |
|---|---|
| 1:15 PM | Chacho (Ballads/Contemporary) |
| 1:15 -2:15 | Nuevo Sonido and Antonio Reyna (Mariachi) |
| 2:30-3:15 | La Identidad de Durango (Pasito Duranguense) |
| 3:30-5:00 | La Pura Sabrozura (Cumbia) |
 |
|---|
La Identidad de Durango |
 |
|---|
Antonio Reyna |
 |
|---|
La Pura Sabrozura |
The Father's Day Fiesta is co-sponsored by:
Botanic Garden Night Walk
Tuesday, June 23, 7:30-9:00 pm
Cost: $6 adults, $4 youth (ages 3-12) and seniors (65 and older). All ages welcome.
Explore the Garden under the light of the moon! Bring your family and explore the wonders of nightfall as you walk on a guided tour through the Garden in search of night-blooming plants, nocturnal animals and night pollinators.
Limited space available. Pre-registration is required. Call (505) 848-7180 for more information or to register.
Zoo Greeter Training
Thursday, June 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.
BioPark Nature Guide Training - Second Training
Friday, June 26, 9:30am-3:30pm
Shark teeth and skin, porcupine quills and secret plant smells are just a few of the interesting items used to excite visitors about nature in the discovery areas at the Zoo, Aquarium and Botanic Garden. These stations are staffed by teens ages 14 and older and overseen by adult team captains.
This class is a one-day accelerated course for volunteers who were not available for the first training at the beginning of the summer. For more information, please call (505) 764-6245.
Summer Discovery Day at the Botanic Garden
Saturday, June 27, 10:00 - 2:00pm
Learn more about gardening, plants and horticulture as you visit special summer Discovery Stations around the Garden. For more information, please call (505) 848-7180.
What are Summer Discovery Days? On select Saturdays and Sundays this summer, visit the Zoo, Aquarium or Botanic Garden to learn more about the plants and animals on exhibit. Each day has a different theme, so you can keep on learning all summer long!
Discover more!
Zoo Summer Discovery Day - June 12
Aquarium Summer Discovery Day - June 20
Pollinator Celebration at Botanic Garden
Saturday, June 27, 10:00am-2:00pm
Did you know that almost 90% of flowering plants depend on animals for pollination? There are about 200,000 species of animals which act as pollinators.
Visit the Rio Grande Botanic Garden to learn about the fascinating jobs of bees, birds, bats, beetles, butterflies and other important pollinators. You’ll also learn how to attract pollinators to your own garden and discover the connection between your food and pollinators from around the world.
Special activities for children will take place under the garden tent. For more information, please call (505) 848-7180.