[Note: The Alamos Bog Wetlands Tour has been cancelled. Instead we will be participating in the following Wetlands Work.]
On August 15,16 & 17, join Los Amigos and the Albuquerque Wildlife Federation (AWF) as we work a long weekend doing protection of the rare Bog Birch found in Alamo Canyon on the West side of the Valles Caldera National Preserve. The AWF is the sponsor for this work party. Note: We can arrive no earlier than 3 PM on Friday. [Update: You may work one day or camp and work more days.]
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This from the AWF August newsletter: (Which can be found in it's original format HERE).
THE PLACE: The Valles Caldera National Preserve was a private ranch until 2000, when Congress created it from the “Baca Ranch” in New Mexico’s volcanic Jemez Mountain Range. This 89,000 acre property is studded with eruptive domes and features Redondo Peak (11,254 feet). Though open to the public, access to the preserve is strictly controlled. Coming on this project is a great opportunity to stay on the preserve without charge and see areas not generally available to the public.
THE PROJECT: This project will occur at a fascinating location — Alamo Bog! See the Earth shake under foot as you walk across the bog (Hydrosol). Smell the fumes of Purgatory (sulfur gas bubbling up through opal-colored acidic pools). See bears, elk, deer and wild turkey, maybe.
Alamo Bog is home to the rare Bog Birch. This is the species’ only known location in New Mexico. We will build three small exclosures to protect the largest patches, each with about 40 to 60 plants. The structures are to exclude elk, which have browsed the vegetation quite heavily.
EQUIPMENT: Wear sturdy boots/shoes and bring gloves, hats, and sunscreen, and appropriate gear for camping. Be prepared for rain. Knee-high wading boots will be useful, as this is a wet area. Bug repellant, rain gear (just in case) and jacket (it can get cold) are good ideas, too.
FOOD: AWF will supply snacks and drinks during the project day. Please bring food and water for the duration of your stay. Saturday breakfast has breakfast burretos supplied by Scial and NMWA. Snack and drinks are provided during the day. There will be a potluck meal on Saturday evening: AWF will grill burgers -bison and brats (veggie options also), so bring along an appetizer, side dish, or dessert to share.
TO SIGN UP: Glenda Muirhead at 281-2925 g.muirhead@usfamily.net
OR Gene Tatum at 255-1960 gtatum3@msn.com
DRIVING TIME: 2 hours north of ABQ; 2 hours west of Santa Fe
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This is going to be a rare opportunity to work in a part of the Preserve rarely seen by the public. Also unique to this work party is the opportunity to camp out under the stars on the Preserve. [Update] We will camp in the Alamos Canyon area near the work site. This is a fantastic turn of events and will make the experience that much more enjoyable for all of us. The map below is of the Southwest corner of the VCNP. You will be given direction on how to get through the gate after you RSVP. You can see Alamo Canyon on the map. It is in the upper center portion of the map, on the right hand (East) side of VC08.
Click on above image for larger copy.There are still some details being worked out but this is what we know at this point....
Participants will be able to drive to the camping/work area in their own vehicles. More details will be given to you when you signup & RSVP.
There are limited spots available for this opportunity and we expect them to fill quickly so make your RSVP as soon as you know you are interested inorder to secure a spot.
The Albuquerque Wildlife Federation (AWF) is handling the logistics and they will take the RSVPs and provide logistical details. When you RSVP, please make sure they know you are with Los Amigos, as they have set aside a limited number of spots for us on this work party.
Our primary contact with the AWF is Glenda Muirhead [505-281-2925] g.muirhead@usfamily.net. Call or email her to make your RSVP.
She is working with Gene Tatum [505-255-1960] gtatum3@msn.com, who can also help you if you don't hear back from Glenda first.
If you could let me (Greg Kendall) know that you RSVPed the AWF, that would help us keep count of Los Amigos participation. You can email me at: greg_kendall@yahoo.com.
This is a real opportunity not to be missed. I know I won't!
This is Los Amigos' first opportunity to participate in an environmental project and we look forward to getting our hands (and feet) dirty!
3 comments:
I've corrected an issue that Marie pointed out.
Please note that there is a great opportunity to do more Volunteer work staying overnight at the Valles Caldera as part of a Sierra Club program September 14-20.
The following link provides details:
Sierra Club
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