* * * UPDATE * * *

The hike this Saturday has changed.  It will still be a very easy hike, but much more interesting that a stroll along the Rio Grade Levee.

Join Park Manager, John Sproul, this Saturday, March 13th  for a walk through Rio Bosque Wetlands Park in El Paso.  Learn about the ecological restoration work now in its 12th year at this 372-acre wildlife haven along the Rio Grande. Southwest Enviromental Center's Kevin Bixby will lead a short side trip to view the newly constructed Border Wall and explain its impacts on wildlife. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meeting time is 9:00am. Rating: Easy.

El Paso Marathon - UPDATE

Carol Brown competed in the El Paso Half Marathon and submitted the following report:

They announced that around 2100 people were participating in th El Paso Marathon-Half Marathon-and 5K race. I did the Half Marathon--13.1 miles--in around 3:02-3:03, beating my time last year  by 6-7 minutes. It was a nice overcast morning in the high fifties-low sixties.  A fun morning.

Very good, Carol.  Maybe the week long hiking expedition in Big Bend, and the El Paso Ridgewalkers' Marathon PLUS helped get you in shape for the El Paso Marathon.

Spring 2010 Back by Noon Outings

The good folks at the Southwest Enviroment Center has been hard at work putting together the Spring 2010 schedule of guided Back by Noon Saturday morning natural history outings. The new line up includes a mix of old and new, featuring more dates, new outings, and terrific guides. Please CLICK HERE for a copy of the Back By Noon hikes.

Backpacking

Carol is considering another backpacking trip for the end of March.  It should be an easy one to introduce newbies to the wonderful world of backpacking.  We have some loaner tents and backpacks available.  More news later for this event.

Hummingbird Live Video

Many of you have been watching the Hummingbird Web-Cam and have wondered where its from.  Its from Orange County California.  The owner of the web cam says they have had the web cam on this nest since 2007.  I will leave the video in place until the eggs hatch and the young birds fly away.  Enjoy!

Bataan Memorial Death March

The 21st Annual Bataan Memorial Death March will be held on March 21st. The Bataan Memorial Death March is a challenging march through the high desert terrain of   White Sands Missile Range, N.M., conducted in honor of the heroic service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II, sacrificing their freedom, health and, in many cases, their very lives.  There two route to choose from.  The GREEN route is 26.2 miles, and the BLUE route is 15.2 miles.

The Mexican Revolution - 100 Years Later

The sister cities of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez played a significant role in the Mexican Revolution that began on November 20, 1910. The sister cities were hosts to events instrumental in shaping the course of the revolution. This year, as part of the Centennial Celebration, many partner organizations will host public events special to the El Paso area as they relate to the Mexican Revolution. Download a brochure for a schedule of celebrations from January through May. The brochure is divided into sections including education, lectures, performances, and exhibits.

El Paso Community College Observatory

Mark your calendars and reserve March 25th to view the conjunction of Moon, Mars and Saturn.  This event is free and takes place from 8:00pm to 10:00pm.  Directions.  From I-10, take Hawkins Blvd, south to North Loop.  Turn left on North Loop, then turn left at the next traffic light and enter the El Paso Community College Campus.  At the intersection, turn right, and then park in the first parking lot on your left.  The observervatory is the dome near the white building.

More of these events will be held in April.

El Paso's Eye On The Sky

All Sky Cameras observe the night skies for meteors and their larger cousins, fireballs. Fireballs are of specific interest because they sometimes result in the fall of meteorites. By tracking these fireballs against the backdrop of stars captured by the cameras, we can accurately determine their trajectories in three dimensions, and thus where meteorites may have fallen.  The  El Paso All Sky Camera Meteor Detection Network is a newly constructed web site with a live view of the El Paso Sky, so check back often for updates and the latest information on meteors and meteor showers over El Paso, Texas.

Upcoming Adventures

Adventure. Do you actually remember the word? When was the last time you went out for a real adventure? Well, you might consider your everyday life in this concrete jungle as one big adventure, and, in a way, it is. But, climbing the stairs to your office on the fifth floor doesn't really count as an adventure. Nor does a computer mouse and dust bunnies qualify as wildlife. Standing under the shower is not as exhilarating as standing under a waterfall, and standing on your balcony overlooking the city is not quite the same as standing on top of a mountain ridge overlooking the valley below.  So dust off your boots, grab your water bottle, and join us for a hike. This area has a lot of adventure waiting just for you.

Here are the proposed ADVENTURES for February and March.  Please keep in mind that this schedule is not engraved in stone, and is subject to change.  Remember, the only thing in life that is constant, is change.

March 13 Rio Grande Levee Hike -- For those that want an easy hike.
March 20 Shaefer Shuffle in Tom Mays Park
March 21 Baatan Memorial Death March -- choice of 26.2 miles or 15 miles
March 27 Possible Backpacking Trip

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