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On the first Saturday of June during a warm, sunny day, the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge hosted Summer Fest to celebrate summer’s return. Around 175 people participated in different history-focused programs throughout the day.
Activities included a talk from the Service’s Regional Archaeologist, live music, tractor-pulled hayrides, the unveiling of the new visitor center mural and much more. The event was made possible thanks to the teamwork and support of refuge staff, partners, volunteers, and members of the Friends of the Northern New Mexico Refuge Complex.
“Everyone pitched in to host this event for the community,� said Anna Blades, acting project leader at Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge. “It takes teamwork to pull off our popular Summer Fest.�
The Best of Friends
Ten members of the Friends Group volunteered at the event and provided food, refreshments and snacks —free of charge —until supplies ran out. In addition, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Valle de Oro National wildlife Refuge, and colleagues from the National Park Service at Fort Union National Monument supported the event.
“The Friends Group is in full force, supporting the refuge complex,� said Alyssa Lu, visitor services manager at Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge. “They have received multiple grants to improve visitor services, including the new mural and a pollinator garden. It is exciting!�
Right on Target
Throughout the six-hour event, the archery equipment received a lot of use, with at least one kid always aiming at various targets.
“Having bows and targets available was a great way to talk to the community about hunting opportunities at national wildlife refuges, including the youth population management hunt on the refuge,� said Blades. “Hunting is a wonderful way for families to connect and to support healthy, sustainable wildlife populations on the refuge.�
If you missed Summer Fest, watch for the archery equipment and targets at the next event. Usually, the equipment is set up for programs and school groups. Adults can have fun too because the refuge has larger bows available.
Hayrides Along the Playas
For those seeking a more relaxing activity, visitors could hop on a 45-minute tracker-pull hayride. The rides took dozens of sightseers to visit the playa lakes (temporary lakes and wetlands) while longtime volunteer Wendy Leavens introduced people to the refuge and its diverse wildlife and complex history. The guided tour was a rare opportunity to visit an area typically closed, as it is a sensitive habitat that hosts nesting birds and calving elk. Participants were able to experience wildlife while keeping the waterways serene and the wildlife safe.
The Debut of the Visitor Center Mural
At midday, staff unveiled the new visitor center mural. Local artist Mary Magdalena helped create the striking artwork by visiting several local grade schools and enlisting students to lend their artistic talents. Around 65 students were hand-selected to participate--all who face challenges in standard classrooms but thrive in non-traditional learning environments.
“These students have talent,� said Lu. “They have worth, and they have something to share that is amazing.�
Magdalena painted the landscape background, and students designed wildlife pieces to adhere to the mural with Velcro. This art program was supported by funding obtained by the Friends Group through the Santa Fe Community Foundation.
We’re at Your Service
Archaeologist Natalie Sanford finished the day by giving a talk on cultural history. Visitors listened as she shared the long and complex history of the region.
“This region is uniquely situated at a cultural crossroads, with human history spanning more than 13,000 years,� said Sanford. “As an archaeologist, I see landscapes in layers, and despite the buildings and structures being gone, there remain traces of the past everywhere. We find something new every time we conduct an archaeological survey.�
Sanford added, “We need to learn more about the history of these lands to better manage them. We know that this community is a huge source of information, and we want you to call or email us. We’re at your service!�
Your Public Lands
The refuge hopes to host the event again next year, making it an annual event. Although it takes a lot of planning, coordination, and sweat, it is worth it.
“It is important that the community knows this is their refuge,� said Blades. �Summer Fest is a great way to remind people of the refuge’s purpose. These are your public lands, where you can view wildlife, hike, enjoy photography, and hunt during state regulated seasons. This is a great place for reflection and fun.�
The Northern New Mexico Refuge Complex encompasses the National Wildlife Refuges in the Northeastern quadrant of New Mexico: Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge (in Las Vegas), Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge (in Watrous), and Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge (in Maxwell). Connect on social media at www.facebook.com/RioMoraNWR/ or call 505-398-6481.
Recreational Activities
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