Riverside Nature Center Wetlands
The Nature Center was originally designed to overlook a wetlands of one of the oxbows which once existed along the Animas River. The wetlands were constructed and the wildlife have inhabited it. The wetlands serve as a refuge for wildlife and provides people an unique viewing opportunity from the Nature Center and specific points on the trail. Come and enjoy this wonderful hideaway in Animas Park
While visiting the Nature Center, don't forget to visit the Herb and Xeriscape Gardens.
Split Willow Animals
Saturday, August 7
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Small animals made by folding and wrapping split willow wands have been found in archaeological sites thousands of years old. Come to the Riverside Nature Center and try your hand at this ancient craft, using willow cuttings from Animas Park, and take home your own creation. Some patience is required at first, so this is recommended for people age 10 and older. For more information, call (505) 599-1422.
Moonlight Walk
Saturday, August 21
8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
The river parks are especially beautiful in the evening, so join us at the Riverside Nature Center for this walk by the light of the moon. We hope to see deer and nocturnal animals on this two-mile stroll along the woodland trails and sparkling river. Dress for cool evening weather and bring a flashlight, but you probably won’t need it because the moon will be our illumination. All ages are welcome, but children should be old enough to understand walking silently. No pets please. For more information, call (505) 599-1422.
Wetlands Birds at Morgan Lake
Tuesday, August 24 – Friday, October 22 During Business Hours Come to the Riverside Nature Center to see the photo exhibit by Tim Reeves titled “Wetlands Birds at Morgan Lake.” Dr. Tim Reeves has kept a photographic record of the birds for the past year and has found some which have never before been recorded in San Juan County. The exhibit also provides information on the habitat and food requirements of the birds, which rely on our wetlands. Come meet Dr. Tim Reeves at the reception on Sun, Sep 19 from 2pm to 4pm. For more information, call (505) 599-1422. Butterfly Walk Saturday, August 28 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Come to the Riverside Nature Center and learn about butterflies and other insects on this “catch and release” walk of about a mile in Animas Park. Learn what plants attract butterflies, what their caterpillars need as food, and how to identify some of our common species. We provide nets and containers for temporarily observing our insect discoveries. This is a program for all ages. Dress for the weather and for walking off the trails through tall grass. For more information, call (505) 599-1422.
Join the Friends of the Nature Center
If your interests are in the natural history of our area, you will probably enjoy a membership in the Friends of the Riverside Nature Center. This organization directly supports the activities of the nature center with funding, volunteers, programming, and special events. The goals of the "Friends" are to increase awareness, appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of the natural environment; to design, implement, and support environmental education; and to secure funding for environmental education programs and projects. Benefits of membership in the "Friends" include: ten percent (10%) discount in the Museum Store at the Nature Center, as well as Currents in the Museum at Gateway Park and the museum store in E3 Children's Museum & Science Center; special invitations to exhibit openings and members-only events; reduced fees for programs and exhibitions that have an admission charge; a subscription to the Museum's and the Farmington Museum Foundation's newsletters; and the satisfaction of knowing that you're providing direct support to a worthwhile community endeavor.
If you are interested in becoming a Freind of the Nature Center, download the membership form and mail to the Farmington Museum, 3041 E. Main, Farmington, New Mexico 87402.
