Event Description

Enjoy autumn on Otero Mesa. If you’ve never been here, autumn is a great time to experience the wildness of America’s largest Chihuahuan desert. In the past two years the grasses have been spectacular, 2 to 3 feet high for miles and miles. We will explore theses expan­sive grasslands, and climb Wind Mountain. Bring a camera because there is a good chance you will see pronghorns, prairie dogs, petroglyphs, desert flowers, raptors and stunning sunsets. During the evenings there will be a social campfire. Bring instruments if you’ve got them, Nathan always brings his. Let’s get together and have some fun in the desert!

Be prepared for any weather from hot to chilly and possible afternoon thunderstorms.

This project will be lead by Nathan Newcomer, associate director of the wilderness alliance. He has lead over 20 out­ings to the area. He will be joined by naturalist and staff scientist Steve West a published author and expert on Chihuahuan Desert grasslands, plants and wildlife species and various other stuff and who opinions are not asked for but always volunteered.

Menu:

• Friday night: Columbus stew until 10:00
• Saturday breakfast: Cereal bar
• Saturday dinner: Dutch oven specialty Otero Mesa green chili chicken enchiladas and blackberry cobbler
• Sunday breakfast: Cereal bar

Maximum participants: 30

Contact: Nathan Newcomer at 505-843-8696, nathan@nmwild.org, for more info.

Driving distance: 6 hours from ABQ, 2.5 hours from Las Cruces