Upcoming Events
All events are FREE, open to the public, and take place at Valle de Oro's visitor center
unless noted otherwise. All times are in Mountain Time. Check websites and
our Facebook/Instagram pages for more information.
Fri. October 4 -Nature Tots
Children ages 3-6 and an adult are invited to explore nature with a Refuge Ranger.
10:00am to 11:30am
Fri. October 4 -Sunset Mural Loop Walk
Join Ranger Dakota for an easy 1-mile walk to observe Valle de Oro's 5 murals and learn how they show our dreams for ecological restoration.
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Sat. October 12- Saturday at the Refuge
Join us for a ranger-led activity, arts and crafts, and fun for the whole Family! Free food will be provided by the Friends of Valle de Oro. 11:00am to 1:00pm
Sat. October 12 -Walk for the Wild
Walk for the Wild occurs during National Wildlife Refuge Week in October every year. This event gets folks outside onto refuges to walk, run, or move, 5k. Walk for the Wild is also an opportunity to support the Friends groups that keep refuges running! There are two ways you can register to complete the 5K Challenge with us this year:
- Join Friends, our Service partners, and members of our community at the Valle de Oro Visitor Center on Saturday, October 12, between 9am and 12:00 pm MT. We will have route maps and refreshments!
- Come to the Refuge Visitor Center when it is convenient for you between October 12 and 19, pick up a map we've created with 5K routes, and start your Walk for the Wild!
Sat. October 19 -Writing to Heal the Land
A creative writing workshop led by local author, Anthony Fleg. All ages are welcome! The author will be signing his book, "Writing to Heal: A Pandemic Journey to Healing".
1:00pm to 3:00pm
Sat. October 26 -Wild at Night and Star Party
Join this Halloween themed fun with a costume contest, nocturnal wildlife tour, family activities and a star viewing party with The Albuquerque Astronomical Society.
6:00pm to 9:00pm
Fri. November 1- Nature Tots
Children ages 3-6 and an adult are invited to explore nature with a Refuge Ranger.
10:00am to 11:30am
Sat. November 9- Saturday at the Refuge: Birds are Real!
Join us in learning about the birds of VdO followed by a linoleum printing workshop. Free food provided by the Friends of Valle de Oro. Fun for the whole family!
11:00am to 1:00pm
Thurs. November 14 -Community Update Night
Come learn about all that is happening to transform Valle de Oro at this open house event.
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Fri. November 15 Coffee & Cruise: Ranger Talk and Refuge Tour
Join Ranger Dakota for a talk on the background of the refuge at the visitor center, followed by a tour in our electric shuttle. Space is limited! Participants must pre-register by sending an email to Ranger Dakota at: dakota_dominguez@fws.gov
9:00am to 11:00am
Fri. November 22 -Weed Warriors Afternoon Volunteer Work Party
Join us to help battle noxious weeds growing at the refuge and save native plants! Please bring work or gardening gloves if you have them, or borrow a pair from us.
3:00pm to 5:00pm
Thurs. November 28 Visitor Center closed for the holiday.
Fri. December 6 -Nature Tots
Children ages 3-6 and an adult are invited to explore nature with a Refuge Ranger.
10:00am to 11:30am
Fri. December 6 -Mural Loop Guided Walk
Join Ranger Dakota for an easy 1-mile walk along our mural loop trail to learn how they represent our goals for ecological restoration at Valle de Oro.
4:00pm to 5:30pm
Sat. December 7 -BARK Rangers
Bring your furry friends to learn about our pet policies on the refuge and take the pledge to be apart of our BARK Ranger program. All dogs required to be on leash and non-reactive around others.
10:00am to 12:00pm
Sat. December 14- Saturday at the Refuge
Join us for a ranger-led activity, arts and crafts, and fun for the whole Family! Free food will be provided by the Friends of Valle de Oro. 11:00am to 1:00pm
Sat. December 21- Luminaria Walk and Star Party
Enjoy luminarias around the visitor center and watch the stars with The Albuquerque Astronomical Society.
6:00pm to 9:00pm
Wed. December 25 Visitor Center closed for the holiday.
2024 Photo Contest
Valle de Oro NWR invites photographers of all ages & skill levels to enter the 2024 contest by submitting images that highlight the beauty of the refuge's wildlife, landscapes, and visitors. Winners will have their photo displayed in the Visitor Center. Email your submissions to valledeoro@fws.gov Deadline to enter is December 31st