Santa Rosa Fiesta, Dixon NM

Las Fiestas de Santa Rosa will be held Saturday August 27th at 5:30p.m.
With crowning of the SR Queen, and JR Queen, and entertainment by the Pathetics.
Sunday will be the parade starting at the Arroyo de la Mina at 12:00p.m. Entertainment by Los Coyotes, Carl Atencio, Quemoso, Sweet Grass, and Hip Hop dancers from Taos.

Santa Fe Kayak Meetup

The Santa Fe Kayak Meetup group site is designed to help kayakers communicate about events and trips. Use the site to connect with kayaking friends, boating organizations, and check the calendar for upcoming events.

One of the founders, Kelly Gossett, kayak instructor, regularly meets his clients at the Pilar Yacht Club and Cafe (575-758-9072), near the racecourse section of the Rio Grande for the lecture portions of his kayak classes. Students enjoy the opportunity to listen to the lesson on the dining patio while feasting on breakfast burritos from the cafe.

On the calendar of the Meetup site is a boating triathlon on Navajo lake on Aug. 28. check it out!
http://www.meetup.com/Santa-Fe-Kayaking-Meetup/

Wise Fool Circus Camp Show, Penasco NM

From the Wise Fool website: http://www.wisefoolnewmexico.org
It is Wise Fool New Mexico's mission to ignite imagination, build community, and promote social justice through performances and hands on experiences in the arts of circus, puppetry, and theatre

The circus camp show will be held on Friday July 30th at 6 pm at the Penasco theater.

Peñasco Theatre Collective

Inspiring Connections Through Creative Discoveries
15046 St Rd 75
Peñasco NM, 87553
(575) 587-2726
alessandrajo [at] yahoo.com

The Peñasco Theatre Collective, based out of the historic Peñasco Theatre, runs arts and social justice programming in the Peñasco, Espanola, Taos, and surrounding communities north of Santa Fe. Established in 2000, it is a project of nonprofit organizations Wise Fool New Mexico and Art for the Heart.

Peñasco, New Mexico is a beautiful small rural mountain town, population 700. The majority of its residents are Native and Hispano peoples whose families have lived and farmed here for generations.

Peñasco Theatre Collective’s low- or no-cost programming, including workshops, performances, projects in regional schools, and community events, provides the local community with opportunities to experience and participate in the creative process. A variety of artistic mediums are taught and performed, including aerials (trapeze, rope, hoop, fabric), physical theatre (clowning, juggling, acrobalance), poetry, visual art (painting, puppet-making, fabric arts), and dance (flamenco, hip-hop and other movement-based disciplines).

Utilizing the arts, our professional artist/teachers collaborate with young people to create unique opportunities for self-discovery, physical development, personal and collective empowerment, youth visibility and inter-generational connection. The theatre was built as a community gathering place in 1940, and we are carrying on the tradition.

Guided Hike at Wild Rivers Recreation Area

The last Guided Hike of the season is scheduled for Saturday, July 30 at 9:00 AM on Big Arsenic Traill. Meet at the Wild Rivers Visitor Center. Bring a lunch, 2 liters of water, and hiking boots. This is a moderate 3 mile round trip hike. For more information call Wild Rivers Visitor Center 10-4:30 575-586-1150.

Basic Boating Class

July 30 at Eagle Nest Visitors Center. A mandatory class for anyone born on or after Jan 1, 1989, to operate a boat on state waters. Class is free, but size is limited. Provided by New Mexico State Parks. For details, officer Mark Sullivan (575) 776-1680.
from The Taos News Tempo

Sendo del Medio trail in the Rio Grande Gorge

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, Taos, was in Pilar and the Orilla Verde Recreation Area today improving the Sendo del Medio Trailheads. This trail is accessible from Orilla Verde, Rio Bravo, Arroyo Hondo, and Petaca campgrounds. This is a beautiful and easy to medium difficulty trail which follows the length of the river. Various vista points offer beautiful views of the river as well as of Petaca canyon. Between Arroyo Hondo and Orilla Verde Campgrounds there is a section which involves some light boulder scrambling that some might choose to avoid. However the majority of the trail is easily negotiable, well constructed, and very scenic.

We thank Rocky Mountain Youth Corps for their continued hard work in the Gorge and in the Recreation Area which is open to the public. A $3.00 parking fee payable to the BLM applies. Each campground has a self service station where visitors can pay the fee and procure a parking ticket.

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps crew was invited to the Pilar Yacht Club (758-9072) to enjoy free ice cream cones in acknowledgement of the many improvement they have made in this recreation area.

Make a Costume Hat TODAY!

July 19th Tuesday: Summer reading program activity at the Embudo Valley Library (505-579-9181). The theme of the summer reading program this year is "One World, Many Storyies." So far the activities we have attended have been well organized and lots of fun! Faith Gelvin will guide you in making your own international hat. Target grade levels for this activity are K-12 grades

Activities at Twirl.

Summer art activities at Twirl in Taos (255 Camino de la Placita) 575-751-1402. .Family Music with Angela on Thurdays 3-5 pm, Crafty Kids with Angela, Firdays 11:15-noon, Pre-K Ballet with Amber on Satrudays 11 am-1 pm. Plus free play activities in the upstairs playroom. al the materials you need to enjoy aa different self guided activity every day,
www.twirlhouse.com

Mountain Skills Guided Climbing and Rappelling

Mountain Skills rock Climbing Adventures offers rock climbing expeditions in the Taos area. A special trip "Rock Raft Trail" allows you to experience guided Rappelling with 600ft vertical views in the Rio Grande Gorge followed by a thrilling raft trip on the Rio Grande River.
www.climbingschoolusa.com

Espanola Teen wins National Spanish Spelling Bee

Here is the link to today's Santa Fe New Mexican article about the student, Evelyn Juarez, from Carlos Vigil Middle School who won the National Spanish Spelling Bee held in Albuquerque, NM on Saturday by correctly spelling the words:kanindeyuense and bizantinismo. Felicitationes!
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/PrintStory/Spanish-spelling-bee-Espa-amp-ntilde-ola-teen-spells-way-into-victory"

Dixon Archaelogy Update

Comanche Archaeology and the Making of Colonial New Mexico”, A talk by Severin Fowles
Dixon Community Center, Wednesday, July 13th, 7:15 pm (after the Farmer’s Market).
Recent research by archaeologists from Columbia University has begun to examine the
deep effects of Plains tribes on the evolution of colonial society in the northern Rio Grande.
This presentation summarizes the latest results of surveys in the Rio Grande Gorge as well
as excavations on the historic Dixon plaza that collectively present a picture of the political
uncertainty of eighteenth century life in New Mexico. All are welcome to come learn about
the important archaeological sites in their own backyard and to share their knowledge about
local New Mexican history. Refreshments provided.

Pow wow at Taos Pueblo

Here is the link for the Taos Pueblo Pow wow schedule of events. Don't miss this unique cultural event this weekend, July 9-10 in Taos, New Mexico!
http://www.taospueblopowwow.com/about-pow-wow/events

Rivers and Birds summer events

In the Wild, Photo Exhibit by Geraint Smith, July 9, 6-8 p.m.

Rivers & Birds is honored to have fine art photographer Geraint Smithpresent "In the Wild: Images of Land and Light."

Opening night for the show will take place on July 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rivers & Birds Office in Arroyo Seco. The show will continue throughout July: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sales from this photographic exhibit of nature will benefit Rivers & Birds.

At the show's opening, we will draw five raffle prizes including: aCanyon Light photographic print by Geraint Smith, a half-day guided photography outing with Geraint, a Los Rios River Runners’ day-long raft trip for two on the Rio Chama or Rio Grande, an Ojo Caliente Mineral Spring private pool pass for two, and a Taos Ski Valley summer chairlift ride for two.

Raffle tickets are $10 and you need not be present to win. You may purchase a raffle ticket at our office or call 776-5200.

Photo Credit: Canyon Light by Geraint Smith

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BAKE SALE AT CID'S!, Saturday, July 23, 11 a.m to 6 p.m.

Indulge yourself with organic treats and support Rivers & Birds educational efforts!
Many gourmet friends will be baking.
We will be in front of Cid's Food Market from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Cubs in the Wild with Rivers & Birds

Thanks to the kind generosity of a loving, local donor, Taos Cub Scouts just enjoyed three days in the wild with Rivers & Birds. Besides daily hikes in the wilderness and pocket knife practice, the boys explored the Rio Grande and a local acequia with lots of splashing.

Santa Fe Raptor Center gave an educational presentation with a live Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Screech Owl and Sawhet Owl.

On Friday, the cubs went to
Bandelier National Monument and
the boys helped National Park
Service biologists band and release
wild birds.

With this intimate birding experience
at Bandelier, the Las Conchas fire's
impact on the plants and animals
underscores the importance of 'Leave
No Trace' for these Cub Scouts in a
profound and sad way.

July will bring yet two more environmental
outdoor camps for the Taos Cub Scouts.

Photo Caption: Taos Cub Scouts Meet American Robin

Carson NM July Fourth Celebration features The Monkey Feeders

Carson NM will feature a family friendly July 4th celebration starting at noon on 7/4/2011. Folks can come to Poco Loco General Store on Highway 570 to hear music from noon to 9 PM. The featured band is the Monkey Feeders from Taos, who will take the stage at 7 pM to play three sets. Hope to see you there for a fireworks free fourth!!! Poco Loco 575-751-0223

Check out this Youtube link for a glimpse of the Monkey Feeders live on Taos Plaza: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEgUml1Ggv0

Artists' Perspectives of the Rio Grande Gorge

Landscape Perspective: Local Artists' Perspective of the Rio Grande Gorge.
The public is invited to a reception Friday, July 1st from 4-6 PM for art exhibit at the
BLM Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center. Come celebrate the 2nd year of this well-
received exhibit. Please join us for the reception and viewing of the exhibit at the Visitor
Center in Pilar. Local artists (Taos to Dixon) include: Ken Daggett, Michelle Chrisman,
Gayle Fulwyler-Smith, Inger Jirby, Stephen Kilborn, Kit Lynch, Lynn McLain, Peggy
Immel, Pat Fuhrmann, Marilyn Reinbolt, Kemper Coley, and others!

Challenger Soccer Camps

Challenger Soccer Camp is up and running at Baca park in Taos, NM. Excellent coaches from Britain come every summer to teach American children soccer skills in a fun filled non competitive way. Look them up at http://football.isport.com/ErrorPage.aspx?aspxerrorpath=/Directory/DynamicDetail/DynamicDetailNew.aspx and also "like " them on Facebook.

Archaeology in Dixon

Community Archaeology Day in Dixon
Saturday morning, June 25th, 9:00 until noon
15 Private Drive 1111 (Michael Wildgoose’s old place)
Archaeologists from Columbia University have initiated research into the history of
colonial Dixon/Embudo, beginning with excavations of the Spanish torreon formerly
located in the northwestern corner of the old plaza. On Saturday morning, June 25th,
9:00 until noon, we invite the Dixon community to join our research, to excavate
alongside us, and to tour the work accomplished thus far. Children who like to dig in
the dirt are especially welcome, as are any community members who have special
knowledge of Dixon history they’d be willing to share over lemonade.

New Sponsor for the Studio Tour

Eric and Terri Bissel, Pilar residents and owners of Poco Loco in Carson :575-751-0223 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 575-751-0223 end_of_the_skype_highlightinghave generously sponsored the Pilar Studio Tour. Thank You!

Father's Day Sundae Special!!!

Dad gets a free old fashioned ice cream sundae when he bring the kids or the family to the Pilar Yacht Club on Father's Day Sunday for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks! You make your ice cream Sundae the way you like it with 9 toppings available. Have a great Father's Day!! Pilar Yacht Club: 575-758-9072 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 575-758-9072 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Cieneguilla Stables

Melissa at Cieneguilla Stables is working with Far Flung Adventures to provide Saddle and Paddle Tours in the Pilar area. Included is a 2 hour guided trail ride, a full picnic lunch, and a 1/2 day guided raft trip on the Rio Grande River. cost is $146/person. Contact Numbers: Cieneguilla Stables and Far Flung Adventures .575-758-2628 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 575-758-2628 end_of_the_skype_highlighting575-758-2815 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 575-758-2815 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Archaeology studies

Columbia University graduate students and their professor have arrived to conduct individualized studies in the La Vista Verde Trail area at Taos Junction. Studies are being conducted at identified Apache and Commanche historic camp sites. The local Bureau of Land Management Visitor Center offers guided hikes into the area with added Petroglyph viewing. These hikes meet at La Vista Verde trailhead at 9 AM on Saturdays during the summer. Contact the Pilar BLM Vistor Center at 575-751-4899.

Northern New Mexico: Family Recreation: Mountain Lion spotted!

Northern New Mexico: Family Recreation: Mountain Lion spotted!: "Wildlife Watchers! Jouvenile Mountain Lion spotted near Cemetary area in Pilar, NM! River otters observed playing, swimming and fishing in..."

Mountain Lion spotted!

Wildlife Watchers! Jouvenile Mountain Lion spotted near Cemetary area in Pilar, NM!
River otters observed playing, swimming and fishing in the Rio Grande!

Habitat for Humanity group enjoys Racecourse run

Northpark Presbyterian Church from Dallas, Texas enjoyed a raft trip down the Racecourse section of the Rio Grande on Wed. June 8. They were guided by Los Rios River Runners. 575-776-8854 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 575-776-8854 end_of_the_skype_highlighting Afterwards, they enjoyed a group lunch at the Pilar Yacht Club in Pilar, New mexico near the river put in. . 575-758-9072 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 575-758-9072 end_of_the_skype_highlightingThe group was in the Taos area to assist with Habitat for Humanity projects. We thank them very much for their work and hope they had an enjoyable stay!

Birding Workshop, June 4

If you are interested in learning to identify birds by their song, join Birding by Ear workshop by Rivers and Birds on June 4th, 10 am - 3pm and June 5th, 6 am - Noon! The course also gives you access to an optional Birding by Ear Packet and CD. Contact Rivers and Birds 575-776-5200 or riversandbirds@gmail.com.

Inner tubing on the Rio Grande!

River levels are perfect for tubing on the Orilla Verde Recreation Area run in Pilar, NM. Pick up some inner tubes along with some snacks at the Pilar Yacht Club at the corner of highway 68 and 570 in Pilar. Tubes range anywhere from child size $5 tubes to mega towable tubes for $30. Enjoy a lazy afternoon floating on the river!

Rafting in Northern New Mexico in 2011

This is the perfect year to introduce your children to rafting on the Rio Grande in Northern New Mexico! Water levels have remained below 600 cubic feet per second which means that the river is low and the current is not too strong in many spots. A river float trip is a great way to begin. It is a flat water run through the Rio Grande Gorge canyon that lasts about 2 hours, snack included. Contact one of the many quality outfitters in the Santa Fe-Taos area for details.