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White Sands National Monument
Bringing Your Class to the Park
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What Can We Do For You?

White Sands National Monument offers curriculum-based programs that directly relate park resources to what you are teaching in the classroom. Program topics are offered on desert ecology, geology, area history, minimum impact resource use, environmental ethics, biodiversity, and endangerd species. Other topics may be arranged. 


 

What You Need to Do For Us

Plan ahead! Before calling the park, decide what program topic would most directly relate to the unit you are teaching and most beneficial to your students.

The park requires at least 1 month's notice in order to schedule and prepare for the program. Each program will be tailored to meet your class's educational needs. Due to staffing limitations, we can only take one class at a time. We ask that you allow plenty of time for field trips and schedule in free/play time in addition to program time so your students get the maximum benefit of the park experience and visit.

When scheduling a field experience, please also consider time of day and the weather for that time of year. It is also helpful if you have alternate dates available in case of weather or scheduling conflicts.

Education groups using the park for educational purposes are eligible for a fee waiver. A form will be sent with your confirmation letter.

If you need to cancel a program, we ask that you do so as soon as possible so that the time slot can be used by another group.

For more information or to schedule a program or workshop, please contact Kathy Denton, Education Specialist at (505) 679-2599 ext. 231. Or e-mail us

 

Educational Fee Waivers

All students 15 and under are admitted free. Older students, as well as teachers and other adult supervisors, pay a $3 per person entrance fee. Classes coming to the park for a cuurriculum-based activity (i.e. must enter the park to complete a course requirement) are eligible for an Educational Fee Waiver.

Fee Waiver Application Form

Download the form, fill it out completely, and send it to:
Kathy Denton, Education Specialist:
FAX # 505-479-1116, or mail form to:
Kathy Denton, PO Box 1086,
Holloman AFB, NM 88330

Photo of kangaroo rat  

Did You Know?
Because there is virtually no fresh water within the white sands dune field, animals that live in the dunes must get almost all their water solely from the food they eat. Desert animals have evolved many ways of conserving moisture. The kangaroo rat eats only dry seeds and never drinks water.

Last Updated: April 17, 2008 at 17:29 EST