News Release

Valles Caldera Hosts Birthday Bash

Date: July 10, 2017
Contact: Kimberly DeVall, 575-829-4820

On Saturday, July 22^nd from 10 am to 3 pm, Valles Caldera National Preserve will celebrate its 17^th birthday and its 10-year partnership with Los Amigos de Valles Caldera, the preserve’s official friends group.  
 
This free, family-friendly event offers a variety of activities including Earth Skills demonstrations, and ranger-led hikes and talks showcasing the preserve’s history, geology, and biodiversity. Visitors also can enjoy a performance by the Grammy award-winning musical group, Black Eagle, and presentations by storyteller Terry Foxx and New Mexico Humanities Council Chautauqua speakers Pam Lujan Hauer, Margaret Montoya, and Diana V. Martinez.
 
In celebration of the grand opening of the visitor contact station and bookstore in the preserve’s historic cabin district, visitors can take part in music, refreshments, artist demonstrations, face painting for children, souvenirs, and registration for prizes. In the afternoon, the bookstore will host a book signing with national best-selling author, William DeBuys, and award-winning photographer, Don Usner.
 
“With the help of our friends group, we welcome visitors to join us to learn about all the new and exciting changes going on as we celebrate our 17^th birthday and second year with the National Park Service,” said Jorge Silva-Bañuelos, the preserve’s superintendent.
 
“We want to invite everyone to join us at Valles Caldera on July 22^nd to mark our 10-year anniversary and to be a part of the grand opening of our new bookstore on the preserve,” said Peggy Gautier, Chair of the Board for Los Amigos. Proceeds from the bookstore will support the educational, scientific, and interpretive programs of Valles Caldera.
 
Valles Caldera National Preserve was first established on July 25, 2000. Since then, the preserve has gone through several changes, most notably its recent addition to the National Park System in 2015.
 
Los Amigos de Valles Caldera is the official friends group of Valles Caldera National Preserve. Over the past ten years, Los Amigos has raised over $1.5 million in restoration funds to preserve and restore the natural wonder of one of North America’s iconic volcanic calderas with its grand vistas, lush forests, meadow streams, and the sights and sounds of abundant wildlife.

More information about the preserve’s birthday bash activities can be found on its website, www.nps.gov/vall.