December 2025 News

Bark Rangers is Back! 

Drop in between 10am - noon today (Saturday 11/29) to learn the B.A.R.K. way to enjoy the Refuge with your furry friend.

Tuesday December 2 is Giving Tuesday

Your end of year gift is even more needed and appreciated this year.  Help support the Friends of Valle de Oro!  Click here to donate.

Volunteers needed in the Nature Store 

Do you enjoy meeting the public?  Promoting the Friends and Valle de Oro?  Then volunteering in the Nature Store may be right for you!  If interested, please email our Store Manager, Kathleen McKinstry at:  kathleen@friendsofvalledeoro.org.

Volunteers needed to co-lead Nature Tots and Nature Kids

Do you enjoy working with youth and education programs?  If interested, please email Jenny Parsons at jennyparsons@gmail.com.

Volunteers needed for the Luminaria event 

Friday December 19

Help is needed in the Nature Store, serving food and hot chocolate in the Visitor Center, and with parking.  If interested, please email Dakota at Dakota_Dominguez@fws.gov.

Friday, December 5, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

• Nature Tots Children ages 3-6 with an adult are invited to explore nature with a refuge volunteer! 

Saturday, December 6, 9am to noon

• Saturday at the Refuge  Join us for a ranger-led activity, arts and crafts, and fun for the whole Family! Free refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Valle de Oro. 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Friday, December 12, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

• Children ages 7-10 and an adult are invited to explore nature with a refuge volunteer! 

Friday, December 19,  6:00-9:00 pm  

• Luminaria Walk and Star Party - Enjoy luminarias around the visitor center and watch the stars with The Albuquerque Astronomical Society.
  Free refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Valle de Oro.

Wednesday, December 31  

• Deadline for submission to Valle de Oro’s photo contest. Click here for information.