May 18 Saturday
The San Juan Mountains Association invites the public to celebrate Colorado Public Lands Day on Saturday, May 18th with a guided spring wildflower hike at Sand Canyon. The hours are 9 until noon and details are at sjma.org.
We will be going for a hike (no more than 5 miles) on moderate terrain. Along the way we will observe and learn about the flowers in bloom, as well as learn about the area’s geology and human history.
The San Juan Mountains Association's Durango Nature Center is once again open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 until 2. Sjma.org has more information.
This 140-acre conservation easement is situated along the Florida River, this special place traverses riparian, sagebrush, and pinyon juniper ecosystems. With hiking trails, river play, a picnic pavilion, interpretive trails, a nesting bird walk and more. No pets, please.
Aztec Ruins National Monument will offer a Ranger-led tour of the Aztec East great house at 9:30 on Saturday, May 18th. Aztec East is a mostly unexcavated area that is normally closed to the public to protect fragile archaeological resources. The tour is limited to the first 15 participants who sign up at 505-334-6174.
The program will last approximately 1 – 1 ½ hours. Participants should arrive 5-10 minutes before the program start time.Participants will be walking about ½ mile on uneven dirt and woodchip surfaces during the tour. The trail is not wheelchair accessible. We recommend sturdy walking shoes, plenty of water, and sun protection. Food and beverages other than water are not allowed on this trail. Pets are not allowed. Participants should be at least 9 years old.
Call the Aztec Ruins visitor center at 505-334-6174 to reserve a space.
For more information visit our park Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AztecRuinsNM/) and click on Events, or visit our website at www.nps.gov/azru.
May 19 Sunday
May 21 Tuesday
The Mancos Conservation District will host a roundtable discussion on Tuesday (5/21) from 4 to 6pm at the Towaoc Community Center. The public is invited to share thoughts on the Mancos Watershed and why it is important to them. Refreshments will be provided. Mancoscd.org has more information.
These shared ideas will be implemented into the Mancos Watershed Stream Management Plan. For the event, although we are focusing on tribal input, this event is open to anyone who would like to share their thoughts on this topic.
May 22 Wednesday
San Juan Mountains Association will host a series of free educational geology hikes in the Pagosa Springs area.The first Ice Cave Geology Hike takes place on Wednesday, May 22nd.The second hike is on Thursday, July 18th.The third hike is on Thursday, September 19th.Details are available at sjma.org.
May 23 Thursday
The Upper San Juan Watershed Enhancement Project will host an open house on Thursday, May 23rd, from 5:30 to 7PM at The Ross Aragon Community Center in Pagosa Springs. Attendees can find out about the Pagosa Gateway River Project - Meet the contractor & project partners, learn about river restoration and provide feedback. Uppersanjuanwep.com has more information.
Frito Chili Pie will be provided.The Pagosa Gateway Project improves approximately 2 miles of the San Juan River immediately upstream of the Town of Pagosa Springs to promote sustainability in the face of declining flows and warming temperatures.
May 24 Friday
Volunteers are needed to help clean up Downtown Durango for the summer season. Those interested should meet at Keller Williams Realty parking lot (just north of 7th and Main) by 8:30am on Friday, May 24th. Work gloves and cleaning supplies will be provided. Downtowndurango.org has more information.
Coffee from Durango Joe's and tea from Create Art and Tea available, plus donuts! Prizes for registering early and prizes placed around Downtown for your team to find!