White Sands National Park celebrates fifth anniversary with special events
Organ Mountain News report
WHITE SANDS NATIONAL PARK - White Sands National Park, known for its stunning gypsum dunes and rich history, is marking its fifth anniversary as a national park with a week of special programs. From Monday, Dec. 16, to Friday, Dec. 20, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at the park’s visitor center, ranging from history tours to sunset hikes.
The park was officially designated a national park on Dec. 20, 2019, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2020. This re-designation highlighted the park’s significance not only for its natural beauty but also for its cultural and scientific value. Home to the world’s largest gypsum dunefield and the globe’s largest collection of Ice-Age fossilized footprints, White Sands is also a sanctuary for unique wildlife, including moth species newly identified by scientists.
Here’s a look at the scheduled events to celebrate this milestone. All programs are free, though park entry fees apply.
Monday, Dec. 16
Life Within Drop-In Program
2-3 p.m.
Discover how life has uniquely adapted to the challenging environment of the Tularosa Basin.
Location: Visitor Center Courtyard
History Tour of White Sands Visitor Center
3 p.m. (30-45 minutes)
Explore the unique Southwest architecture and history of the park’s visitor center.
Location: Meet by the historic sign in front of the visitor center
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Cocoa with a Ranger
1-2 p.m.
Sip hot cocoa and chat with a ranger about the wonders of White Sands.
Location: Visitor Center Courtyard
'Life Within' Drop-In Program
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Learn about the fascinating ways life thrives in the gypsum dunes.
Location: Visitor Center Courtyard
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Junior Ranger Coloring Club
9:30-11 a.m.
Bring the kids for some fun and learning with coloring activities focused on White Sands.
Location: Visitor Center Museum
'Life Within' Drop-In Program
1-2 p.m.
A closer look at the unique life forms of the Tularosa Basin.
Location: Visitor Center Courtyard
Solar Observing Program
2-4 p.m.
Discover the wonders of the sun with experts from the New Mexico Museum of Space History.
Location: By the historic sign in front of the visitor center
Thursday, Dec. 19
'Life Within' Drop-In Program
2-3 p.m.
Explore how plants and animals adapt to the park’s harsh conditions.
Location: Visitor Center Courtyard
Sunset Stroll with Ranger Rebekah
4 p.m. (45 minutes to 1 hour)
Enjoy a guided walk to learn about the history and science of the dunes.
Location: Meet between the Backcountry Camping Trail parking lot and Yucca picnic area
Friday, Dec. 20
Cocoa with a Ranger
10-11 a.m.
Warm up with a ranger and dive into conversation about the park’s unique features.
Location: Visitor Center Courtyard
Let’s Talk Trackways Program
2 p.m. (30 minutes)
Learn about the world’s oldest fossilized footprints and the researchers uncovering their secrets.
Location: Visitor Center Courtyard
Sunset Stroll with Ranger Payton
4 p.m. (45 minutes to 1 hour)
Cap off the week with a scenic sunset hike led by a park ranger.
Location: Meet between the Backcountry Camping Trail parking lot and Yucca picnic area
For more details on the anniversary events, visit the White Sands National Park website’s calendar of events. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, this is the perfect time to celebrate the magic of White Sands.