
Calling all wildlife enthusiasts! The City of Alpine is joining with Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University to host the second annual Wildlife Weekend Jan. 31-Feb. 2, offering a unique opportunity to learn about and celebrate the incredible biodiversity of the region.
This exciting event will feature a diverse range of activities, from expert presentations and guided hikes to family-friendly events and engaging short film screenings.
The weekend will kick off with a welcome reception and film screening at the Museum of the Big Bend on Friday evening. Attendees will have the chance to meet with conservation partners working to protect Texas wildlife and enjoy three short films:
- “Second Chance” follows researchers at Borderlands Research Institute as they study the remarkable comeback of Black Bears to West Texas.
- “Batsies” takes viewers on an inspiring journey with dedicated Texas State University wildlife biologists as they race against time to save endangered bat populations.
- “Return of the Desert Bighorn” showcases the efforts of wildlife biologists in capturing, collaring, and relocating desert bighorn sheep to restore populations in West Texas.
Saturday will offer a variety of exciting activities for all ages:
- Guided Hikes on Hancock Hill: Join Dr. Ryan S. Luna on a moderately strenuous 1.8-mile hike to experience the breathtaking beauty of the desert mountains and learn about how the habitat along the trail is used by local wildlife.
- Bird Walk at Kokernot Park: Guided by Dr. Maureen Frank, participants will learn bird identification basics and embark on a walk through Kokernot Park, discovering the diverse avian life that calls Alpine home.
- Family Activities at the Alpine Farmers Market: Enjoy a morning at the vibrant Alpine Farmers Market, where families can learn, play and engage with conservation partners through interactive exhibits and educational activities.
- Wildlife Scavenger Hunt: Embark on an entertaining scavenger hunt throughout the city, searching for clues and hidden surprises related to bears, bats and bighorn sheep. Completed scavenger hunt sheets can be entered into a prize drawing.
Saturday afternoon will feature a “lunch and learn: session at the Granada Theatre. While enjoying a delicious lunch from Alcove Social, attendees can delve deeper into the fascinating world of wildlife research through presentations by SRSU Graduate Research Assistants on a variety of topics, including:
- Distribution of high-elevation owls in the Davis Mountains, Texas, by Shelby Duperier
- Movement behavior and competition of aoudad and mule deer by Andrew Dotray
- Responses of plant and insect communities to different mowing regimes by Eliana Dykehouse
- Effects of grazing practices on forage production and soil moisture by Ty Goodwin
- Methods of assessment for topsoil retention efforts by Gray Hancock
- Fine-scale habitat use and survival of scaled quail by Hayley Shultz
The afternoon will also include a live drawing event at Front Street Books, where 2024 BBNP Artist in Residence Chris Ruggia will create captivating five-minute cartoon animal drawings.
The highlight of the weekend will be the keynote presentations and panel discussion at the Granada Theatre on Saturday evening. Attendees will hear from leading experts on the history, ecology and current research of West Texas black bears, bat conservation efforts, and the successful relocation of desert bighorn sheep.
Sunday will offer two enriching experiences:
- Botanical Garden Guided Tour at Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center: Explore the diverse plant life of the region, including the Maxie Templeton Cactus Museum Collection, the Wildscape Garden and the Pollinator Garden Trail.
- Animals, Art & Conservation: Wildlife Art Workshop at Alpine Public Library: This engaging workshop will feature hands-on demonstrations of animal drawing by renowned local artists, followed by a panel discussion on the intersection of art and wildlife conservation.
The Alpine Wildlife Weekend is a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn from experts, and support vital conservation efforts. For more information and to register for events, please go to visitalpinetx.com/wildlife.