Oasis State Park offering summer nature programs

Oasis State Park will offer a look at the night sky through its new 10-inch telescope Saturday.

The star gazing party from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. is just one example of the activities to be offered at the park's 13th annual summer program "Saturday Night Talk" starting May 28 and lasting throughout the summer.

The program will offer a variety of activities such as star gazing parties, nature walks, bird presentations, a Blackwater Draw site presentation and a wildlife trunk. All activities focus on the Eastern New Mexico outdoors and welcome people of all ages.

"It's just to get kids and families in the outdoors and give them something to do on a Saturday night close to home," said Valarie Russ, Oasis State Park tech specialist. "Most of it's educational, to help kids get to know the night sky, birds and mammals and stuff like that."

The nature walks kick off at dusk and take participants on a tour around the park to observe and learn about the various types of trees in the park, and the types of animal and bug life.

During bird presentations, participants will receive a brief history on the origin of local birds and how these birds have helped humanity throughout time. Park officials are compiling a bird list to help participants identify birds on nature walks.

The wildlife trunk contains various animal pelts, skulls and tracks that aim to educate children and their parents on the types of wildlife that inhabit the area. Children will be allowed to match animal to pelt.

Russ said families especially like the star gazing parties and nature walks. According to Jim Whary, Oasis State Park manager, about 100 people attended the summer program in 2011. Whary said previous fire restrictions decreased the number of participants in 2011. He said he expects a better turnout this year.

"I'd like to see more people come out and enjoy what they have in their own back yard," Whary said.

"We're getting a lot of new people on base and a lot of them haven't been out here."

Whary advised people planning on attending the program to ensure they are hydrated, particularly during the summer, and carry a bottle of water. He advised participants to remain vigilant of snakes, as summertime creates a favorable environment for snakes.

What: Saturday Night Talk summer program

Where: Oasis State Park

When: 7 p.m. every Saturday May 28-Sept.15

Cost: Events are free. $5 per vehicle state park fee.