Calling all bug and insect lovers!  Buzz in to learn about our creepy crawly bug friends in this Refuge Rocks program. Explore the magical realm of insects that are nature's superheroes. From ladybugs to praying mantises, learn about these tiny creatures' incredible powers and how they help our gardens thrive. Children will discover bugs' vital role in maintaining balance in our ecosystems. Get ready to unleash your inner bug enthusiast as we uncover the secrets of these fascinating critters and their essential contributions to our world.

Calling all kids!  Let’s Go Fishin’ on Saturday, June 15th with Hagerman NWR staff and volunteers.  This special Refuge Rocks event is for youth ages up to 16.  We will be fishing from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and is open to children ages 16 and under.  With the help of volunteers, kids will be able to demonstrate their fishin’ skills!  Gear will be available for kids to check out and bait will be provided.  No registration is required for this event, and you can come and go as you please.  We’ll also be providing a fishing-themed craft table.  Registration is not necessary for this activity.  Location TBD.  Check back on the website or Friends of Hagerman for more information on the location.

Registration is not neccessary.

The national bird of the United States featured on our quarters is the iconic bald eagle, found throughout the rest of North America as well. Learn about the migration and habitats of these majestic birds.  Discover the world of eagles and learn what they look like, where they live on the planet, the habitats they prefer, and other interesting facts.  We'll be learning about the bald eagle while participating in fun activities along with an eagle craft!   

Come join us on July 20 for a free class for youth ages 5-10.  Registration Required

Photo by Mary Elford Hulshouser

Have you ever wondered how we know so much about the Earth many, many years ago? Well, we have fossils and rocks to thank for that! What exactly are fossils and rocks? What information do they give scientists, and how? Fossils and rocks can give scientists clues about animals and plants that lived long ago and what the Earth was like then. During this program, we will be taking the children back millions of years to the time when the refuge area was covered by a vast saltwater ocean and learn about the plants, animals, and geology of our area long ago.  Come join us on August 17 for a free class on this popular topic!  This free program is for youth ages 5-10. Registration Required.

We’re diving into the extraordinary lives of beavers; those adorable, yet fiercely independent, builders of the wild. Beavers, nature’s master builders, create entire worlds with their incredible skills. Without tools or machinery, they use their ever-growing front teeth to chop down trees, one bite at a time. Can you imagine having teeth that never stop growing? Beavers do, and that’s their secret to felling trees and creating dams.  Come out and join us for this youth program to learn about these amazing builders!  We’ll be learning about beavers through a short mini lesson, fun activities, and a craft.  Come join us on September 21 for a free class for youth ages 5-10.  Registration required. 

Photo by Kitta Weinkauf Dory

 Bats are often called creepy, scary and spooky, but they often get a bad rap. They’re an important species that impacts our daily lives in ways we might not even realize. From pollinating our favorite fruits to eating pesky insects to inspiring medical marvels, bats are actually heroes of the night. 

Come join us on October 19 for a free class for ages 5-10 to go a little batty for bats through games, activities, and crafts!  Registration Required. 

Even though animals don't speak like us, they still communicate with each other using their own language. They use many clever and creative ways to communicate with each other, from head-turning howls to jaw-dropping dances!  For many animals, communicating is as important to their life chances as finding food and water.  This program will explore the variety of innovative ways animals “talk” to each other.  We’ll have a howling good time learning about animal communication with a short lesson, some fun games and activities, as well as a fun craft!  Come join us on November 16 for a free class for youth ages 5-10.  Registration Required

Lisa Hendricks Walsh