BANDELIER News:Back on Feb. 11, 1916, then-President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill authorizing the establishment of a beautiful but little-known park, rich in archeological sites and dramatic landscapes – Bandelier National Monument. Thursday is the 100th anniversary of that event, and the park is planning special events throughout the year to celebrate.
As Bandelier Superintendent Jason Lott said, “It is our honor and privilege to be stewards for Bandelier National Monument. The staff take great pride in preserving and protecting the monument’s extraordinary resources, and we’re all looking forward to providing a range of exceptional experiences during Bandelier’s Centennial year.”
In addition, 2016 is also the centennial of the National Park Service, created Aug. 25 of the same year. So there will be many, many centennial celebrations at the other 408 National Park Service areas throughout the country as well.
The first of Bandelier’s events will indeed be on Thursday, the park’s birthday, when members of the park staff will be giving out cupcakes to local shoppers at the Smith’s store in Los Alamos. The Friends of Bandelier, the organization of private citizens who love and provide support for the park, will also be there. The park’s Centennial coordinator, Jorge Maldonado, said: “Come by any time between 3 pm and 5 pm and pick up a cupcake and maybe a sticker or some brochures, talk to the rangers, and join in on the beginning of our Centennial celebration!”
On through the year there will be special activities every month, including astronomy programs beginning Feb. 13, special hikes beginning in April, National Park Week April 16-24, a BioBlitz May 20-21, a Night Sky Fiesta June 2-4, crafts demonstrators through the summer, Opera on the Rocks Sept. 24, the annual Fall Festival on Oct. 8, Winter Solstice walks in December, fee free days in April, May, August, and September, and lots more. Keep an eye on the park website, www.nps.gov/band, and Facebook page, BandelierNPS, for current listings.
For details of the events or general information on Bandelier National Monument, contact the park Visitor Center at 505. 672.3861 x 517.