Visit Bandelier during National Park Week and hope to see a rainbow over Tyuonyi pueblo ruin. Photo by Sally King

Almost 100 years ago, President Woodrow Wilson established the National Park Service to protect unique and special places. 

Come celebrate your National Parks during National Park Week April 20-28, 2013. 

Each year, the president sets aside a week to explore and enjoy almost 400 National Park Service sites. 

This year’s National Park Week theme is “Did you know…”

Did you know that during your trip to Bandelier National Monument you can explore ancient cliff dwellings, photograph spring wildflowers, take a hike, or enjoy the starry skies? 

There is plenty to do and discover on your trip but if you would like some inspiration, below is a listing of events that will be held at Bandelier during National Park Week. 

Throughout the week…

• On Saturday, April 20, kick off National Park Week by celebrating National Astronomy Day. Join Ranger Claudia Brookshire for a night sky program with telescope viewing and a constellation tour. Meet at 8 p.m. at the Juniper Campground Amphitheater. Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars, and please, no bright flashlights! No additional charge, seating available, 8–10 p.m. 

• On Sunday, April 21, join the Bandelier Trail Program’s Dale Coker for a hike on the Burnt Mesa Trail. The hike will include off-trail travel, scrambling across a small canyon, and walking on the trail along the mesa top. About 4 miles, 3-4 hours, bring water, snack, hat, and sunscreen. No additional fee, hike starts at 8 a.m. 

• On Saturday April 27, stop by the Bandelier Visitor Center Theater at 6 p.m. to enjoy the Bandelier pass photograph contest entries and discover what photo will be on next year’s 2014 Bandelier Annual Pass.

Learn more about Pueblo arts and crafts by visiting our cultural demonstrators throughout the week at the Visitor Center. Demonstration days are Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21; and Wednesday, April 24 through Sunday, April 28.

Always wanted to see what it was like to walk in the shoes of an Abert’s squirrel or other park wildlife? Giant photo cutouts of animals common to Bandelier will be in our Visitor Center for fun family photo opportunities. 

If you live in the area or are just passing through, visit the Mesa Public Library to see an exhibit of photos and art featuring Bandelier National Monument.

Up early? Tune in to KRSN AM every morning to hear park staff discuss what makes Bandelier National Monument an amazing place to visit. 

For further details on any of these events, please call the Bandelier Visitor Center at 505-672-3861, ext. 517. 

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of stories from the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) leading up to its annual Earth Day Festival set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 20 at PEEC, 3540 Orange St., in Los Alamos.

This year’s Earth Day Festival will feature displays by community groups of their earth-friendly products and practices and their information about our environment on the Pajarito Plateau.

• Over 20 booths
• Food vendors
• Live entertainment by Clan Tynker and the Hill Stompers
• Kids activities, including “Walk Like a Wolf”, the “Mudpie Kitchen” and making miniature adobes with the Cornerstones Community Partnership.

For more information, e-mail EarthDay@PajaritoEEC.orgor visit EarthDay@PajaritoEEC.org

Important Update: Park at Sullivan Field for PEEC’s Earth Day event and ride a free Atomic City Bus to Saturday’s Earth Day event because LAHS parking lot will be full from three events being held at the school.