Ash Meadows Open House tomorrow at new visitors center

Officials at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge hope tomorrow’s open house will draw in droves of visitors.

The event will showcase the refuge’s new visitors center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More than 3,000 visitors toured the facility shortly after opening earlier this year.

Spokesperson Ben Jurand said the event promises to be a fun, educational experience for the families to enjoy.

He noted several different activities are planned for the day, including a visit from the author of a new book about the area, who will sign copies during the event.

“We’ll have interactive exhibits as well as the Ash Meadows movie, which talks about the history of the refuge,” he said. “We will also have the bookstore open, which is run by the Death Valley Natural History Association.”

Jurand said kids’ crafts, face painting, along with games and activities are also planned.

“There’s definitely something to do for all ages,” he said. “Watercolor artist Sharon K. Schafer will be doing a demonstration of her work. There will also be several different activities happening at the Crystal Boardwalk, which will include a live reptiles program, as well as aquatic invertebrates where folks can view things under a microscope from the Crystal Spring here.”

Jurand said visitors can also learn about the native Pupfish and other endangered species in the area from officials with the National Park Service.

A park ranger and biologist from Death Valley will exhibit a program about Devil’s Hole.

“We also have representatives from the Red Rock Audubon Society who will be doing a birding program at Crystal Reservoir,” Jurand said. “The refuge will be buzzing with activity and we’ll have a stamp challenge for the kids, where they can get a stamp at different program sites and win prizes.”

The Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, located in the Amargosa Valley is a 30-minute drive from Pahrump along West Bell Vista Road.

For additional information call 775-372-5435.