MothaPalooza at White Sands National Monument

We were extremely fortunate to be visiting White Sand National Monument on the same day as their annual MothaPalooza special event.  This just happened to work out perfectly as Jaxon had two very short lesson plans that needed to be accomplished on moths.  So this grand adventurous nighttime event was going to take the place of some mediocre crafting project that I would have had to most likely dig for on pinterest to accompany two books on moths.  The first of the two studies was when we were directed to read the following book, What's the Difference Between a Butterfly and a Moth?,  after studying Butterflies to be able to understand the difference between them.  

Upon our arrival we were met in the parking lot by an array of educational tables set up for the children to explore.  Each table was fully equipped with different topics all relating to the wildlife at the National Monument.

The most exciting event for myself as a home educator was the table that related to second book that we had to read in order to learn about moths, Night Life of the Yucca, The story of a flower and a moth.  Not only were we able to read about this amazing phenomena, we were given the great opportunity to witness the process first hand. At the Yucca Plant table they had placed a paper, basically a review for us after reading this book, but it explained the unique relationship between the Yucca Plant and the Yucca Moth.  How without each other neither would exist in this world.  The beautiful symbiotic relationship that they have reminds us how so many living things depend upon one another.

Of course Jaxon loved that they were breaking open some of the pods from the Yucca Plant so the children could see where the Yucca Moth larva was living and what they looked like.

Also on site for the preservation of another species of animals was an amazing man who saved bats for a living.  Having him on location discussing the safety of bats gave everyone who attended the opportunity to see the bat up close in a rare vision of him holding and handling the bat seen below in the towel.  Later that night he released a group of bats that he had rehabilitated ealier this year.  

On this evening we had the distinguished pleasure of listening to a lecture by Eric Metzler.  I remember when I attended college and there was always those hand full of teachers everyone fought to get into their courses because they made you want to learn, they challenged your mind in a way no one else had.  I can imagine that Eric Metzler was that teacher.   His passion for moths and all other living things left you wanting to learn more.  This remarkable man came to White Sand National Monument to volunteer his time to study the moths of this area.  In his time here he has unveiled many new species of Moths while learning so much more about existing species.

Following the bat release everyone was welcome to drive in their cars out to the Big Dunes Nature Trail for a moth sheeting event.  A moth sheeting event is where black lights are placed to attract Moths to the sheets for viewing purposes only.  I was so excited about this event for so many reasons.  First when would you ever be able to see moths up close like this ever again.  Second,  when would I ever go walking in the desert sand dunes of New Mexico at night.  The excitement as we exited our car, flashlights in hand was unbelievable.

As we made our way towards the first sheet we began seeing so many exciting insects.   Below you can see a Darkling Beetle and a Walking Stick.  We stopped and observed both these insects for sometime before moving onto new discoveries.

As we came to the second sheet we were able to observe our first moth with a whole new appreciation for these creatures we watched the beauty they hold as they sat under the light with total stillness.

As we approached the top of the dune we found yet another fluorescent light set up against a giant rock formation where we found another handful of giant moths along with some even more exciting creatures.

We had recently studied in depth about animal adaption.  Yet I can honestly say I had never seen in such obvious the color adaption animals make to their environment until we came to white sands.  The lizards, moths, frogs and many other creatures here have adapted to the color of the dunes and appear almost completely white as the sand.  We stayed and watched the frog for a short period in awe of its color and transparency up against the sand dune.

We then heard all kinds of commotion to find that someone had found a scorpion.  As Jaxon's interest took a running start across the dune to the gathering of park rangers all observing the scorpion hunt for its pray under the fluorescent light held by the rangers.

I do not know if I could ever attend an event that will hold as much excitement, knowledge, and great educators as I did that night.  I will however hope and dream of returning another year to attend Mothapalooza.  Next time it might even be the reason for our journey.  

Fairfield Inn & Suites

During our visit to White Sands National Monument we decided to stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Alamogordo.  

Located in the lobby was a small business center adjacent to the front desk equipped with computers, printers, high speed internet access, along with a fax machine.  The hotel offered free wifi throughout the hotel.

Once we checked in I wondered over to the market to see what they might have to offer.  The entire area was empty with tags showing me all the great variety and choices I could have if they had been well stocked.

As we made our way to the elevator we passed the indoor pool available to all guests during their stay.

During our stay we booked a kitchen suite.  Meaning our room came with a fully equipped kitchen including a full-sized refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and twin burner stove.  It was perfect since we had not been able to replenish our kitchen since our stop in Santa Fe.  While we were able to take advantage of a full size refrigerator we found it very difficult to use the small corner stove behind the microwave.  The kitchen claimed to be fully equipped yet when we arrived we found what they considered kitchen supplies all thrown on top of each other in a pile under the sink.  It did not appear to be very clean nor fully stocked.  When we went to pull out some utensils there were only random left overs in the drawer, one fork and two spoons, so we ended up passing on using any of their supplies.

Our room came with a separate living room.  This made for a great escape in the evening for us while Jaxon was tucked into bed we could sit and discuss the adventures we had experienced that day and all the feelings they had brought us.

The room included a king size bed and a television in the separate bedroom for our comfort and Jaxon's enjoyment.

Even though we were unable to utilize the kitchen to it's full potential the room still gave us the space to relax for the evening so that we would be refreshed and ready to go the following morning.  

Junior Dunes Ranger at White Sands National Monument

I had really no expectations when we planned our stop at White Sand National Monument.  Once we arrived we found the beauty of the dunes to capture our mind in a stillness I have never experienced.  The wonder and questions I had during our visit are still not completely answered.  White Sand National Monument is one of the most unusual places I have ever visited.  It is one of the few magical places that draws you in and makes you want to return over and over.  Not just for all the questions but for the adventure that lies in the dunes awaiting your discovery.  

Prior to our arrival I downloaded the Junior Dunes Ranger Activity Book for the White Sands National Monument giving us the ability to begin completing the required activities needed to earn our patch.  The Junior Dunes Ranger Activity Book is broken into three groups based on age.  We completed the entire Lizard activities within the book.  Located at the top of each page you will find the symbols that are required to complete that page in order to receive their Junior Ranger certificate, badge or patch and become a Junior Dunes Ranger.

Prior to arriving at the monument we completed the Desert Safety page discussing the importance of packing properly for a desert hike.  For this discussion we were able to complete both pages even though it was not required of his level I felt he really needed to understand how to prepare for the desert heat.  We also reviewed Nature Manners discussing how to respect the park and other visitors by having good manners.

Upon our arrival we began our journey in the garden located directly in front of the visitor's center.  Then making our way indoors to explore the museum, gift shop and gather information for our day of adventure.  This gave us a great beginning and orientation for what to expect during our visit to White Sand National Monument.  It also brought to our attention the unique geology that exists in the region.  White Sands National Monument is the largest white gypsum dunefield in the entire world and though it is called White Sands it is actually crystals that cover the miles and miles of breathtaking landscape.

Once we headed out on our journey to the dunes we had Jaxon fully equipped with a clipboard to begin his Scavenger Hunt completing two pages of our junior ranger program in the process.

The most exciting discovery we made was observing the lizards of White Sand National Monument.  A large majority of animals that live in the dunes have adapted overtime and shimmer white to match the gypsum dunes they inhabit.  We sat and observed the lizard above as he dug himself a burrow to escape the heat of the midday hot sun.

When we made our way farther into the dunes it appeared to be miles and miles of untouched land as the untouched ripples invited you to come explore.

After our visit to the Monument and learning so much about the Soap Tree Yucca I have now come to admire their beauty from a distance growing wild in the interdune area. I am fascinated that they hold such a beautiful symbiotic relationship with the Yucca Moths.  

During the heat of the day with temperatures reaching at least 100 degrees we imagined the sand to be scorching hot.  Yet when we got out to explore the area next to the trailhead we found the sand was cold to the touch we were actually able to walk barefoot through it during our adventures and not be affected at all.

When choosing a hike we choose the Interdune Boardwalk since it incorporated many different educational exhibits along the way.  

Half way down the platform are seats to sit and observe the natural surroundings.  Taking in the stillness of the dunes, watching for any wildlife that might be out braving the heat of the day, and having the ability to take your time in the shade and read through all the wonderful educational exhibits about the Monument.

After completing our hike we raced back to the courtyard at the visitors center to attend Skins & Skulls in hopes to learn about all the animals of White Sands National Monument.  We did not realize that this Ranger Program was just a table set up to explore at your own pace.  So since we had completed exploring the table within five minutes we decided to interview Ranger Emily to complete our Meet the Ranger page located in our Junior Ranger Book.

After completing the required pages and receiving our patch the fun began.  It was time to go sand sledding!  We headed to the top of the dunes and enjoyed sand sledding for our first time.  It was as if we had all the dunes to ourselves.  When we reached the top as far as our eyes could see were rolling hills of white. 

White Sand National Monument is a great natural wonder of this earth and I am so glad that we discovered it during our travels.  I sometimes wonder what attracts people to specific National Parks.  Why do we all flock to Yosemite, Yellowstone or Grand Canyon?  Why do so many of us overlook such grand adventures as White Sands National Monument.