Contacts

Elizabeth Slown, (505) 248-6909

Larry Knadle, Dragonfly Festival Co-Chairman   (505) 622-0816

THIRD ANNUAL DRAGONFLY FESTIVAL SET TO INVADE ROSWELL
 

ROSWELL, N.M. – Residents of Roswell, New Mexico are preparing for another close encounter of a natural kind, a late August invasion of dragonfly enthusiasts.  The weekend of August 23 is the date for the Third Annual Roswell Dragonfly Festival at the Roswell Convention & Civic Center and Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

            Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, just nine miles east of Roswell, is comprised of six man-made lakes formed within the ancient riverbed of the Pecos River.  The Refuge supports one of the most diverse populations of dragonflies in the country.

            Known by many as the UFO capital of the world, Roswell's resident creatures, over 90 species of dragonflies, are the center of attention at the Dragonfly Festival.  Guest speakers will lecture every hour at the Roswell Convention & Civic Center on subjects such as hummingbirds, New Mexican wildlife, Bitter Lake's history, Cave Bats, Raptor Rehabilitation, California Dragonflies, and Dragonflies in Native American Rock Art, migrating birds, landscaping techniques and plants of the Chihuahuan Desert. 

Explore Roswell's natural beauty by participating in the variety of tours and workshops held during the Dragonfly Festival weekend:

v      Breakfast with the Birds Tour-Saturday, August 23, 5:30 a.m.

o        Guided tour to Bitter Lake's hot birding spots

v      Dragonfly Tours-Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

o        Saturday at 7:00a.m., 9:00a.m., 1p.m. and 3p.m.

o        Sunday at 7:00a.m., 11:00a.m., and 1:00p.m.

                  v      Dragonfly Tours-Bottomless Lakes State Park

o         Sunday at 9:00 a.m.

v      Dragonfly Tours-Pecos River

o        Saturday at 11:00 a.m.

v      Inkpot Tour - The Inkpot is a sinkhole in the Wilderness Area north of the Clovis Highway.  This tour is worth the mile-long walk.

v      Refuge Discovery Tour - Tour the old Civilian Conservation Corps Camp and other historically significant sites at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

v      Backcountry Tour - Visitors are escorted into closed areas of Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge to look at sinkholes and the animals that live there.

CATCH THE TOUR BUSES AT THE CIVIC CENTER FOR ALL TOURS

Three photography workshops presented by local photographers Bruce Guacher and Alan Trevor includes a Sunrise Photoshoot on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 5:45a.m.  A Techniques Workshop is a hands-on presentation about technique, style and composition to be held Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m.  A sunset photo shoot on Saturday at 6:45 p.m. offers photographers an opportunity to capture memories of the Festival on film.

For more information and prices for tours and workshops, please call (505) 622-6755.

Roswell, New Mexico is the All-America city that has something for everyone.  Visitors to Roswell indulge in the city's world famous UFO legend, diverse culture, rich history and natural beauty.  With numerous parks and temperate climate, Roswell offers small-town charm with an endless variety of activities for all ages.

IF YOU GO:

-          Bring good walking shoes, water, sunscreen and an umbrella.

-          Binoculars, cameras, film and extra batteries.

GETTING THERE:

-          Buses depart the Roswell Convention & Civic Center at 912 N. Main Street throughout the weekend.  For more information on bus departure times call (505) 622-6706.

-          From downtown Roswell, travel east on US 380 about 3 miles to Red Bridge Road.  Turn left and follow Red Bridge Road to Pine Lodge Road.  Turn left and follow Pine Lodge Road to Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

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