Despite the current season being defined as spring which usually ushers in warmer weather, on April 8th The Ranches experienced a New Mexico chilly spring day.
Some of the residents and staff visited a close neighbor. This neighbor, Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, is just 10 miles from The New Mexico Boys and Girls Ranch property. The residents and staff were treated to a tour of the indoor exhibits. This also included a chance to pet prairie dogs that they had on hand for training purposes. The residents were then given an opportunity to pick out an animal foot-print to make a plaster mold to take home. They all did this with eager anticipation of how it would look after drying. Finally, the staff at SNWR had a game prepared for the residents to play. This game included a teaching lesson as well.
It revealed how different species either help or hurt other species and the environment. The residents enjoyed playing and listened to the teaching application of this activity. A heartfelt thanks goes out to the staff, interns, and volunteers at SNWR which included Jon, Michelle, Janet, and Mary.
