A great horned owl that has been rehabilitated by Hawks Aloft will be released into the wild on Saturday, January 5 at the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park in Albuquerque. Photo by Becky Hansis-O'Neill Albuquerque, NM: The Friends of Rio Grande Nature Center State Park are sponsoring the Nature in Winter Festival at the park on Saturday, January 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Events for the day will also include the opportunity to see live birds up close with Wildlife Rescue Inc., “Storytelling Under the Cottonwood Tree,” with Dianne Rossbach, and “Animals and Nature in Winter,” with Vanessa Barela of the Sandia Mountain Natural History Center.

In addition, a great horned owl rehabilitated by Hawks Aloft will be released into the wild at 2:45 p.m. Saturday with the help of newly appointed Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department Cabinet Secretary Designate Sarah Cottrell Propst, and Gail Garber of Hawks Aloft.

“Our state parks are meaningful for people and wildlife alike,” said Cabinet Secretary Designate Propst.  “We invite the public to join us for fun park programs to learn about the amazing wildlife in our backyards.”

The programs will be held in the Education Building and Visitor Center throughout the day. The $3 day-use fee or display of applicable permit applies. For questions, contact Rio Grande Nature Center State Park at (505) 344-7240 Rio Grande Nature Center State Park .

For more information on all New Mexico State Parks, please visit our website here.