Asombro Institute

The non-profit Asombro Institute for Science Education is dedicated to increasing natural science literacy through engaging, place-based education.

[Asombro Institute @AsombroCDNP]

During a visit to our outdoor classroom, the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park, @bugsicles came across this striking object. Can you guess what it is?

[bugsicles @bugsicles]

This is a natural object I found in the Chihuahuan Desert. Any guesses? I'll share the answer tomorrow...

[Asombro Institute @AsombroCDNP]

That's some smart family planning!
More hot takes on the next #TrailCamTuesday

[Asombro Institute @AsombroCDNP]

Hot dog! Summer is in full swing, and Las Cruces is seeing plenty of days with temps over 100°F. Desert animals generally find shelter during the hottest periods of such days, but occasionally at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park we catch some out beating the heat, like Coyotes.

[Asombro Institute @AsombroCDNP]

One way they do this is by taking a "census" of the local population by listening for vocalizations. If there are many Coyotes in the area, food may be less readily available, so litter sizes are smaller. When things improve and more pups can be supported, litter sizes increase.

[Asombro Institute @AsombroCDNP]

The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park at 56501 N. Jornada Road is free to visit and open to the public year-round. Summer hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m, Tuesday - Sunday. Visit https://t.co/eycjTvZzku for more information.

[Asombro Institute @AsombroCDNP]

The amphitheater at our outdoor classroom, the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park, is one of Las Cruces’s hidden gems. A peaceful place to bird watch, have a picnic, or watch the sunset, it is made even more lovely by the paintings of Zoe Spiliotis & Adrián Aguirre.

[Asombro Institute @AsombroCDNP]

Zoe & Adrián graciously donated their time, skills, and passion to complete the mural in 2022. They will soon be working on another art piece at the Park, so be sure to follow us for future updates!

[Asombro Institute @AsombroCDNP]

Thanks to @bugsicles for sharing their photos with us. More lovely finds from our Park visitors here: https://t.co/Ze8Zu9zvuk

[Asombro Institute @AsombroCDNP]

What we've seen lately at the #ChihuahuanDesertNaturePark:
Cactus Coreid Bug nymph
Giant Robber Fly with prey
Gray Hairstreak Butterfly
Aridland Cicada

[Asombro Institute @AsombroCDNP]

Twin-spotted Spiny Lizard
Roundtail Horned Lizard juvenile
Ornate Tree Lizard

[Asombro Institute @AsombroCDNP]

We have so much more to share with you - check back in 2 weeks for the next #TrailCamTuesday!

[Asombro Institute @AsombroCDNP]

“What’s this shiny, boxy thing??” Some desert animals are more interested in our cameras than others. Can you name all of these curious creatures?
🗓️It's our first #TrailCamTuesday, y'all.

[Asombro Institute @AsombroCDNP]

Asombro has operated trail cameras in the #ChihuahuanDesertNaturePark since 2013. Placed in various locations, these motion-activated cameras are mounted low to the ground & equipped with infrared lights so that we can capture cute candid shots of inquisitive critters like these.