Chamizal National Memorial

Happy ! 🌲

Today we collectively focus on and celebrate America’s trails and those who use them. Advocacy to continue maintaining them for hiking, biking, running, or walking are ongoing so we may enjoy greenways and public spaces. Mountain 🏔️

The National Park Service recognizes the extraordinary work of National Park Service employees, volunteers, partners, and communities who help steward and sustain America’s National Trails System — ensuring these special places remain accessible and inspiring for all. Chamizal National Memorial has a great 1.4-mile loop, with vantage points where you can connect with history, green spaces, and a binational community. Of course, you can continue to check out the other amazing hikes around El Paso! 🇺🇸

Summers here in El Paso can get hot and dangerous if not properly prepared to hit the trails. Make a plan and prepare accordingly as you explore America’s trails and connect with nature. ☀️

We’ll see you out on the trails! 🥾

Welcome to ! 🌺 Every Friday, we will be learning about the many types of flowers and plants that can be found here in the Chihuahuan Desert.

In today’s post, we will be talking about the mesquite tree. There are five different species of mesquite trees found throughout the greater American Southwest. The honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa). Honey mesquite is commonly found in El Paso. You may hear some people refer to this tree as “our tree of life.” This is because of how widespread it is throughout the Chihuahuan Desert and because of its many life-sustaining properties.

Honey mesquite is highly drought-resistant and has deep taproots, meaning its roots extend far into the soil to access moisture deep underground. Below are some more awesome fact about the honey mesquite!

· The mesquite tree has historically been used by Indigenous communities for a variety of medicinal purposes. Different parts of the tree were utilized to help treat stomach aches, sore throats, skin rashes, toothaches, and certain eye infections, including conditions similar to pink eye. 🌳

· The mesquite tree also played a role in traditional tattooing practices. Its dark sap and charcoal-like byproducts could be used to create tattoo pigment, while the tree’s sharp thorns served as tattooing needles. However, these traditional methods are not recommended today, as they can pose significant health and infection risks.

· The sap of the mesquite tree was highly valued for its adhesive properties. Its natural stickiness was often used during basket-making to help seal and strengthen baskets, making them more durable and water-resistant. 🧺

How do you think you could use a honey mesquite today? 🤔

La Comunidad has been on display throughout the spring, contributing to the living art atmosphere of Chamizal National Memorial. Students were challenged to create sculptural works using welded frames and mixed-media materials to tell meaningful stories through art. Many explored themes of cultural identity, community, and the shared experiences of the borderlands, bringing their unique perspectives to the La Comunidad exhibition.

As we say a heartfelt farewell to this inspiring collection, we invite you to enjoy these photos and celebrate the creativity and talent of the student artists.

Thank you to The University of Texas at El Paso Sculpture Program for sharing your vision, artistry, and community with us. We are grateful for this partnership and the opportunity to showcase these remarkable works at Chamizal National Memorial. ❤️🎨✨

Swipe tonight check out some of the sculptures that were on display!

Welcome to , where we will share more information about animals that call the Chihuahuan Desert home!

This week, we will be learning more about the American Black Bear. Did you know that not all black bears are black? Some black bears’ coats can look grey or rusty brown. American black bears (Ursus Americanus) are smaller and more timid than their Grizzly and Polar bear relatives, but are the only bears found in the Chihuahuan Desert.

Black bears are more active at night and can be found foraging for small insects and vegetation like fruit, nuts, buds, and plant shoots during the day. Black bears will occasionally eat small mammals, like porcupines, and have been known to knock down and eat eggs from birds’ nests, so they are classified as carnivores. If presented with the opportunity, black bears will even raid campsites where food is not stored properly. That’s why it is always important to store food and fragrant hygiene products in a bear box or in a tree at least 10 feet off the ground, 4 feet away from the tree’s trunk, and at least 200 feet from your campsite! Using Pack in- Pack Out principals are useful at preventing bears from becoming dependent on food from humans.

Mating season for black bears lasts from June to mid-July and the gestation, or pregnancy, period lasts about 220 days. A female black bear will usually give birth to two or three baby bears, called cubs. The average lifespan of an American Black Bear is about 25 years. Zoologists can determine how old a bear is by cutting crosswise through one of its teeth and counting the inner rings, like the rings found on the inside of a tree.

Let us know what other Chihuahuan Desert animals you want learn about!

Photo credit: NPS Gallery

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work in a National Park unit? 🤔

Do you like being a part of a fun work environment? 🤗

Well look no further! Chamizal National Memorial has plenty of opportunities for you to work along Park Rangers, sharpen or gain experience, and serve your community! We have events and activities coming up that are going to be rewarding. 🌲

You can find all our volunteer positions on our website. Follow the “Get Involved” tab, then “Volunteer.” There you can choose what you want to do. Of course, if you want to learn or do more, you’re not limited to one volunteer opportunity.

Link: Be a VIP: Volunteer in Parks - Chamizal National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)

We cant wait to work with you! 🥾

We are wrapping up our for May with sharing some puptastic news you can use! 🐶

Getting outside looks different for everyone. It also doesn’t have to stop when May concludes. One way we encourage you to get outside is by bringing your soon to be Bark Rangers!

Our Bark Ranger program is easy to access and is for any responsible four legged family member and owner who can:

Bag their own waste 🚮
Always be on a leash (no longer than 6 ft) 🦮
Respect wildlife (we know the squirrels are so fun!)🐿️
Know where to go🐾

Any Bark Ranger who completes the program and knows the 4 promises will earn their very own Bark Ranger badge! You can find our self guided Bark Ranger program on the National Park Service mobile app, under Self Guided Tours. If anything, press the doorbell and one of our Rangers will come out to assist!

We’ll see you around! 🥾

Happy Memorial Day! 🇺🇸

Across the nation, National Park Service sites help preserve the stories of courage, sacrifice, and service that shaped America’s military history. From battlefields and memorials to national cemeteries and historic sites, these places offer opportunities to reflect, remember, and learn about those who gave their lives in service.

Spaces like Chamizal National Memorial are special because you can celebrate and reflect on those who have served our country. We hope you all have a safe holiday!

Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/memorial-day.htm

This we want to highlight the importance of green spaces. Green spaces are urbans spaces that are covered by any type of vegetation. The benefits of these spaces are long-term. 🌳

Socially, green spaces have positive affects for human’s physical and mental health by filtering out pollution and chemicals and reducing stress levels. 🌀

Environmentally, green spaces provide the same benefits for urban wildlife and many different plants that depend on each other for survival. 🐿️

We invite you to Chamizal National Memorial to fill your wellness cup to do your favorite green space activities. Whether it’s a brisk walk, bike ride, or simply just be. We hope you enjoy the couple of angles we’re sharing but hop to see you out here enjoying our green island along the U.S.-Mexico border! 🇺🇸🇲🇽

Chamizal National Memorial has a new phone number!

We want to thank everyone for your patience as we got our phones back online! You may find our new phone number on our website and social outlets.
You may now call us at (915) 245-4355. 📞

Let’s stay connected in all the ways! 📱

Good Neighbor Day America is a nationwide movement to inspire the Good Neighbor in every American through love, kindness and service. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary this year, we’re proud to partner with America250 to honor this historic milestone. 🇺🇸

Chamizal National Memorial’s strong testament of resolving a 100 year conflict to resolution stands true that with diplomacy, communication and goodwill will flourish to good neighbor qualities. Together, we’re bridging the story we tell with our community, volunteers, NPS employees, and partners to celebrate the moments that bring us closer. Those very moments when we lend a hand and show a little extra love to those who need it most. 🫱🏽‍🫲🏾

We can’t wait to see the magic that happens when millions of Americans come together to celebrate. How can you be a good neighbor?