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Federal Government

National Park Service

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

BARK Ranger Program: BARK in the Park

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM MDT
Location: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Quarai Unit, 122 Manzano Quarai Rd, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: The 2026 BARK Ranger season continues with a group hike at the Quarai Unit. Dogs can earn their ranger status by following the B.A.R.K. principles: Bag waste, Always leash, Respect wildlife, and Know where to go. Co-hosted by the Friends of the Mountainair Animal Shelter.
Source: https://www.nps.gov/sapu

World Migratory Bird Day Count and Event

Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM MDT
Location: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Quarai Unit, 122 Manzano Quarai Rd, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is hosting World Migratory Bird Day, an annual awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need to conserve migratory birds and their habitats. This year's theme is "Every Bird Counts — Your Observations Matter!" Park staff, volunteers, and the Bird Alliance of Central New Mexico will welcome visitors of all ages for bird count hikes, an educational presentation on "Bird Migration and Bird ID," Junior Ranger activities, giveaways, and more. The day's program includes a Bird Migration and Bird ID Presentation from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, a lunch break from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, a second bird count hike from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, a third bird count hike from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, and an all-day information table from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with WMBD giveaways. This event is free to attend. Contact the Mountainair Headquarters Visitor Center at (505) 847-2585 for more information.
Source: https://www.nps.gov/sapu

State Government

New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services

11th Annual Heroes Hiring Heroes Employment Event

Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM MDT
Location: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Details: A statewide veteran employment event connecting veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses with employers. Attendees are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resume and dress professionally.
Source: https://www.dws.state.nm.us/HeroesHiringHeroes

NMSU Cooperative Extension Service

Free Diabetes Cooking Class

Dates: Tuesday, May 12, 2026; Thursday, May 14, 2026; Tuesday, May 19, 2026; and Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM MDT
Location: Online via Zoom (link provided after registration)
Details: Learn how to plan meals to help manage diabetes, practice cooking foods in healthier ways, and enjoy the support of others who are living with diabetes. To register, call (505) 544-4334 or visit kitchencreations.nmsu.edu.
Source: NMSU Cooperative Extension Service

Torrance County

Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting

Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM MDT
Location: Via Zoom — https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82701832333 (Meeting ID: 827 0183 2333; Passcode: 334791). One-tap mobile: +1 (719) 359-4580
Details: Regular meeting of the Torrance County Local Emergency Planning Committee.
Source: https://www.torrancecountynm.org

Planning and Zoning Meeting

Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM MDT
Location: Torrance County Administrative Offices, 205 South 9th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Regular meeting of the Torrance County Planning and Zoning Commission.
Source: https://www.torrancecountynm.org

Delinquent Property Tax Auction

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM MDT
Location: TBD — contact Torrance County for details (see below)
Details: Annual auction of properties with delinquent tax obligations. A specific venue has not been publicly confirmed at the time of publication. Prospective bidders should contact the Torrance County Treasurer's Office at (505) 544-4700 or visit https://www.torrancecountynm.org for location information and any applicable bidding requirements.
Source: https://www.torrancecountynm.org

Regular Commission Meeting

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM MDT
Location: Torrance County Administrative Offices, 205 South 9th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Regularly scheduled administrative meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. The commission meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Agendas and meeting packets are posted at https://www.torrancecountynm.org/departments/county-commission.
Source: https://www.torrancecountynm.org

LEPC Meeting

Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM MDT
Location: Via Zoom — details TBD. Watch https://www.torrancecountynm.org for meeting link.
Details: Regular meeting of the Torrance County Local Emergency Planning Committee.
Source: https://www.torrancecountynm.org

Regular Commission Meeting

Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM MDT
Location: Torrance County Administrative Offices, 205 South 9th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Regularly scheduled administrative meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.
Source: https://www.torrancecountynm.org

Encino

Encino Village Council

Monthly Council Meeting

Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM MDT
Location: Encino Government Offices, 527 North Main St., Encino, NM 88321
Details: The council meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month. For more information on Encino events, contact the Village Hall at (575) 584-2980.
Source: Recurring Event

Estancia

Board of Trustees Regular Meeting

Date: Monday, May 4, 2026
Time: 6:15 PM MDT
Location: Estancia Town Hall, 513 Williams Ave, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees. The board meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month.
Source: https://www.townofestancia.com

Board of Trustees Regular Meeting

Date: Monday, May 18, 2026
Time: 6:15 PM MDT
Location: Estancia Town Hall, 513 Williams Ave, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees.
Source: https://www.townofestancia.com

City of Moriarty

City Council Meeting

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM MDT
Location: Moriarty City Council Chambers, 202 Broadway Street South, Moriarty, NM 87035
Details: Regular meeting of the Moriarty City Council. The council meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month.
Source: https://www.moriartynm.org

Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting

Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM MDT
Location: Moriarty City Council Chambers, 202 Broadway Street South, Moriarty, NM 87035
Details: Regular meeting of the Moriarty Planning and Zoning Commission.
Source: Reader Submission

City Council Meeting

Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM MDT
Location: Moriarty City Council Chambers, 202 Broadway Street South, Moriarty, NM 87035
Details: Regular meeting of the Moriarty City Council.
Source: https://www.moriartynm.org

Mountainair

Town of Mountainair

Town Council Meeting

Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM MDT
Location: Mountainair Town Council Building, 107 1/2 North Roosevelt Avenue, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Regular meeting of the Mountainair Town Council. Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. To attend by phone, call (346) 248-7799, Meeting ID: 856-052-5813, Passcode: 888-888.
Source: http://mountainairnm.gov

Town Council Meeting

Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM MDT
Location: Mountainair Town Council Building, 107 1/2 North Roosevelt Avenue, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Regular meeting of the Mountainair Town Council. To attend by phone, call (346) 248-7799, Meeting ID: 856-052-5813, Passcode: 888-888.
Source: http://mountainairnm.gov

Friends of the Mountainair Animal Shelter (FOMAS)

April Pet Shot Clinic

Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM MDT
Location: Multipurpose Building, 106 N Sunset, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Low-cost shot clinic for pets hosted by the Friends of the Mountainair Animal Shelter. For details on vaccines offered and pricing, visit fomas.org/events.
Source: https://fomas.org

Willard

Willard Village Council Monthly Meeting

Date: Monday, May 11, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM MDT
Location: Willard Village Hall, 720 Dunlavy Ave, Willard, NM 87063
Details: The council meets on the 2nd Monday of each month. For more information on Willard events, contact the Village Hall at (505) 384-2874.
Source: Recurring Event

Other Organizations

Mountainair Rotary Club Weekly Lunch Meeting

Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026; Thursday, May 7, 2026; Thursday, May 14, 2026; Thursday, May 21, 2026; and Thursday, May 28, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM MDT
Location: Claunch-Pinto SWCD Conservation Center, 1206 NM-55, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Weekly meeting for community service planning and networking. Visitors are welcome and should bring a lunch.
Source: Recurring Event

Claunch-Pinto Soil and Water Conservation District Regular Board Meeting

Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM MDT
Location: Claunch-Pinto SWCD Conservation Center, 1206 NM-55, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Monthly meeting held on the 1st Friday of the month. Meetings are open to the public and currently available via Zoom. For Zoom access information, visit http://www.claunchpinto.org.
Source: Recurring Event

Central Tri-County Soil and Water Conservation District Board Meeting

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM MDT
Location: 2506 NM-333, Moriarty, NM 87035 (also known as 2506 Old Route 66)
Details: Regular monthly meeting of the Central Tri-County SWCD board, held on the 1st Thursday of each month.
Source: Recurring Event

East Torrance Soil and Water Conservation District Board Meeting

Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM MDT
Location: 715 S 5th St, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Regular monthly meeting of the board supervisors to discuss regional conservation efforts and soil and water erosion prevention. The board meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
Source: Reader Submission

Manzano Mountain Arts Council (MMAC)

Poetry Days — Final Evening

Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM MDT
Location: Manzano Mountain Arts Council, 101 East Broadway, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: The concluding event of Poetry Days, celebrating National Poetry Month with readings and community participation. The event is free and open to the public.
Source: https://manzanomountainartcouncil.org

You Are the Artist: Ceramics with Martha Egan

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM MDT
Location: Manzano Mountain Arts Council, 101 East Broadway, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Participants will make a teapot and may also make a lid. The class is led by Kent Hoffman and Martha Egan. Registration is required; email marthaegan@gmail.com to sign up.
Source: https://manzanomountainartcouncil.org

"Free Range" Art Exhibition

Date: Ongoing through Saturday, July 11, 2026
Time: Regular gallery hours
Location: Manzano Mountain Arts Council, 101 East Broadway, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Exhibition featuring local artwork inspired by the landscapes and agricultural heritage of the Estancia Valley.
Source: https://manzanomountainartcouncil.org

2026 Young Arts Club Exhibition

Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026, through Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: Regular gallery hours
Location: Manzano Mountain Arts Council, 101 East Broadway, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Exhibition showcasing work by members of the MMAC Young Arts Club, the 2026 Artists-in-Residence cohort at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument.
Source: https://manzanomountainartcouncil.org

"Threads — The Art of Fiber" Exhibition Opening

Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM MDT
Location: Manzano Mountain Arts Council, 101 East Broadway, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Opening reception for Threads, an exhibition celebrating handmade paper, weaving, felting, and fabric arts.
Source: Reader Submission

SAVE THE DATE: 2026 Mountainair Sunflower Festival

Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM MDT
Location: Manzano Mountain Arts Council, 101 East Broadway, Mountainair, NM 87036 (corner of US Highway 60 and NM Highway 55)
Details: A free, family-friendly arts festival featuring more than 50 fine artists, 20-plus local vendors, live music, a beer and wine garden, a children's activities area, a sunflower hat and costume contest, a treasure sale, and an art raffle and silent auction. More information will be available as the date approaches.
Source: https://manzanomountainartcouncil.org

Friends of the Mountainair Animal Shelter (FOMAS)

Rattlesnake Aversion Training for Dogs

Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM MDT
Location: Deer Canyon Preserve Community Center, 1 Deer Canyon Trail, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Professional rattlesnake aversion training for dogs. Cost is $90 per dog. Reservations are required. Visit fomas.org/events to register.
Source: Reader Submission

Mountainair Spay and Neuter Clinic

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026, and Sunday, June 28, 2026
Time: Determined by Pre-Paid Reservation
Location: Dr. Saul Community Center, 109 N Roosevelt Ave, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: A two-day community spay and neuter clinic hosted by the Friends of the Mountainair Animal Shelter. Registration details will be posted at fomas.org/events as the date approaches.
Source: Reader Submission

Astronomy and Nature

The Estancia Valley offers some of the darkest skies in New Mexico, making this area an excellent base for stargazing. Readers who want real-time sky guidance can use NASA's Eyes on the Solar System.

Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) — Final Days of Northern Hemisphere Visibility

Dates: This week through early May 2026 (visibility diminishing)
When to look: Pre-dawn hours, low on the eastern horizon
Details: Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) made its closest approach to Earth on April 26–27. It may still be visible through binoculars or a small telescope in the pre-dawn sky this week, low in the east in the constellations Pegasus and Pisces. Northern Hemisphere visibility is fading rapidly; dark skies and a clear eastern horizon improve your chances. Never aim binoculars or a telescope toward the Sun.
Source: NASA Solar System Exploration

Jupiter Moon Event: Ganymede Reappears from Eclipse

Date: Early Tuesday morning, April 28, 2026
Time: Approximately 1:19 AM MDT
Details: Telescope observers have an opportunity to watch Ganymede, Jupiter's largest moon, slowly brighten as it reappears from Jupiter's shadow. Jupiter is visible in the western sky during evening hours. This is a telescopic event.
Source: Astronomy Magazine

Full Moon: May Flower Moon

Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Details: May's first full moon rises Friday evening. It is traditionally known as the Flower Moon, marking the season when spring wildflowers bloom. May 2026 brings two full moons — May 1, 2026, and May 31, 2026 — making the May 31 moon a "blue moon" by one common definition. No equipment is needed to enjoy the Flower Moon, though even a pair of binoculars will reveal the Moon's craters in striking detail.
Source: Royal Observatory Greenwich

Asteroid 4 Vesta at Opposition

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Details: Asteroid 4 Vesta, the second-most massive object in the asteroid belt, reaches opposition on Saturday, meaning it sits directly opposite the Sun in the sky and is at its brightest and most accessible for the year. It is technically visible to the naked eye under very dark skies, though binoculars or a small telescope will make for a far better view. The dark skies of the Estancia Valley put observers here at an advantage. Consult a star chart or a sky application to find it.
Source: The Planetary Society

The Mountainair Dispatch covers public affairs, community life, and local news across Torrance County, New Mexico. To submit an event for a future post, email todd@mountainairdispatch.com or use this form. There is no charge to list events.