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Federal Government

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

The National Park Service has scheduled a control burn to occur at the Gran Quivira unit of the National Monument between October 19, 2026 and October 21, 2026. 

Weekly Ranger-Led Guided Hike — Quarai Unit

Date: Every Friday through October 30, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM MDT
Location: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Quarai Unit, 122 Manzano Quarai Rd, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Park rangers lead a free 45-minute guided hike at the Quarai Unit every Friday morning. No reservation is required. Bring water, a snack, sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Weekly Ranger-Led Guided Hike — Gran Quivira Unit

Date: Every Saturday through October 24, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM MDT
Location: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Gran Quivira Unit, 4030 Quivira Flats Rd, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Park rangers lead a free 45-minute guided hike at the Gran Quivira Unit every Saturday morning. No reservation is required. Bring water, a snack, sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Weekly Ranger-Led Guided Hike — Abó Unit

Date: Every Sunday through October 25, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM MDT
Location: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Abó Unit, 69 Ruins Road, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Park rangers lead a free 45-minute guided hike at the Abó Unit every Sunday morning. No reservation is required. Bring water, a snack, sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Ethnobotany Nature Walk at Quarai

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM MDT
Location: Quarai Unit, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, 122 Manzano Quarai Road, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Join the National Monument's Tribal Communities Engagement Intern for this guided walk. Explore native plants found along the Quarai landscape and the important roles they have played throughout history. Participants will learn about the practical uses of these plants, including their medicinal use, as well as the cultural knowledge that surrounds them. Participants will learn to identify nine plants and explore their traditional uses. The program will also include an overview of the traditional Three Sisters planting method.

During the walk along the trail, participants will discuss how the people who lived in the Salinas Pueblo Mission region hundreds of years ago likely relied on many of these plants in similar ways. Participants are invited to learn about and share knowledge of plant uses. This family-friendly program is open to all ages. Pets are welcome, and the paved trail is wheelchair accessible, providing an inclusive opportunity to explore the rich relationship between people and plants at the Quarai Unit.

BARK in the Park

Date: November 7, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Quarai Unit, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, 122 Manzano Quarai Road, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument and the Friends of the Mountainair Animal Shelter (FOMAS) invite visitors to bring their dogs for a ranger-led trail hike and earn BARK Ranger status. The program encourages participants to follow the B A R K principles: Bag waste, Always leash, Respect wildlife, and Know where to go. FOMAS partners will offer educational presentations on dog adoption. Bring lunch to enjoy at the picnic area during the presentation. For more information, contact the Mountainair Headquarters Visitor Center at (505) 847-2585.

Native American Heritage Month Celebration

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is celebrating Native American Heritage Month with two days of events featuring indigenous artists, writers, and storytellers.

Presentation by Andi Murphy of the Toasted Sister Podcast
Date: November 14, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Manzano Mountain Art Council, 101 Broadway, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Andi Murphy, host of the Toasted Sister Podcast and senior producer of Native America Calling, will share an exploration of Indigenous foodways.

Storytelling with Anthony Ryan Edaakie
Date: November 14, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: Manzano Mountain Art Council, 101 Broadway, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Anthony Ryan Edaakie, former Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps intern at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, and author of The Land of Everlasting Winter, will share readings from his book, suitable for children and adults, and discuss his interpretations of the work and insights into its creation.

Glassmaking Demonstration with Justin Youvella
Date: November 15, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Abó Unit, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, 69 Abó Ruins Road, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Justin Youvella, a multidisciplinary artist from Tesuque Pueblo and the Hopi Tribe, works in metal sculpture, murals, painting, and glassblowing, drawing on Indigenous American Southwest colors, patterns, and cultural traditions. He will share a rare opportunity to witness glass art in action and to learn directly from an artist whose work bridges tradition and innovation.

Ethnobotany Nature Walk at Quarai

Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM MDT
Location: Quarai Unit, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, 122 Manzano Quarai Road, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Join the National Monument's Tribal Communities Engagement Intern for this guided walk. Explore native plants found along the Quarai landscape and the important roles they have played throughout history. Participants will learn about the practical uses of these plants, including their medicinal use, as well as the cultural knowledge that surrounds them. Participants will learn to identify nine plants and explore their traditional uses. The program will also include an overview of the traditional Three Sisters planting method.

During the walk along the trail, participants will discuss how the people who lived in the Salinas Pueblo Mission region hundreds of years ago likely relied on many of these plants in similar ways. Participants are invited to learn about and share knowledge of plant uses. This family-friendly program is open to all ages. Pets are welcome, and the paved trail is wheelchair accessible, providing an inclusive opportunity to explore the rich relationship between people and plants at the Quarai Unit.

State Government

Economic Development New Mexico

NMSU Virtual Career Fair

Date: October 22, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Details: Employers can connect with career-ready students and alumni from NMSU Global Campus, promote employment opportunities within their organization, and build relationships with future talent. Register here.

New Mexico Aging Services

Tijeras Medicare Open Enrollment One-on-One Counseling with SHIP

Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM MDT
Location: Tijeras Senior Center, 10 Tijeras Ave, Tijeras, NM 87059
Details: The Tijeras Senior Center is hosting free, one-on-one Medicare counseling with a local coordinator from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Open enrollment is the yearly window to review your Medicare coverage and make sure you have the benefits you need at the lowest cost. SHIP counselors offer unbiased help and do not sell or endorse any insurance plan. Attendees should bring their Medicare card and a list of their current prescriptions.
Medicare open enrollment runs from Thursday, October 15, through Monday, December 7, 2026.

New Mexico Department of Health

Flu Vaccine Clinic

Date: November 6, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM MDT or until vaccines run out
Location: Torrance County Public Health Office, 300 8th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Flu shots will be available for those 6 months old and older

Torrance County

EVYFC Board Meeting

Date: October 26, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Torrance County Administrative Offices, 205 South 9th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: None Provided

Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting

Date: October 27, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Torrance County Administrative Offices, 205 South 9th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: None Provided

Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners

Date: October 28, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Online and Torrance County Administrative Offices, 205 South 9th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: None Provided

Estancia

Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Date: Every First and Third Monday of the Month (October 19, 2026 CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF QUORUM and November 2, 2026)
Time: 6:15 PM
Location: Estancia Town Hall, 513 Williams Ave, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: None Provided

Moriarty

Moriarty Planning and Zoning Commission Workshop on Zoning Ordinance Updates

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM MDT
Location: Moriarty Municipal Courtroom, 201 Broadway Street South, Moriarty, NM 87035
Details: The City of Moriarty Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a workshop on updating the city's zoning ordinances, which govern how property can be used and developed, from where businesses can open to what residents can build on their own land. No decisions or approvals will be made at this meeting, but the agenda includes a public comment period, making it an early opportunity for residents to weigh in before any changes come up for a vote. Commission members are Jason Grider, Steven Garrett, Eric Pohl, Shilo Pennington, Rick Bogart, Robert Chavez, and April Tapia. Copies of the agenda are available at the City Clerk's Office at 201 Broadway Street, or by emailing mmartinez@moriartynm.gov. The meeting is held under New Mexico's Open Meetings Act, N.M. Stat. Ann. §§ 10-15-1 to -4 (1978). The commission's next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM MST.*

Second Annual Community Health and Wellness Fair and Community Craft Fair

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM MDT – 2:00 PM MDT
Location: Moriarty High School Practice Gym, 200 Center Avenue, Moriarty, NM 87035
Details: The Moriarty-Edgewood School District is hosting its second annual Community Health and Wellness Fair, paired this year with a community craft fair. The free, family-friendly event brings together health care providers, nonprofits, school programs, government agencies, social service organizations, and groups offering free screenings or services, alongside local artists, makers, and small businesses selling their goods. Local artists, makers, and small businesses interested in a booth can register for a vendor booth. Health care organizations, nonprofits, agencies, and other community resources can register as a community partner. Admission is free.

Mountainair

Town Council Meeting

Date: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month (October 20, 2026 and November 3, 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 join by phone, call 346-248-7799, enter access code 856-052-5813, and enter passcode 888-888.

Willard

Willard Village Council Monthly Meeting

Date: Second Monday of the month (November 9, 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.

Other Organizations

Roadrunner Food Bank Distribution

Date: Distribution is scheduled for every Tuesday, but verification is recommended.
Time: 11:00 AM MDT
Location: Dr. Saul Community Center, 109 N Roosevelt Ave, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Roadrunner Food Bank

Bethel Storehouse Food Pantry/Clothing Bank

Date: Tuesday through Friday
Time: From 12:00 PM to 3:45 PM
Location: 1719 4th St, Moriarty, NM 87035
Details: To see if you qualify for available services, please click here.

Mountainair Men's Support Group

Date: Every Wednesday
Time: 6:00 PM MDT
Location: Mountainair Multi-Purpose Building, 107 1/2 N Roosevelt Ave, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Recurring weekly Christian men's support group meeting. For more information, please contact Richard Torres, Jr. (AKA Wizard) at (505) 357-9749.

Mountainair Rotary Club Weekly Lunch Meeting

Date: Every Thursday
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 their own lunch.

Trunk or Treat at Estancia United Methodist Church

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM MDT – 7:30 PM MDT
Location: Estancia United Methodist Church, 600 Williams Avenue, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Estancia United Methodist Church is hosting a Halloween Trunk or Treat, giving families a safe, community-centered alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating. Free Frito pie and hot dogs will be served while supplies last. Community members who would like to decorate and host a trunk can call Melanie at (505) 550-1911.

"ABSTRACTION in Shape and Form" Art Exhibit Opening Reception

Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM MST
Location: Manzano Mountain Art Council, 101 East Broadway, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: The Manzano Mountain Art Council opens its new exhibit, "ABSTRACTION in Shape and Form," featuring non-realistic art in all mediums that explores imagination and magic through shape and form. For more information, contact the art council at MMACevents@gmail.com or (505) 847-5068, or visit manzanomountainartcouncil.org. The art council's Día de los Muertos community celebration follows the opening at 2:00 PM MST.

Día de los Muertos Community Celebration and Mini-Ofrenda Shadow Box Workshop

Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM MST – 5:00 PM MST
Location: Manzano Mountain Art Council, 101 East Broadway, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Following its exhibit opening, the Manzano Mountain Art Council will host a family-friendly Día de los Muertos celebration where participants can build a shadow box ofrenda honoring a loved one or a lost pet, or highlighting the things that inspire them. The art council will provide all crafting materials and traditional foods to try. Participants are welcome to bring small mementos, photographs, or trinkets to include in their shadow box. The event also covers the history of the holiday, from its pre-Columbian Indigenous roots through Spanish colonization to its modern celebration. In 2008, UNESCO added the observance to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. RSVP online or by leaving a voice or text message at (505) 847-5068. The event is sponsored by the Manzano Mountain Art Council and New Mexico Arts. This event is free and open to all ages; donations are appreciated.

Moriarty Harvest Frontier Gun Show

Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026, and Sunday, November 8, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM MST – 5:00 PM MST on Saturday; 10:00 AM MST – 4:00 PM MST on Sunday
Location: Moriarty Civic Center, 202 Broadway Avenue, Moriarty, NM 87035
Details: Blue Maverick Guns hosts the Moriarty Harvest Frontier Gun Show over two days at the Moriarty Civic Center. Admission is $10 for adults, and children under 12 get in free. For vendor or event information, contact Blue Maverick Guns at (505) 417-3227, by email at admin@bluemaverickguns.com, or at bluemaverickguns.com.

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. Listing events is free.