Aztec Ruins National Monument and Chaco Culture National Historical Park re-opened Thursday, Oct. 17. Visitors can access all facilities and public archeological sites in both parks.
Aztec Ruins and Chaco have been closed since Oct. 1 because of the lapse in appropriations to fund the federal government.
“We are happy to be back at work serving the public,” said Aztec Ruins Superintendent Larry Turk. “We welcome visitors to enjoy the beautiful fall colors and cool weather in the parks.” Aztec Ruins is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and Chaco is open from 7 a.m. to sunset.
Autumn is a busy at Aztec Ruins and other parks in New Mexico. Rangers give curriculum-based programs in local classrooms and many schools plan their field trips during the fall season.
Students also come for volunteer opportunities. In September, several youth volunteer groups worked on invasive weed removal, planting trees, and harvesting in the Heritage Garden.
Aztec Ruins staff and volunteers already are preparing for the Evening of Lights, a luminarias display to be held Dec. 19, 2013.
The monument could always use more volunteers to help preserve the spectacular resources and enhance the experience of park visitors.
You can find a volunteer application at http://www.nps.gov/azru/supportyourpark/volunteer.htm.
