Spring has Sprung in the Franklin Mountains State Park

by Adriana Weickhardt

The signs of spring are popping up all over the mountain from hints of purple Lyreleaf Twist flowers
and yellow Desert Evening Primrose, to colorful butterflies fluttering over the hills and slithering
lizards darting across the trails.  It’s a beautiful transition period to another season in our
Chihuahuan Desert!

The park is also experiencing transitions as we prepare to welcome back one of our own from his
absence while attending police academy.  Jonathan Murphy will be back on the mountain soon and
will soon be protecting and serving the park and visitors, but also be integrated into leading
additional park programs.  And as we eagerly welcome one ranger back, we are also preparing to say
goodbye to another; Richie Sanchez has infused this park with positive energy and given it a tune up
with the monthly mountain bike rides that he’s led over the past year.  We are overjoyed, though, for this new chapter in Ranger Richie’s life as he will soon embark on the journey of marriage and school.  Congratulations to both Jonathan and Richie on your
accomplishments!

Another transition that comes with the spring season is the more frequent migrations of your rangers down from the mountains and into the city.  The park presence will begin being noticed more and more throughout the community during spring and into summer as schools continue to invite your rangers out to career fairs, science project contests and science fairs, and summer camps.  We also will be participating in many of the Earth Day festivities throughout El Paso during the month of April.

The park programs are also preparing to transition to our warm weather and summer fun activities like mine tours, astronomy
programs and mysteries of the night hikes.  Our annual “National Kids to Parks” event is also around the bend on May 17, 2014 – mark your calendars, you don’t want to miss it!

For all of our guided park programs, one must have a reservation to participate.  Make your reservations by calling:  (915) 566-6441.  You can also share your photographs and keep up with the daily activity at our park by visiting the Franklin Mountains State Park facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinMountainsSP?ref=hl.

If you are interested in being added to the email list to receive the monthly park event flyers, please contact:  Adrianna.weickhardt@tpwd.texas.gov