Park ranger naturalists offer a variety of programs year-round. Illustrated evening programs take place at the 5,400-foot Chisos Basin amphitheater year-round. From November to April, evening programs are offered regularly in the amphitheater at Rio Grande Village and occasionally at Cottonwood Campground. Subjects include the park's geology, plants, animals, and human history. We especially like the ranger-led nature walks, and rangers also occasionally lead driving tours. Workshops are also planned, on subjects such as adobe construction or photography. Look for weekly schedules on the bulletin boards scattered about the park.
The park has a Junior Ranger Program for children of all ages. Kids learn about the park through a variety of activities, and earn stickers, certificates, badges, and patches. Pick up Junior Ranger Activity Books ($1) at any visitor center.
The Big Bend Natural History Association offers a variety of seminars. Cost is about $50 per day and most seminars are for 1 or 2 days. Subjects could include black bears, archaeology, bats, birds, cacti, photography, and wildflowers.
