EVENTS

The Borderlands Research Institute provides opportunities for the public to learn from and engage with researchers, experts, and specialists in natural resources. Check out the upcoming events below.

Upcoming Events

Water in the Desert - A Conference About Water in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas

When: February 11-13, 2026
Where: Sul Ross State University; Morgan University Center; Alpine, Texas

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Guided Hikes on Hancock Hill

Join SRSU staff on guided hikes on Hancock Hill.

Learn about the history of Alpine and Sul Ross and the natural history of Hancock Hill, while taking in stunning views.

Past Events

Alpine Wildlife Weekend 2026

Join us for a weekend packed with fun and educational activities about Texas native wildlife! This year’s focus: OWLS! Enjoy guided hikes, nature filmmaking and photography workshops, wildlife research updates, and more. Explore local shops and restaurants in downtown Alpine, showcasing wildlife-themed eats, drinks, and treasures. Free and open to the public.
When: January 30 – February 1, 2026
Where: Museum of the Big Bend, Granada Theatre, Everett E. Turner Range Animal Science Center, and downtown Alpine
NOTE: Registration for the Owl Walk is full.

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Marfa Christmas Bird Count

Volunteer for the first Christmas Bird Count in Marfa, TX! All experience levels are welcome.

Chihuahuan Desert grasslands provide key overwintering habitat for many of North America’s grassland birds. The new survey area will address a knowledge gap by capturing information about this crucial cold-season habitat.

When: 7:30 AM; Sunday, December 21, 2025
Where: parks, roads, and ranches – Marfa, TX

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Patty Manning Pollinator Garden Grand Opening

Mark your calendar for the Patty Manning Pollinator Garden Grand Opening on December 6. It starts at 2pm at the Alpine Public Library with a ribbon cutting and a kids’ pollinator program, then 4pm at The Ritchey for a reception with live music and refreshments.

When: December 6, 2025
Where: 2pm – Alpine Public Library,
4pm The Ritchey

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Birding the Big Bend

Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University is partnering with Holland Hotel in Alpine to bring you a birding experience on private ranches in the Big Bend!
We will begin our day at East Rim Ranch, a property that is opening its gates to birders for the first time. Target species include Chihuahuan raven, black-tailed gnatcatcher, crissal thrasher, black-chinned sparrow, and Scott’s oriole.
Next we will travel to Christmas Mountains Oasis, with a great bird blind and trails nestled into a sky-island landscape. Target species include rufous and Anna’s hummingbirds, black-tailed gnatcatcher, black phoebe, and phainopepla.
When: November 14, 2026 at 6:45 AM
Where: East Rim Ranch & Christmas Mountains Oasis

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Diversifying Land Use in the Trans-Pecos: Informing Landowner Strategies for Conservation and Economic Sustainability

Join landowners, legal experts, conservationists, and industry professionals for a dynamic, solutions-focused conference designed to help landowners in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas navigate a changing landscape.

When: November 13, 2025
Time: 9 AM – 4 PM
Where: Sul Ross State University; Morgan University Center; Alpine, Texas

Learn More & Register

Restoring West Texas Streams

A collaborative workshop for low-tech watershed solutions. Hosted by Rio Grande Joint Venture, Borderlands Research Institute and Dixon Water Foundation, this workshop is for contractors, landowners, land managers, restoration practitioners, and the public interested in learning how to plan, build, and maintain low-tech structures like one-rock dams, brush weirs, and more.

When: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Time: 9 AM – 5 PM
Where: 302 South Highland Avenue, Marfa, TX 79843

"The American Southwest" Film Screening

The American Southwest is a wild and unforgettable journey down the mighty Colorado River. Narrated by Quannah Chasinghorse, the film beautifully showcases the region’s abundant wildlife, confronts the ecological impacts of dams and river depletion, and boldly advocates for increased water and wildlife conservation. This Fin and Fur Films production travels through legendary landscapes from the perspective of some of the Southwest’s most charming characters—such as wetland-building beavers, bugling bull elk, and desert-adapted rattlesnakes.

Created in association with Natives Outdoors, The American Southwest highlights the region’s deep cultural history and the urgent need to manage the river more sustainably so that both wildlife and society can thrive.

When: Monday, October 20, 2025
Time: 5:30 to 9 PM
Where: Museum of the Big Bend – Cultural Events Center
No Registration Required