On the outskirts of El Paso, Texas lies a hidden gem of natural wonder and ancient history—Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site. A few of our families met up this morning to explore the area, led by a local park ranger!
We took a short hike up the magnificent rocks to study the "huecos"--which is Spanish for a natural depression in the rock that collects rainwater. Here, we learned about the fascinating life cycle of freshwater fairy shrimp. Their eggs lie dormant buried in the mud of the huecos until the rains come, reviving them, so they can hatch to begin their short life.
With wide eyes and curious minds, the children ventured into the cave adorned with ancient pictographs, and petroglyphs, each telling a story of the people who once called this place home over a thousand years ago.
Inspired by these ancient artworks, the kids got creative, crafting their own "pictographs" with vibrant watercolors. It's easy to be inspired while relaxing in the midst of this beautiful desert landscape. As if stepping back in time wasn't thrilling enough, the ranger shared with the group a bit of red paint made from Cochineal-a tiny dried insect that can be ground into a beautiful crimson pigment. This pigment was likely used by the ancient inhabitants to create the paintings that adorn the rocks. It was a hands-on lesson in history and artistry that left the young explorers in awe of the ingenuity of those who came long before them.
The day couldn't end without encountering a little local wildlife! On an hike up the rocks into a nearby cave, the kids stumbled across large animal bones, including a partial skull with horns and spine. Near the cave entrance, they discovered a Texas Horned Lizard hiding from the harsh heat among the rocks! What a fun morning full of adventures with friends! 
As our morning comes to close, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible park ranger guide. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with our group and for providing us with a hands-on lesson on history and nature the kids won't soon forget! We also want to express our appreciation to the park for accommodating our families and making this experience possible. Until next time, Hueco Tanks State Park! We can't wait to be back for more experiences with our Village families!