Not all Research and Work
Here at the Southwestern Research Station guests are able to enjoy many hiking trails, clear skies, and a multitude of birding possibilities, on Station grounds or walking distance away. A horseshoe pit, volleyball and basketball nets, ping pong and a 72 degree thermal-fed reservoir (currently not available for swimming but still used by frogs and bats!) and many board games are available too.
Throughout the year, the communities of Portal, Arizona and Rodeo, New Mexico host an assortment of events. Outside the natural beauty of the two towns, there is almost no lack of entertainment: music nights, hiking trips, seminars, parades, regattas, and so much more! While at SWRS, you will notice posters and flyers detailing each upcoming event, and we encourage participation. In fact, the two communities have a shared Portal-Rodeo.com website with a calendar of events as well as lots of great community information.
The Station even hosts a community gathering on occasion. These events include spring flings, involvement with July 4th celebrations, Halloween parties, Christmas dances, and New Year's celebrations. If you visit us when any of these are happening, you are welcome to join in too!