📷 Rio Grande with early fall vegetation in riparian zone | Eden Taylor / National Wildlife Refuge Association
New Mexico, known as the "Land of Enchantment," captivates visitors with its diverse landscapes, never-ending sunsets, and rich natural and cultural heritage. Recently, the National Wildlife Refuge Association's board and staff embarked on an inspiring journey to the heart of this enchanting state for an annual board meeting. The mission: to explore and gain insights from two exceptional national wildlife refuges - Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge and Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge.
Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge - A Wild Haven
Geological formations in San Larenzo Canyon in Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge | Eden Taylor / National Wildlife Refuge
Our journey began at Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, where we immersed ourselves in the beauty of its four unique desert biomes. Nestled within the floodplain of the Rio Grande, Sevilleta NWR is a refuge with a purpose - conserving near wilderness-level habitats and ensuring the integrity and character of the ecosystems on the refuge. It's a place where the desert comes alive, and a seemingly barren landscape teems with life.
Our profound thanks go to Jeff Sanchez, the dedicated Refuge Manager at Sevilleta NWR, for sharing with us his insights into the refuge's accomplishments and the challenges posed by understaffing. Jeff's commitment to the conservation cause is truly inspiring. We express our gratitude for his informative session with the board and the insightful field trip to Sevilleta NWR.
Rubber Rabbitbrush in Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge | Eden Taylor / National Wildlife Refuge
At Sevilleta NWR, we witnessed cutting-edge climate research, underlining the crucial role the refuge plays in understanding environmental changes. We also had the privilege of observing remarkable wildlife reintroduction sites, including habitat for the Gunnison's prairie dog. As we stood in the presence of a one-day release of the Bolson tortoise on a carefully plotted site, the circle of conservation became apparent. The refuge's dedication to conserving these precious ecosystems felt like a living testament to our coexistence with the natural world.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Amigos de Sevilleta, the Refuge Friends group that supports the refuge, for their invaluable assistance during our meeting and their vital volunteer work that helps keep the refuge running, especially in the face of significant understaffing. Their dedication and passion amplify the refuge's impact, ensuring it continues to thrive as a haven for wildlife and a source of inspiration for all who encounter its wonders.
Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge - A Beacon of Environmental Justice
Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge LEED Silver certified visitor center | Eden Taylor / National Wildlife Refuge Association
Our second day in New Mexico brought us to the heart of Albuquerque, where Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge stands as an inspiring testament to the resilience of nature and community collaboration. The refuge, nestled within the city, is not just adjacent to Albuquerque but an integral part of it. The juxtaposition of urban life and thriving wildlife demonstrates the unique coexistence of city and nature.
Valle de Oro is more than a refuge; it's a community effort, a story of people coming together to protect a precious natural area. The contrast that exists is not between the refuge and the city but rather between the refuge and the surrounding industrial development. Originally a long-standing dairy farm, the area was at risk of becoming a sewage plant before the community took action. The residents of the Mountain View community, faced with the potential loss of this vital space, united to advocate for the creation of Valle de Oro NWR.
Visitor Center Road at Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge | Eden Taylor / National Wildlife Refuge Association
Championing partnerships that span social and environmental boundaries, Valle de Oro is a space where both people and nature not only coexist but thrive. The refuge is a living example of what happens when communities come together to protect the environment they cherish.
We express our sincere appreciation to the Friends of Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge for generously sharing their time and insights during our visit. Special gratitude goes to them for enlightening us about the ABQ Backyard Refuge Program, an inspiring initiative that encourages citizens of Albuquerque to create spaces for wildlife in their own backyards.
Additionally, we extend our thanks to the dedicated staff of the refuge and the Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps. Their support, including the placement of interns on the refuge and guidance toward future opportunities in the conservation field, is instrumental in fostering a new generation of conservation leaders. The Corps, particularly focused on indigenous youth, plays a vital role in conservation efforts at Valle de Oro, working closely with the neighboring Pueblo of Isleta to ensure the refuge remains a beacon of community and environmental conservation.
Mural walk at Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge | Eden Taylor / National Wildlife Refuge Association
During our visit, the devoted Refuge Manager, Jennifer Owen-White, added depth to the refuge's narrative. She eloquently shared stories of the vibrant ecosystem, and in a particularly enchanting moment, the return of the sandhill crane added its voice. Fresh from its migration, the crane delicately peeked in at the window—a beautiful illustration of the delicate balance between nature and the urban environment. It was as if the sandhill crane, too, wanted to be a part of the ongoing conversation about protecting this precious, community-fostered natural area. This interaction with the sandhill crane further emphasized the profound connection between the refuge and the wildlife it nurtures.
The diversity of Albuquerque finds a reflection in the refuge, mirroring the varied ecosystems and the community that embraces them. Here, environmental justice is not an abstract concept but a living reality. Valle de Oro is a space where people and nature thrive together, breaking down the conventional barriers between urban development and wildlife conservation.
National Wildlife Refuge Association board members & staff with Valle de Oro NWR Refuge Manager, Jennifer Owen-White | National Wildlife Refuge Association
As we explored Valle de Oro, we couldn't help but marvel at the transformation of what could have been an industrial zone into a flourishing habitat. The refuge is a living example of what happens when communities come together to protect the environment they cherish; it's a living, breathing testament to the power of community-driven conservation in the heart of a vibrant city.
New Mexico's Gift of Life - Water in the Desert
View from the Sevilleta NWR visitor center, yellow Cottonwoods guide the way to the river | Eden Taylor / National Wildlife Refuge Association
In the arid desert landscapes of New Mexico, water is life. The sight of cottonwoods, their golden leaves in Autumn, shimmering like map markers, guiding the way to the life-giving Rio Grande, underscores the critical role water plays in this region. The river, a ribbon of hope winding through the desert, sustains ecosystems, communities, and wildlife.
New Mexico reminds us of the essential value of water in sustaining biodiversity and life itself. This lesson resonates not only in the heart of the desert but echoes throughout our entire planet.
The Beauty of Experience & Getting Your Shoes Dusty
Mountains at sunrise on Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge | Eden Taylor / National Wildlife Refuge Association
As some of us returned to Valle de Oro NWR or ventured south to new grounds at the enchanting Bosque del Apache NWR, a sanctuary known for the mesmerizing spectacle of swarming sandhill cranes, the beauty of New Mexico's national wildlife refuges continued to unfold. The experiences at these national wildlife refuges filled us with awe and inspiration.
While I chose to spend my day at Sevilleta NWR, exploring the miracles of climate research and witnessing the flourishing wildlife, it became evident that such moments encompass the essence of conservation. These places, these experiences, and the encounters with wildlife represent the heart and soul of our mission. They remind us that words alone cannot capture the profound beauty, coexistence, and reciprocity we share with the natural world.
A pronghorn blends into the landscape at Sevilleta NWR | Eden Taylor / National Wildlife Refuge Association
Our journey through the wild heart of New Mexico's national wildlife refuges was a testament to the power of conservation and the profound impact it can have. These refuges, Sevilleta, and Valle de Oro, transcend being merely protected lands; they are vibrant ecosystems, nurturing life in its myriad forms. They exemplify the importance of collaboration, adaptation, and resilience, whether in the untouched wilderness or the heart of a bustling city.
While it is important to engage in the work behind a computer, at a desk, or in a lab, every once in a while, it is vital to step out into nature and just listen to its resilience. Our experiences on this journey reminded us of the interconnectedness of all life and the delicate dance between humanity and the natural world. We have much to be grateful for and, equally, much work left to do.
As we carry these experiences and insights forward, we are reminded of the imperative to protect and conserve the world's natural wonders, especially those in our National Wildlife Refuge System. It is our privilege to share the stories of these remarkable places, and by doing so, we hope to inspire others to appreciate and protect the beauty, coexistence, and reciprocity we all share with the natural world.
This blog was written by Eden Taylor, Communications Manager at the National Wildlife Refuge Association, and was inspired by a recent trip through the stunning landscapes of New Mexico.