Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge

By definition, a wildlife refuge protects iconic species and provides unforgettable wildlife viewing opportunities, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge exemplifies this vision as the first urban wildlife refuge in the Southwest.

The 570-acre refuge overflows with lush riparian wetland habitat, stunning vistas of the Rio Grande bosque, or woodland, and the Sandia Mountains, and native flora and fauna. By supporting the growth of native plants, the refuge mimics the perfect bosque habitat for local wildlife.

Valle de Oro history is as rich as the refuge natural system itself. For generations, the Tiwa people stewarded this land, and they still play a critical role in preserving the area. Before the area became a wilderness refuge, a dairy farm owned by the Price family occupied the land. When the property went up for sale, and the potential of industrial development loomed, concerned conservationists, community members, and even Congress collaborated to protect this precious landscape.

In 2014, Trust for Public Land and other partners worked to finalize the creation of the refuge. We helped protect one of the largest remaining areas of undeveloped land on the Rio Grande in southern Albuquerque, creating new recreation opportunities for people to connect with nature close to home.

The refuge provides a retreat for people, with its convenient location just south of downtown Albuquerque. This urban escape offers recreation such as hiking, biking, birding, and picnicking, as well as environmental education.

The goal is to get people to connect with nature. Establishing this new wildlife refuge protected wildlife habitat, improved air and water quality, created jobs, and established new environmental education programs.