Mesilla Valley Bosque Park

The $1.9 million visitor center at Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park opened in December, in time to welcome the green-winged teal, American wigeon, and other birds that flock there each winter. Located near Las Cruces, New Mexico’s newest state park offers recreation and Audubon-led bird walks along three miles of Río Grande woodlands and restored wetlands. The day-use park was created in partnership with multiple agencies and nonprofits; in 2005, TPL secured 150 acres of private land at its northern boundary and, with New Mexico State Parks, helped acquire the 13-acre visitor center site. With interpretive exhibits, an educational amphitheater, and more, the center is sure to become a premier environmental education destination.