A truly magnificent sight awaits visitors at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Tens of thousands of birds reside here between the autumn and winter months. Visitors can find sandhill cranes, arctic geese and a variety of different kinds of ducks.

During the summer months, Bosque del Apache remains green and quiet, despite the hot desert lands that surround it.

About the Refuge
In Spanish, Bosque del Apache means “woods of the Apache.” It became known as such because the Spanish regularly observed the Apaches camped in the riverside forest.

The Refuge is 57,191 acres and is located at the northern edge of the Chihuahuan desert. It is approximately 20 miles south of Socorro, New Mexico. About 12,900 acres of moist bottomlands make up the hub of the Refuge.

The Refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is an important part of a system of more than 500 refuges in North America. This system of refuge management is charged with providing habitat and protection to migratory birds and endangered species. It is also responsible for providing the public with high quality wildlife and educational experience.

Wildlife
Different elevations account for different types of animals on the refuge. Elevation of the Refuge ranges from river level of 4,500 feet to the top of Chupadera peak of 6,272 feet. There are riparian and desert habitats on the Refuge and because of that there are several species of mammals including coyotes, mule deer and elk. There are over 340 species of birds that live here, as well as many different species of fish, amphibians and reptile.

Just like different animals reflect different elevations, so too do the plants. During the months of October and early November, the Cottonwoods are truly an amazing site.

Recreation
There are tons of recreational opportunities at the Refuge. The Refuge trails make for easy hikes complete with benches and observation points along the way. There are three different areas where hiking and nature observation can be relished: Chupadera, Indian Well, and Little San Pascual.

Primitive camping is available on a reservation basis to educational and volunteer groups only. Pack out all litter. All fires are prohibited.

Habitat
Farming, prescribed burning, exotic plant control, moist soil management, and water manipulation are all management tools used on the refuge.

In partnership with local farmers, the Refuge grows crops for wintering waterfowl and cranes. Farmers do their part by planting alfalfa and corn. When they harvest the alfalfa, they leave the corn for the wildlife. For additional food, the Refuge staff grows corn, winter wheat, clover, as well as native plants.

By lowering the water levels in the marshes, this encourages growth of native marsh plants. A cyclical process occurs when marsh management is rotates so that varied habitats are always available. Dry areas are burned, then re-flooded thus allowing natural marsh plants to grow again. When the correct marsh conditions are reached, the cycle begins again.

Human developments have taken their toll on cottonwood and willow populations that once lined the Rio Grande. One plant that was introduced to the area for erosion control is salt cedar, and has been found to have little to no wildlife value. This has prompted a removal of all salt cedar and is being replaced by cottonwood, black willow, and understory plants to restore native plant life.

Irrigation canals ensure critical water flow. Daily monitoring, mowing, and clearing keeps them functioning. Controlling the water enables refuge staff to manage the habitat.

Fees
Fees are $3.00 per car.
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 1246
Socorro, New Mexico 87801 (575) 835-1828