Credit: Nuestro Stories
Stretched across 570 acres of land in New Mexico lies the Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge. While most wildlife refuges cater to specific animals or local agriculture, Valle de Oro is unique because it is considered one of the nation’s few “urban” wildlife refuges.
An urban wildlife refuge, or preserve, is just as much about the preservation of the community around it as it is for the flora, fauna, and foliage that inhabits it.
Valle de Oro preserves nature
Our societal landscape is constantly changing because our population is ever-growing. As such, we are beginning to see more of what is called “urban sprawl” – the plowed yards, freshly paved roads, and trees planted so new that they barely go above your knee when you move there. The spread of suburbia has not only seen more wildlife losing their natural habitats, but it has also seen a significant percentage of humans losing their natural habitats.
We began in nature, and as such, nature is intrinsically tied to our well-being. Studies have shown that getting out into nature can have benefits that impact our physical, mental, and emotional health.
Children who grow up in agriculturally rich areas, like farms, are less likely to suffer from childhood allergies. There are many reasons that nature is important to the human race.
The Valle de Oro refuge was born of a group of community advocates who wanted to see the 570 acres of land preserved – land that would have typically been used for mixed-living and/or retail space. Their efforts led to the dedication of Valle de Oro as a way to give access to the lush natural surroundings the land – originally the home of the Tiwa people – provides.
Read more: This Treacherous Pass Played a Major Role in the Formation of American Southwest
Things to know before you go:
- The west side of the preserve is currently closed due to construction and should be open again in 2023.
- The visitor center is now open and can be found at 7851 2nd St SW, Albuquerque NM.
- The park is now open for visitors.
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