Not Your Typical Refuge

Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge is the first urban wildlife refuge in the Southwest. Built from the ground up through a grassroots community effort, the nonprofit Friends group is also award-winning and one-of-a-kind.

Have Your Yard Certified as a Backyard Refuge
Check out the ABQ Backyard Refuge Program

Help Us Fund the Refuge Mosaic Sculptures

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Our work reaches far beyond Refuge property lines deep into the community. The Refuge hosts over 6,000 students, offers over 100 paid jobs to youth through partnerships, and organizes more than 21 community events annually.

We have big plans to restore the 570-acre Refuge into a lush high desert landscape. Our plans are informed directly by what our community needs. Learn about our vision, plans, and progress.