IMPORTANT UPDATE ON ACCESS AT
VALLE DE ORO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Starting Wednesday, July 29, 2020, bosque access at Valle de Oro is scheduled to be reopened (barring any construction delays with our partners at AMAFCA). In addition, Valle de Oro will move forward with limiting access to the interior of the refuge to pedestrian, equestrian and bicycle access only. Visitors to the refuge in vehicles will be asked to park in designated parking areas at the Welcome Center (the tan house with the green roof) and then access the interior of the refuge by walking, jogging, hiking, bicycling or horseback riding. Dogs on leash of 6 feet or less will continue to be allowed. Driving on the refuge will be limited to approved vehicles only, including those for conducting maintenance, research, and education/interpretive programs.
This decision reflects our final vision for the refuge, our 2017 Environmental Assessment planning document, which was created based on community input. This change in access will allow us to protect wildlife and their new habitat as it is being restored at the refuge while also accommodating recreation.
Our staff are exploring ways we can provide accommodations to support visitors with disabilities.
If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Valle de Oro staff at vdolistens@fws.gov
We appreciate your support and understanding as our refuge takes the steps to transform into the place we have envisioned together.
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As of July 29, 2020, access to Valle de Oro NWR and the adjacent bosque is scheduled to be open 6am to 6pm daily. However, due to COVID-19, Welcome Center operations are currently suspended. Please check the kiosk at the entrance to the refuge or our refuge website (fws.gov/refuge/valle_de_oro) for maps and updated refuge information.
The Valle de Oro Story
Not Your Typical Refuge
NURTURE YOUR NATURE
Things to do
2020 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Due to COVID-19, all Valle de Oro NWR and Friends Events have been postponed through at least April 2020. This decision may extend to events past April 2020. Please view our "Things to Do" list above for an up to date list of upcoming events.
Click the image to download and print our full 2020 Calendar of Events which list all events happening at Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge and in the community lead by both the Refuge and the Friends of Valle de Oro NWR!
All Events are Family Friendly, Open to the General Public and Free unless otherwise noted.
Most of our events are outside, so please prepare accordingly.
NEW AT THE FRIENDS & REFUGE
2020-2021 Opening Doors to Nature Scholarship
Now Accepting Applications - Due August 2nd, 2020
Check out the Friends new program...
The ABQ Backyard Refuge Program
COMMUNITY
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.
DISCOVER THE DISCOVER NATURE APP
This location-based game app at Valle de Oro will allow you to see more wildlife, have fun learning about our refuge’s unique flora and fauna, and post your sightings for others to see!
DOWNLOAD
