Rio Grande Nature Center

  

 

The Rio Grande Nature Center is the perfect location for bird watchers, bicyclists, hikers, and anyone who enjoys nature and being outside. The park allows visitors to experience 270 acres of woods, meadows and farmland where native and non-native plants grow.

 Outside the Nature Center there are nature trails and demonstration gardens to explore. The park trails are for hikers, people riding bicycles or walking leashed dogs. The Bosque features two miles of nature trails. Those who choose to visit the park in the winter might see Sandhill cranes down by the river and porcupines up in trees. During the summer, lizards can be seen racing across the trails. The Nature Center has trail guides, binoculars and field guides that can be borrowed.

Inside the Visitor Center there are exhibits profiling the Bosque, its plants, geology and animals.

There is also a Discovery Room with hands-on exhibits for kids. An Observation Room overlooks and overhears a 3-acre pond and has a library with information about birds, herbs, trees, and other aspects of natural history that can be used in the area.

Whenever you decide to visit the RGNC there are multiple activities to partake in such as, bird walks, nature walks, and even moon walks. All activities are led by volunteer naturalists and Nature Center staff members. Under the light of the moon, the Bosque can be explored and visitors can expect to see creatures not seen during the day. Some highlights of the moon walks include listening for owls and watching for coyotes. The cost is free, however, admission of $3 per vehicle still needs to be paid. Just be sure to remember to reserve your place in advance.

Some plant species visitors can expect to find include: Coyote Willow, Cottonwood, Russian Olive, and Salt Cedar. A few animals include: American coots, Canada geese, mallards, wood ducks, great blue herons, turtles, toads, lizards, bull snakes, dragonflies, beavers, cottontail rabbits, rock squirrels and coyotes.

http://www.rgnc.org