Your Guide to Bosque Del Apache Nationalwildlife Refuge

Habitat! YouR guide to bosque del apacHe NatioNalWildlife Refuge

Volume 26, 2020 Welcome to bosque iNside: del apacHe NatioNal Welcome ...... 2 fall ...... 3 WiNteR ...... 4 Wildlife Refuge! spRiNg ...... 5 Welcome to your National Wildlife Refuge! My staff and I hope that you enjoy your summeR ...... 6 visit to Bosque del Apache and that you take home many memories of this enchanting WHat You Need to KNoW .. 7 and wild place. No matter the season, there is always interesting wildlife to observe and map of tHe Refuge ...... 8 captivating sunrises and sunsets that will fill you with awe. You can help us to maintain HiKiNg tRails ...... 9 the magic of Bosque del Apache by following the rules, which are designed to minimize disturbance to the animals who call this place home. Only with your ongoing support attRactioNs ...... 10 can we continue to make this refuge an outstanding place for wildlife and a treasure for pets oN tHe Refuge ...... 11 present and future generations. biKiNg basics ...... 11 --Bernard Lujan, Deputy Refuge Manager JoiN tHe fRieNds ...... 12

coveR pHoto: Ed MacKerrow acK oveR The Friends -- with over a thousand members from coast to coast, border to border and b c : beyond – believes that the wild areas all around you represent one of our nation’s great- Birgit Davidson est treasures. Each visit to Bosque del Apache inspires awe and awakens something wild Danny Hancock within each of us, beckoning us to reconnect to the natural world. While you are here, John Olson enjoy expansive vistas, exquisite light, and bird songs, while getting closer to wildlife than Sigmon Whitener you can in almost any other wild place. This Habitat! guide shares many ways that you Steve Yabek can experience the wonder of this special habitat -- hike, watch wildlife, photograph, educate yourself, or just breathe, meditate, and relax. Bosque del Apache offers its magic to you in every season. During your visit, be sure to visit the Bosque Nature Store to educate yourself further by perusing our books or to purchase a memento of your trip here. Habitat! Staff Managing Editor: Deb Caldwell Please join us in supporting this crown jewel of the refuge system. Because of generous Graphic Design: Michaela Mabry donors and friends like you for over 25 years, the Friends of Bosque del Apache has been able to help the refuge by improving water infrastructure and wildlife food sources to Habitat! is published by The Friends protect habitat, installing a rainwater catchment system for education and water conser- of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife vation, acquiring land to the top of Chupadera Peak, supporting research projects, in- Refuge. stalling solar panels, building the Visitor Center’s Lannan Annex, and much more. Enjoy your visit and then make a difference by supporting what you love. We will succeed at Address correspondence to: defending this fragile oasis by working together to ensure that it is sustained and thriving [email protected] for future generations. Friends of Bosque del Apache PO Box 340, San Antonio, NM 87832 --Deb Caldwell, Executive Director Friends of Bosque del Apache Learn more about the refuge or get your questions answered at: www.fws.gov/refuges/bosque_del_apache/ or call 575-835-1828

2 Fall is a sensory Fall is the season experience of the best to spend time New Mexico has to out on the refuge perfecting your pungent smell of shots of wildlife roasting green chiles inin theirtheir habitat.habitat. permeates the air in Cranes start nearby San Antonio arriving homein in September and inOctober, October, M Edmondson October, and no presenting B Rodriguez Lynne Braden trip to the refuge is the perfect Richard Pfeifer complete without a lunch break at one of our local mainstays – the opportunity to capture a graceful skein against the golden Buckhorn,Owl Café, the OwlBuckhorn, Café, oror thethe SanSan AntonioAntonio Crane.Crane. Step Step out out of of your car to hear the distant call of the cranes and scan the skies to and are a colorful contrast to the red-winged blackbirds that swoop and dart as if tethered in one big cloud. Coyotes quickly turn cool. Head to the Crane RoostPonds andand relaxrelax asin thethe FALL prowl for ducks weary from their long migration and sun sets over Chupadera Peak. few birds to this stop on a journey lurking predators. Join us for our night they have made for thousands of photography and stargazing event, years. usually held in late October.

The Festival of the Cranes, held during the As fall brings week before Thanksgiving, offers up to 150 gold to the workshops, tours, lectures, and hikes over sixseveral cottonwoods days. Topics range from cultural history to OCTOBER along the Rio natural history, photography to astronomy, and Grande, there is no better features learning activities, exhibits, games, and place to take several work- a walk than shops that are along the Rio Viejo Trail. geared toward John Olson kids. Spend a day, or spend may even see raccoons,coyote, mule mule deer, deer, or orturkeys turkeys moving moving through through a week. Learn more at limited amount of time to explore. A Field Guide to the Plants and www.Friendsofwww.Festivalofthe Animals of the Middle Rio Grande Bosque, available at the Bosque

BosquedelCranes.com. Breathe, meditate, relax, and appreciate the natural world Apache.org Tina TothM Watson

Grab your journal, sketchbook, or easel and head out on the refuge in the fall. Find peace in the rustling of the cottonwood leaves and the cool breezes as you contemplate the busy northern shovelers and northern pintails with their tails in the air dabbling for dinner. Often where there is water you will

Desert Arboretum, with its ample benches, also provides a nice respite near the visitor center.

hard-packed walks within. Get out there and see something new Paul White

KEY: Do something to write home about Watch the wildlife and set up that tripod Develop an educational experience for yourself and others � 3 Nothing at Our winter resident birds are Bosque del Apache arediverse diverse and andcharismatic. charismatic. Raptors Raptors abound in the colder compares to the abound in the colder months, so months, so watch for majestic thundering sound watch for majestic bald eagles on bald eagles on snags in the of wing beats and snags in the wetland and listen wetland and listen for red-tailed calls as thousands for red-tailed hawks screech- hawks screeching overhead. of geese (snow ing overhead. White-crowned White-crowned sparrows often often and Ross’s) lift sparrows often crowd the feeders crowd the feeders around the around the visitor center and VisitorVisitor Center,Center, and there are at directly over your leastthere tenare otherat least sparrows ten other that that head, followed David Policansky wintersparrows hethe that Visitor Visitor winter Center, Center, around and and the by the sandhill there visitor are center at least regularly. ten other The flocks sparrowsof cranes thatand geesewinter here Samuel Myers often dominate your views, but be aware that there are up to fifteen across the horizon. A comparable experience occurs around sunset as species of ducks that may be found in their midst. Favorite shots of cranes and geese can be made as a full moon is rising or setting Birds’ preferred sites vary throughout the season, so ask at the visitorVisitor may be found in their midst. Favorite shots of cranes and geese can be centerCenter for the current details. (remembermade as a the full refuge moon is is open rising one or settinghour before (remember sunrise we and open WINTER closes oneone hour hour after before sunset). sunrise and close one hour after sun- Fullset). moon Full moon dates: dates 11/12, are 12/12, 12/14,12/14, 1/10,1/12, andand 2/9.2/10. APRIL Winter is the perfect time to learn about migration and the value of refuge wetlands to these you can get exercise and spend time along the marsh overwintering birds. Pick up the pocket-sized Sandhill edge. A great blue heron may burst from the cattails as Crane Display Dictionary from the Nature Store to you pass,pass, or or northern harriers, harriers,with their with distinctive their distinctive whiterump white learn what all that dancing is about. Join us for our JANUARY rump patch, may be flying low over the fields and wetlands. evening holiday event in early December to stroll A spur on the south end takes you to a spectacular luminaria-lined paths between the visitorVisitor center Center and and overlook of the south end of the refuge. FromFrom thethe samesame the Friends House. Learn the history of the refuge parkingparking areaarea you can stroll out on the Boardwalk, which which buildings, enjoy the spansspans aa carolers and complete semi-permanent wet- your holiday shopping at our Nature Store. popular wildlife viewing spot year-round, and winter is a good time to see western grebes and

rafts of common mer- Breathe, meditate, relax, and appreciate the natural world gansers.

John Olson Richard Pfeifer

Trail is an easy walk, with an optional short climb to one of the most spectacular vantage points on the refuge. From the bench on top you will bemay able sit to and sit watchand watch ducks, ducks, geese, geese, and and cranes cranes in thein the wetland wetland and and agricultural agricultural

beautiful vantage point, the Point of Lands-El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro

who passed this point centuries ago. Read the panels on this spot to understand more about their lives, the native Piro People who helped them, and this challenging, though beautiful habitat. Pick

Abert’s New Mexico report, 1846-47 up a copy of Bosque del Apache: A Brief History at our Nature Store to learn even more. Get out there and see something new Center for Southwest Research Universities Libraries, UNM

KEY: Do something to write home about Watch the wildlife and set up that tripod Develop an educational experience for yourself and others � 4 If you are eager to shake held thousands of stretch your legs, pedal ducks, geese, and over to the Low Flow cranes in the winter Conveyance Channel are slowly drawn down in the spring, creating expansive almost nine miles of easy -

l riding with no vehicular low areas for migrat- Danny Hancock - ing shorebirds. At tunity to catch a glimpse of some of the more secretive wildlife that least 25 species of call the refuge home. Be on the lookout for bobcats, javelinas, deer, shorebirds visit the Lynne Braden or turkeys, as well as several species of raptors perched in the trees or refuge each spring, including various sandpipers, ibis,stilts, stilts, plovers, plovers, phalaropes, godwits, dunlins, and curlews. Other spring migrants

- look, andand BosqueBosque Road, are open year-round to bicycling.bicycling. Please see references available in the Nature Store. page 11 for biking regulations. SPRING MAY

The Chupadera Wilderness National Recreation Trail is the In spring perfect place to fill your lungs with fresh spring air and 150 species of cacti and other Chihuahuan Desert plants in winter chill and celebrate new life on the refuge. If it the Desert Arboretum. Some Some have descriptive names, such celebrate new life on the refuge. If it has been a wet winter as thegolden golden barrel, barrel, horse the horsecrippler, crippler, and andbeaver the tail.beaver All tail. thereApril, will and, be with wildflowers monsoon by seasonearly April, a couple and ofwith months monsoon Allare areremarkable remarkable examples examples of of adaptations adaptations to to desertdesert life. APRIL season a couple of months off, you may be in for some beautiful weather up top. The Chupadera Mountains were their fruit provideprovide shelter for nesting birdsbirds and tastytasty treats treats formedactivity. by As volcanic you venture activity. through As you theventure red canyonthrough you the for javelina red canyon you will encounter spires of solidified volcanic through the summer, shifting from the crimson claret cups early in the ash.you Aswill you be ascend able to you see maythe verticalnotice the geologic vertical formations geological season, to the yellowyellow andand magenta ma- offormations the Rio Grandeof the rift ofgenta chollas, of chollas, barrels, barrels, and prickly and zone,Rio Grande evidence rift ofzone, this pears.prickly Spring pears. alsoApril brings brings our our areaevidence of New of this Mexico area of annualDesert FieldArboretumField Day Day and and Stroll, Wildlife Wildlife where splittingNew Mexico forfor millionssplittingmillions Zonevisitors when can arealearn kids about can desert have fun offor years millions to create of yearts plants from our naturalists. A whatto create is now what the is nowRio exploring and and trying trying their their hands hands Breathe, meditate, relax, and appreciate the natural world guide is available at the arbo- at various outdoor skills. Grandethe Rio GrandeValley. Valley. retum entrance year-round, and book, Plant Stories of the Richard Pfeifer Chihuahuan Desert, is available in the Nature Store. Cathie Sandell

Spring is a time to appreciate renewal at the refuge. With good

vegetation in the wetlands promises the coming fall’s bounty. Wild- life prepare for mating season and the gobble of turkeys, the calling Dragon ﬂies or Turkey

aquatic beginnings, soar over the wetlands in search of food and mates. Get out there and see something new Amanda Walker

KEY: Do something to write home about Watch the wildlife and set up that tripod Develop an educational experience for yourself and others � 5 ment ofGameandFish andrefugeregulations. a licensed adult to come and try theirluck.Carpareafun,and a licensedadulttocomeandtry KEY: � for kidsofallages. banding andcrafts hummingbird Events include in mid-June. friends toourNational Pollinator Week Celebration guides soldintheNature Store. Bring yourfamilyand in thesandtellstoriesofadventuresandbattles in mid-June. our National Pollinator Week Celebration the Nature Store. Bring your familyandfriendsto before. Unravel thesetalesusingfieldguidessoldin stories ofadventures andbattlesfrom thenight morning hours. The tracksinthesandtell birds, reptiles dwellers inthecool andotherdesert The Canyon National Recreation Trail isalive with banding andcrafts

Dwayne Longenbaugh Do somethingtowritehomeabout - There isalsoashaded guides intheNature Store. for anearlymorningdip. Besuretocheckouttheselectionofbirdfeeders andbackyard birdfeeding you candropinaline New Mexico where places inthispartof trip, therearefew desire totakearoad Without aboator Elmendorf Canal,and Channel, theInterior/ Low Flow Conveyance dinner. Areasalongthe Watch thewildlifeandsetupthattripod

summer. Calliope,broad-tailed,andrufoushummingbirds arrive laterinthesummer. Black-chinned hummingbirds arriveinthespringandnumber inthedozensduring tor Centerandwhileawaythetimewatchinghummingbirds andoriolesatthefeeders. tor center

Donald JRoss J UNE S - UMMER J 6 ULY photography workshopsthatwehostinthesummer. chicks scurrying aboutunderthecacti.Askhummingbird ing tobaskintherising sun,orquailfamiliesofadozenmore such asspinylizards orwesterndiamondbackrattlesnakes,emerg- tum isidealearlyinthemorningforspottingourscalyresidents, linator Week, season. National Pol- prickly pearfruitsand June toshinypurple from cactusbloomsin activity inthesummer. color and crawlingwith tum isburstingwith linator Week Channel East Service Channel EastService Flow Conveyance along thetrail. some wildlifeviewing looking totakein families oranyriders roads aregreatfor straight acrossonBosqueRoad andbiketheLow tinue onaroundtheSouth Loop lookingforjavelinas turtles vieforsunningrightsonexposedlogs.Con-

lizards ride withamplewaterandsunscreen. TheScenic Drive UGUST Summers herearehot,soprepareforanytrekorbike marsh birds, suchasrailsandbitterns,watch the Boardwalk earlyinthemorningtoseesecretive is opentobikesinthesummer. Pedal down toward A in mid-June, istheperfecttimetocomeoutand summer. Develop an educational experienceforyourselfand others Develop aneducational Pol- rising sun,orquailfamiliesofadozen ormore - with

or Javelina pic Alternatively, head about ensuring hummingbird John Olson Don Boyd emerg- visi- - -

Get out there and see something new Breathe, meditate, relax, and appreciate the natural world What You Need To Know While at Bosque del Apache... Climate The refuge is at the northern edge of The speed limit is 25 mph. There are one- is allowed west of the Rio Grande. Call the the Chihuahuan Desert at an elevation of about way and two-way sections, so observe signs refuge for more information. 4500 feet. Days are usually sunny, and a tem- carefully. Expect vehicles ahead of you to perature change of 30° and more between dawn stop – sometimes suddenly – as visitors spot Signs Please read the signs. Some prohibit and noon is common. Thus, water, a hat and interesting birds or other wildlife. Scenic Drive all public access. Others prohibit vehicles but other sun protection, plus layers of clothing that roads are wide, so please pull over to allow invite hiking and biking. Temporary barricades can be added and removed, are recommended. others to pass safely. The slower you go the and/or Area Closed signs protect nesting, roost- more you will see. Some roads are seasonally ing, and feeding areas and protect visitors from Hours The refuge is open every day from open or closed to provide respite areas for wild- hazardous situations. Please respect them. one hour before sunrise to one hour after sun- life or viewing opportunities. set. The visitor center is open from 8:00 am Animals Only service animals are allowed to 4:00 pm. It is closed July 4, Thanksgiving Picnicking A picnic pavilion with trashcans in refuge buildings. Please clean up after Day, Dec. 25, and Jan. 1. The refuge visitor is near the visitor center. You may also eat at your pet and review the Pets Section for more center is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays other locations of your choice, but be careful information on where you may walk your during June, July, and August. not to leave litter. If you packed it in, please pets. Releasing fish, turtles, other animals, pack it out. or plants on the refuge is prohibited. They Nature Store The Friends of Bosque can compromise the habitat and/or wildlife del Apache NWR operates the Nature Store Camping There is no camping on the refuge we are trying to protect and are a source of inside the visitor center. It offers an excellent for the public. This rule also applies to RVs; disease. Do not feed birds or other wildlife – selection of books, clothing, and a broad no overnight parking is allowed. Staff at the observe and enjoy them as they are. selection of nature-related items from the visitor center can advise about camping and Southwest. Friends members receive a 10% RV parks in the area. Collecting Do not pick, disturb, or collect discount on all purchases. any plants, animals, rocks, or artifacts on Hiking and Biking The refuge provides many the refuge. If you wish to study or research Restrooms The fully accessible restrooms, opportunities for hiking and some limited bik- an item later, take photos or make sketches. open 8:00am-4:00pm, are in an adjacent building on designated routes. Please see separate Virtual geocaching is allowed in areas open ing to the west of the visitor center. There is an hiking and biking subsections in this guide. to the public; however, physical geocaching is accessible vault toilet located at the east end of not allowed on the refuge. Bosque Road and at the Flight Deck. Photography Photography is welcome in areas to which public entry is allowed. Area Other Uses of the Refuge Workshops, such as Entry Fees The one-day entry fee is $5 per closed signs apply to all visitors, including photography workshops, commercial tours, film private vehicle and covers all occupants or photographers. Normal courtesy with respect crews, and other commercial uses of the refuge $50 for a commercial vehicle. The fee can to viewing rights of others is expected. (See may be allowed by special permit and upon be paid at the visitor center during open “Other Uses of the Refuge” section covering payment of the appropriate fee. Such activities hours or at the seasonal fee booth. If the fee commercial photography workshops.) must not impede public use of the refuge. booth is not open, use the self-pay fee kiosk. Operation of radio/computer controlled aerial Federal passes are available for purchase at Hunting and Fishing Both hunting and vehicles (drones) is not allowed. the visitor center or fee booth during open fishing are allowed in designated areas dur- hours. ing certain seasons, subject to New Mexico Wilderness Area The Indian Well, Department of Game and Fish license and Chupadera, and Little San Pascual Wilderness Vehicles and Parking The refuge lies along regulation requirements as well as Federal Units are open for hiking year-round from both sides of NM Highway 1, which connects regulations (50 CFR 32.50). Ask for the one hour before sunrise to one hour after to I-25 at exit 139 in the town of San hunting or fishing information sheet in the sunset. Motorized vehicles, bicycles, and Antonio and with I-25 at exit 115 south of visitor center for specific information on overnight camping are not allowed in the the refuge. NM Highway 1 is a 45-55 mph open areas and regulations. wilderness area but you may hike off trail. state highway. Please drive slowly to enjoy Travel is at your own risk and you should and preserve wildlife. Swimming No wading, swimming, canoe- notify a friend/family member of your trip ing, boating, or floating is allowed in refuge plans. These areas are also open to hunting The visitor center parking lot can accommodate wetlands or ditches. during certain seasons. Horses are allowed RVs. RV drivers are welcome to unhitch only in the Little San Pascual Unit when used and use their tow vehicle on the Scenic Drive. Horseback Riding Limited horseback riding in support of legal hunting. Please drive carefully on the gravel roads and is allowed only in support of hunting, restricted stay on the designated roads and turnouts. to areas of the refuge east of the Rio Grande during state hunt seasons. No horseback riding 7 8 TrTRAILail name NAME DISTANCE/TIMEDistance/Time LEVEL OF NotesNOTES Chupadera Wilderness 9.5 miles roundtrip DIFFICULTYStrenuous: 1800- Please plan your trip to make sure you are back by dark. National Recreation Trail 4-5 hours feet gain Chupadera Wilderness 9.5 miles roundtrip Strenuous: 1800-feet gainDawn Pleasedepartures plan areyour suggested trip to make in thesure summer you are when back tem- tetem-bym- ChupaderaNational Recreation Loop Trail 4-5 1hours mile roundtriploop Moderate peraturesdark. can Dawn exceed departures 100°F byare midday suggested or afternoon in the summer thun-thun- Trail 1-2 hours derstormswhen make temperatures hiking dangerous. can exceed Take 100 precautions, ºF by midday and or rememberafternoon you are thunderstorms in rattlesnake make country.countr hikingy. LightAt dangerous.any colored time of clothcloth- the - Bajada Loop Trail 1 mile roundtrip Moderate yearing, a you Takehat, should sunscreen, precautions, carry plentyand and hiking rememberof water. boots areyou recommended.are in rattlesnakeAt 1-2 hours any timecountry. of the At year any you time should of the carry year plentyyou should of watewater. carryr. plenty of water. Canyon National Recreation 2.2 miles roundtrip Moderately - The Canyon Trail is a fun, but challenging, hike for families Canyon National 2.2 miles roundtrip Moderate- The Canyon Trail is a fun, but challenging, hike for Trail 1-2(including hours loop) strenuous and school groups.Lookgroups. Look for for the the natural natural arch arch and in the test sandstone your Recreation Trail 1-2 hours strenuous families and school groups. Look for the natural arch 1-2 hours track identification skills on this sandy trail. as and test your track indentification skills on the sandy of the trail. trail. BikeBike TTrailrail NorthNorth route route 11 miles 11 miles EasyEasy Bike orBike hike or this hike level, this gravellevel, gravel road to road get toaway get fromaway cars from and (Low(Low FlowFlow ConveyanceConveyance roundtrip;roundtrip; south south route route crowds.cars You and may crowds.You spot some may of the spot more some secretive of the more refuge ChannelChannel EastEast ServiceService 11.311 miles.3 miles roundtrip roundtrip inhabitants.secretive Stay refuge back inhabitants.from the steep Stay edge back of from the channel the steep. Road)Road) 1-2 1-2hours hours edge of the channel. Marsh Overlook Trail 1.5 milesmile loop roundtrip Easy-moderate This is a mostly accessible trail except for the spur. Insect Marsh Overlook Trail 1.5 miles10.5-1 hour hourroundtrip Easy-moderate repellentThis is is recommended a mostly accessible spring throughtrail except fall. for the spur. 1 hour Insect repellent is recommended spring through fall. Boardwalk TrailTrail0 .5.4 milesmiles roundtrip Easy The trail up to and including the wooden boardwalk is ac- Boardwalk Trail .5 miles0.2530 minutes roundtriphours Easy cessible.The At trail the up Boardwalk’s to and including end, follow the wooden stairs upboardwalk to the is 30 minutes Sparrowaccessible. Loop and At explore the Boardwalk’s the desert. end, follow stairs up to Sparrow Loop .5 miles roundtrip Moderate steep thebanks. Sparrow Loop and explore the desert. Sparrow Loop .5 miles30 minutesroundtrip Moderate Rio Viejo Trail 1.7 miles roundtrip Easy Enjoy the shade as you amble through a restored Rio Viejo Trail1 1.7.7 milesmiles roundtrip(including Easy ThisEnjoy trail the may shade be astemporarily you amble closed through or inaccessiblea restored due to 1 hour cottonwood forest. Mosquito repellent is highly 1loop), hour 0.7-1 hour muddycottonwood conditions forest. in Mosquito the spring repellent or summe is highlyr. Mosquito repel- recommended spring through fall. lentrecommended is highly recommended spring through spring fall. through fall. John P. Taylor Jr. 1 mile roundtrip Easy This is a mostly accessible trail. Signs along the trail JohnMemorial P. Taylor Trail, Jr. Memorial45 minutes11 milemile roundtrip Easy This isgive a mostly insight accessible into John trail.Taylor’s Signs habitat along restoration the trail give vision. Trail 450.5-1 minutes hour insight into John Taylor’s habitat restoration vision. Desert Arboretum .25 mile roundtrip Easy This mostly accessible trail is paved from the visitor 0.5-1 hour center and along the eastern edge of the garden. Desert Arboretum .25 mile roundtrip Easy This mostlyThere accessibleare several trail benches is paved for fromwildlife the viewing Visitor andCenter 0.5-1 hour and alongquiet the contemplation. eastern edge of the garden. There are several Observation Blind 0.5 miles roundtrip Easy benchesThis for mostly wildlife accessible viewing and trail quiet brings contemplation. you to a viewing 30 minutes area overlooking a managed wetland unit.

Hiking Trails and mesquite. A gentle climb will lead you From sweeping vistas to quiet marshes, the to a bench (about .5 miles from the trailhead) middens gives evidence to the snakes, lizards, nineeleven hiking hiking trails trails of ofBosque Bosque del del Apache Apache ofof- birds, bats, rabbits, kangaroo rats, and other fer a variety of sights, sounds and wildlife and surrounding areas. Hikers may continue desert wildlife that are active along the trail, on the loop and return to the trailhead and especially in the cooler morning and evening parking area, or they may head to the peak of wonderful opportunities to experience nature Chupadera Mountain. An incredible variety Well Wilderness Unit. and observe wildlife in solitude or with family of desert plants, reptiles and birds, as well and friends. Between April 1st and September as interesting geological formations can be Marsh Overlook Trail 30th bring a leash and enjoy the trails with observed as you gain altitude from the valley your dog!pet. Refer to the map on page 8 for trailheadstrailhead. locations. for secretive marshmarsh bibirdsrds like like bitterns bitterns and and Vir- Canyon National Recreation Trail rails. The trail includes a quarter-mile Chupadera Wilderness National roundtrip optional spur trail to a reflection Recreation Trail Desert and into Solitude Canyon, a deep bench on top of a bluff. The expansive view The Bajada Loop and Chupadera Trails wind of the south endend ofof thethe refuge refuge makes makes this this ten ten throughtypical Chihuahuan typical Chihuahuan desert scrub desert habitat scrub habitatdom- over the ages. Scenic vistas of the canyon and minute detour wellwell worthworth the the clim climb.b. dominatedinated by four-wing by four-wing salt saltbush, bush, creosote creosote bush, bush, the refuge are favorite photo opportunities. 9 John P. Taylor, Jr. Memorial Trail cacti bloom in succession. During the warm Hiking Trails, continued summer and fall months, blossoming wild- Boardwalk Trail cottonwood savanna and salt grass meadow This trail takes you across a semi-permanent along a historic channel of the Rio Grande. dart underfoot. A small vernal pool provides a wetland thatthat hashas year-round year-round wildlife wildlife viewing viewing. quiet, shadedshady place place for for visitors visitors to to sit sit and and enjoy enjoy opportunities.Cattails and bulrushes Cattails andhide bulrushes bitterns, hiderails, a tribute to late refuge biologist John Taylor, the busy lives of insects such as native bees bitterns,and busy rails, muskrats. and busy Hike muskrats, up the stairsand turtles at the whose years of research in salt cedar eradica- baskend ofon the exposed boardwalk snags inand open continue water. around Cor- tion and native habitat restoration provided a morantsthe half-mile and grebes Sparrow are Loop.common in this area. vision for the future of the refuge. Observation Blind Trail This short walk from the North Loop Rio Viejo Trail Desert Arboretum provides a unique opportunity to observe and photograph undisturbed the Rio GrandeGrande andand windswinds throughthrough aa restoredrestored visitor center. - wildlife up close. Depending on the cottonwood forest. Golden leaves, whispering its manymany of cacti the cactiand otherand other plants plants of theof the time of year, search for mule deer, grasses and an abundance of migrating songsong- northernNorthern Chihuahuan Desert. In the spring ducks, songbirds, or butterflies. birds makemake it it a a must-hike must-hike in in the the fall. fall. the arboretum is awash in color as the claret cups, prickly pears, chollas, barrels, and other J JohnOlson Olson

Attractions Visitor Center andNature Nature Store Store and nature-themed books, clothing, jewelry, wildlife observation tips, natural history facts children’s items, artwork, and gifts. A water and much more. Please help keep the wildlife and other refuge visitors safe by observing start and end your adventure at Bosque del the 25 mph speed limit and parking only in Apache. Information about wildlife, trails the visitorVisitor center,Center, and restroom facilities designated areas. and recreational opportunities on the refuge are located in the adjacent building. During are readily available from one of our friendly summer the outdoor benches on the west side of the Visitorvisitor Centercenter are a great place to take rangers or volunteers. Interpretive exhibits tell El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro -- stories about the wildlife, management, and Scenica break orDrive snap Observationsome pictures of Decks the colorful history of the refuge and have great activities hummingbirds. PointCentral of New Lands Mexico Overlook Audubon Society, is The 14-mile Scenic Drive winds through Locatedjust a short on walkHighway from 1the approximately North Loop. five It for kids. The viewing window is a great wetlands, screwbean mesquite savannas, Tour Loop and Decks milesprovides south a unique of the opportunityVisitorvisitor center,Center, to observethe the and spot to see migrant songbirds, resident quail and cottonwood forests that the refuge and their chicks, and even busy squirrels, Scenic Drive winds through Overlookphotograph provides undisturbed a majestic waterfowl view upof theclose. manages for wildlife. During winter, over wetlands, screwbean mesquite savannas, and historic floodplain and wilderness. Almost 100,00 sandhill cranes, snow geese, and operated by the Friends ofof theBosque Bosque del del Johncottonwood P. Taylor, forests Jr. Memorial that the refuge Trail manages cactiallchatter of bloom the of 57,331 snow in succession. geese, acres and of During the voices refuge theof many arewarm Hiking Trails, continued ducks fill the wetlands and agricultural Apache to raise funds for refuge programs, offor wildlife. During winter, over 100,000 summervisibleother species fromand fall the of months, waterbirdsoverlook. blossoming Interpretivemake this wild- a greatpan- cottonwoodfields, many savanna of which and saltmay grass be seen meadow from elsplace introduce to enjoy the a picnic fascinating lunch inhistory the winter. of El alongthe Scenica historic Drive. channel During of the summer, Rio Grande. the dartCamino underfoot. Real deA smallTierra vernal Adentro pool National provides a wetland that has year-round wildlife viewing ofwetland which areasmay beare seen dried from to encouragethe TourScenic Loop. plantDrive. quiet,HistoricEl Camino shady Trail. place Real for de visitors Tierra to sitAdentro and enjoy -- opportunities. Cattails and bulrushes hide a Duringgrowth,tribute tosummer, and late songbirds, refuge the wetlandbiologist raptors, areas John deer, are Taylor, driedand thePoint busy oflives Lands of insects Overlook such as native bees bitterns, rails, and busy muskrats, and turtles whosetocoyotes encourage years are of frequently plantresearch growth, in seen. salt and cedarSeeds songbirds, eradica-and bask on exposed snags in open water. Cor- tionraptors,plant and material nativedeer and habitat grown coyotes restorationduring are frequently the providedsummer seen. a sketch by Lt. Abert, topographical surveyor morants and grebes are common in this area. visionSeedsbecome for and theimportant plant future material of food the grownsourcesrefuge. during for the the for the U.S. Army, featured sandhill cranes summerbirds in thebecome winter. important Five accesible food sources with wetlands and bosque habitat. Located Rio Viejo Trail Desertforobservation the birdsArboretum decksin the arewinter. located Five along accessible the observationScenic Drive decks and areprovide located elevated along the TourScenic of the Visitor Center, the Overlook provides the Rio Grande and winds through a restored DriveLoopplatforms and providefor wildlife an elevated observation platform and for- a majestic view of the wetlands and three cottonwood forest. Golden leaves, whispering itswildlifephotography. many ofobservation the cactiLocation, and and other photography.season, plants water of Loca- the wilderness units of Bosque del Apache. Al- grasses and an abundance of migrating song- Northerntion,availability, season, Chihuahuan habitat water availability, conditions, Desert. Inhabitat and the springtime condi- most all of the 57, 331 acres of the refuge are birds make it a must-hike in the fall. theof arboretumday influence is awash the inwildlife color asvisible the claretfrom visible from the overlook, including the mesa cups,visiblea particular prickly from pears,adeck. particular chollas,Audio deck. tours barrels, Audio for and either tours other associated with Piro Indian settlements and forthe either“summer” the “summer” (May-October) (May-October) or “winter” or El Camino Real de Tierra AdentroJ JohnOlson National Olson “winter”(October-April) (October-April) seasons areseasons avaliable are available in the Historic Trail. inNature the Nature Store. Store.Each audioEach audio tour istour full is of full of Attractions 10 Visitor Center andNature Store and nature-themed books, clothing, jewelry, wildlife observation tips, natural history facts children’s items, artwork, and gifts. A water and much more. Please help keep the wildlife Pets on the Refuge To ensure that you and your pet enjoy a safe visit, follow all pet regulations while inside the refuge. Wildlife may be drawn to pets and their owners; pets can wander away and may never be found – the refuge is a wild place!

Pets are allowed on Bosque del Apache under the following conditions:

From October 1 throughthru March March 31 31 � Pets must be inside the vehicle at all times while on the ScenicTour Loop. Drive. � Pets are not allowed on any trails adjacent to the TourScenic Loop Drive (this (this includes:includes: Boardwalk,Boardwalk, Sparrow Marsh Loop,Overlook, JohnMarsh P. Taylor, Overlook, Jr. Memorial, John P. Taylor, Rio Viejo,Jr. Memorial, and Observation Rio Viejo, and Blind Observation trails). Blind trails). � Except for service dogs, pets are not allowedpermitted on on observation observation decks decks or orinside inside the the visitor visitorVisitor center. center. Center. � Pets are allowedpermitted on on all all hiking hiking trails trails west west of ofHighway Highway 1 (this1 (this includes: includes: Chupadera Chupadera Wilderness Trail and NationalCanyon Trail) Recreation and at Trail El Camino and Canyon National Recreation Trail) and at El Camino Real Tierra Adentro Overlook. They must be physically restrained at all times on a � leashPets are no notmore permitted than six onfeet the in Bikelength. Trail (Low Flow Conveyance Channel East Service Road) at any time. Pets are not allowed on the Bike Trail (Low Flow Conveyance Channel East Service Road) at any time. From April 1 throughthru September September 30 30 � Pets are allowedpermitted on on all all hiking hiking trails trails and and at atEl ElCamino Camino Real Real de de Tierra Tierra Adentro Adentro Overlook Overlook though though they they must must be be physically physically re- re- strained on a leash no more than six feet in length. � Except forservice service dogs, dogs, pets pets are arenot notpermitted allowed on on observation observation decks decks or or inside inside the the visitorVisitor visitor center. Center. center. � Pets are allowedpermitted out out of ofvehicles vehicles along along the the Scenic ScenicTour DriveLoop Drive though though they they must must be be physicallyphysically restrainedrestrained at atat all allall times timestimes on onon a aleasha leashleash no nono more moremore than six feet in length. � Pets are not allowedpermitted on on the the Bike Bike Trail Trail (Low (Low Flow Flow Conveyance Conveyance Channel Channel East East Service Service Road) Road) at atany any time. time.  You Are In Wild Country Biking Basics While exploring the refuge, please use caution, These seasonal rules for bicycle use provide miles of riding knowing that seasonally the following wildlife may Visitors are encouraged to use bicycles, an environmentally also be using the same space: year-roundfriendly form while of transportation, minimizing disturbance to enjoy their to the national wildlife wildlife at the Bosque del Apache. Bicyclists should be prepared to fix a flat • • RattlesnakesRattlesnakes tire;riding many year-round of our plants while haveminimizing spines and disturbance thorns. to the wildlife • • MountainMountain lionslions and bobcats at Bosque del Apache. • • StingingStinging and biting insectsinsects (wasps(including and mosquitos)wasps • andCoyotes mosquitoes) and javelina From October 1 thru March 31 • Elk and mule deer • Bicycling is allowed ONLY on Bosque Road, at El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro Overlook, and on the While attacks/interactions with rattlesnakes and Low Flow Conveyance Channel East Service Road. mountain lions are rare, please stop and take time to • Bicycling is NOT allowed on any other trails or decks. be aware of your surroundings. From April 1 thru September 30 • Bicycling is allowed on Bosque Road, at El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro Overlook, on the Low Flow Convey- ance Channel East Service Road, and on the North and South Loops. • Bicycling is NOT allowed on any other trails or decks.

Use caution on this busy road and railroad crossing.  Bob Mize 11 ssUUppppOOrtrt thisthis ffragileragile OOasisasis ssUUppppOOrtrt thisthis ffragileragile OOasisasis BBececOOmeme aa ffriendriend ttOOdadaY!Y! BBececOOmeme aa ffriendriend ttOOdadaY!Y!

YOUYOU areare vitalvital ttOO thethe ssUUccessccess Of BOsqUe deldel aapachepache!! JoinJoin the theYOUYOU Friends Friends are asare as we we vitalhelp vitalhelp sustain sustain ttO Oand and thethe protectprotect ssU U thisthisccessccess magnificentmagnificent Of B Ooasis,sq Unowe deldelandand forfor a a futurefuturepachepache generations.generations.!! YourYourJoin membershipJoin membership the the Friends Friends dollars dollars as as we we help helphelp help ensure sustainensure sustain the theand and health health protectprotect ofof thisthis magnificenthabitat,magnificenthabitat, which oasis, wildlife now havehave andand reliedforreliedfor futurefuture uponupon generations. generations.for for millennia. millennia. YourYour membership membership dollars dollars help help ensure ensure the the health health ofof thisthis habitat,habitat, which wildlife havehave reliedrelied uponupon for for millennia. millennia. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge faces many challenges today: BosqueBosque del del Apache Apache National National Wildlife Wildlife Refuge Refuge facesfaces manymany challengeschallenges today: Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge faces many challenges today: Bosque• delIncreasing Apache Nationaldemand Wildlifefor the life-giving Refuge faces waters many of challengesthe Rio Grande today: • •IncreasingIncreasing demand demand for for the the life-giving life-giving waterswaters ofof thethe RioRio Grande • •IncreasingLongerLonger and and demand more more intense intensefor the periods periodslife-giving of of droughtdrought waters of the Rio Grande • •LongerIncreasing and demandmore intense for the periods life-giving of drought waters of the Rio Grande • •LongerCutsLongerCuts in in andfederal andfederal more more funding funding intense intense and and periods periods fewer fewer of ofpaid paid droughtdrought employeesemployees • Cuts in federal funding and fewer paid employees • •CutsIncreasingCutsIncreasing in in federal federal energy energy funding funding costs costs and and fewer fewer paid paid employeesemployees • Increasing energy costs • •IncreasingInspiringIncreasingInspiring the energythe energy current current costs costs and and future future generations generations ofof BosqueBosque del Apache supporters • Inspiring the current and future generations of Bosque del Apache supporters • •InspiringInspiring the the current current and and future future generations generations ofof BosqueBosque del Apache supporters AllAll of of this this comes comes as as refuge refuge staff staff continuescontinues thethe arduousarduous andand ongoingongoing work of protecting andand enhancingenhancing habitathabitat for for All of this comes as refuge staff continues the arduous and ongoing work of protecting and enhancing habitat for AlltheAllthe ofwildlife ofwildlife this this comes whocomes who callas callas refuge Bosquerefuge Bosque staff staff del del Apachecontinues Apachecontinues home. home. thethe arduous arduous FriendsFriends andlikeandlike youongoingyouongoing provideprovide work funding of protecting for:for: andand enhancingenhancing habitathabitat for for thethe wildlife wildlife who who call call Bosque Bosque del del Apache Apache home. home. FriendsFriends likelike youyou provideprovide funding for:for: the wildlife• •Improvements whoImprovements call Bosque to to the delthe surfaceApache surface water home.water deliverydelivery Friends systemsystem like you forfor provide wetlands funding and croplandscroplands for: • Improvements to the surface water delivery system for wetlands and croplands • •ImprovementsEducationImprovementsEducation programs programs to to the the that surface thatsurface promote promote water water environmental deliveryenvironmentaldelivery systemsystem awarenessawareness forfor wetlands and and conservation croplandscroplands • •EducationNationallyEducationNationally programsrecognized programsrecognized that thatpublic public promote promote events, events, environmentalenvironmental includingincluding FestivalFestival awarenessawareness of the and Cranes conservation • •NationallyInstallingNationallyInstalling solar recognizedsolar recognized panels panels and public andpublic converting converting events, events, including including toto efficientefficient FestivalFestival LEDLED of fixturesthe Cranes • •InstallingPublications,InstallingPublications, solar solar like likepanels panels this this Habitat!and Habitat!and converting converting guide, guide, toto Jr.Jr. efficient efficient RangerRanger Booklets,Booklets, LEDLED fixtures and Bosque Watch,Watch, thethe quarterlyquarterly •newsletter•newsletterPublications,Publications, you you willlike willlike receivethis receivethis Habitat! Habitat! when when you youguide, guide, joinjoin Jr.Jr. ourour RangerRanger familyfamily Booklets,Booklets, ofof members and Bosque Watch,Watch, thethe quarterlyquarterly newsletternewsletter you you will will receive receive when when you you joinjoin ourour familyfamily ofof members SUPPORTSUPPORT WHATWHAT YOUYOU LOVE:LOVE: BECOME AA FRIENDFRIEND TODAY!TODAY! SUPPORTSUPPORT WHATWHAT YOUYOU LOVE:LOVE: BECOME AA FRIENDFRIEND TODAY!TODAY! 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