Bienvenidos 2025: Agua es Vida
Since 2003 Todd Lopez has been practicing as a natural resource, water rights, and environmental attorney. He has more than two decades of experience in nonprofit management and is currently at the helm of Rio GrandeReturn, which uses a minimally invasive approach in...
Hiring Freeze and Fire, Good Work at the Caldera and Drought
The Valles Caldera is experiencing exceptional drought this winter. According to NOAA, most of northern New Mexico is “abnormally dry”. We have about a third of our normal moisture for this time of year. Nobody is enjoying winter sports in the Valles Caldera National...
New Mexico should invest in beavers
My View by Chris Smith Feb 28, 2025 In many ways, New Mexico is at the predictable forefront of a changing climate. Catastrophic wildfires and destructive flooding are in the headlines. Water supplies for people, crops, wildlife and livestock are uncertain depending...
Candelaria Nature Preserve
Turning Historic Farmland into Habitat for the Future Rio Grande Return is working with Ciudad Soil & Water Conservation District and the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division to transition the 100-acre Candelaria Nature Preserve from a commercial alfalfa farm...
Casa San Ysidro Heritage Field
The 2.38 acre Casa San Ysidro Heritage Field is dedicated to preserving agricultural heritage of the area and expanding educational programming and community involvement.
Wildland Seed Harvest
Access to locally-adapted, climate-ready seeds is very limited throughout New Mexico, so Rio Grande Return started a collaborative Wildland Seed Harvesting Program.
Harvey Jones Bioswale
Harvey Jones Bioswale before and after restoration. Restoring Wetlands, Protecting the Rio Grande The Harvey Jones Bioswale is a powerful example of how green infrastructure can work with nature to protect our waterways. This innovative project filters stormwater...
Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
A Model for Urban Conservation Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge (VdO) stands as one of the most ambitious and inspiring urban conservation projects in the country. Located just south of Albuquerque, the Refuge reimagines what it means to connect people with...