Habitat Conservation
Ecological resurgence through fostering resilient landscapes.
Regenerating agricultural lands into native habitat
The constructed habitats of the Middle Rio Grande are often described as a string of pearls. The value of these habitats for migrating and resident wildlife is enormous, and the effort to reclaim lands for their benefit and ours is ongoing. Rio Grande Return has long been influential in adding pearls to the string. The Habitat Conservation Program advocates for policies and projects that will protect and extend that vision.

Habitat Conservation Projects

Native Seed Propagation
Generating dynamic habitats by design is utterly reliant on our ability to source diverse native plant materials. To ensure the most locally appropriate plants are included in our habitat conservation plans, we are growing native seed in agricultural settings, and we are working with land managers and local nurseries to collect and increase wild populations of native plants and seed. Seed from native plants grown at the seed farm are planted on former hay fields as part of the transition from traditional agriculture to wildlife refuge.

Urban Habitat Restoration
Support our restoration efforts
We all have a responsibility to repair what we’ve broken. Our restoration and conservation work is made possible through federal, state, and private funders like you.
Your donation will help us keep the lights on while supporting our field work.
Read About Our Other Projects
Harvey Jones Bioswale in the News
Thanks to the Albuquerque Journal and to the Santa Fe Reporter for sharing lovely articles on our recent planting project along the Harvey Jones Channel in...
Casa San Ysidro Heritage Field
Corrales, NM, 2021 - present Verbesina seed sown in the Casa San Ysidro Heritage Field. The Heritage Field is an extension of Casa San Ysidro, an 18th-19th...
Candelaria Nature Preserve
Albuquerque, NM, 2021 - present A section of the 7 acres seeded in June 2021 with a mix of crops grown as wildlife forage In a collaborative venture with...