RANGERS AND VOLUNTEERS at the Río Grande Nature Center State Park have decades of knowledge about the bosque’s plant life, birds, mammals, and trails. “We have two instructional coordinators at this park, more than any other state park, because so many students come through,” says Park Superintendent Heather MacCurdy. The pandemic pushed the center’s guided nature walks to the side (check the website for their return), but the visitor center is open. It has a comfy viewing room overlooking a pond, a gift shop, and lots of helpful advice, including plant and bird lists. “Either walking or just being still and watching can be marvelous,” says Instructional Coordinator Karen Herzenberg. “There are lots of spots to sit and perch.” The park is open daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the visitor center, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Río Grande Nature Center State Park 2901 Candelaria Road NW, Albuquerque; 505-344-7240.
Photograph by Tira Howard.