BioPark Breaks Ground on Heritage Farm Renovations
Update:
April 13 -The Heritage Farm at the Botanic Garden is now closed for construction. We look forward to sharing the new reimagined Heritage Farm experience in 2024.
Original Story:
March 28 - Today, Mayor Tim Keller and the ABQ BioPark broke ground on a construction project to renovate the Heritage Farm at the Botanic Garden. Renovations will include new and expanded homes for farm animals, fields dedicated to growing crops and endangered plants, a new electric train, and many new guest amenities.
“Food and farming are deeply rooted in New Mexico’s culture, and the Heritage Farm shares that special history with visitors at the Botanic Garden,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “The renovations will make this unique space even better for guests and the animals that live here.”
Nearly all 11 acres at the Heritage Farm will be renovated during this year-long construction project. At the existing animal barn, outdoor animal habitats will be expanded to give animals choice and control over where they spend their day. Two newly constructed barns with access to over two acres of new pasture land will become homes for horses and cattle. BioPark farmers will continue to grow rare and endangered plants, including the Sacramento Mountain prickly poppy. Construction will provide new land dedicated to supporting New Mexico’s native pollinators, especially bees and butterflies.
Widened paths with new wayfinding signs will help guests explore the farthest fields at the Farm where apples and other crops are grown. Demonstration gardens will teach guests about growing their own food and regenerative agriculture. Visitors will be able to board a new electric train for a one-mile loop around the Heritage Farm and Cottonwood Gallery.
Additional guest amenities include a new entrance to the Farm off the main Botanic Garden thoroughfare, outdoor classrooms, shaded gathering spaces, paving and striping in the Farm parking lot, and a ticket booth for entry at the Farm during events. Stained glass windows featuring images of native wildlife will be installed inside the existing farmhouse. New office space will house the BioPark’s horticulture and Farm staff.
This $12.2 million project is funded by the one-eight-cent gross receipts tax (GRT) that was approved by voters in 2015 to fund the BioPark’s master plan. The GRT has already funded Penguin Chill at the Zoo and the new BioPark shuttle. The Zoo’s Asia and phase one of Australia are also funded by the GRT and expected to open later this year. The Heritage Farm renovation is the first large GRT project to grow the Botanic Garden. Construction is expected to last one year.