Candelaria Nature Preserve/Rio Grande Blvd Access Phase 1 Now Complete

ALBUQUERQUE – The City of Albuquerque celebrated the completion of Phase 1 improvements at the Candelaria Nature Preserve/Rio Grande Blvd Access, marking a major milestone in expanding public access and advancing long-term ecological stewardship of the Preserve and the bosque.

The 167-acre Candelaria Nature Preserve (CNP), located in the heart of Albuquerque and City open space since 1977, is a key site for conservation, restoration, and environmental education. A new Resource Management Plan for CNP, emphasizing long-term restoration of farm fields to native habitat, was approved in 2021.  A site plan for the Rio Grande Blvd Access, was approved in November 2022.  The property was being used for a different purpose to service parks throughout the city, mainly serving as a small tree nursery and materials storage area. The site plan created a new vision for the property as: a key public access point to CNP and the North Valley acequia system; a native seed, plant, and climate-ready tree propagation nursery to support restoration; and a community gathering and education location. The demonstration nursery of climate-ready trees currently includes species such as: Netleaf hackberry, Kentucky coffee tree, Chinquapin oak, New Mexico olive, Russian hawthorn and Chaste trees.

Phase 1 of the site plan includes a new parking area; an accessible trail; seating, picnic areas, educational signs; a pedestrian bridge across the Duranes Lateral to facilitate access to the CNP east wildlife viewing platform; and a rehabilitated acequia channel and grading work that will support native seed/plant propagation and a demonstration gallery of climate-ready trees. The cost of Phase 1 was $1,245,000, which was funded by state capital outlay and City GO Bonds.

“This is real investment in how we care for our land and our community” said Mayor Tim Keller “We’re restoring this space and opening it up so people can better experience the Candelaria Nature Preserve and learn about bosque restoration and how to plant climate-friendly trees in a meaningful way.”

“I’m pleased to join our community in celebrating completion of Phase 1 of this important project and to see this Preserve take shape in the Valley, where it will provide lasting value for residents for many years to come.” said State Senator Debbie O’Malley.

“This project has been a long time coming, and it would not be possible without the community members and partners who helped make it happen. The tree nursery is a key step in restoring the Candelaria Nature Preserve, expanding access for the community to engage with this space, and building a more sustainable Albuquerque for the future.” said District 2 City Councilor Joaquin Baca.

An interesting component to the project includes an innovative “concrete canvas” lined irrigation ditch developed in partnership with the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District to support native plant propagation and nursery operations. The new approach to lining the ditch will save water and also serve as a demonstration project for similar applications elsewhere in the MRGCD system.

“We’re grateful to be part of a collaborative effort that brings meaningful improvements to our community. Through funding, staff support, and technical expertise, MRGCD helped advance key features of this project, and we’re excited to see it open as a new space that will benefit the public for years to come.” said Colin Baugh, MRGCD Director and Vice Chair.

“This project will do two important things: improve public access and become a center for plant and tree propagation to help restore the Preserve and the bosque,” said Open Space Superintendent Colleen Langan-McRoberts.

During today’s event the City also announced the naming of the CNP east wildlife viewing platform on the Duranes Lateral  in honor of the late Senator Bill O’Neill. Senator O’Neill played a significant role in securing funding for CNP since 2020 and dedication recognizes his lasting contributions to conservation, open space preservation, and public access along the Bosque.

The Candelaria Nature Preserve/Rio Grande Blvd Access is open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with opportunities for CNP guided tours, volunteer events, and educational programing by special arrangement.  Phase 2 of the Rio Grande Blvd Access project will include shade structures, plant propagation facilities, additional landscaping, and a restroom. Phase 2 is pending funding.

The City continues to work with partners including Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District, Rio Grande Return, Friends of the Candelaria Nature Preserve, and the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, to support ongoing restoration and education efforts across the Preserve.