Spectacular Points of View at Candelaria Nature Preserve

Today Mayor Keller, the Parks and Recreation Department (PRD), local elected officials, and community partners unveiled two new wildlife viewing platforms at the Candelaria Nature Preserve (CNP). The east platform is located off the Duranes Lateral between Candelaria and Cherokee NW; the west platform is located north of the Rio Grande Valley State Park entrance off of the Paseo del Bosque Trail.

“The fact that we can share these experiences with natural word right in the middle of a thriving city shows what a special place Albuquerque is,” said Mayor Tim Keller.  “Our investments in preserving the beauty and essence of our environment ensures that our families will enjoy these experiences for generations to come.”

In 2021, the City Council adopted a Resource Management Plan (RMP) for CNP that outlined a bold, new multi-year vision to restore farmed fields into a mosaic of native habitat that support a diversity of wildlife, increase public education, and increase public access and passive outdoor recreation opportunities. The community can now access the viewing areas on the east and west sides of the property, offering an immersive experience to view migrating birds, coyotes, and other New Mexico critters. The public can also see the transformation of the CNP over time.  The two platforms cost a total of $715,000 and were funded by state capital outlay funds allocated by State Sen. Bill O’Neill and former State Rep. Debbie Armstrong

“The wildlife viewing areas offer an immersive experience for all to enjoy the Preserve and observe the changes to the property over time while limiting impacts on wildlife,” said Parks and Recreation Open Space Superintendent Colleen Langan-McRoberts.

The Open Space Division and partners offer monthly tours as well as weekly volunteer opportunities at the CNP.

“The volunteer citizen’s group, Friends of Candelaria Nature Preserve, began with conviction that communities can partner with government for the benefit of everyone,” Jeanie Allen, the chair of Friends of Candelaria Nature Preserve. “It’s been nothing short of a joy for us to work in partnership with the City and its contractors on transforming this piece of land into a place that nurtures wildlife and the human spirit.”

Those interested in volunteering at CNP, going on a tour, or bringing a class for a field trip can learn more here.