WELCOME TO THE CORRALES BOSQUE PRESERVE!
The Corrales Bosque Preserve consists of a narrow strip of land containing a natural cottonwood forest and associated riparian habitats that include shrubs such as coyote willow and New Mexico olive. The Preserve runs west from the Rio Grande to: 1) north of Coroval Road: the west side of the Sandoval lateral irrigation ditch, and 2) south of Coroval Road: the west side of the Corrales Riverside Drain (“clear ditch”) (see map). Additional boundaries of the Preserve are: South at the Alameda Bridge and north at Siphon Road.
For a history and more detail about the nature of the Preserve see The Corrales Bosque Preserve by Dr. James Findley
INFORMATION ABOUT THE CORRALES BOSQUE PRESERVE
In 1978 the Corrales Bosque Preserve was declared a protected area. The Village of Corrales oversees the Preserve to maintain it as a Natural Area and Wildlife Preserve. See Corrales Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11.
Riparian habitats are particularly important for avian communities in the arid Southwest. As such, the Preserve was designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) in 2013. Many bird species nest in this area and the endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher and the Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo, a species of conservation concern, have been observed in the bosque habitats. The Preserve is also an important stopover habitat for many migrants that pass through on their ways south and north, and it provides habitat for wintering Bald Eagles. Additional information about the IBA designation of the Preserve can be found HERE, and a bird list can be found HERE .
As a nature preserve open to the public, it is up to everyone to protect the Preserve as well as to enjoy it. Please familiarize yourself with the terms of use and especially the prohibited activities.
Open Hours: Between 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. November - March
Between 5a.m. to 9 p.m. April to October
Parking: Parking for visitors to the Corrales Bosque Preserve is available at the south end (Alameda bridge) and north end (Siphon Road) (see map). Limited parking is available at Romero Road. Be courteous to residents and do not block gates and driveways, and do not block access points for the Fire and Police Departments. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle and be sure to lock your vehicle.
Research in the Preserve: People wishing to work or conduct research in the Preserve are required to have a work or research permit which can be found at the bottom of the page.
Trails: There are numerous trails in the Preserve. These trails are not maintained and you can encounter natural obstacles or impediments. Please do not make new trails for your convenience as this negatively impacts the habitat.
Allowed Trail Usage: Trails can be used by walkers, hikers, horseback riders, and bicyclists. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on trails or levee roads. Caution must be taken to avoid frightening a horse as this could cause injury to horse and/or human. When encountering a horse and rider while walking or on a bike, for everyone’s safety, you must announce that you are passing, and you should ask the equestrian whether you can proceed – for the safety of you, the horse and its rider.
Signs are posted throughout the Preserve that indicate who has the right of way. The rule is that bikers yield to equestrians and walkers/hikers; and walkers/ hikers yield to equestrians. Equestrians have the primary right of way on all Bosque trails.
Fishing is allowed with a current NM license and consistent with NM law. Do not leave fishing line or hooks anywhere in the Preserve, along the river or ditch banks, or in the parking areas. These are dangerous to birds and other wildlife.
Pursuant to Corrales ordinances, all dogs must be on leash and you must pick up your dog’s waste and dispose of it properly. The safety of our waterways counts on this!
Especially during the Spring through the Fall there can be bothersome insects, mosquitoes included, and you may wish to wear bug repellent.
Amenities: There are no amenities in the Preserve – so there are no bathrooms, outhouses, or drinking facilities. Please plan accordingly and bring your own water. We hope you will enjoy one of the nearby restaurants in Corrales. Click HERE for more information about places to visit in the Village.
Weather: In addition to planning for the heat, you should consider whether there has been substantial rainfall. Rainfall, as well as snow melt, can leave the trails muddy and slippery, which can be dangerous to humans and horses. Especially heavy rainfall may flood a portion of the Preserve making it impassable. Click HERE to find information about Corrales local weather.
PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES:
THESE PROHIBITIONS ARE TO ENABLE EVERYONE TO ENJOY THE PRESERVE, AS WELL AS FOR THE TREES, OTHER PLANTS, AND ALL ANIMALS TO FLOURISH AND SURVIVE.
It is unlawful for any person to engage in any of the following activities in the Corrales Bosque Preserve. Additional details can be found here.
Hunting, trapping, snaring or collecting any mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian, or the eggs or young of such animals;
Cutting wood or digging up, cutting or removing any trees, plants or soil;
Marking or defacing any tree, shrub, or rock surface;
Discharging any firearm, air gun, gas-operated gun, spring gun or slingshot;
Bow and arrow shooting;
Starting any fire, including in cook stoves or cooking containers, or igniting any fireworks;
Camping;
Using the Corrales Bosque Preserve for any commercial enterprise;
Possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages;
Dumping or littering;
Operating any motorized vehicle;
Driving any animal-drawn vehicle except on the west side of the Sandoval lateral ditch;
Staging concerts, other musical events, rallies, sports or other public events;
Erecting or constructing any facility or shelter;
Permitting any pet or livestock to be astray or run at large;
Playing any radio, television, sound-amplifying equipment or any recordings without using a headphone or similar device to contain the amplified sound;
Being in the preserve between the hours of 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. (November - March) or 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. (April - October) except in the course of agricultural use of the Sandoval lateral ditch;
Using smoking materials or smoking devices; including e-cigarettes and vaping
How to Report Violations and Hazardous Conditions:
Report violations of the rules to the appropriate Corrales Fire or Police Departments via the Sandoval County Dispatch at 505 898-7585. To report a hazardous condition or a general concern, please contact the Corrales Bosque Advisory Commission at bosqueadvisorycommission [at] gmail.com
