Candelaria Farm Wetland Overlook

WHY IT’S OUTSTANDING

Candelaria Farm is a 97-acre nature preserve located just north of the Rio Grande Nature Center. It was protected as Open Space in 1977. While the farm itself is not open to the public, a wildlife blind decorated with a tile mural by local artist Margy O’Brien offers spectacular views of the farm and a created wetland. The wetland provides habitat for birds, reptiles, beavers, and many other critters. The mural, called “The River’s Edges” depicts a nature journal that describes the changing seasons of the Rio Grande Bosque. The images serve to teach visitors about the changing bosque and its interaction with the adjacent Open Space farmland and wetland.

HOW TO GET THERE

Take I-40 to the Rio Grande exit (Exit 157A). Head north on Rio Grande to Candelaria Road. Turn west on Candelaria and park in the Rio Grande Nature Center parking lot. There is a small fee ($3/vehicle) for the parking area. The wildlife blind is located at the northeast end of the parking area.

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