The Juniper Trail opening celebration at Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge has been delayed due to the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon fires. The fires have had a huge impact on the local community and refuge staff. The celebration has been postponed, but the trail will be open in June!
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National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge presents visitors with a unique wildlife viewing experience. Visitors are treated to year-round views of hawks, owls, eagles, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, mule deer, and black-tailed prairie dogs.
Location and Contact Information
About Us
Located in northeastern New Mexico at an elevation of 6050 feet, Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 3,699 acres of short-grass prairie, playa lakes, woodlots, wetlands, and crop fields. The refuge sits in an open basin surrounded by high mesas to the northeast and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the west. Since 1965 this landscape has been managed for the benefit of wildlife and has provided feeding and resting habitat for migratory birds.
What We Do
Providing optimal habitat for wildlife on the refuge is a management priority. Refuge management practices such as browse or grain crop production, prescribed burning,
invasive species
invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species
control, and water manipulation enhance species diversity by ensuring a variety of habitat types.