Gallinas River

The Gallinas River has been a significant destination for travelers along the Santa Fe Trail. Flowing from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the Pecos River, the river’s watershed provides safe haven for migratory birds in one of the largest wetland areas in New Mexico.

The Gallinas River

Gallinas River Stewardship Day

Las Vegas, NM

Gallinas River Park

Saturday, October 2, 2021

10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

The Hermit’s Peak Watershed Alliance and the City of Las Vegas will co-host a litter clean-up and planting along the bosque.

https://hermitspeakwatersheds.org/events-and-news/

After the Clean-up:

Stroll along the Gallinas River Walk
Admire the Murals of Las Vegas
Tour the Santa Fe Trail
Birdwatch at the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge


Rio Ruidoso

Rio Ruidoso starts at Sierra Blanca Peak and runs through the Sacramento Mountains into the Hondo Valley. The noisy river is a destination for anglers as it provides habitat for both rainbow and brown trout. 

Ruidoso River

Toss No Mas Ruidoso 

Ruidoso, NM 

Wingfield Park 

Sunday, October 18, 2021 

1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Help clean-up the lakes, rivers, and creeks that make up the Rio Ruidoso watershed! Fundraising opportunities are also available for youth groups and sports teams. 

https://www.ruidosoparksandrec.com/calendar-of-events

After the Clean-up: 

Mountain bike at Grindstone Lake
Picnic at Two Rivers Park
Hike to waterfalls at Alto Lake
Celebrate at Noisy Waters Winery


Rio Grande 

Flowing from the Rocky Mountains all the way to the Gulf of Mexico, the Rio Grande is the fourth longest river system in the United States. The Rio Grande Valley and bosque habitat provide homes for birds such as sandhill cranes, bald eagles, and blue herons. 

Rio Grande

Junk Jog

Albuquerque, NM

Valle De Atrisco Trail

Saturday, October 23, 2021

9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

At the third-annual Junk Jog, participants will compete in a plogging race along the Bosque. Plogging is an international trend to pick up litter while jogging! 

https://keepalbuquerquebeautiful.com/events

After the Clean-up:

Bike along the Paseo del Bosque Trail
View from above on a Hot Air Balloon
Learn at the Rio Grande Nature Center
Cheers at Bosque Brewing 

Rio Grande - Taos/Embudo

Did you know? 

More litter can be found along waterways than roadways. 

There are approximately 26 billion pieces of litter along waterways in the United States. PPE litter such as masks and gloves are already being found in our rivers and streams. The problem of litter is significant and solvable; volunteer to be part of the solution! 

Read the Keep America Beautiful 2020 National Litter Study for more details. 

 


Ethyl the Whale

Did you know? 

Litter can end up in the ocean via New Mexico’s waterways. 

Ethyl the Whale is a recycled art piece that seeks to bring awareness to plastic pollution in the world’s oceans. Created by artists Joel Dean Stockdill and Yustina Salnikova, Ethyl holds the Guinness World Record for the largest recycled plastic sculpture. 

Check out the 82-foot long sculpture at Santa Fe Community College

 


Walking rain sweeps the high plains, cooling the grasslands

Did you know?

Monsoon season in New Mexico runs from June 15 to September 30.   

Principle 1 of Leave No Trace is to Plan Ahead and Prepare. Check for updates from the National Weather Service and local media while recreating near waterways.  

Be prepared by learning about flash flood safety.