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Protect New Mexico's Waterways
There are 108,000 miles of rivers flowing through New Mexico. Four rivers have been designated Wild and Scenic.
The state’s majestic waterways provide the opportunity to experience outdoor activities such as fishing, whitewater rafting, and even scuba diving.
From acequias to rivers grandes y ruidosos, New Mexico has an abundance of water resources worth protecting. Let’s all do our part to keep New Mexico waterways clean.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Junk Jog
Albuquerque, NM
Valle De Atrisco Trail
Saturday, October 23, 2021
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
At the third-annual Junk Jog, participants will compete in a plogging race along the Bosque Trail. Plogging is an international trend to pick up litter while jogging!
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
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.
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.
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.
Adventure That Feeds the Soul
Planning an unforgettable experience in New Mexico is easy with a free New Mexico True Adventure Guide. View the guide online, or request to have one sent to you.
Get the Guide
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