Open Space Properties

Ojito de San Antonio (formerly Los Manzanares) 

This property is seasonally closed from August 1^st until November 30^th to the public due to bear populations in the area.

General Description:

Ojito de San Antonio consists of 88 acres of land adjacent to the town of San Antonio de Padua. The property borders Cibola National Forest to the northeast. In July 1999, Ojito de San Antonio became the first open space property purchased by Bernalillo County. Ojito takes its name from two nearby springs--Ojo de San Antonio and Acequia Madre. The springs have provided clean drinking water for people and wildlife for centuries. Outside of the acequia fed riparian and orchard areas, vegetation is primarily a large meadow surrounded by steep piñon-juniper forest foothills.

Property History:

The property has also been known as Los Manzanares, the name of a proposed housing subdivision before open space acquisition. The name “Los Manzanares” refers to the old apple trees on the property.

The adjacent town San Antonio de Padua was part of the 1763 Cañon de Carnuel Land Grant. In 1819, local residents established San Antonio and constructed the acequia system to distribute water among community members. Today, the Acequia Madre de San Antonio Community Ditch Association continues to care for the water and ditch system in conjunction with Bernalillo County. The ojito and acequia are a part of the community’s identity and cultural traditions. Religious ceremonies are performed each year to honor the water and care for the acequia.

In the early 1930’s, Albuquerque trading post owner Charles Wright purchased the property. He respected the acequia and village traditions. Today, village residents continue to share fruit from the orchards with wildlife and care for the acequia.

The spring-fed wetlands create diverse vegetation and habitat for wildlife. These springs begin on private property north of Ojito. The acequia carries spring water through wetlands on the property and across North Highway 14 into the Village of San Antonio for farming and residential use.

The riparian area stands in contrast to the upland piñon pine-juniper woodlands.  This unique combination provides food and water for black bear, mountain lion, mule deer, elk, coyotes, golden mantled squirrels, birds, and many other species. Three years of seasonal bird surveys conducted by Talking Talons have verified 63 species of birds on site. Tree species include: willow, grey oak, one-seeded juniper, cottonwood, box elder, grey oak and mountain mahogany. The area has several existing vegetation and wildlife surveys that need consolidation and updating to provide a current picture of habitat. Black bear use the area in the summer and fall. The orchards and springs provide a critical buffer zone for bears from residential areas.

Bernalillo County works in partnership with The Acequia Madre de San Antonio Community Ditch Association to manage the property. The County is also working with community groups, including the East Mountain Hig School, to propagate fruit trees using stock from the on-site orchard for future plantings. The orchard provides valuable food for wildlife including bears and birds that frequent the area.

 

Bernalillo County is also working with the East Mountain High School to begin a Land Health Monitoring Protocol at Ojito. Students will engage in scientific inquiry and collect data including monitoring for the following:

 

There are many ways you can get involved at Ojito de San Antonio. You can participate in Land Health Monitoring, pruning fruit trees, trail establishment, and restoration activities.