Bernalillo County Open Space provides a wide array of venues for individuals, families, and groups to enjoy our amazing scenery through biking, hiking, picnics, educational programs, farming and more throughout the managing and stewarding of 17 properties totaling approximately 1148 acres. The County has also had a key role in partnering for the acquisition of 4 other properties, which total 777 acres including the Valle del Oro National Urban Wildlife Refuge, the Los Ranchos Agri-nature Center and two properties owned and maintained by the City of Albuquerque in the Tijeras Canyon.
Goals
Per the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Facilities Master Plan (2015-2030), it is the goal of our department to develop facilities and environmental education programming throughout our open space and parks system where appropriate and when adequate resources are available. This is to support community health, increase the presence of community-based agriculture, and to preserve both cultural heritage and public art.
Timeline
Open Space has been growing up from being a group of activities under Parks and Recreation to maturing into an established area within the department. In 1998, a referendum passed to provide mill levy funds for the acquisition of Open Space lands. In 2008, the Open Space Program was formally instituted to provide educational and volunteer opportunities to the public. In 2014, a 15-year mill levy was passed by a large margin to enable to expand Open Space properties and programs. Between 2015 and 2018, the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Facilities Master Plan was adopted, Greenprint was finalized to provide a strategy for land prioritization, and Open Space staff completed strategic planning in order to develop a clear direction for the department in the years to come.
This year, BernCo Open Space staff and partners are offering more public events than ever. Take advantage of these free events for all ages where you will have the opportunity to further explore and learn about public lands. Also, look for special memorabilia items only available this year at the public events.
Bernalillo County Open Space strives to be a dynamic network of properties with important natural or cultural resources managed to benefit people, plants and wildlife by protecting and enhancing viewsheds, water resources, wildlife habitat, cultural/historic sites, and prime agricultural land; and providing resource-based recreation and environmental education.
Questions, Comments, Concerns?
We’re open on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., with exception for holidays and other special scheduling.
Bernalillo County Open Space Department
111 Union Square St. SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87102
505-314-0356 or openspace@bernco.gov