Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Albuquerque Open Space

On our way to and from the co-op, the cafe, and our friend's house we ride past the Rio Grande Community Farm. One of the beautiful things about the farm is that it is on public land, part of the Poblano Fields Open Space as it is referred to here. Two acres is a Community Garden which has plots for individuals as well as acreage to grow food for Albuquerque Public Schools. Individuals can choose to donate their produce or keep it for their own consumption. Several additional acres are reserved specifically for wildlife. Crops such as corn, sorghum and sunflowers are grown with the diet of birds in mind. I think it is so fantastic that this area, among many others, has been a priority for the city. So often Albuquerque is remembered for its strip malls and poor urban planning. Through my rose-colored glasses I prefer to see the dedication to Open Space throughout the city and an effort to provide habitat for the animals that also call this area home.

This past weekend we rode through the open space and it was teeming with Canada geese and sandhill cranes. We estimated about 300 cranes and more continued to arrive in small flocks. They are a noisy lot but lovely to admire in their immense beauty. I am thankful to have this little bit of nature in the city courtesy of some forward-thinking folks in city planning.

4 comments:

Chile said...

That's really neat! I like the idea of the combination of uses for the space, too. No sign of Canada Geese or Sandhill Cranes around Tucson, that's for sure.

Desert Lean-to said...

Chile-I know from one of your posts that you have a plethora of migrating birds of which I am envious!

Holly said...

I've lived near the fields for about a year and a half now and absolutely love it. One of my kids goes to the school that borders it and they use the fields for education also. But according to neighborhood lore, a few years back the fields (Open Space there) was almost bulldozed into new develpments. Thanks to the residents nearby who lobbied (and put up some money) and convinced the city to put up some money too, it was bought back by developers. Shows how important communtiy action is. The people that walk/bike through those fields are very protective of it. Especially due to the overwintering cranes.

Desert Lean-to said...

Holly-Thanks for sharing the history/neighborhood lore behind the space. It is such a treasure and I'm glad there has been effort to keep development at bay. It is such a fantastic resource to both the students and the greater community. Maybe we'll see you out there some time!