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River Restoration > Santa Fe
River
Santa Fe River Preserve
The preserve before restoration in 1996 and after, in 2004.
 
This once-barren stream has been nearly completely transformed
and today new baby cottonwoods at the site are a sign of
ecological resilience and health. Established in 1997, today the
area is a magnet for native wildlife, the water is much cleaner,
and new wetlands have been created.
The Preserve
 Forest
Guardians and the City of Santa Fe established the Santa Fe
River Preserve in 1997 in an effort to highlight the critical
importance of Southwestern waterways. Livestock were permanently
excluded from the site, invasive non-native vegetation has been
removed, and native trees have been planted to restore a lush
streamside forest.
This preserve includes the broad floodplain of the perennial
Santa Fe River and is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Santa
Fe. Since designation in 1997, the Preserve has grown to include
almost two miles of the river within the Santa Fe Municipal
Airport boundary.
Hundreds of volunteers have participated in restoration
plantings and clean-up days, re-connecting many members of the
community with its namesake river.
View a short video of our April 2007 Stream Team tree planting event at the Santa Fe River Preserve.
Visit the Preserve
 From
Downtown Santa Fe the area is reached Cerrillos Road south to
Airport Road. Take Airport Road southwest and continue past the
turnoff to the airport. Airport Road becomes County Road 56. The
preserve is one mile past the sewage treatment plant on the left
side of the road.
For specific questions about our conservation efforts,
contact Jim Matison,
River Restoration Director.
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